“Morgan?” I asked with caution. “Are you ready to talk now?”
“I messed up.” She said, laying her head in her hands.
I sat down beside her, and put my arm around her, and that's when the water works began. I had only seen Morgan Astor cry once, and it wasn't over a boy. It was because she'd lost some big fashion design contest. She didn't let anything get to her, not even her relationship with her dad. So seeing her like this. Sad, and vulnerable... it shook me.
“Whatever it is, I'm here.”
“Adam, and I were having such a good time last night. He took me to a party at his friend's place, and we were drinking and dancing. I don't know how I let it happen, but we didn't use protection.”
I rubbed her back gently. Of all the things she could have told me, this wasn't the worst.
“It's alright.” I said. “I can run to the pharmacy, and get you a morning after pill.”
She nodded her head. “I feel like we're back in high school. How many times did you come to my rescue then?”
“I thought you were on birth control?” I asked.
“I was, but it made me gain weight. You're the reason I stopped taking it actually.”
“Me?” I laughed. “Why?”
“I noticed that you packed on a few pounds, and when weight gain was on the list of side effects I put two, and two together.”
I should have felt offended. I should have gone off on her, but I didn't. It wasn't worth it. A few weeks ago I probably would have agreed with her. I would have admitted that yes, I'd put on a little weight, and then she would have suggested we go to the gym together. I would have tagged along making myself miserable, all in the name of pleasing her. No more.
“I'm going to shower now. My things are already packed, so make sure you're ready. We'll stop at a pharmacy on the way to Jersey.”
“How long's the drive anyway?” She asked, as she stood.
“You didn't mark in on your map?” I teased.
“I did. I just... can't find it.”
I laughed. “Alright, well look it up on google then. I'll be quick.”
I brought my clothes with me into the bathroom, and was careful to keep my tattoo covered while I showered. When I finished, I used the supplies that Owen had given me and carefully bandaged myself back up again. I tossed on a pair of blue jean shorts and a black tank top, leaving my hair down to air dry. Of course I had to put ten pounds of product in it. When I was finally happy with the way it sat, I gathered all of my toiletries and zipped my bag up.
Morgan had her bags by the door, and after putting my shoes on I dragged my own over as well. When she opened the door, Owen was already standing outside of his room with his bag slung over his shoulder. His guitar case stood beside him leaned up against the wall, and he shot me a sly wink when our eyes met.
I blushed, and he stepped around Morgan to reach for the larger of my bags.
“Thank you.” I smiled, and Morgan stuck out her bottom lip.
“Must be nice. I have to lug my luggage around all by myself.” She whined.
I rolled my eyes, using my now free hand to grab the handle of one of her suitcases.
“Happy now?” I asked.
“Very.” She smiled, before the three of us made our way to the front desk to check out.
While Morgan dealt with the clerk, Owen and I lugged the bags out to the truck. It didn't take long for Morgan to join us, and soon we were setting our GPS for Jersey. We had about a three, and a half hour drive which meant we'd get in around lunch time. This time we booked a hotel in advance, so I hoped that the poor manager wouldn't have to endure any wrath from Morgan.
When I pulled into the pharmacy down the road, Owen gave me a questioning look.
“Girl stuff.” I said, as I put the truck into park and hopped out.
Morgan was right. It was like high school all over again. She was always too afraid to come in, so I had to do it for her. I'd probably asked for at least a dozen of these things in my lifetime. Always for her. If I was being completely honest with myself, I hated asking for things like this. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that this kind of pill exists, just not for the reasons that Morgan needs them. If a condom breaks, or God forbid something sinister happens, it's a pretty reliable solution, but just because you're careless?
After paying for what she needed, I made my way back out to the truck. When I got back behind the driver's seat, the air was heavy. I could feel the tension between us, and I had no idea where it was coming from. Everything was fine a few minutes ago. What could have happened between now, and then?
I handed Morgan the bag, and she stuffed it haphazardly into her purse.
“Aren't you going to take that?” I asked, as I started the engine.
“Pass me your water.”
Owen cleared his throat from the backseat.
“Is everything alright?” He asked.
“Cramps.” Morgan, and I answered in unison.
I pulled back onto the road, and the silence in the truck was unusual to say the least. I kept glancing at Owen in the rear view mirror, but I couldn't read him. His jaw was set into a hard line, and he was just staring out the window. Even when we
