dear jacqueline, i love you for being my beta. -alex

PS. i also love massingtonforever, Unwritten1995, ChocolateSkittles, SOPHIE, drowning in technicolor dreams (.. i knew that), beyond this illusion, Brocklyn16, Jane Doe, massingtonforever (you reviewed twice? :D), and JenniferBroflovski for reviewing.


DAY O5.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Giving out a groan, Massie reluctantly came to consciousness. Damn alarm clock. Why would Derrick even set that stupid invention at what felt like the most ridiculous hour? She opened her eyes, ready to release a string of mumbled curses, but she wasn't really expecting to see what she did see.

Derrick slept soundly, obviously not having heard the noise. He laid on his stomach, facing Massie, his torso rising softly in time with his breathing. The dim light from the rising sun outside of the window outlined his featured in a fuzzy glow, and Massie couldn't help but find it such a fascinating sight.

Tentatively, she uncoiled her arm from its previous position bent at her side and brought it to his shoulder. "Hey, Derrick," She said softly. "The alarm went off."

He opened his eyes without noise, save for a soft moan. "Oh," He finally said after a moment or two. "Thanks."

"No problem."

It was then that the closeness of their vicinity really came to light. Massie blanched, blinking rapidly before sitting up straight. "Uh, so you should probably shower so we can hit the road."

Derrick cleared his throat, pushing the covers off with a shove. "Yeah, uh, that would be a great idea."

Massie tried not to watch him as he scooped up his bag and disappeared into the small bathroom.

[ ]

They climbed in the car less than an hour later. Derrick let out a yawn as they merged into the interstate entrance lane. This did not go by unnoticed by his persistent companion.

"Now," Massie began. "If you need to get more sleep, the smart thing to do would be to let the person you're in the car with drive while you sleep in the passenger seat. And wouldn't you know it? You're driving with me."

"You're not driving my car." He deadpanned, staring straight ahead.

"Oh come on," Massie insisted. "Do you really not trust me enough to drive this car?"

He turned his head and looked at her, eyebrows raised, not entirely sure if she really wanted him to answer that.

"I mean," She didn't notice. "Basically all I have to do is drive in a straight line on the interstate. How lost could I get us?"

"I'm sure you'll find a way."

Emitting a scoff, Massie shook her head. "Alright. So in that case, be sure to put aside about another hundred bucks for a motel tonight."

She got him now. Derrick's mouth was set in a hard line, obviously upset at the idea of the loss of unnecessary funds. Massie grinned, watching him expectedly for the inevitable comply. His lips pursed for a brief second, and although it looked like he was going to burst an artery to do so he finally opened his mouth. "Fine. You can drive later today."

Triumphant, Massie sat back in her seat a little taller.

It was almost high noon. Kansas was flat, with fields of grass stretching as far as the eye could see. It was probably the biggest change in scenery they've had since New York, and Massie was thankful for that. Sometimes, too much of one thing can make a person restless.

"So the great state of Kansas is home to the nation's largest ball of twine," Massie informed, folding the map over. "Feel like stopping?"

"To see a big ball of twine? No, thanks," Derrick sighed. "I don't think we should stop at all in this state I want to be sure we'll get to Las Vegas in time for the fourth."

The brunette's amber eyes flashed. "So we're going then?" He nods, and she smiles. "Sounds like fun. But then I guess this means in the meantime we'll have to think of things to do in the car. Got any suggestions?"

He didn't offer up any.

Massie sighed tirelessly. "Okay. I guess it's back to the radio game. You want to go first?"

He raised his hand off the wheel in a nonchalant gesture. "Sure, why not? Will Massie ever get creative enough to think of another game to play?"

"Hey," Massie scowled. "You could do some thinking too, you know." And just to bother him she went ahead and turned on the radio, searching for an answer.

All these beats workin' down the street
jumping, jacking gimme some time '
cause if you don't, I won't

you'll never get back,
yeah
if you do,
I swear
I'll give it to you

"Uh, what?"

