karaoke

"Don't worry, I won't run off."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. "Unless you want me to."

Lucia pulled away from him, "Stop talking and let's move. I'm missing out on my beauty sleep." She didn't want to hear his cheesy words. 

Callum sighed, "I really don't get you. One minute you're warm, then the next you're cold." He really didn't understand her mood swings. 

Lucia responded, "I don't need you to understand me."

Callum sighed and turned around. He began to walk ahead, leaving her behind. He knew this was not a good place to have this conversation. They were in the middle of a dark and deserted road, with only the moonlight to guide them.

They continued walking in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Only the sounds of their footsteps and the occasional chirp of a bird could be heard.

They finally arrived at the car, which was parked on the side of the road. Lucia unlocked the car with a click of the remote and opened the driver's door. seating behind the wheel. She took a glance at Callum, who was holding a gallon of gas in his hand. 

"Pop the lid for me?" He pointed at the button on the dashboard.

Lucia nodded and pressed the button. She heard a faint click as the fuel tank lid opened. She watched as Callum walked around the car and unscrewed the cap. He tilted the gallon and poured the liquid into the tank, making sure not to spill any. He screwed the cap back on and closed the lid. He then opened the boot and placed the empty gallon inside. He slammed the boot shut and walked back to the car.

He opened the passenger door and got in. He buckled his seat belt "let's go"

Lucia started the car's engine, and it roared back to life. She pressed the gas pedal, gripping the steering wheel tightly. 

Lucia let out a sigh of relief when she reached the main road. She eased her grip on the steering wheel and picked up her speed. Glancing at the dashboard, she noticed that the fuel gauge was almost showing a full tank.

Inside the car, there was nothing but silence. Out of the corner of her eye, Lucia saw Callum leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed.

Summoning some courage, she spoke up, "Thank you for your help."

Callum slowly opened his eyes and turned to look at her. "You're welcome," 

The car fell silent again, and unable to bear the quiet any longer, Lucia reached out and turned on the radio. Soft, soothing music filled the car, bringing comfort and relaxation to both of them.

Lucia turned the radio volume up when her favorite song started playing. She felt calm and happy, recognizing the familiar tune and words. Closing her eyes, she let the music flow through her ears and into her heart. She sang along softly, almost forgetting that Callum was in the car with her. She swayed her head and shoulders to the beat of the song, 

Callum gazed at Lucia with a smile on his face as she sang along with the radio. He was captivated by her blissful expression and her voice that was imperfect but full of feeling. He felt his heart swell with affection as he watched her enjoy the music. He didn't want to disturb her or join her, but just admire her from the passenger seat.

As the final sound of the song disappeared, she beamed with joy. Her eyes were full of happiness. Singing had always been something she loved to do. It helped her feel less stressed.

But then she heard a voice beside her. "You have a lovely voice."

Lucia gasped in surprise she had completely forgotten about him. She turned to see him grinning at her. "Why you…" Lucia stammered, feeling her face turn red. She was too shocked to form a coherent sentence.

"I enjoyed your little karaoke," Callum continued, teasing her. "You really put your heart into it. What was that song, by the way?"

Lucia felt like crawling under a rock. She wished she could disappear or erase his memory.

She cleared her throat "This isn't a big deal, don't everyone do it?"