She didn't say a word. The kids sat in the back of the van, happy to watch the passing scenery, but she just sat there. I had accepted it for the first hour. She would turn the kids, then turn back to stare at the road ahead. I wasn't often without the ability to make appropriate conversation, but with her I found myself second guessing everything I wanted to say.
"So how long are we going to be on the road?" My prayers were answered as she quietly posed the question.
"All night, I'm afraid." The skies were already starting to darken, the stars weren't out yet, but I knew within the hour I would be able to gaze at a glittering blackness instead of the fading sun.
"Oh." she tugged on her seatbelt. "If you'd pull over, I'll get my quilts out so the kids can use them."
I looked at her then, "You brought your quilts?"
She smiled, "I wasn't sure where we're going and they're my security blanket." I could see her cheeks pinken and looked back to the road quickly.
"I understand, I'd like to get another hour's travel in before we stop. Then they can go to the bathroom and stretch their legs." I explained, the route pretty much ingrained in my head after traveling it so often.
"No problem." She reached over laying her small hand on my arm, "Maybe you'd like me to drive a little while when we stop? You could get some rest, I know you've been up all day."
I laughed, "You don't know where we're going. Besides I'm used to being up nights, I'll be fine." She withdrew back to her side and I felt guilty for cutting her offer down so quickly. "Might use you to drive back though, just don't know about women drivers."
She huffed, taking the bait of the tease. "I'm a good driver, and I know for a fact there are good women drivers."
"Name two." I teased, she was getting angry and I enjoyed the narrowing of her eyes, the voice she was fighting to control, the heat in her cheeks.
"Me and Rogue." She looked at me, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Rogue? I didn't know you'd rode with her." Rogue was shy for one so young and pretty, usually afraid to let anyone close enough to touch the southern belle. Her skin had the ability to drain the energy from another.
Robyn grinned at me, "No, but I was informed she was the best pilot of Xavier's jet. She's sweet and I can see her driving a car just as easily."
I shrugged, "I'm better at driving the blackbird than she is." Where had that came from? I wasn't one to brag.
She laughed softly though, "Oh, but I haven't heard anyone say so."
I couldn't help but grin at her, "But I built it, there would be no one better equiped to fly the Blackbird than I."
She paled, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. I didn't mean anythi-" I interrupted laughing.
"No worries." I paused, "The kids have been unusually quiet, even the teenagers don't behave like this."
She frowned, her eyes casting a sad glow back at the young ones seated behind us. Six car seats worth of youth, a young woman, and me were quite the van full. "They're always quiet when we go out." She gave me a sad look, but didn't have to say anymore. They weren't comfortable being in the public, their traumatized views kept them from responding as normal children would with questions and annoying habits to keep their minds from the long ride.
"Well, they won't be quiet when we get there." I assured her, taking her hand into mine. "Trust me, they'll love it." She smiled and relaxed into the seat to watch out the window. I glanced at her several times, reluctant to break the peace, but already missing the friendly banter we had shared. Then I realized I was still holding her hand, I didn't acknowledge it aloud. I did relax myself, enjoying the warmth of her hand and the serene atmosphere that seemed to surround us.