Page 30 of Love in Development

IvoryKnight: Where are you?

ScarlettSaber: My work, and theres a nasty storm outside.

IvoryKnight: Be careful.

ScarlettSaber: Of course.

I looked at my watch.Was that the time?

ScarlettSaber: I need to get going.Bye.

IvoryKnight: DM me when you get home.

I logged off, taking my time in hopes the weather would clear up a bit.If Mom got home from her thing and called Dad—I’d just have to walk my bike.I could pull my sleeves over my hands, or maybe Buzz had a pair of gloves I could borrow.I unlocked my bike and contemplated the mess from the safety of the covered sidewalk.I didn’t want to go into that.If I waited just a few minutes longer, maybe it would stop...

A truck drove up and parked at the curb.The window rolled down, and a familiar voice called out, “You want a ride?”

Ni was well known for being nice, and it was unlikely he was a serial killer.I thought about the time ticking away and looked up at the unending rain.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to play video games?Look, I would offer a ride to anyone.This weather isn’t safe to bike or walk in.Just get in.”

True that.He opened the door and came around to get my bike.I reluctantly released it to him.

But I still stood there, not stopping him, yet undecided.

He laid it in the bed, pulling some sort of blanket or tarp out from behind the seat and covering it.He gestured to the open seat.

I sighed and climbed in.

The ride was uncomfortable, to say the least.And not just because of the torn seat cover that didn’t want to stay under me.I tried to keep my conversation to directions, while he leaned in close to the windshield.The storm was getting worse.I was glad I hadn’t needed to walk in it.

The truck didn’t seem like him.It was old and dented and used.

I put my hands out to the vents to warm them.“Thanks,” I croaked, worried he’d try to start a conversation like he had at the theater, but the ride was over fast since I didn’t live too far.

I wasn’t the kindest when I ripped my bike from his hands and raced up the flights of stairs, but I could blame that on the weather.Just as Mom turned off the water for her shower, I scrambled out of my jacket.I dried off my bike, hung up my jacket, and cleaned up as best as I could.

“Hey there.How was your Christmas?”She was drying her hair with a towel, barefoot and in PJs.

Perfect.The question was vague enough that I didn’t have to lie.“It was good.I wish the weather had been better, though.”Had she noticed my missing bike when she’d gotten home?“I’m gonna go change.”

Mom didn’t stop or question me as I slipped into my room to change while my laptop booted, then logged into the game.

ScarlettSaber: Home.

IvoryKnight: Good night.