Page 26

SKYE

Rowan’s car was some kind of hatchback. Something that could go into a forest, but not conquer extreme nature trails. It was roomy, and felt almost homey. I got in the car, and settled in the passenger seat.

“Hi,” I said.

“Good evening,” Rowan said.

From out of nowhere, an angular, furry face popped up between the front seats. The dog panted happily, and seemed to smile in that way dogs did.

“Hi again, boy.” I ruffled his scruff. “Tracker, right?”

“Yeah,” Rowan said.

He pulled into our driveway, and turned the car to head up the bluff. The drive-in was up in the hills, deeper in the city proper. The shepherd rested his head on the centre console while Rowan drove.

“Looking forward to the movies?”

“Very,” I said. “I’ve never been to a drive-in.”

“I think you’ll love it,” Rowan grinned, catching me out of the corner of his eye as he stopped at a red light. “I got you a little something.”

He reached behind my seat and pulled out a grocery bag. He put it in the passenger footwell, and I opened it to find baked, low fat potato chips, a large sandwich bag filled with trail mix, and a variety of bottles of clear sodas, all naturally caffeine-free.

“I didn’t know what you liked, so I got a selection.”

At first, I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t find the words. Then, my brain finally kicked into gear and I looked at him.

“How did you know I was nervous about the food?”

“I knew you were watching what you eat for your health. I didn’t want to add stress.”

My heart felt so full and my chest so warm it was hard to breathe, but in a good way. “That’s so considerate. I would have never even thought of this. Thank you, so much.”

The idea of placing a quick peck on his cheek floated through my mind, but Rowan, my pack and I weren’t at the place to negotiate displays of affection like that. Best to keep it chaste.

“I really, really appreciate it,” I said, hoping Rowan knew how much I meant it.

I wondered if he did it out of genuine care for me in particular, if it was a result of his healthcare ambitions, or if it was for the benefit of the heart that beat in my chest. I wasn’t sure the answer would have changed just how much the gesture touched me.

He tapped his phone that was mounted on the dash and from the car speakers came a thundering baseline and scream of guitar.

I recognized it instantly. Low Trauma High Drama.

“You like Perfume & the AlphaBetas?” I asked.

“Yeah, you?” Rowan asked, lifting the volume of his voice to be heard over the loud music and the whip of the wind.

“They’re my favorite!” I said. “Sweet Scent of Freedom means a lot to me.”

“I was at the show when Apex dove off the stage.”

“Wait,” I turned in my seat to face him. “So was I!”

Rowan laughed. He had a rocky, full-throated laugh. The sort that leads others and encourages a chorus of hysteria. “What are the odds?” Rowan said. “Too bad we didn’t run into each other.”

We sang along to music as Rowan navigated the car through Port Haven.

We left the beachside bluffs and followed the road that curved around, then the city opened up to us.

The cityscape was absolutely breathtaking.

The Floating District lived up to its name, with the water glittering in such a way that made the towering skyscrapers seem to hover off the surface of the earth. A modern day mirage.

“It’s amazing,” I said in awe.

“First time?”

“Basically. I hadn’t really had a chance to explore since we moved here.”

“You will as you get stronger,” he assured me.

It was true, and to the credit of his comment, I felt stronger. I was regaining myself. Crux’s patience and Halo’s attention were helping me rediscover who I was, and Rowan’s selflessness, as well.

There was just the lingering ache that was Severen and his frosty attitude. And my ugly scar.

We rolled into the large gravel field with the huge outdoor screen looming at the far end. Rowan showed our tickets and we selected a parking space. He pulled in backwards, and lifted the hatch so we could stretch out on a mattress in the back.

“You had this prepared, didn’t you?” I said. Clearly he did.

“I promise, this mattress has only ever been used for sleeping,” he said, shaking out some blankets before handing me one. “After I lost her, I went on a sort of one man camping trip,” he admitted. “I couldn’t stay in my apartment. Had to get away, clear my head. Just me and Tracker and my car.”

I hugged the blanket, and wracked my brain to come up with something better than I’m sorry . “Did it help?”

“Little bit. In a way.” He set the car stereo to the station that picked up the movie’s audio track and got in back with me. I stretched out on my stomach. Rowan stretched out next to me. Tracker curled up on the driver’s seat.

The film started just as we were getting settled. I wrapped myself in the blanket like a little sushi roll and next to me, Rowan draped his plaid blanket over his shoulders. It kind of felt like what I imagined a sleepover felt like.

The screen was huge, and the image was surprisingly clear and sharp considering the outdoorsy nature and the age of the film.

We snacked on the chips and trail mix and I gulped down my fizzy clear drinks.

I was in awe of the effects makeup. It was easy to forget how good practical effects could look when time, care and money were provided.

The film actually made me feel a little creeped out.

During a distressingly quiet moment, I glanced at Rowan. I had felt him snatching his own glances at me, but I said nothing. Neither did he, nor did he act on any thoughts or feelings he might have been having. Now, I looked back at him.

“Can…” My voice was soft and meek. “Can we cuddle?” I asked. “ Just cuddle,“ I stated, emphasizing I wasn’t looking for anything other than just a warm, safe snuggle.

And that’s what Rowan gave me. He scooted closer and tucked me under his arm, with his blanket and his shoulder providing shelter and protection from the date horrors on screen. It felt nice. It didn’t feel wrong. Sometimes nice things can feel wrong, but this didn’t.

The movies seemed to go by so quickly. The story chewed through the runtime, and soon, maybe too soon, it was all over.

We eased apart, and it wasn’t until that moment I realized how stiff my elbows were, and that my legs were asleep. Rowan stretched, and bunched up his blanket.

“Did you like that?”

“I loved it,” I answered. “Can we do it again some time?”

He grinned. “I’d like that. I guess we should get you home.”

“Yeah…” I knew the night had to end, but the idea made me a little melancholy.

He pulled down the hatchback and we climbed into the front. Tracker deftly bounded into the back, and I buckled myself into the passenger’s seat.