“Thank you, Dad!” I cheer out as I waltz down the steps. The RV looks like it’s gone through a fallout. Dents everywhere, peeling paint mixed with rust, and a large crack that splits the windshield in two. Even then, it’s perfect. It’s the break from the tension that I so desperately needed. When I had asked Abby she had been over the moon. Saint had gotten Luke to tag along, and when Jackson found out the whole group was going he couldn’t say no. Even with his anger towards Saint, they were still family in their own sense. A bond like that is hard to break.
For the first time since he’s been home, I find the courage to hug him. It’s light, and he knows better than to squeeze back. Instead he soaks in my touch, smiling down at me with a look that screams love.
“Only you and Saint can drive, okay?” He crosses his arms over his chest, attempting to look stern. “Ned will actually kill me if anyone else does. I didn’t stop drinking just to get taken out by my little brother.”
A small giggle leaves me. “Of course.”
The roaring sound of an engine steals both of our attention. Luke’s Ducati comes into view as he barrels towards the trailer, stopping just short of the small gravel strip in front. My heart swells at the sight of him. I hadn’t seen him since the concert, he had been so distraught and scared. Looking at him now, all I can think is that I’m glad he’s alive. My love for Luke will always be unique. Under that cocky ‘bad boy’ shell is just a boy who got lost somewhere along the way. I don’t need to know the full story to know he never meant to hurt anyone.
Saint had let me know that the concert was Luke’s wake up call. That he was going to stop selling. I didn’t expect either of them to immediately stop using, especially with a drug that hard, so I was pleased that at least the distribution was coming to an end.
“Luke!” Mom screams out, swinging the screen door wide open before bounding down the steps. “Children live around here! Don’t ever let me catch you doing that again.”
His helmet is still on so I can only imagine the eyeroll he gives her as he responds, “yes ma’am.”
Dad snickers behind me, also finding the humor in the overbearing parent versus bad boy scenario going on in front of us. “Definitely don't let him drive,” he whispers to me. I can’t help the laugh that tumbles out of me, catching both Mom and Luke’s attention. I wave them off, hoping I won’t have to explain myself.
Within the next few minutes, everyone else has shown up. Saint does his best to stay away from me, knowing that we’re hiding it from Dad right now.
“Call me when you guys stop for the night, okay?” Mom hugs me.
“Of course!” I squeeze her back, giving Dad a smile over her shoulder.
Before she lets me go, she tugs me in closer, speaking so quietly I’m surprised I can even make out the words. “Don’t come back with baby fish.”
She steps back, taking her place beside Dad, and I do my best to hide the redness forming on my cheekbones. They wave us off, as if we're going on some great adventure
“Alright children!” Saint announces from his place behind the wheel. “Buckle up!” The old engine roars to life, and slowly but surely we leave Melrose behind.
My hand stays wrapped in Saint’s as we barrel down the highway. The music is blaring, and behind us the other three are playing some card game.
“Are you excited?” Saint asks, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
“What for?”
“The beach. You’ve always loved it.”
I close my eyes and let my head rest against the cool glass of the window, imagining the sound of the waves crashing around me. “I am.”
He gently squeezes my palm, but stays silent to allow me to slip into the peace of mind. The laughter from behind blends in beautifully with the music, tugging my lips upwards. These four people have saved my life. Nothing will ever amount to the love I carry for them.
“Hey Nova!” Jackson calls out. My eyelids flutter open and I twist in the old leather seat to take him in. “Want to hop in? I just lost for like the fifth time in a row.”
“Sure!” I giggle out, unbuckling myself and sliding over the center console. Jackson scoots over, making room for me on the rugged pull-out couch. Abby bites onto her bottom lip as she shuffles the deck, her red painted fingernails delicately separating the cards into equal stacks.
“I’m going to wipe the floor with you two,” Luke grins. His cheeky smile has me shaking my head. Abby nudges him with her shoulder, attempting to hold back her own chuckle.
“Hey babe,” Saint calls out, “kick his ass for me.”
Play Such Great Heights by The Postal Service
My heart flutters in my chest as he speaks. Hearing him so openly love me sends me higher than I ever thought I could be. I had spent my entire life fighting to be worthy of love, and here he is, handing it to me so freely. Saint does nothing but prove that while I might be broken to others, I’m perfect for him. All my jagged edges match his so seamlessly
Abby deals out the cards, joking with Jackson about how he was scared to keep playing. Their banter fills the back of the RV, and all I can do is soak it in. To feel this happiness for the rest of my life would be the greatest gift the universe could ever give to me. Luke fans out his cards, pinching his eyebrows together as he reorganizes his hand.
“You rigged this, Abby!” He huffs out, attempting to sound intimidating.
“Whatever!” She squeals in return, swatting at him. It flashes subtly, but I don’t miss the adoration that passes through Luke’s multi-colored eyes. I hold back a gasp as it begins to click. Luke had been so angry at Saint for him trying to claim both of us. I thought he had just been mad at Saint for his behavior, but seeing the way he looks at her now, I know it’s more than that. He wants Abby.
