Chapter 12- Not Edited

STILL COLLIN'S POINT OF VIEW

We got to my car, and I delicately put Olive in the backseat. I went to help Andy get in the front seat but before I could she held up her finger. As if saying without words, 'Wait one moment.' I watched as she walked to the motorcycle parked behind me. It was the sickest bike I had ever seen; I was drooling just looking at it.

She grabbed the two helmets close to the bike on the grass, wrapping them under her arms, she then attached a lock to the bike. As if she was in a sleeping household, she passed by me silently and climbed into the passenger seat my car. This girl was full of surprises. Most times she seemed cautious and careful, but owning a motorcycle? It was like she was daring the world to challenge her. It was almost as if life had given her too much, she didn't care what happened anymore.

I plugged in the destination of Olive's house into my phone, because I knew I'd get lost and Andy wasn't in the best shape to give me specific directions verbally. The ride there was silent, except for the tapping of my fingertips on the steering wheel. I thought about turning on some music, but immediately dismissed the idea. What if she didn't like my taste? What if the song caused her even more pain after her episode.

My thoughts wandered to what Bruce had said. The one question in my mind was why? Why did he have me take them home? I mean, for one, he was having a driver take the boys home, why not these two? Obviously the driver could have done the same job if not better than me or anyone else. And why me of all the people at the party?

It was about ten minutes before the destination was in sight. We got in front of a small two-story house and I pulled into the short roundabout considered the driveway. Although it wasn't lavish like mine or Bruce's, this house seemed more like a home than ours did. It was as if you could sense the family bond just from a faraway glance.

"Her parents aren't home; they went on a weekend trip for their anniversary." Not only was I shocked she was giving me insight on Olive, it was a wonder that she was talking at all. "Her parents have been married for 25 years; that's something that doesn't just happen." The last part of her statement sounded more like it was only for herself to hear; it contained almost a bitter tone. The clearing of my throw cut through the tense atmosphere in the car.

I opened my door and got out to help Olive to the door of her house. She was still conscious so it was easier than I thought. As I was standing there I realized I didn't know if I should just open the door or if there was an alarm or lock. That's when Andy came to the rescue. She quickly reached into the jacket of Olive, who was currently leaning on me. She almost fell over, and if it wasn't for common courtesy I would have laughed my butt off. With stealthy movements, Andy opened the door and strolled inside, holding the door open for me to assist Olive through.

She lead the way to a room on the first floor. Thank goodness, because I wasn't really feeling like carrying a girl all the way up a flight of stairs. It was a simple room, but had an intricate cabin-like structure. It really didn't scream 'Olive' at me but, then again, I had only just met her minutes before. Quickly, Olive dove into her bed in a fit of giggles. She kicked her shoes off and then snuggled under the covers.

I looked at Andy in shock. "Just like that?" I asked, wondering how taking a drunk girl home could have been so easy.

She nodded, "Yea, now come on, she'll be out for the night."

I was ushered out of the room as the light switch was flicked off and the door closed. As we walked out of the house, I gazed at the family pictures I had missed before. Olive appeared to be an only child; her and her parents adorned almost every frame. There was one or two that had a younger version of Olive and a little girl of the same age laughing on the beach with a sand castle.

"Who is this?" I questioned, curiosity dripping in my voice.

She cleared her throat awkwardly, "That was me; we were inseparable as kids." Her eyes looked longingly at the picture, as if the kid in the frame had moved away or passed on.

"Let's get you home." I said, attempting to rectify yet another one of my stupid questions that brought up so much pain-stricken emotion in her. It seemed like that was all I was doing today. Prying and being pushy about things that seemed to hurt Andy so much.

"Umm yea, I guess. You know maybe it's best that I stay here? I wouldn't want to impose on you even more than we already have." She said uncomfortably, like going home was something she was avoiding.

"But aren't your parents not home? So, it should be no big deal; you won't even have to sneak in." She took a deep breath that came out like a sigh.

"No, my mom isn't home. However, I'm not about to go into that house. It's the first time that I've been alone since..." She trailed off, lost in thought and lost for words. "How about you take me back to the party? My bike is there, I can ride it to my grandparents or something."

"No offense, but I'm not about to let you drive after what just happened. Where do your grandparents live? I can take you there if you want; however, I'm not taking you back to the party."

She sighed, "Really? You do realize that I could just have you take me home and then take my truck over, right? Plus, they live in Appleton which is out of your way to go to, so why bother?"

"Well, for one, I would make sure my car was parked conveniently in front of your truck so you'd be physically stuck. Furthermore, remember I'm from Kimberly. Which if I recall right, and I do, is only about 12 minutes from my town. As for why I'm bothering, well I guess some things should be left to mystery..."