"No way!" Massie exclaimed, ignoring Derrick and sitting up straighter. "They played this song at prom."

She could almost hear his eye roll. "That's fantastic."

"Not really. I think this song was playing when I saw my date out on the dance floor grinding pretty intensely with Skye Hamilton."

"Oh." Derrick cleared his throat. "I'm, uh, sorry."

Massie shrugged, slumping back down in her seat. "Don't be. He was kind of an ass anyway."

"Oh yeah?" His eyebrows peaked in interest. "Does this mystery ass have a name?"

"Yep. Landon Crane."

Derrick snorted. "Really? Let me guess, he played football?"

"Lacrosse."

"Both of their stereotypes are big, dumb, and horny, so close enough," Derrick grins. "But honestly, I'm surprised someone like you would have said yes to someone like that. If you don't mind me asking, how did that happen?"

She let out a sigh, a strand of dark hair falling into her eyes. "I'm not really all that sure either. Maybe it was just because he asked, and well, he was kinda hot too."

"Wow," Derrick whistled. "How superficial of you."

"Oh so I'm a cliché, big deal. I'm pretty sure even you have asked someone out because you though they were hot."

"Not exactly. But I did give Tracy Fuller my snack cookie because she had the big box of crayons with the sharpener in back."

Massie laughed. "Look at you, you're such a player. Watch out, Hugh Hefner!"

Derrick cracked a grin. "Not exactly. I haven't had nearly the number of girlfriends as he's had."

"Well, then that's a good thing." Massie looked over at him, eyes glinting. "I'd hate to see you become an objectifying asshole."

[ ]

They stopped at a rest stop a little while later, giving themselves plenty of time to use the bathroom and stretch their legs. Massie also thought it was a great time to make some lunch, so while waiting for Derrick to return she went around to the back of the car for the cooler.

The sound of a child's laughter caused the brunette to look up. A small blonde girl flew streaming past the Jeep and into the small field next to the restroom, being chased closely by a little boy of similar likeness. Massie watched with a small smile as they chased each other around the open space. And then her gaze traveled out farther, to a brilliantly yellow patch of Sunflowers.

Getting the sudden urge to take a picture, Massie went back around to the front of the car and retrieved her camera from the depths of her bag. She stepped around the two children and walked right up to the flowers.

"Massie?" She heard Derrick call from behind her. "Why are you over there?"

"Oh, I just wanted a picture of these sunflowers. They're gorgeous," She explained, turning to see him walking towards her.

He held out his hands. "I can take one of you with them if you want."

Giving her head a shake, Massie held the camera a little more out of reach. "No thank you. Can I get one of you though? I think it's something you would treasure forever." She was grinning now, enjoying the teasing she was doing.

"Uh, I'm sure the sunflowers will look much better behind you," Derrick took a few steps closer, still with his arm outstretched for the camera. "I insist."

"No, I insist," Massie pulled the camera away again.

"Are you really trying to start something?" Derrick asked. By now, he was at a pretty close vicinity to her, and Massie could smell the soap from his shower that morning. "Starting pointless arguments is pretty immature of you."

"Are you really trying to win?" She sported a grin that rivaled the Cheshire cat's. "Have you forgotten all those stops I dragged you to in the last four days?"

"I could take your picture for you if you'd like."

They turned their heads simultaneously to see the little blonde girl standing there watching them. She had one a blue sundress with a matching bow in her hair. She grinned expectedly, outstretching a small hand. "My mom lets me play with her big camera all the time at home, 'cept I'm only allow to use it when she's watching."

"Um," Massie said, ignoring Derrick's chuckle. "Yeah, sure thing." Taking the strap off her neck, Massie stopped down to the girl's level. "It's on automatic, so just press this button here to take the picture."

The small girl grinned, displaying her missing front teeth. "'Kay!" She said brightly.

Massie helped her fit the strap around her neck and went back over to Derrick.

"Well, I guess this is a compromise then," He said.

"Smart little girl."

