Author’s Note: Hi there! So this chapter involves certain songs playing on the radio when they’re in the car. I never heard these songs before this chapter so the links are to the side. I’ll write in (**song title**) when they’re playing just so you can experience the embarrassment and hilariousness that they help create in the scene. I think it’s absolutely hysterical. I normally don’t like when lyrics are included in stories but I felt this was extremely necessary lol.

Thanks for reading and voting and commenting!! :D

Chapter 7

I knew what was waiting for me as soon as we were away from our mom. James was going to explode in my face and let his true feelings past the act he was trying to keep up for Mom’s sake. As soon as I had left his apartment I felt as if I was walking off to my death sentence as the door closed behind me.

The elevator ride seemed to be never ending. Never had I ever felt so strongly against a decision in my entire life. I really should’ve thrown a fit. I regretted it now. This was the worst situation I had ever been in. Nothing scared me more than when James was furious with something. He could be a ticking time bomb.

James stood on one side of the elevator and I had managed to cram myself into the back corner of the opposite side. I was trying my hardest not to move, not to make a sound, or cause anything that would make him look at me. I felt the fear as it bubbled up inside me, threatening to boil over.

He just stared straight ahead with a clenched jaw, not moving a muscle. Well at least he seemed to be hating this as much as I was.

The door opened and I tried my best to silently let out the breath I had been holding.

I watched as James walked out of the elevator without a sideways glance at me. I was thankful for that.

I awkwardly followed him out the front of the building and through the parking lot. I kept my distance, about 12 feet behind him.

I spotted his car and felt my heart beating insanely fast. I suddenly got the urge to climb in the back- trunk area instead of in the passenger door. James wouldn’t mind would he? Would he care if I ran off in the other direction or would he see it as a miracle and thank the gods?

I still didn’t understand why my brain had allowed me to do this. Normal people didn’t willingly walk in to terrifying life threatening situations.

I hesitantly opened the passenger door and climbed in. As my door was closed, the panic sunk in as I realized that there was no escape, no way out. I heard James get in the driver’s seat next to me and buckle his seat belt. I took my time grabbing the seat belt from next to me as the car was started. I was trying to stall. I absolutely did not want to face him. It freaked me out to look at him, let alone try and talk with him again.

My seat belt was finally buckled. I kept my eyes straight ahead as he turned his body around to look through the back window and back out of the parking spot. He was only a few inched from me. He was so close that I could hear him breathing but I dared not to look.  I felt his eyes land on me a few times, the hatred projecting from them like lasers.

He turned back towards the front once we were out of the parking space.

I was suddenly becoming claustrophobic in the small vehicle. We were the only ones here. Anything could happen and there was no one to stop it.

I swore I felt the walls closing in as I practically plastered myself against the window in an attempt to become as far away as possible from my brother as the car would allow.

My hair fell in my eyes but I didn’t dare move to fix it. It seemed to separate us a little and also, I felt like if I moved, then he would strike. Almost like a snake when it’s sees its prey moving. Maybe if I stayed still long enough, then I would be camouflaged in with the door. Isn’t that what animals did in the wild, blend in with their surroundings? I could only hope. As ridiculous as it was, it seemed to be my only option.

I listened to the radio advertisements as I hyperventilated. My stomach was twisting and turning, forming knots and making me extremely uncomfortable. I wanted to close my eyes and get as far away from this as possible. I would rather be wrestling wild, ferocious, lions. They seemed like they would be a whole lot friendlier.   

I looked down at my hands that were placed in my lap. I could almost see how sweaty they were from the fear and nervousness I was experiencing.

What would I say to him when he released all his emotions on me? What was I supposed to do? I swallowed nervously as my eyes darted around the vehicle.

I glanced at James through the curtain of my hair that was separating us. His grip on the wheel seemed dangerously tight, almost as if it would snap in half. His knuckles seemed a little white and the muscles in his forearms were prominent.

I quickly looked away, towards my window, suddenly terrified. What had I gotten myself into?

He exhaled a little in annoyance and the radio station was suddenly changed. I wasn’t sure if he was more annoyed by the radio commercials or by my presence in the vehicle.

The station was playing… hip hop? I couldn’t be too sure. I had never listened to much hip hop before. I decided to try and listen anyway. It would help distract my mind, right? Maybe it would calm me down a little. I could only hope.

The song ended and a few seconds later a new song began. I listened to what I was assuming was a keyboard playing. Even in the unstable mental state I was in, it didn’t seem to be that bad. That is, until the lyrics began. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

(**play video link to “Baby Momma” by Lil Boosie. Knowing what it sounds like makes it hilarious XD**)

“This one here for them baby mommas,”

I almost choked on my spit. My eyes widened and I glanced uncomfortably at the radio in the center of the dash. What had the singer just said? He hadn’t… No.

