Chapter 9 - On the Road

Tenth Chapter

The car seat was back, with me laid back against it, giving Rings and Chippy the impression I was sleeping. It had been thirty minutes and I couldnt settle my fretful heart. It had been long enough and they believed I was sound asleep, giving them the opportune time to talk about me and the things they were planning.
Chip, can you hand me that pillow back there? Rings whispered.
There was no acknowledgment from Chip. I heard him throw the pillow in Rings face and a muffled grumble from him. Then, Chris strong hand lifted my head softly and fixed the pillow under it. When he laid my head back down, I tried not to smile from content and blush from surprise.
God! Shes gorgeous! I heard Ash exclaim.
Dont talk about her like that, Chris said as he took away his hand from my face.
But, its true.
Yes, its true but& thats not the point! She is in our hands for us to take care of her. We shouldnt gawk at her.
You may not but, I will.
Dont you have a girlfriend Ash? Chris asked.
Hilary? Heck no!
Then why is she always goin on about you two goin out?
Shes a desperate freak! Shes hot but shes& a freak!
Right. Okay, whatever. But, youre not going to take advantage of Michelle. Shes weak right now and I know youre not stupid. Youll try to make a move when you know shes liable to give in.
No! Not me. There was a devilry tone to Ashs deep voice. Id never do that.
I wanted to pop my head up and slap him across the face but, I wanted to hear what else Chris had to say.
I heard Ash yelp and Chris gave a harsh Shhh! and whispered through his clinched teeth, I swear, if you hurt her you will rue the day that you ever met me.
Dude! Dude, I get it! He cried again in pain. Now let go of my ear! Ouch!
Am I clear?
I already said I get it! Let go dang it!
I heard Ash sigh with relief and fall back into his seat again.
Serves you right!

There was silence for a while then I felt Ash pull himself forward and press the button on the stereo. Loud metal music blasted and the last thing I heard before I drifted off into a peaceful rest was Chris affectionate words, Keep the music down so she doesnt wake up. Its going to be a hard and long three days for her.

I awoke to a shining sun. I covered my eyes and when they had adjusted to the brightness I saw Chris hand tapping to the music. He was mellow as he watched the highway intently.
Good afternoon, he said succulently.
I looked at my watch.
Its already four? How long was I sleeping?
Since seven thirty this morning.
I yawned and stretched. There was a snort from the backseat and then a soft sigh. I turned and saw Ashton, sprawled out across the leather seat. I giggled and pulled out my phone and flipped it open.
Thats a good shot, I said looking at the screen.
What?
I put the phone up to Chris face where he could see the picture of Ash.
That guy is such a big kid, he said with a chuckle.
How far are we from Ohio?
Only four hours. Were going to go to a cheap motel that we go to all the time.
I let out a sigh and also watched the road and soon found myself also tapping my foot to the sound of the music.
This is good music, I told him.
I love this band. I have a whole stash of other music like this.
He hummed to the music. His soft humming was deep, following the tune and hitting every note right. The sound of his deep rhythm was soothing and even more comforting. When the chorus played he began to sing along, his voice smoothly running out of his throat. I wanted to melt it was so bewitching.
You have& a nice voice, I stuttered quietly.
He smiled and said, Naw. Can you sing?
A little but, I dont often.
Oh really? Show me what you got.
No.
Dont be nervous. Its just me. The kid back there is asleep so, belt it.
Not right now. Maybe later.
He shrugged. Darn! I wanted to her a beautiful note, he playfully pouted. I understand. He cupped his hand over mine and said, Its okay to be scared.
You know I am.
What I mean is you dont have to hide it. You can still be strong and show fear. I know
youre afraid, we all know. So, why hide it? But dont you cry because Ill cry with you.
I didnt say anything and just sat there and looked at his undefiled face.
Why do you have to be so great? I turned away.
I dont know. Its just who I am.
Sure its just who you are. We both looked back and saw Chip rub his eyes and then sit up and stretch.
I was hoping you were dead, Chris said when he turned back.
Its hard to kill me. He pushed himself forward and looked at me. Right baby, he said with a smirk.
I huffed and looked away and saw Chris out of the corner of my eye give him a dangerous warning glance and made a kind of growl under his breath. Ashs smirk faded and he slowly pulled himself back, knowing the danger of Chris wrath.
Thanks Rings, I thanked him quietly.
We continued down the busy highway, Ashton in the back snapping and tapping his feet to the sound of the music. I watched the road, ignoring everyone and everything.
What am I going to do? Im on the run from the law and my family is now part of it. Im so scared. What if I get caught and put on trial. I know Ill never be able to take the pressure. I wont be taken back into my family and& and& Wait, now, calm yourself Michelle. You dont know that thatll ever happen. You may run for a while and then theyll forget all about this and leave me alone. Perhaps, Ill never have to change again. Perhaps& There were too many perhaps, and I knew what was coming for me. I had it coming all along.
While I was lost in my thought I noticed that we turned into an exit.
I thought we were going to Ohio?
We are. This is just one of the short cuts.
I watched in wonder as we drove down a devoid gravel road. Things got rough when he immediately turned onto the gravel road, filled with pot holes and a couple of fallen limbs from near trees. After five minutes we made it back to the highway.
Only two more hours, Rings said casually. So, sit back and relax.

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