Page 121 of Something in Between

At one point Julian pauses at the microphone. The rest of the band stops playing. “Hey, everybody,” he says. “First off, I need a break from this terrible music we’re playing.”

Everyone laughs at him. Lo shakes her head.

“More!” says Kayla.

“You’ll get more,” Julian says. “But I wanted to give a big thanks to Dylan for showing both his strong and sensitive side in the same night.”

Royce is drunk as hell and lifts his beer. Dylan thumps his instrument and laughs.

These crazy boys. I’ll miss them. Not just Royce.

Julian still isn’t finished. “Finally, I want to say congratulations to all of you high school pukes who’ll soon be getting on with the next phase of your life.” He takes a drink. Guzzles his beer actually, which slightly grosses me out. If this is what college is like I’ll actually attend fewer parties, I tell myself. I’m enjoying the celebration, but having this much drama all the time is just too much. Julian continues, “Lo, thanks for all the kick backs. You’re my number one. I love you. I’m looking forward to our many adventures. We’ll probably be at some gnarly protests in the coming year.”

Lo smiles. She’s beaming up at him. I’m so happy for her. This is what she wants, and she’s going for it. Doesn’t matter that it’s not the same thing I would do for myself. This is her life. And she’s happy.

“And one more thing,” Julian says. “This next song, though I promise you it is going to be a total mess, goes out to Jasmine de los Santos. Whether you leave or stay. We love you.”

They play me my favorite Bob Marley song, “Three Little Birds.” At the chorus, everyone sings along, “Every little thing is gonna be all right!”

* * *

I’m still high from the song they played. I love my friends. Kayla’s less than half-awake. She and Dylan talked a little and partially made up, but I told him I wanted to bring her back to my house for the night. They can talk more tomorrow. Royce is completely awake, but there’s no way he can drive his car. It’s past midnight and he’s downing water, sitting in the passenger seat next to me.

“You’re really going to make me drive?” I blanch.

“You’ve driven this car,” he says. “What are you afraid of?” He’s taught me a little in the parking lot by my school because he insisted I should really learn at some point. What if there’s an emergency?

“Yeah, around the block a few times,” I say. “That’s different!”

“You only have ten blocks to drive,” he says. “It’s nothing. Then I’ll sit in the car and sober up. You don’t even have to wait with me. I won’t drive until I feel totally fine.”

“No way, you can sleep on the couch and drive in the morning. I’ll tell my parents we all just crashed.”

I guess I really do have to drive, then. The dashboard lights are on. Headlights too. I haven’t even gotten my learner’s permit. I’m not so scared about driving the car as I am about getting caught without a license. If I get caught, will I get deported even sooner? I really don’t want to drive, but there’s no way out of this. I’m definitely not calling any of our parents.

“Did I already start the car?” I ask.

“You already started the car,” Royce says, trying not to laugh at me. “You just need to drive.”

“Okay. Yeah. I can do this,” I say, taking a deep breath.

“Just drive,” Kayla says. “You’ll do fine. It’s only how far? Thirty miles?”

“It’s like a mile,” I say. “Maybe two.”

I start to think that maybe I should just make them walk to my house, but there’s no way Kayla will make it. Her eyes are half-closed.

“Oh yeah. By the way, what happened with Dylan?” Kayla asks. “Did he and I get back together?”

“I’m not sure,” I say. “But he was very nice to you.”

“Oh good,” Kayla says. “I should text him.”

I snatch Kayla’s phone from her. “Not right now. You don’t want to say something stupid. And I need you to help me pay attention.”

Royce knows I’m stalling. “Will you drive already?”

I take a breath. “Yes, Mr. Blakely.” I turn the wheel, give it some gas. My hands are trembling. Why am I so afraid? Everyone knows how to drive except for me. If there’s ever anything I’m a big baby about, it’s this, but Royce has been a patient teacher. He always points out we’re not doing anything wrong, since I practice in a parking lot and I’m not driving on the road.

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