“who make baby daddies don't even want no baby daddy”

I became very confused. I felt my hands perpetrating even more. What the hell was this?

“Baby momma baby momma

I'm tired of you

I'm to the point where I wanna fire you

You play the games that a child will do

When you need to do the things that a mama do”

Dear God. This song was about baby mamas. I glanced nervously at James as I felt my heartbeat rise, my breathing increasing with it. If possible, his grip on the steering wheel grew tighter. He glanced quickly at the radio before looking back at the road again. His eyes were filled with anger. I gulped.

“Baby momma baby momma

You stressin me (you stressin me girl)

Cause I ain't rich you think less of me (you think less of me)

And we ain't gotta take the test to see

You need to change yo ways so you can see the best of me”

This was getting really awkward, really fast. The song was not helping the situation we were in. I could feel the increase in tension between us. My stomach sunk. I could’ve died right then and there from pure embarrassment, awkwardness, and humiliation. I wanted to sink into the seat and disappear forever.

“Baby momma baby momma

You lied to me (you lied)

A good man I tried to be (I tried)

You do me wrong even the blind can see”

I tentatively glanced back at James out of the corner of my eye. His lips were pressed into a tight line. He let one of his hands off the steering wheel and moved it towards the radio to hit a different button, changing the station. I let myself relax a little, trying to slow my heart beat. That was by far the most awkward situation of my lif-

“was like...

Baby, baby, baby oooh

Like baby, baby, baby nooo”

I froze and my eyes widened. Whatever relaxation I had been staring to feel instantly disappeared as Justin Bieber blared through the speakers of the small vehicle. Apparently that was only the beginning of the awkwardness I was meant to experience today. What was with the baby songs?!?

“Like baby, baby, baby oooh

I thought you'd-”

The station was changed again. It was some kind of oldies station. I exhaled in relief, hoping it wasn’t too obvious that I was stressing out. My hair had fallen even farther in my eyes. It was at the point where it was annoying me. I gave in and pushed it back behind my ear. Now I could see my brother clearly. Crap. That was a mistake.

I tried to ignore the fact and listen to the radio again. The current song seemed…alright.

(**Play the external link to “I Think I’m Gonna Have a Baby” by Carly Simon. Knowing what it sounds like makes it funnier**)

“You're puttin' out too many phonograph records

I think I'm gonna have a baby, a baby”

My breath hitched in my throat and I felt the need to hurl myself out of the fast moving vehicle. It was just not my day. What was the radio doing today? Apparently the world wanted me to be murdered. Never had I heard so many baby songs in less than two minutes.

I watched as James furiously reached over and hit the radio again. Silence. He had turned the radio off.

He looked over at me and, unfortunately, met my gaze. My body filled with alarm. My brother’s eyes shone with irritation and rage.  We both looked away instantly. If looks could kill…

I turned my head and looked out the window. I just wanted to make it out alive. Was that too much to ask?

I swore I could hear the ‘Jaws’ music playing. I knew what was coming, I just didn’t know when.

The rest of the ride, about another eight minutes, continued in silence. Anger was radiating from one side of the car and fear was radiating from the other. It created an extremely uncomfortable atmosphere with unbearable tensions.

I looked up and saw the sign for the supermarket. I almost passed out from excitement. It was like I was seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I was so overwhelmed by joy and wonder. I almost shed a tear of happiness.

We pulled into the parking lot and James whipped the car into the first spot he saw. The engine was shut off and James unbuckled his seatbelt and got out, slamming to door behind him. The whole car seemed to shake.

I sat there for a second, stunned. Now what?

I hesitantly climbed out of the car. James was already walking through the parking lot and to the store. It wasn’t like I wanted to walk with him anyway. I followed a ways behind him.

He must’ve heard me shut the door because he hit the button on his keys causing the door to lock and the car to beep.

I practically jumped out of my skin because of it.

 A few seconds later and we had made it across the parking lot.

I walked through the front doors of the store, James was heading straight towards the back. I felt the strange need to let him know where I was going. That’s what people normally did when they separated in a store. I suppressed the feeling. He obviously didn’t care. I didn’t really want to know where he was going either. If he really needed to find me he could just call. I doubted he would, even if it was an emergency.

I grabbed a basket from next to the shopping carts and looked around. I wasn’t sure where to go. Why couldn’t all supermarkets be set up the same?

I began wandering the building. I walked passed a few aisles in search of the baby section. I didn’t have to go very far. I found it and turned. The front half of the aisle was filled with all types of foods and snacks. Farther down, I could see diapers and such.

I looked at the food first since it was closer. I examined the packages and tried to find some of Devon’s favorites.

