by Lari Smythe
* * *
We'd switched places and driving was a welcome distraction; it kept my mind from wandering. We'd passed through the gap at Sideling Hill half an hour ago so we were really getting close. I'd called Mom when we stopped for gas and the excitement in her voice was infectious. I couldn't wait to see her. I took the exit for Route 66 toward Boonsboro and headed south. "It won't be long now. I can't wait for Mom to see you."
"You have to drop me off before you see her, Jason."
"What? No way, I'm not dropping you off anywhere, that's what got us into this mess in the first place."
She gently placed her hand on my thigh. "You need to be with your Mom, they'll be time for me later."
"No—come on, she wants to see you just as bad as she wants to see me."
Izzy shook her head.
"Well, okay, but almost."
"You can just drop me off outside of town."
"Right, no freakin' way. I'm driving you all the way to your door—end of discussion."