Page 76 of Becoming His
“Okay, so build up your speed slowly, don’t forget to check your mirrors.”
I heard the engine whine again as I picked up speed, my heart in my mouth.
Holy shitballs! I was actually doing it! I felt giddy with excitement as I drove down my road as Tim, my driving instructor, gestured for me to pull over when possible. Unfortunately, stopping was more complex, and as I pressed the brake and steered the car, it shuddered beneath me and cut out.
“Dammit,” I swore as I turned the key and secured the car with the handbrake as Tim told me to.
“This is your third lesson; go easy on yourself. It takes a long time to learn. Same time next week?” He smiled, and I nodded, climbing out of the car reluctantly. I loved driving; the feeling it gave me was...pure freedom. I couldn’t wait to have a car of my own and be driving down the freeway, the wind in my hair as the open road awaited me. I walked up my drive and was surprised when it opened, my mother standing there with a massive grin on her face.
“Well done! I saw you drive on your own!” She cried, pulling me into a tight hug. “It’s an amazing feeling, isn’t it?”
I smiled as I returned the hug, breathing in her sweet floral scent. Mom was home a lot more now, having asked Dad for a trial separation. I wasn’t surprised about that part; I was just shocked she had the nerve to do it. She held me at arm’s length as she gazed at me lovingly, her eyes alive in a way I’d not seen unless she was buried in one of her love stories.
“I’m proud of you. I really am. So, further to our conversation the other day, I’ve been reading up on options for you so that you can make the best decision. Will you take a look?” She searched my eyes as my brother jogged down the steps, a smile playing on his lips.
“Girls, I need to ask you something.”
He sounded incredibly nervous as he ran his hand through his hair, his eyes staring at the floor. My mom and I exchanged a look, and she put her hand on his arm reassuringly.
“Of course. What is it?” She asked, her voice spilling with concern.
I noticed Elijah swallow and take a deep breath as he finally lifted his eyes to meet ours.
“Do you think it’s too soon to propose?”
My breath left my body in a whoosh as my mouth dropped open. Mom smiled knowingly, gazing at him with a mixture of adoration and pride.
“You want to marry Ray?” I breathed, unsure I wanted to hear the answer.
“Yes. But I didn’t know whether it was too soon to ask her.”
“She's a senior, still in school. Maybe let her finish her exams at least; otherwise, she may lose focus,” Mom said softly, and I nodded in agreement.
“She might say no.” I joked as Mom looked at me sternly.
“Annabelle. When you know, you know. Ray knows. So does Elijah.”
A smile played on Elijah’s lips as he pushed his glasses up his nose, his eyes narrowing at me.
“Would you say no if Bailey asked you?” He asked, tilting his head to the side with amusement.
“I’d accept, but I wouldn’t marry him yet.”
“Interesting.”
I turned away from him, not wanting to discuss any potential unity with Bailey any longer. I thought of Ray and how she would react to a proposal from Elijah. I saw how she gazed at him, how he looked at her like there was no one else in the world. I was happy for them; they had finally realized they were in love. Isn’t that what we all wanted in the end? My thoughts were interrupted by my phone vibrating in my pocket as I saw Bailey’s name on the caller id. My eyes flickered to Elijah, who gave me a smug look before turning and walking back upstairs, humming a familiar tune.
“Hey, you,” I murmured into the phone as he yawned.
“Baby.”
I felt a tingle in my stomach when he greeted me with that word; its intimacy made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I walked into the kitchen and sat on the window seat, tucking my legs beneath me as I settled in for a conversation with my world.
“Eli wants to propose to Ray.” I blurted out as I heard silence on the other end. I chewed on my lip as I waited to hear his response, which took its sweet time.
“Do I detect...Jealousy in your voice?”
“No!”
