The UnKnown (A Novel) (3 page)

“What are we doing? Where are we?” I rubbed my eyes and stretched out my arms. I rolled my neck and began rubbing it because I had a kink in it. I peered over at Drake. He seemed tired. I had no idea how long he had been driving before he picked me up.

“We are in Montgomery, Alabama. I figured this was a good stopping point. We can grab some dinner to go and check into a hotel.”

I pulled my seat into the upright position. “Sounds good,” I said yawning.

Drake smiled and pulled into a McDonalds and yawned as well. “See what you made me do? Now I’m yawning. You mind if we go through the drive-thru?”

“Fine with me.” He pulled around so I could see the menu board. I was rather excited. I didn’t get to eat out much due to lack of money.

“What do you want?” I looked over the menu and decided on a chicken sandwich meal. Now that Drake was taking me to Florida I could spend a little extra on food. Drake ordered the double quarter pounder meal. I pulled a ten out of my pocket and tried to hand it to him. He pushed my hand away.

“I can’t let you pay for my food. You were kind enough to give me a ride.”

“Misty, I can afford it. Please just let me do this.” Feeling defeated, I put the money back in my pocket. I did need to hold onto the money I had. I didn’t know how much my room was going to be.

“Thank you,” I said quietly.

“Stop thanking me, Peaches. I am a southern gentleman. My father would tear my hide if I let you pay for anything.” I couldn’t help but giggle. He paid for the food and we moved on to a Holiday Inn.

“Now listen. I am getting a suite with two rooms. Each room will have a lock on it. I just feel more comfortable with you close. Are you ok with that?” How could I not be? I nodded yes, and Drake jumped out of the truck to get the rooms while I stayed in the car. He came back out a few minutes later to park the car and then pulled our bags out of the trunk.

“Come on. Let’s get some rest.” I followed him to an elevator where we rode up in silence to the room. I couldn’t believe I was staying in a room with a perfect stranger. I had a good feeling this guy was ok. Drake pushed the key card in and opened the door.  I followed him, letting the door latch behind us. If he were going to do something to me he would have done it already, right?

The suite was simple, yet very comfy-looking. There was a small black and white kitchenette and living area separating the two rooms. This room felt more like home than any other place I had ever lived.

“Which one do you want?” he asked. I pointed to the one on the left. He took my bag in and set it on the bed. Then he came back out.

“I promise I won’t bother you. Here’s your food. I am taking mine to my room.” He went in his room and shut the door behind him, leaving me standing in the kitchenette. With the food in my hands, I quietly walked over to my room and closed and locked the door. I set the food on the night stand and flipped the TV on. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno was on. He was talking to guest Scarlett Johanssen. She was talking about her upcoming movie. I sat there watching as I ate my food only half listening.

I was thinking about the man across the hall from me. What was I doing? I was so stupid to think that maybe he was interested in me. He was out of my league. He came from money and was a college graduate. But I could have sworn we had shared a moment in the car. I finished my sandwich and fries and pulled out my pajamas.  Too tired to shower; I slipped them on and pulled the covers down. I lay there for hours tossing and turning. I needed to be near him. I sat up on the side of the bed and contemplated whether or not to knock on his door. Deciding against it, I laid back down and tried my darnedest to go to sleep. I tossed and turned for most of the night.

I thought about Lucy and how happy she must be. I wondered if I could ever have a life like that. Something told me I could with Drake; that God had brought him to me for a reason. At the same time, I was thinking that I also felt like Drake had a secret he was withholding from me. Of course, I was a stranger and he didn’t have to tell me anything. I didn’t like secrets and I didn’t like being lied to. For his sake I hoped he came clean before we got serious. What did I mean before we got serious? Drake was way older than I was. He probably liked girls his own age, but I knew there was something there between us.

