Back to You

Birthday Surprise

Erin's birthday finally rolled around. Johnny had came over to the Curtis house bright and early that day. He talked to Sodapop and Darry before they left for work. "So, just to clarify, I can use your car, right Soda?"

"Yes, Johnny. I told you that last week. And didn't I tell you before Christmas too?"

"Yeah. I just want to make sure. I don't want to take it and you get mad at me."

Sodapop let out a small laugh. "I wouldn't get mad, Johnny. Don't worry. You just go have fun." He paused and grinned at him. "Just not too much fun."

Johnny let out a laugh. "Thanks, Soda! You're the best!"

...

"Where are we going?" Erin asked as she got in the passenger seat. Johnny shut the door once she was inside before he ran to his side of the car.

"It's a surprise," He said once he got in.

"It's a surprise." That's all you've said for the past week!

"Ugh! Johnnnnyyy!" She whined.

Johnny smiled. "I'm still not telling you, Angel. If I tell you, it won't be perfect then."

"Perfect?" She asked, curious.

"Yes. Perfect."

After a few minutes, Erin heard a song she knew. It was some Elvis Presley song that she didn't know all the words to. She would try to sing along quietly during the verses but kept getting tongue tied on all the words. But during the course she would get into it.

Johnny could hear her singing along so he turned up the volume a little. "You should sing along, too, Johnnycake," She said during a part she didn't know all too well.

"I'm not much of a singer. I don't like singing in front of people."

"It's just me here. I won't make fun of you, if that's what you think."

"I know you won't, Erin. I just..." He took his eyes off the road and looked at her. "I can't sing good. I sound like a dying animal."

That made Erin giggle. "I'm sure you don't sound like a dying animal. You won't sound no worse than me."

"No worse than you? You sound great! I can't sing worth a dime."

"Now I'm sure that's not true."

"Oh, but it is."

"Just try!" Erin gave him puppy dog eyes. He glanced off the road and looked into her begging eyes. "Please, Johnnycake. For me."

Johnny let out a defeated sigh and started humming the music. It made Erin smile, especially when he started to sing a little louder.

They spent the car ride talking and singing. Johnny had asked Erin to sing some of her favorite 2019 songs. She sang one of her favorite songs, Cruel Summer. Johnny listened carefully to her voice. He loved to hear her sing, and he wanted to savor every moment because, truthfully, he was scared of losing her again.

He knows it sounds silly; Erin doesn't want to leave. But she never wanted to leave the first time. And if she ever wants to go back...what if she would never make it back? What if after seeing this place she wants to go back?

Johnny blinked a few times, trying to get the thoughts out of his head. Erin was still singing her heart out so she never noticed Johnny zone out.

They drove for a little over an hour before arriving at their destination. They had to take a bunch of back roads to get here, but they finally made it. This is where Mr. and Mrs. Curtis would come and take the three boys and their friends before the sudden tragedy. It was a big grassy, wooded area with a lake.