Between Us

☆ part forty four ☆

The drive to my  house was filled with an easy, comfortable silence. The kind that only came when you didn't feel the need to fill the air with meaningless chatter. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, painting the horizon with soft oranges and pinks, and I watched it reflect off the dashboard as I glanced sideways at Lark. Her hand rested on the steering wheel with an effortless confidence, her other arm draped casually on the console between us. I shifted slightly in my seat, turning to look at her fully. Lark caught me staring and quirked an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth curling into that lopsided smile that never failed to make my heart race. "Soooo," she said, drawing the word out playfully, her eyes still fixed on the road ahead.

I grinned, leaning back against the seat. "So?"

She spared a quick glance in my direction, her smile widening. "You told everyone we're together today," she said, her tone light but filled with something deeper, almost like she was still processing the reality of it.

I couldn't help but smile back, the memory of the moment still fresh in my mind. "I did," I replied, my voice soft but sure.

Lark shook her head, laughing quietly under her breath as though she couldn't believe it. "In that case," she began, her tone taking on a teasing, dramatic edge, "since we aren't hiding us anymore, I want to take you out somewhere."

My heart melted at the way she said it, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. "Are you, Lark Anderson, asking me out on a date?" I asked, feigning mock surprise as I turned to her fully, my grin growing.

Lark laughed, the sound deep and genuine, and she nodded. "Yes, Miss Sophie Young," she said, her tone playful but sincere, "I am absolutely asking you out on a date."

I pretended to think it over, tapping my chin for effect. "Hmmm," I hummed, drawing the moment out just to see her reaction. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she gave me a mock glare, and I couldn't hold back my laughter. "Well," I finally said, "in that case, I guess I'll go." Lark grinned triumphantly, reaching across the console to pick up my hand. She brought it to her lips and kissed it softly, sending a shiver down my spine. Her lips lingered for just a moment before she pulled away, her hand still holding mine as she placed it back on my lap. "Any ideas on what we're going to do?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity as I glanced at her, wondering what she might have planned.

She shook her head, her smile turning mischievous. "It's a surprise," she said simply, her tone making it clear she wasn't going to give anything away.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the grin that tugged at my lips. "Of course it is," I teased, leaning back into the seat and squeezing her hand gently. The car slowed as she pulled into my driveway, the tires crunching softly against the gravel. She shifted into park but didn't make a move to unlock the doors just yet, instead turning to me with that soft, affectionate look that always made me feel like the only person in the world.

"I'll take you after school," she said, her voice quieter now, more intimate, "and you can stay the night at mine after. Is that okay?"

I nodded, my heart swelling at how natural it felt to make plans like this with her. "It's perfect," I said simply, the sincerity in my voice clear.

Lark leaned toward me then, her hand still holding mine as she closed the small gap between us. Her lips brushed against mine softly at first, and I felt my breath hitch at the tenderness of it. She pulled back just enough to whisper, "Bye," her voice a gentle murmur against my lips.

I smiled, leaning forward to steal another kiss before pulling away. "Bye, bye," I replied, my tone light and teasing as I opened the car door.

As I stepped out, I glanced back at her one last time, my heart fluttering at the way she watched me with that familiar warmth in her eyes. "See you tomorrow , beautiful ," she said, her grin widening as I shut the door behind me.