The Checklist (Explicit Version)

Chapter 13

Mom, still caressing her stomach, gave an understanding smile. "Of course, it's no problem."

A sudden fear zapped into my heart before focusing on Myles, only to see that he'd been watching me expectedly. It took a few seconds for the dots to connect before I shakily exhaled and turned to my parents.

"I should leave too, he's my ride."

Dad frowned, shaking his head once. "Stay here for the night. We haven't seen you in so long."

I desperately wished it was a weekday, so I could blurt that I had classes tomorrow. But alas, it was Friday night, and my weekend was embarrassingly empty.

"Maybe next time. After I'm done studying for exams." I didn't wait for their reply before I shot out of the seat, with Myles following my lead. "Thank you for dinner."

I could read the disappoint in their expression, but they ended up following us to the front door, waiting until Myles and I slipped into our shoes before offering me a hug goodbye. Still, even though they were in the room with me, I felt like I was miles away.

My body was physically present, but I was disconnected, my soul hovering in the air, watching as I struggled to keep my composure.

Myles didn't miss a beat. He said his goodbyes again, and as if he knew I needed support, gently pressed a hand on my back before leading me outside. His car—or should I say, Spike's car—was parked on the driveway, so he hastily opened the passenger door for me and waited until I slipped inside before rounding the car.

The second he was in his seat, he sped away from the house. The moment we exited the street, I couldn't hold it in anymore. The thoughts I've been repressing the entire night. Their unexpected declaration. Their freaking reasoning.

I broke down. In front of Myles. In a moving vehicle where there was no chance of escaping.

   "Fuck."

   The car swerved, but it wasn't until I forced my eyes open did I realize that he parked on the side of a dark road. There weren't any streetlights until the intersection, which was two hundred feet away.

   "Althea, look at me," Myles demanded sternly, and when I managed to gasp for air, I could see him trying to appear calm. But as his eyes tensely trekked over my expression, I recognized the hint of desperation as he studied me.

   He opened his mouth, but when he didn't say anything right away, I could have laughed—if my throat hadn't been closing up. The sight of him not knowing what to do or say was hilarious.

   "Althea, I... I don't know what to do," he clenched out, almost angry with himself. "What's wrong?"

   "It's okay, just drop me off—"

   "We're not leaving until you tell me why you're fucking crying." Breathing sharply, he squeezed his eyes shut before taking a slow breath. "You can't do that."

   "Do what?"

   "Cry," he gritted through his teeth before his eyes shot open—this time, allowing me to see him look almost physically in pain. Was he... did he not like seeing me cry?  "Stop that."

   His reaction made me laugh through my sobs. I felt ridiculous, but somehow, I didn't care. His distraught made me feel better. "Have you never faced a crying woman, Myles?"

   With a clenched jaw, he turned to the windshield. My eyes widened before I slowly asked, "Have you ever cried?"

   "There's no reason to cry," he stated blankly before shooting his eyes to mine. They narrowed, but when he noticed I'd stopped crying, his shoulders drooped, just the slightest. "What's wrong? Did your parents do anything to you?"