Chapter 4

Drake

I didn’t know what to say to her when we got into the room. I wanted to make her feel comfortable and safe. So, I left her to it. I put my bag down and sat on the edge of the bed. I wanted to go to her, but refrained. She was only eighteen years old. I was twenty-one pushing twenty-two. What could we possibly have in common? One year ago, she would have been jail bait. I rubbed my face, fell back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. I had so many other problems right now than to worry about this. I sat back up, opened my bag, and pulled out my food. I turned the TV on and flipped channels until I stumbled upon an action movie I had never seen before. As I was watching I was thinking about what Misty was doing next door
. “Get it together Drake. You are no good for her.”
 Sighing, I put the contents of my food back in the bag. No longer hungry, I decided to take a shower to wash the day away. After getting some shorts and a t-shirt, I headed to the shower and turned the water on as hot as I could stand it. I stepped in and scrubbed my body until I was red. I finished washing and towel dried off. When I made my way back to the room, Misty was standing there.

“What’s the matter? Everything ok?” I knew something had to be wrong for her to come into my room.

“I can’t sleep. I have been sleeping in the same bed for six years. I can’t get comfortable.” She was so cute in her pink tank top and matching pink shorts. I couldn’t help eyeing her perfectly sculpted legs. Misty was tall and I still towered over her.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you stay in here with me,” I told her.

“Why not? I trust you.” Oh God. This girl didn’t know what she was getting herself into.

“Because I won’t be able to control myself. It’s best if you go back to your own room.” She looked confused.

“I, ummm, I don’t want to be alone. This is so strange for me.” She was going to be the death of me and I had known her less than twenty-four hours.

“Let’s go watch some TV in the living room, and I will sit with you until you fall asleep.” I pushed her towards the living room and turned on the television.

“What do you want to watch, Peaches?” I asked while flipping through some channels.

“Anything, it doesn’t matter.” Misty stretched her body out on the couch while I sat on the chair next to it. We settled on the same action movie I was watching earlier. Before I knew it, she was fast asleep. I went over to the closet to pull out a blanket and covered her with it. I kissed her forehead and felt that surge of energy pulse through me again.

As I backed away slowly, I pulled my phone from my pocket. I scrolled through until I found the name I had been looking for. Going back in my room and shutting the door, I hit the dial button and heard the ring.

“Hey baby, where are you? I’ve been worried sick.” Hearing Sara’s voice made me sick to my stomach. We had been through so much shit the past three years. I wasn’t even sure that I loved her anymore.

“I’m in a hotel in Alabama. I should get home sometime tomorrow evening.” Misty was nothing. Just a girl you are giving a ride to.

“Ok, I can’t wait to see you. I have missed you so much.” The truth was I didn’t miss her. I was relieved when she decided to go to the University of Florida our last year of college. She said they had a better physical therapy program there. I didn’t care what the reason was. She was a spoiled brat and I was getting sick of her. The distance between us was good, but I never broke it off with her. If she found out I was giving Misty a ride, she would claw her eyes out. She was so jealous it was ridiculous. 

“Hello, Drake? Are you there?” Why did I even call her? Her voice was so irritating.

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“Good. I thought I’d lost you. Anyway, as I was saying, Mom and Dad have this gala they want us to attend.” Her voice trailed off or I just stopped listening.

“So, will you go?”

“Go where?” I asked.

“To the gala. Have you not been listening? Drake, this is what I am talking about. You never listen to me anymore. It’s like we are not on the same page. I love you, and I am trying my best to make this work.” Blah, blah, blah. I have heard this crap before.

“Listen, Sara, I’ve been driving all day. I am really tired. We can go to the gala if that is what you want. I’ll call you tomorrow before I hit the road. Goodnight.” I said, hanging the phone up before she could respond. I powered it down and climbed into bed. I didn’t want her to call me back.

I turned off the TV and laid there wondering what was awaiting me at home. My parents were not too happy with me at this point. They told me I had six months to find a job and support myself. They would not be taking care of me. I thought this was a load of crap because they let my brother Sean live with them and he’s not much older than me. He was such a screw up and I was the golden child, so they thought. I had always worked hard and it seemed like they came down the hardest on me. I made straight A’s in high school and had a high B average in college. I got an internship at a small art gallery in town. Hopefully, it would turn into something permanent. All this crap was starting to drive me nuts. I knew that I shouldn’t be complaining, but I just didn’t give a shit right now. I thought of Misty and how strong she was. She had nothing, but she was surging forward to a life unknown to her. I admired that in her. Yet, I was stuck with a spoiled rich brat. I was going to have a little chat with Sara when I got home. My eyes finally felt heavy and I fell asleep watching a movie.

