Dixison: Roommates

Interlocked Fingers

Last Chapter

Dixie's POV

Please look at me. Her head turned instinctively.

But I said nothing. The words, tugging on my heartstrings, living deep, deep in my soul, wouldn't rise to the surface.

We stared at each other for long moments.

The car radio had been turned off, and the silence became deafening.

Addison's POV

My arm lay on the middle console, hand resting on the leather surface.

Her right hand moved out of her lap, through the tension-filled air.

It came to rest on my own, fingers curling around my thumb.

"Why are you holding my hand," I said quietly, looking down at our conjoined limbs. Her hand was warm and still against my own.

"Because," she said, swallowing. "I want to hold your hand."

Her voice was choked. I looked at her eyes, which were watching her hand in mine.

"Do you—" she swallowed again.

"Do you want me to hold your hand?"

Her eyes met mine, wondering and terrified.

"Yes," I exhaled a whisper.

Her fingers glided over my palm, interlacing our fingers.

We sat there, together, holding hands, for so long that I lost track of time.

Dixie's POV

On the drive home, the warm Los Angeles breeze blew through the open windows, sunshine beating down on the interior. Our hands sat against the console, in the hot sunlight, the whole ride. 

Charli and Avani laid in sunbathing chairs on the front lawn, tanning in their swimsuits. 

Addison's hand left mine, pulling at the car door to greet them. I sat back in the driver's seat and breathed out deeply. This was okay. Right?

"Dixie, you got me Dunkin?" Charli squealed, running up to the parked car. "Addi said you got me my favorite."

"Aht," I tapped at her reaching hands.

She pouted.

"Listen," I held the drink out of her reach. "You were right. And thank you for checking up on me—even if you are my annoying little sister. I don't know what I would do without you."

She grinned, clumsily reaching through the window to wrap her arms around my neck.

"Oh, get off!" I laughed, pretending to push at her. I sat there, letting her hug me and bask in the glory of her older sister admitting she was wrong.

"I love you," she smiled maniacally, pressing her forehead hard against mine. 

"Okay! Freak. I love you too," I said, shoving her face away from mine.

"Come tan," she demanded.

"I'll go put on my bikini."