I grabbed a few jars of fruits and veggies. Devon was slowly eating less baby food and more normal-ish food. He was getting the teeth for it. He still seemed to like the jarred veggies more than real veggies. I didn’t blame the kid. Vegetables weren’t the best.

I put the jars in the basket and spun around to face the other wall of the aisle. There were some baby cookies and similar snacks. I grabbed a boxes and placed it in the basket as well.

I made my way down the aisle towards the diapers. I found the brand I was looking for and grabbed a package. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit in the basket. I should’ve gotten a cart instead. I’d just come back for them later, no need to lug them around the store.

I placed the package back on the shelf and decided to try and find the frozen foods section. I got to the end of the aisle and decided to make a left. I wandered the store and glanced down the rows.

There was a sign up ahead with an ice cube on it. That looked promising. I got the row and turned. As I rounded the corner I saw James digging through one of the freezers. My eyes widened and I instantly turned back around on my heel and fled the aisle.

I ran to the next one over and was greeted by the dairy section. I found some baby yogurts and stuff and grabbed a few.

I thought about buying some more food for Devon, but we were only here for another week. I had already grabbed some snacks and smaller things for him. He didn’t need meals, He could just have some of whatever we were having.

I sighed and headed off to wander around some more.

I ended up finding a bottle of juice and some Cheerios. Devon loved them and they were on sale, why not? Besides, I didn’t even know if James had juice and Cheerios at his apartment and there was no way I was going to ask him.

I decided to stop there, not wanting to go overboard. I didn’t think that we could take the food back on the plane with us and I was sure James didn’t want left over baby food in his fridge.

I grabbed the diapers and made my way to the check out. I looked around. Which cashier would judge me the least?

I sighed and got walked over to the younger girl’s line. She looked about my age. Hopefully she wouldn’t glare at me too much and try and start conversations. I didn’t like it when cashiers were overly friendly.

Eventually it was my turn. I unloaded my items and she rang them up. She didn’t start a conversation and I was grateful for that. I paid her, received my change and grabbed my bags.

Where was I supposed to go?

I walked towards the exit and decided just to sit on the bench outside. It was Nevada and sunny and nice, why not. The car was locked anyway. It’s not like I had that many options.

I walked towards it and sat down. I put the bags next to me on the ground. I sighed and internally complained to myself. I did not want to get back in that car. I didn’t think I could stand another award car ride. I was still recovering from the one that just ended.

I could always walk back to the apartment. I laughed a little at myself. It would be a lot more entertaining than cowering into the door and counting the splattered bugs on the windshield to keep myself busy.

I looked back towards where the car was. Was James even in the store anymore? Was he already waiting for me?  I took my phone out of my pocket and stared at it. I could text him… But I really didn’t want to.

I shoved it back in my pocket. Nope. Not today.

Ugh… I placed my head in my hands. I was done with today. I had had enough of my furious brother and my mom forcing me to do things against my will. I just wanted to sleep. Then no one could bother me. Then I could be alone.

Walking back sounded better by the second.

I continued to sit like that for a few minutes. I wasn’t looking forward to getting back in the car. Or, living at his apartment for the next week.

The past few days had my stomach on a rollercoaster. I would be super nervous and then eventually calm down. Then just when I thought the ride was over, it would start back up again. When would it end?

“Maddie.”

I jumped, almost pooping my pants. My head flew up and I found James standing in front of me. He was looking down at me with the same hard expression.

I swallowed nervously. I hadn’t even heard the store’s door open. I didn’t even hear him approach me. I felt my stomach twisting again.

“You coming?” He asked. His words sounded irritated.

“Uh, yeah,” My voice was getting shaky. He was talking to me.

I slowly got up from the bench and picked up the bags that were sitting on the ground. James turned and started walking in the direction of his car. I unwillingly followed behind him.

We got to his car. He unlocked it and opened the back door to place the bags inside. I set mine in and snuck a glance at my brother. He was looking disapprovingly at the items I had bought. It didn’t help that the grocery bags were kind of see through and the smiling baby on the diaper package was fully visible because of it.

I awkwardly tried to ignore that and walked around to the passenger side of the car. I heard the back door slam and took a deep breath. I opened the door and got in. I really did not want to do this again. I closed the door and strapped myself in.

James climbed in the vehicle as well and started it. He pulled out of the parking lot and onto the slightly busy street.

The silence was slowly killing me. I couldn’t stand it. I wanted to be done with the weirdness that was occurring between me and James. I wanted to be able to be his sister again, to be his friend. I had ruined it though. This was my fault and these were the consequences.

A few minutes passed and I became even more uneasy.

“So,” James cleared his throat, startling me. “So how’s Devon?” His words were dripping with sarcasm and hate.

