Put Your Heart Where Your Mouth Is

Three more states, and we’d be in Delaware. I personally didn’t understand the excitement fuming from such a small state, but to the boys, this was some kind of big deal.

As far as I could tell, I was the only one awake. I leaned back in my seat, and whipped my iPod out of my pocket.

“You’re aware it’s three in the morning, right?”

I nearly flew out of my seat, and through the roof of the van. “Excuse me while I restart my heart, Garrett!” I shouted in whisper form.

“Sorry.” He shrugged. “Headphone.”

I rolled my eyes, and placed an ear bud in his waiting hand as he settled in close to my side. I didn’t want to admit it, even to myself, but he smelled like every male should: like Irish Spring shower gel, and spearmint Orbit.

“Alphaville? Seriously?” He laughed. “Wow, you’re into chick music.”

“Well, I’m kind of a girl, you know. Well spotted.” I said, raising an eyebrow with a smile on my face. “Besides, it’s good music to sleep to.”

“You’re going to need it. Things get a little crazy once the shows start coming.” He grinned.

“If I can handle Kennedy, I think I can handle his friends.”

“Can I ask you something?” He asked, “I mean, other than asking if I can ask you a question?”

I nodded. “Fire at will.”

“Why do you hate Kenny so much?”

I went quiet. I knew the answer to that question. But would he think I was some kind of stuck-up bitch? I squirmed in my seat.

“A couple of months ago, I was dating this guy, Ben. Kennedy didn’t like him at all, and he said that if I didn’t end it, my parents would be in on it. They kicked me out of the house, so I floated around friends’ houses for a while. And when that didn’t last, I found myself sleeping in a bus station.”

“He got you kicked out of the house?” Garrett was wide-eyed...I thought his jaw was going to unhinge, and land in my lap. “That’s balls, man. Everything’s cool now, though, right?”

“Yeah. Well, sort of--yeah.” I hummed, “I think it is.”

“Garrett, Andy, will you please shut the fuck up? Talk about your girl problems later!” Someone yelled from the front seat.

I glowered in the dark at whoever was listening. They knew something about me they shouldn’t. Could I even trust Garrett with this?