Author's Note: I'm sorry for the wait. As soon as I had the inspiration for this chapter, my laptop decided to crash on me so I had to wait 2 weeks for me to get this new laptop because the other one was beyond repair. Hopefully this was worth the extra time it took though. I love you all. Thank you for still being interested on my story! Dedicated to Gryall, who requested this ~ KennyEchelon
Our stuff was shoved into the back of my mom's Prius the next morning, way too early than I would have liked. I could tell Mom had dosed herself up on coffee before waking us and I quickly made myself one. It didn't seem like Britt needed one though, she was practically on the ceiling with excitement.
I suppose she hadn't had nightmares last night. Nice for some. If hadn't been up most of the night I guess I'd have been just as hyper.
We had our Lucky Charms, talking excitedly about what was going to happen over the next few days. Britt-Britt hadn't gone to cheer camp before so it was up to me to fill her in on the details that weren't covered on the website. "Just stay with me and you'll be fine" I said, making sure that I'd have her to myself practically all the time. As if I'd let anyone try and steal my girl from me. Well, I know she wasn't my girl but I could dream couldn't I? I loved waking up to see her next to me. I made a mental note to ask Mom for more sleepovers.
When we'd finished breakfast, Mom put the last few things in the car before setting off. I slipped onto the backseat with Britt, not wanting to leave her in the back by herself. I think Mom noticed I was playing nice and I think she was kind of relieved that I'd found someone to calm me down. She wasn't going to have to collect me early for pulling out someone's hair that year.
Don't ask, it's a long story.
By the time we'd booked, all of the places for the Ohio camps had been taken. That meant we had to go to the nearest place away from us. The next camp along was Louisville. Yeah, even though it's like four hours away, mom was still totally okay with taking us. I suppose she wasn't as bad as I thought she was. Then again, I was a teenager. I was supposed to despair of my parents.
There were a couple of days at the college allocated for the cheer camp so we'd have the university gym to ourselves. I was actually looking forward to this venue then the last one. I would get to look around a college campus and I take my education very seriously so going to college was definitely one of my options on what to do for the future. Whether I still think that is debatable but you never know.
As we drove out of range, the radio crackled so my mom retuned it to the nearest station. Drops of Jupiter was playing and I felt Brittany's eyes on me. I turned to face her and our eyes met. My fingers drifted across the middle seat, as did hers. She locked her pinkie in mine and a huge grin spread across my face.
The pressure of her finger against mine felt so natural, as if it belonged there. I loved the feel of her skin against mine and I would stay there forever if I could. Look at me, getting all doe-eyed over someone. I didn't actually think that was possible. After forcing feelings for guys at my junior high this felt natural.
Scary... but natural.
Anyway, I was too terrified to admit that to myself at that point. I knew I had feelings for Britt but I didn't want to acknowledge them just yet. I wanted to explore those feelings but didn't want her to push me away if she didn't feel the same. I can't explain it... I didn't want to tell myself I loved her, but I wanted to act on my feelings at the same time, on top of being scared as hell that she'd reject me. I was definitely confused.
I told myself not to think about it which was certainly not easy but I looked out the window, still squeezing Britt's pinkie. The countryside flashed past and I heard Brittany squeal softly when she saw farm animals. I grinned. I may not be the biggest animal fan ever but her enthusiasm was adorable.
A song I didn't recognize came on the radio but Britt tore her eyes away from the cows and sheep to look at me. "I have this song on my iPod!"
"Oh yeah?" I smiled "What song is it?"
"Feeling This by blink-182" she replied.
"I didn't know you liked that sort of music. I'm learning a lot about you this week" I laughed.
"I bet you'll learn even more at camp."
I liked the tone of voice she used a bit too much. I also liked the way she watched me for the whole song, even though I pretended to be very interested in the road outside.
While I watched cars pass outside, I listened to the lyrics carefully and I felt my cheeks tighten as I found it impossible to stop smiling. It was official.
New. Favorite. Song.
Britt started singing about halfway through the song and I was slightly surprised. It was the first time I'd heard her sing properly. Sure, we'd mess around and sing badly on purpose but this was different. She was actually good.
I know I sound kind of bad saying I was surprised by that, but I figured she was so good at dance it was unlikely she'd have any other talents. I was happy finding out I was wrong. I really was learning a lot.
We were driving through Cincinnati when we all needed a restroom break so we pulled into a McDonalds. Mom figured we might as well get some food while we were there because we weren't expected at the college for another 2 and a half hours. Brittany got a chicken nugget Happy Meal (she likes the toys) and Mom got herself another coffee and a chicken burger.
I tucked into my Big Mac, letting Brittany steal my fries because her Happy Meal didn't have that many. However, when she accidentally took the longest one I said: "That's just rude!" She could tell I was joking, but pouted anyway. It worked because I said we'd split it between us.
When we got back in the car ten minutes later, we were full of food and ready to go. Because I wasn't hungry and desperate to pee, my lack of sleep from last night caught up with me. I drifted off into a nap for the remainder of the car journey.