I awoke to the sun shining down through the curtains. I heard some fumbling in the kitchen area and threw the covers off me to find out what it was. I knew Misty must be nervous. I opened the door to find her bent over the stove. I couldn’t take not touching her anymore. I stomped over to the stove, spun her around and kissed her. I kissed her hard and deep. She moved her hands around my neck as I backed her into the refrigerator. Misty pulled at my hair making me groan. She felt so good. I pulled back and we were both gasping for air. I couldn’t do this. She was so innocent.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting that,” she said with a flirtatious sound in her voice. “I don’t know what I’m doing….Ummm. I’ve never done you know the whole sex thing.” She smiled at me while tucking a strand of hair behind her head

“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t take not kissing you any longer. It is ok to be a virgin peaches. We will never do anything until you are ready” We were so close to each other. I could still taste the mint on her breath.

“It’s fine. I’m glad I brushed my teeth.” She giggled as she pulled out of my embrace. “I walked over to the Wal-Mart and got some food. I wanted to have breakfast waiting for you. Just a small token of my appreciation for your help. I was so lost before you came into that diner.” She pulled out a piece of bacon and laid it in the frying pan.

I had never had a woman cook for me. Not even my mother. We had a full-time cook in the house. Sara would never dream of stepping foot in a kitchen. The bacon sizzling in the pan smelled lovely.

“I can’t say the same for me. I haven’t brushed yet.” I cuffed my hand and blew my breath in it. It smelled of old stale chips. “I am going to freshen up; be out in ten.” I walked past her and took a deep breath in. I found her smelling of honeysuckle.

When in my room, I changed into jean shorts and a button up black shirt. I pulled out my Toms and slipped those on. I quickly brushed my teeth and my hair back, then gathered my stuff and headed back to where the beautiful Misty was cooking. The aroma of bacon and eggs was mouthwatering. She grabbed a plate out of the cabinet and added some eggs, bacon, and two slices of toast before setting it in front of me.

“Would you like some orange or cranberry juice?” At that moment I knew I wanted to be like this with her forever. I could see her barefoot and pregnant. I knew that sounded sexist, but that was what I saw in that moment.

“Cranberry please, I don’t like orange.” Her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

“I thought I was the only person on the planet that didn’t like orange juice. I like oranges, but I can’t stand orange juice. I know it’s weird.” She picked up a cup and poured me some juice.

“It’s not weird. I am the same way,” I said while lifting the juice to my lips. She giggled as I drank.

“Are you going to eat or stare at me all day?” I winked at her.

“I am. Pipe down, Sir.” She scooped some eggs and bacon and sat across from me. She looked especially lovely today in a blue and white sundress with white flip flops. She had her hair in a messy high ponytail.

“No toast?”

“No, I try and watch my weight and toast has a lot of carbs. I would have gone for a run, but I think I left my running shoes at the house. It really sucks because I won’t have money to buy any for a while.” She took a bite of her eggs and closed her eyes as if to savor the moment.

“What was that about?”

“What?” She popped her eyes open, and I couldn’t help but to be mesmerized by her baby green eyes .

“Closing your eyes while you eat?”

“Oh that. In the house you had to eat fast before the other kids or you wouldn’t get any. It was more of a survival of the fittest. You couldn’t enjoy the food.” The thought of her doing this made me sad. Why hadn’t this aunt of hers taken care of her instead of letting her go into the foster care system? I didn’t know what to say.

I slid my hand on top of hers. “I’m here now. You never have to worry about that, again.” She smiled and once again my heart melted.

“Let’s get these cleaned up and get out of here.” I needed to get out of this room with her or we would be doing way more than just eating breakfast. I leaned over, grabbed her plate and scraped her remains into the trash then set the plate in the sink.