Missing

Chapter 38

Eldon starts to drive down Amanda's street. He takes a lot of sharp and confusing turns that I lose count.

"Where are we going?" I ask as he takes a right onto a smaller residential street.

He doesn't answer. He seems very focused on the road ahead of him.

"Eldon?" I lean forward to face him.

"Why do you drive Emily?" No one can answer a qustion with a straight up answer nowadays.

"To get places?" I question my own answer.

"Not like that." Eldon chuckles but doesn't turn away from the road.

"Then like what?"

"When you're upset? You just seem to get into your car and drive. How come?"

So many deep questions with deep answers, but I don't feel the need to hide myself in front of Eldon.

"Do you know how hard it is to be trapped in one spot? When I drive, I'm free and if being free is losing all consciousness and feeling, then I'll take it over pain any day." I look straight ahead just like Eldon.

"This is your form of freedom?"

"I don't need freedom." I sigh.

"What do you want?"

"I-I don't know. Liberty?"

"You don't sound so sure?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure of anything."

I close my eyes and let the sound of the wheels drown all the other thoughts in my head. It feels as if I'm driving. Driving away from my problems just like always. Driving towards something that isn't known to me. But this time, it's different, I'm not in control. Someone else is behind the wheel but I put my trusst in him. I can trust him.

Soon, the car stops.

"Where are we?" I feel a hand on my waist and another unbuckling my seatbelt.

"You're home."

I'm home already? That felt very short.

"Can you come in?" I offer, but I will find a way to drag him in no matter what his answer is.

"I want to be with you."

My heart beats ten times faster than normal. I feel a squeal making it's way to my throat but I hold it back. My body gets tingly and warm. I think I'm in love.

"Then come with me." I whisper into Eldon's ear that is pressed up against my face.

I hear him shut off his engine and unlock the doors.

"Come on then." He gives me a tug and I open my eyes.

Half of the sky is a beautiful orange, the other half is turning black. I can see the sun disappearing behind the houses across the street. How long has Eldon been driving for?

I get out of the car. Eldon takes my hand and I lead him up to my house in my daze. As a reflex, I pull out my keys and unlock the door. Eldon walks in and I follow.

"I'm home! Don't check on me!" I yell out to my parents who - I assume - are having dinner. I can smell their lasanga but I have my eyes closed.

I hear soft clanks - like boots on wood. Something stops my step. Stairs. I step up with my right foot then follow with my left. It's just a pattern. Right, left, right, left, right, left. Then Eldon takes a turn. He pulls me with him. I feel his hand, it's warm on mine. I squeeze his hand and he tugs me. We turn left then make a right. Shortly, we reach our destination. Eldon stops then I feel the air of a closing door. The room becomes instantly quiet. The only noise is Eldon and I breathing.