Collecting Polaroids |Slowburn|

Chapter 32

"You're driving," I said. "I haven't had coffee yet."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - 

Elliot's POV

I glanced to the drivers seat as I drove along the highway. Isla was slumped with her head against the window, eyes closed. Soft breaths made the strands of hair on her face flutter. She looked serene and peaceful, but I could see the fatigue on her face. It was incredible what her smile could do. When it was gone, it was as if she was replaced by a stranger. 

The road ahead of me was slick and misty. The weather had turned gloomy in the minutes we had left for Rouen. I was glad it was early and the roads were empty, it meant I could get to my sister faster. Hopefully we could make it in time. A red sign popped up on the dashboard, catching my attention. I was running low on gas.

Isla must've felt me slowing down and turning, because she sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. 

"Where are we?" she mumbled, looking out the window. 

"About a half hour away, I need gas."

She nodded, reaching forward and letting out a yawn. I bit back a laugh, pulling into the queue. She was adorable. We waited for the man to fill our gas and I noticed Isla looking out the window, entranced. 

A loud clap of thunder came from my side, making her whip towards the sound. Her eyes twinkled as she spotted the webs of lightning dancing across the sky. 

"Do you like the rain?"

She nodded, biting her lip as she looked at me. 

"There's not much of lightning and thunder in California."

"Really? So you've never seen it before?"

"Only once. But after travelling I've seen it a few times. It's still amazing to me."

A knock on my window signaled the gas was filled. I thanked the man, pulling onto the street. We drove a few more minutes before I stopped in front of a Starbucks. 

I quickly ran in and bought 2 coffees. 

I would give anything to see Isla's face light up at the sight of me carrying her precious coffee. 

"Who said it was for you?" I asked when she reached for the cup. 

"I did," she replied, taking the cup anyway. I chuckled shaking my head. Typical Isla. 

"Can I drive?" she asked, a hopeful look on her face. 

"It's raining," I replied, looking out the windshield. The wipers moved frantically back and forth, trying to sweep away the oncoming rain. 

"So?"

"Ok then," I replied, getting out and swapping seats with her. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

"Left here," I said pointing to the narrow street lined with trees. The wind howled outside, the sky turning dark. It was only 8 am, but it felt like 8 pm. 

"Ready to run?" I asked. 

"I knew you wouldn't happen to have an umbrella in the trunk," she mumbled, tying her hair in a bun. 

We both sprinted for the doors of the hospital, still getting soaked anyways. 

I smiled hearing Isla's laughter echo in the lobby. 

"I'm here to see Luisa Arquette."

"Room 97, second floor."

I thanked the lady, speed walking to the elevator. I was about to enter when I realized Isla was still talking to the lady at the desk. A moment later, she jogged over to me, joining me in the elevator. 

"I'm your girlfriend for now," she said, nodding her head at the receptionist. 

"Oh really?" I smirked, leaning closer to her. She gave me a pointed look, still having a wall up around her. She was still upset about yesterday. 

The hallways were quiet as we walked down the long passage to the opposite end. 

"Hi Luisa," Isla greeted quietly. 

- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Third Persons POV

"Hiii!" Luisa grinned, patting Isla's hand. "Thank you for coming."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Isla smiled. She was quite surprised to see Luisa so calm and relaxed. 

Elliot leaned down to kiss his sisters temple and she playfully pushed her away. 

"How are you feeling?"

"Eh, it's alright so far, I just got my epidural so I'm feeling better."

"Hey Isla, how's it going?" Henry smiled as he entered the room, giving her a hug. He pulled Elliot into a brotherly hug, patting his back.

"Stressed yet?" Elliot teased, nudging his shoulder. 

"You have no idea," he breathed, puffing his cheeks out. 

Elliot turned as he heard something vibrating. 

"Sorry, excuse me for a second," Isla apologized, stepping out of the room. 

Elliot jumped as he felt a pinch on my arm, rubbing it harshly.

"Ow!" he exclaimed,  glaring at his sister who glared back at him. 

"Stop staring at her ass," she scolded. Elliot's cheeks burned as he scoffed. 

"I am not!"

"Yeah right, you almost drooled."

Elliot rolled his eyes, looking away. Can't blame him, those leggings would be the death of him. Despite how much that girl ran, she still had an ass. Luisa made a mental note to ask her what sorcery she was using. 

"So,  when are you going to ask her?"

"Huh?"

"When are you going to ask her to be your girlfriend?" Henry asked, an amused look on his face. 

"I'm not. We're just friends."

"Bullshit," Luisa blurted, glaring at her brother. 

"Isn't she supposed to be struggling right now? " Elliot thought, staring at his pregnant sister.

"Allow me to explain. First, you let her drive your car, in the rain. Two, you smile when you're around her. You have this look in your eyes when you listen to her. Whenever you two are in a room, your eyes always try to find her an-."

"Ok, jeez I got it."

"Elliot, man to man talk, you like her. Just give it a shot."

"I don't think she likes me," Elliot mumbled, fiddling with the drawstrings. 

"Hey, do you have a spare jacket?" Isla asked, popping her head in the room. 

"Yeah in the trunk," he replied. 

"May I borrow it?" she asked, a hopeful look on her face. 

"Yeah, I-"

"It's ok, I'll go down and get it," she cut me off. He nodded, tossing her the keys. 

When he turned back, his sister wiggled her brows at her. 

"I don't like her," she mocked.