Page 36 of Confessions of a Carpool Captive
“I have no clue. I took French in high school and I only remember a handful of words.”
“I feel bad that none of us can talk to him. I’m going to pick up a Spanish dictionary at the library.”
“That’s really thoughtful.”
The car doors beep as they are unlocked and I spin to see Finn trudging toward us. He’s shuffling his feet. He seems tired.
“You okay?” Emerson asks before I can open my mouth.
Finn smiles weakly. “Just a long day.”
He moves to open the door for Emerson and she smiles. “Thanks, Finn.” He pauses at mine and I shake my head no. He nods and walks around to the driver’s side. A few minutes later, Kel comes running to the car.
“Sorry, man. I couldn’t get out of there.”
“No problem. I just got here myself,” Finn responds.
Then we’re off. It’s quiet, which is nice. Finn doesn’t even turn on the radio. He brushes his hand over his face and I feel slightly concerned. He doesn’t seem like himself.
The drive home is pleasantly quiet. Everyone seems tired. Mondays are always rough.
Wednesday night it becomes clear that something is definitely wrong with Finn. He’s coughing and yawning as he makes his way to the car for the drive home. He’s wearing glasses too. I didn’t know he needed them. What else do I not know about him?
“Are you sick?” I ask him. I’m the first one there.
“I never get sick. I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. I think it’s a climate thing. Maybe it’s allergies.”
“I don’t know. This seems like it’s been coming on for days.” I step over to him and place my hand on his forehead. He’s warm.
“Crap, Finn. I think you have a fever.”
“Who has a fever?” Kel asks as he approaches.
“Finn.”
“Finn’s sick?” I hear Emerson before I see her. Ernesto is behind her.
“Yeah, he’s burning up.”
Finn holds out his keys. “Any volunteers? I need to close my eyes.”
We stare blankly at each other for a moment.
“I don’t have my license,” Kel says with a shrug.
“Do you ever?” Emerson asks.
“There’s a reason. I just don’t feel you need to know.”
I reach out and take Finn’s keys. “I’ve got this.”
I open Finn’s passenger door and he slides in as everyone else takes their spots. “Is this a date?” he asks me with a grin.
“Go to sleep,” I tell him with a roll of my eyes.
I’ve never driven an SUV so it takes me a bit to get my bearings. It’s a beautiful car. I hope I’m not jinxing it while driving.
“Why is it that you never have your license?” Emerson asks.
