It Was Always You (Discontinued)

Chapter 04

Chapter Four
(Continuation of Chapter 03's Flashback)

Roman Holiday
By Halsey

But for now let's get away
On a Roman Holiday

AGE 17

"MATTY, WE'VE been driving for hours now. Where are we exactly going tonight?" I take a bite out of my Twinkie and rest my Vans on top of the dashboard. I turned the volume down on the radio, which was blasting with loud music. I slouch my body against the passenger seat. My head whips around in the direction of Matt, waiting for his response.

With his gleaming eyes on the dark road ahead of us and one hand on the steering wheel, Matt sits comfortably in the driver's seat. He's dressed in a grey Thrasher hoodie complete with faded blue jeans and white Nike Air Force shoes. How does he make such a mundane outfit look amazing?

A familiar feeling of fear sinks in immediately. "Hey, Matty can you drive with both hands on the steering wheel? Like right now." My voice comes out more stern and demanding then I intended it be. But, I don't feel bad for it at all. "I-I can't let you drive like this..."

"Especially after what happened with him." He finished my sentence for me. And I'm grateful for it and his understanding . Instantly, he gripped the steering wheel with both hands with wild eyes on the road ahead. I can't help but wonder if my mamà caught him in action. It would have ended it not so well for Matty and especially for me either.

Silence hung in the air between us and I couldn't help but notice it. I shift my eyes back and forth while fidgeting with my chewed-up fingernails. I grabbed my bottle of Sprite and twisted the cap open. Taking a sip of it, I closed my eyes and swallow down the strong, tasty lemon-line soda.

I cleared my throat, breaking the awkward silence between us both. "So....where are you taking me to, rookie? You can't be driving aimlessly without no destination in mind."

"There's this place I know in the middle of nowhere. Where the sky is filled with stars and constellations and stuff like that." Matt answered. His full lips reveal a small smile. "It's real beautiful. I think you will like it very much."

My eyes widen in shock as I let loose and drop my jaw. I couldn't believe it. "We are going stargazing tonight? We haven't gone stargazing since we were in like middle school!" I place my hand against my chest, feeling the beat of my heart pound hard.

This has to be the best night of my life!

Stargazing seemed like the perfect idea for tonight. In the cloudless black sky above us, the moon wasn't visible at all to wash out the light from the stars. There would be a perfect view to look at the stars tonight and all of its glory. Unfortunately though, the blinding lights radiating from the city buildings glowed much brighter than the stars. I'm glad that we're headed to a better place to enjoy the perfect stargazing experience. The view from inside of Matt's truck just doesn't do it justice for me.

I lean my head against the window and hum to the tune playing smoothly from the radio. A large hand lightly skims over my soft thigh, sending a shot of spark through my body. A pulsing beat from my heart rings in my ears. I'm not sure if Matt felt the electric current. I hitch my breath in my throat and steal a glance at Matt.

"Shit. I didn't mean to touch your thigh, Dani. I'm sorry I was looking for my Coke bottle." Matt apologies sweetly.

Blood fills up my cheeks, turning my cheeks rosy red. I bit my lip to try to hide my small smile threatening to reveal itself. "It's okay. I'll grab your Coke bottle for you."