Just Us

The drive home was quieter than the drive to the airport. Lucas's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions – confusion, frustration, and a hint of regret. He glanced at Amelia, watching her as she stared out of the window, lost in her own thoughts until her phone vibrated, causing him to look forward.

His sister's voice broke the silence. "Are you okay, Lucas?"

He forced a smile, meeting Emily's concerned gaze. "Yeah, Em. I'm just a little tired."

Emily seemed to accept the answer, but Lucas knew he couldn't fool her. His mind was a battleground of emotions, and he needed time to process what had just transpired.

Suddenly the weight in the back seat shifted and Amelia laid her head on his shoulder tiredly. He looked down to see her eyes closed. She had fallen asleep.

Slowly, he shimmied down to allow her a comfortable position. It would be about thirty minutes before they reached the house and she needed her rest. With a relaxed sigh he laid his head against hers with a smile. Taking a nap seemed like a great idea, he thought but before he could the flash of her still open screen caught his attention.

BEACHBOY:

Yea! It was so cool to see you. I feel like we never get to talk much but I was wondering if you were free tonight. Ya know, once we finish surfing with everyone you and me could sneak off and catch a movie. I would love to get to know you more. I am sure Lucas wouldn't mind. I already asked.

Lucas had to take slow breaths as he stared at the phone as to not wake up Amelia. He wanted to delete the message but she likely already saw it. Her phone soon dimmed and he tried to close his eyes and forget about the message. Amelia was next to him, on his shoulder. She was his. He scrunched his nose at the thought.

She is not mine. He reminded himself.

Some time passed until they finally pulled into their driveway, Lucas's parents thanked Amelia for joining them and promised to catch up soon once they got back to the house. Amelia, waking from her nap, smiled warmly, bidding them farewell before turning her attention to Lucas.

They both exited the car slowly, a little groggy from their nap as they hugged Emily before she ran inside. Finally they moved into the front of the car.

"Sorry I fell asleep on you," she said, her voice holding a hint of vulnerability as

He nodded, his throat feeling tight as he responded. "Technically I fell asleep on you." His body slowly slid into the driver's seat and he gripped the wheel.

His parents left the key in the ignition. A subtle ding filled the silence until all the doors were shut.

Amelia's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned and stared out the window to his house. "So, where are you taking me?"

Lucas couldn't answer. His friends' laughter echoed in his mind, the image of them getting too close to Amelia replaying like a broken record. He knew he had no right to feel the way he did – he had told himself he wasn't interested, that they were just friends – but seeing her interact with someone else had stirred something within him that he couldn't ignore.

With a heavy heart, he opened the door and stepped out of the car. Amelia's head tilting as she watched him. His steps were heavy as he made his way around to the passenger seat and opened her door.

"Come on."

"Lucas?" She called out in confusion as he took her hand and led her out of the vehicle.

With a swift foot against the door, it closed, and he locked the car. Amelia didn't bother arguing as he led her into the home. His parents and sister were already inside, settling into the familiar routines of home, their heads lifting in surprise but not in question as Lucas placed the keys on the counter and pulled Amelia along with him upstairs.

Amelia, too, shared a look of confusion and shrugged. Lucas' father nodded and said that he would get her stuff from the trunk.

Lucas felt a pang of guilt for not being as present as he should be, for letting his inner turmoil overshadow the precious time they had together, but he couldn't go along with his plans. Not when he knew his friends were waiting at the beach... for HER.

His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and conflicting emotions. He had never expected to feel so possessive, so protective over Amelia. The realization both scared and excited him – it was as if a door had been opened, revealing a side of himself he hadn't known existed.

"Lucas... you're hurting my wrist." She would whisper warily.

His eyes fell to his hold on her after he had closed the door. Pulling away from her, he shook his head. "Oh... I'm sorry. I-" He had to think of a reason that he decided to stay in and not tell her of his anxiety about her liking one of his friends. His eyes traced her face, noting the subtle smile she wore. She was tired but still had enough energy to want to go with him.

SHE WAS TIRED.

A smile appeared on his face. "It would be rude of me to expect you to want to go out, especially after staying up late with me and your trip here. You must be exhausted." He moved around the room, grabbing his pillows and stacking them against the wall side of his bed, and shifting the blankets. "Staying in and relaxing seems just as fun, right?"

Amelia laughed softly at his words and nodded. "Sounds great actually-" She smiled, moving to the door. "I just need to get my stuff so I can change into something more comfortable."

"I got it," Lucas said, jumping up and motioning to the bed. "Go lay down. I'll be right back," he said, leaving the room before she could argue.