The Mathematics of Love Triangles

As Robin turned down my street, I asked, "What do you have planned for next week? I'd like to see you as much as possible over the break."

A devious smile crossed his face, and he answered, "Be waiting for me at the crack of dawn. I'm taking you away."

"Away?"

"Far away."

As he pulled into my driveway, I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"Don't!" he panicked. "We're at your house!"

"Relax; no one's home."

"Well, in that case..." Robin grabbed my neck and kissed me in such a way that I wouldn't rest until I saw him again, early tomorrow morning.

Until we ran away together.

∞

I was packing my bags when I heard my parents come in the front door. Quickly, I hid the evidence in my closet and lied on my bed, pretending to read a book. My mom opened my door.

"Lindsae!" she spoke with exaggerated surprise. "My, you're home early!"

"It's six thirty, mom," I muttered.

"And usually, you stay out much later. Are you ill?"

"I was at school," I said, honestly, "studying." Well, at least it was partially true.

"Oh! German, I hope. Have you seen your grades? Actually, come to think of it, the only class you're doing well in is physics."

I shrugged. "I guess Mr. Mitchell and I just understand each other."

Mom smiled. "I'm glad you're getting along with at least one of your teachers, honey." She kissed me on the forehead. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes." She left, the door closing behind her. Almost made me feel bad about leaving her behind.

Almost.

∞

Sneaking out of my house before the sun came up was quite a task, but not nearly as irritating as the cold wind that stung my skin as I sat on the front porch for the longest half hour of my life. Finally, I saw Robin's car turn onto the street and stop silently in front of my house. I had barely made it into the vehicle when Robin took off.

I didn't even breathe until we were out of the neighborhood. Then, as the heat of Robin's car warmed me, I took a deep breath and exhaled laughter. Robin and I were roaring as we sped down the interstate.

"You should have seen your face when I started driving away!" Robin teased me.

"I almost fell out!" I retorted, punching him in the arm.

"I had to keep driving," he insisted. "I saw a light come on in your house."

My jaw dropped to the floor, and Robin's lips curled into a smile. "No, I'm joking," he laughed. "I did think I saw something, but I'm sure it was just my imagination."

"I certainly hope so," I said, crossing my arms over my chest as I watched my old world fly by out the car window.