Offer a Ride
From Create Your Own Story
You anticipate what he wants and reach to open the passenger door. When you look back at Jared, he’s already walking around the front of the car. With a grunt he swings himself to become the passenger, clutching his backpack in his lap.
“Thanks,” He says. He’s a little embarrassed having to ask you for a favor. You set on your way. It starts in silence, but when Jared asks if he can play music, he loosens up. His usual loud nature echoes in the car. He’s showing you memes, making references, and every so often he makes a dirty joke. You ask about the party. He slows his talking and looks at you with mischievous eyes. “Who told you?” he prys. “It, was, David?” You say leaving in question on the chance that he doesn't like the answer. “Mmmmm, what time did he tell you?” Another pry. “Twelve” you say. Jared looks down at his phone he pulled out in his lap and says nothing.
The drive to his house is 30 minutes. Enough time to regret the decision, if you do. When you turn on the main road into the side of town with businesses and city hall, a truck cuts you off forcing you to brake hard. The car, being an older model, brakes what feels like a difference of a few centimeters between safety, and a collision with a moving semi.
You bounce forward. You feel like you are gonna hit the steering wheel with your teeth. In a futile instinctive move, Jared puts his arm in front of you, as if he could hold you back. It partially works. You avoid the steering wheel, but his arm gets bent in an odd way that sprains it. The car, with both of you in it breathing heavily, is at a stop. Until someone behind you honks their horn. Moving on, you drive the car to the roadside.
Jared is massaging his arm, and the bridge of his nose is turning a little purplish. Be probably hit it on the glovebox. But other than that you both are okay. Jared looks up at you. Shy. His cheeks are reddening.
From your perspective nothing happened between you. From Jared’s perspective, he just showed that he cares and likes you.
