7). "Houston, we have a problem." (Spring Break, post The Line)
"Tonight I feel ambitious and so does my foot, as it sinks on the pedal
I press it to the floor
I don't need a girl
Don't need a friend
Cuz my friend lonesome's unconditional
We're flying forever bored...
For a moment I love everything that I see, and think, and feel
I love my broken sideview mirror
Cuz it's so perfect
I'm so perfect
You're so perfect
You're not here!
I hear the change in gears
My pile shakes as I hit 80' on the open road
This is an open road song…"
- Eve 6, Open Road Song
Tom was trying to do too much at one time. Eating, texting, singing and driving was even too much for a talented multi-tasker like himself. When the reliable minivan started making a strange sound, the junior turned down the Glee soundtrack and pulled over to the side of the road.
Lucy opened her eyes when they rolled to a rather undignified stop. She'd been having a very weird dream involving Cartwright213 and his identity. The images were completely insane, so she was glad for the interruption. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she asked, "What's up? Why are we stopping?"
"Houston, we have a problem," Tom announced dramatically.
"Which is?"
Her friend looked closely at the aging dashboard and replied, "As far as I can tell, Lucy dear, we are most definitely out of gas."
"You're kidding." Lucy came fully awake.
So far, they were approximately one hour into their college road trip. With both families looking to save money in the coming years, Lucy and Tom had talked their parents into letting the juniors do a weekend tour of some of the local universities in the state. At one point, Gina and James were scheduled to join, but both had dropped out and somehow, miraculously, the senior Karate's and Finnegan's had allowed their children to go unescorted.
"What are we supposed to do now?" Lucy asked, and followed Tom's lead as he got out of the car.
"Umm…" Tom proceeded to pace back and forth in front of the minivan.
"Isn't this how most horror films start out?"
"Umm."
"Where was the last gas station we passed?"
"Umm."
"Tom, so help me if you say 'umm' one more time…"
There was no time for an answer, as a flashy sports car pulled up behind them.
AN: Just because they needed a road trip. Like it? I could make it novella-esque (and completely super fun over the top fictional) if I dedicated a few more seconds to this.
P.S. Also – super exciting news – Keeping in Line is available now!!! Pick up your copy on Amazon (links in my profile).