"Okay, ready?" The little girl asked, raising the camera that was too big for her face unsteadily.

Massie cleared her throat. She wasn't sure how to pose. Derrick was casual, with his hands in the pockets of his khaki shorts in a relaxed stance. Should she lean on him, wrap and arm around him, or what? She was internally scolding herself with all of the nanoseconds she spent fretting. She was acting ridiculous.

"One, two…"

"Get over here," Derrick said, bringing his arm around her shoulders and bringing her close.

"Three!"

[ ]

Looking like someone had run him through with a spear, Derrick held out the car keys over Massie's waiting palm. He hesitated, glancing back and forth from the keys to her face with a grimace.

"Uh, Derrick?" She prompted, flexing her fingers. It was around seven in the evening, and they had stopped in a small town off the interstate so they could switch places as Derrick promised. But in this parking lot for Wal-Mart, his reluctance finally kicked in.

"Don't you dare wreck it," He said, meaning business. The keys dropped into her hand. "I swear to God-"

"It's alright, Derrick. I'm past my six months so it's all legal," Massie smiled at him with a glint in her eyes before climbing into the driver's seat.

But Derrick didn't seem to find her mockery amusing. "Shut up. And we're not going anywhere without some coffee and energy drinks, so make a stop at the gas station. God forbid you'll pass out in front of the wheel."

"Yes, sir," Massie settled herself into the seat, as Derrick went around to the passenger side. She grinned to herself as he sat down in her previous seat. "So, uh, you use this thing to put it in gear?"

"Massie, shut the hell up. It's not funny."

At night, the road was calm. At night, the road was barren. At night, the road was inspiring.

Massie drove with a smile, loving how everything was in this exact moment. The Jeep was the only car on this particular stretch of Interstate, and because of it she felt like the only one in the world. Well, maybe not the only one. A soft snore sounded every few seconds to remind her of that. Because even with his face pressed up against the window and mouth slightly ajar, he had somehow found a way to linger on the edge of her thoughts even though he wasn't conscious.

She sighed and glanced at the dashboard clock. 1:52. Huh. She was surprised she had made it this long without feeling the need to sleep. Though, just to be safe on the risk of passing out behind the wheel, Massie downed the rest of her coffee.

The streetlights that lined the empty concrete sea lit up the car in a pattern of block after block of an orange glow. There was something that was also just so lonely about driving at night that unsettled her. Maybe it was the newfound knowledge that Claire would no longer be joining her at UCLA, but Massie suddenly got the overwhelming need to fill that void of silence. Now.

With no regard at first for the sleeping boy next to her, Massie leaned forward and turned on the radio. At once, the last station they were listening to came to life in the car with some static. She smiled softly at the realization it was the classic rock station, and she was just in time for the start of some Led Zeppelin. Turning it down in respect for Derrick, Massie let the soothing acoustic guitar calm her.

Made up my mind to make a new start
Going to California with an aching in my heart
Someone told me there's a girl out there
With love in her eyes and a flower in her hair
Took my chances on a big jet plane
Never let them tell you that they're all the same
The sea was red and the sky was grey,
Wondered how tomorrow could ever follow today.
The mountains and the canyons started to tremble and shake
As the children of the sun began to awake.

And somehow it was like time stood still. It was amazing how a simple Led Zeppelin song could make her feel better. But she realized that right now, in this car, sitting in the dark and tearing on down the road, things were great. There was no reason to be scared, no reason to be anxious. Massie Block could most certainly face what's ahead straight on. And she would.

After all, She thought to herself with a smile, giving a glance in Derrick's direction. I'm not entirely alone, am I?


first song used is huddle formation by the go! team and the second is going to california by the legendary led zeppelin.

also, i don't remember if i've really announced this, but i'm not going to finish come out of the shade (i think i mentioned it on my livejournal..) i know that a lot of you want to see it finished, and i'm sorry, but i honestly can't do it. i'll keep it up until all we are is done and i have my planned replacement story up.

so yeah.

review on this?