Under the Lights

Chapter 16: Not My Baby

Chapter 16

“I’m so excited!” Carly said happily, squished in between Brian and I on the front bench seat of the truck. 

Brian just rolled his eyes with a laugh, his hand on the wheel as we sped down the interstate at 85 miles per hour.  

“I know you are. I am too.” I replied honestly, giving her a grin. 

Carly was the stereotypical first time traveller. She had a fuzzy blanket over her lap, that we were both sharing, her teddy bear on her lap, and tons of food littering the floor of the truck. To be completely honest most of the food was mine and Brian’s, but hers definitely contributed as well. 

“Are we there yet?” Carly asked excitedly, looking around at the darkening sky. 

“No, no babe we’re in Arkansas.” I laughed. 

Her face instantly fell. “Wait how much longer?’ 

“About 6 hours.” Brian replied, pushing his hair back from his face. “Okay Jason we’ve got to switch I’m pooped.” 

“Yea for sure pull off on the next exit.” I nodded. 

“Could I drive?” Carly asked hopefully. 

“I’ve got it.” I said, smiling at her. 

Carly just nodded, looking down at her phone. 

Once Brian and I switched, it was just beginning to get dark outside. We’d been driving since 5 this morning, and it was now 7 in the evening. 

“We’ll get there at about 2am at this pace.” I said as I pulled back onto the interstate. 

“My butt hurts.” Carly sighed. 

“I can’t wait to see Jess.” Brian said happily. 

“You’ve been talking about her nonstop.” I rolled my eyes. 

“Yea you try going two months without properly seeing your girlfriend.” Brian replied with a frown. 

“Whatever. You’ll be with her soon enough.” I sighed, my hand carefully linking with Carly’s. 

I saw her smile out of the corner of my eye, and it made my heart flip. 

“Wake me up when it’s time for me to drive again.” Brian said, resting his head against the window. 

“Sweet dreams.” Carly giggled, resting her head on my shoulder. 

I rubbed my thumb across the back of her hand, a content smile on my face. 

She fell asleep quickly. 

I realized that I’d never seen her asleep before... I mean sure we’d only been dating for 2 weeks, but I’d known her for over a month now. 

It was the most adorable thing. Her lips were slightly parted, her cheek squished against my shoulder as she slightly snored. 

I pressed a kiss to her forehead, a soft smile subconsciously crossing her face. 

She mumbled something, but I didn’t hear what it was, and I didn’t want to wake any of the sleeping people in the car. 

~*~*~

“Carly, babe, we’re here.” I said softly, nudging her shoulder. 

“Huh? What?” Carly mumbled, her eyes opening a bit. 

“We’re here. At my house.” I said, scooping her up in my arms. 

Carly mumbled something, nodding her head as her eyes shut again.