He took me by surprise and my heart began to beat rapidly. Was he really trying to start up another argument? I didn’t want any part of this. I wasn’t fully recovered from the conversation we had last night.

I worriedly glanced over at him. He was looking at me intensely. I instantly felt like I was crumbling under his gaze.

“James...” I spoke softly, feeling super anxious for the ride to be over. I looked down at my hands. “Please don’t.”

“Oh I’m sorry,” He pretended her was concerned. “Did you not want to talk about your secret baby? But that is why you brought him here, right? To tell me about him?”

“I-I’m sorry,” My voice cracked as I spoke. “I just… I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“Well,” More sarcasm was present as he spoke. “You didn’t have to tell me.”

“I already feel terrible about th-“

“You could’ve kept him a secret longer,” He continued, ignoring what I had to say. “He could’ve just stayed back home with Ashton while you guys were here.” 

That hit a nerve. I felt my heart sink. Why was he torturing me like this? Didn’t he know from yesterday that Ashton was a touchy subject for me? I couldn’t even say his name to him!

“Just stop!” I yelled at him. The tears were threatening to spill. I looked over at him with blurry eyes. “Jesus, I know this is hard for you to accept but it happened! Okay?”

“I can’t Maddie!” He yelled back, glancing intensely between me and the road in front of us. “There’s no way I can just accept what he did to you!”

His hands tightened on the steering wheel. The car was slowly beginning to go faster.

“I know! Okay? I get it!” I pushed my hair back out of my face.

He just laughed. “I was supposed to protect you! Ever since I was 14, when Dad left, that was my job! I was forced to step up and take care of everyone!”

At the mention of our dad, the old wounds that I had were ripped open. We didn’t really talk about him much. Eventually we had all gotten over it and moved on. He had left when I was 10 years old. Suddenly his face entered my mind and the tears that were building up spilled over.

“He would…hate me,” I croaked.

James sighed, noticing the tears. His expression softened a little. “Maddie... “

“He would! You know it!” I was slightly hysterical. “You hate me because of this situation, so he would absolutely loathe me!”

It was getting harder for me to breathe as I panicked. I looked back over at James. He was just facing straight ahead. His lips were pressed in a tight line.

“I just...,” He sighed again, not sure what to say or how to continue. He wasn’t even trying to defend himself from the statement I had made.

It seemed that the car was moving really fast. I glanced at the speedometer. He was doing about 65mph and the meter was still slowly rising.

“Slow down!” I yelled at him.

He just looked at me with a stiff expression.

I looked back at the road. There was a stop sign approaching extremely fast. The intersection only had stop signs on the street we were on. It was a two way stop. The other street in the intersection didn’t have stop signs.  

My eyes widened and I pointed towards the road. We were getting closer and there was a car about to pass through the intersection.

“James! STOP!” I cried frantically.

He turned his head back towards the road. As he saw what was happening, he slammed on the brakes. It was too late to stop before the stop sign though.

We were going to crash and die.

I flew forward but the seatbelt stopped me. The feeling of the vehicle stopping so quickly  was a hundred times worse than when roller coasters came to a complete stop at the end of the ride.

James turned the wheel to avoid hitting the other car that was passing through the intersection.

Somehow we managed to safely cross without hitting anyone. The vehicle came to a complete stop and we had somehow spun around, about 90 degrees.

I was shaking and my breathing was coming in gasps. I looked around quickly. We were stopped. We had somehow magically managed to not die.

James slowly released his grip on the steering wheel and leaned back. He placed is hands on his face before running them back through his hair. He looked just as freaked out as I felt.

He let out an unsteady breath before removing his hands and looking over at me.

“A-are you okay?” He asked sounding extremely freaked out.

I was hyperventilating. We had almost died. We almost had a major accident and almost crashed. I was crying again.

“Maddie?” He sounded more concerned.

I met his worried gaze as the realization sunk in. We had almost died!

“…Oh my God…” I said quietly. I lifted my hands up to see that they were shaking a lot.

James began moving the car again. He straightened the vehicle out to face the right direction and pulled off to the side of the road to get the car out of the way of any traffic that would pass by. Once we were pulled over he put it in park.

The fear from the incident had caught up with me and was sobbing.

James turned to face me again.

“Are you hurt? Did you hit something?” He was watching me with a distressed expression.

I just shook my head, unable to form words.

He reached over to put an arm around me as I cried from comprehending what happened. That was the scariest thing that had ever happened to me.

“We…almost crashed,” I choked out.

“I know….but we’re fine,” He spoke still sounding shaken up. “ I-I  wasn’t paying attention… I’m so sorry.”  

All previous emotions were forgotten as we sat there and tried to recover from what had happened. For a moment it felt like James was his old self again, like nothing had ever changed between us…