Lily's pov

When I was finally able to return to the land of the living - only because my alarm, known as Jace - made an entrance with his a capella of Sia's Chandelier. Not the best, and not the worst thing to wake up to I guess.

Groaning, I sit up from my slouched position, my spine clicking in protest, causing me to make a cringed face.

"Rise and shine sleepy head!".

Sharing a dopey grin, I rub the sleep from my eyes, letting out a soft yawn with a stretch "you looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you up" I blush, not knowing what to say. However, by the smile on his face, I knew there was something else.

Swiveling round, I cross my arms "and?" He chuckled, shaking his head before allowing his gaze to meet mine, a humorous and mischievous glint flashing through them.

"You know you talk in your sleep right?"

My eyes widened, no! That's embarrassing!

"No! I don't! You're lying!" He burst out laughing, hand slapping his thigh in a fit of giggles, the car making a slight swerve on the road before he gained control again, still giggling away.

"You do! It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen!" I grumble under my breath, arms still folded, eyes playfully narrowed.

"Ok, ok. Let's say if you are right, and I do - but I don't - but if I did … what did I say?"

The evil grin across his face told me that it was going to be something very embarrassing, and he enjoyed it very much.

"You had a big smile on your face … well, more like a dopey grin" I nod, using my hand to gesture for him to carry on "in a lovestruck voice, you mumbled - and I quote - 'Jace … I'm so in love with you, I have been for a while now. You're the most handsomest and sweetest boy I have ever met. I didn't know how to tell you … please be mine!' and that was the end of your confession" He looked so smug and happy at the same time.

If I looked at my reflection, I would see my bulging eyeballs, shaped mouth that could probably hit the floor. There's no way I said that. But if it was in my sleep, who knows what I could have let out.

"There's no way I said that! Did I?!" He burst out laughing once more, tears streaming down his face as he gasped for air. When his eyes met mine, he would lose control and begin another laughing fit.

"O-of course you d-didn't!" He choked, trying to catch some oxygen "you just babble on about eating cookies and donuts, dunking Oreos in milk. Then you started laughing, saying how they should make edible inflatable rings made of the Yum Yum cakes" he giggled, making me join him in the fit of laughter and heaves as well.

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea" he agreed with me through his wheezing, and managed to sober up enough to focus on his driving, using the back of his hand to wipe away the water from his eyes.

Sighing in relief that it wasn't anything that embarrassing, I shut my eyes, letting the air conditioning hit me. It is so hot, I wish it would cool down more "however".

My eyes shoot open, on alert that my companion has spoken, not wanting to ignore him "yes?"

He hesitated a moment, and I could see he was contemplating things in his mind "hey, what are you thinking so hard about?" I say, trying to cheer him up, and to ease him into speaking his mind. We always tell each other everything, no matter how late or early we say it.

"You know you can chat to me about anything … right Lily?"

I bump his shoulder, smile on my face, until I see his gaze turn into a natural serious one. Rubbing his arm, I nod "of course I do, and I hope you do as well" he flashes a bright toothy grin, nodding before another idea pops into his head. I could always tell, his eyes seem to get wider.

"If … If you did feel like that towards me - at any point - You can tell me. I wouldn't treat you any different. You will always be my little munchkin".

I couldn't believe what he just said. Yes it was really sweet, but I didn't understand why he was saying it "um … thank you, Jace. Also, you too?" I question, unsure, but smile to let him know I wasn't put off by what he said, and he mirrors my expression.
   
"What made you think about that?" He was silent, gently scratching the nape of his neck, silence enveloping us except the music in the background.

"I don't know, guess I was just thinking out loud, you know?" he mumbles bashfully, which is rare. Mentally shrugging it off, I pat his tricep "anywho, we have an hour and a half drive left" he chuckled, earning a groan from me.

"Hey, don't groan. You love our car rides" he pouts.

"Of course I do! Don't pout!" I exclaim dramatically, playing along with Jace's act. Bursting into a fit of giggles, I shake my head, relaxing into the seat "no, honestly, I do love our rides, it's just been a hectic day and I can't wait to get home and watch movies with you".

The biggest smile covered his face, and it was adorable.

"Same here Lily".

As we began to fall into a soft silence, my friend's voice blurted out loudly "I love this song!" as the beat starts, making me jump for a split second. Without hesitation, I crank the volume up an extra few notches, laughing the whole time.

I honestly couldn't blame him, this song was really good. We must have listened to it about a million times since the movie came out.

Our hands drummed along to the tune, mine on my lap or the dashboard, while Jace mimicked me, but on the steering wheel, making sure to hit the horn a few times, letting it blare through the empty roads.

Our voices belting out the lyrics as loud as we could go, mini echoes escaping the car's confinements as they were freed into the wilderness.

Whoever were to pass us now would think we were either high, drunk or just a bunch of loonies that has nothing better to do, except to cause as much ruckus as possible. But at the moment, we honestly couldn't care less.

My thoughts were now consumed by the music - in my opinion - this has to be one of the best musicals ever! I never knew how well Hugh Jackman could sing! He was absolutely brilliant! I remember when we first watched the Greatest Showman. Hugh Jackman is one of our favourite actors, especially when we saw him in the X Men movies, so when we found out he did a new movie we had to see it.

We aren't really into musicals, but since he was in it, we thought 'hey, why not?'

As soon as it started, we fell in love with it. The songs were wonderful with incredible beats, the vocals were beautiful, and the actors were magical. Out of all of them, Hugh Jackman was the best.

And he was really good in the DreamWorks Happy Feet, I think he played Mumble's dad if I'm not mistaken. I might watch that when I get home "hey Jace?" His head lifts up more to look at me, instead of hunching over his wheel.

"Yeah?"
"Would you like to watch Happy Feet with me when we return? We can have that toffee popcorn bag we have been saving" I tease, knowing this would definitely persuade him, but I knew Jace would happily watch a movie with me anytime, it's one of his favourite things to do.
     
It was silent before a dashing grin sprouted on his features.

"What do you think?"

Chuckling, I distract myself with the scenery once again as the song faded into the background. I loved how the sun began to tuck itself away for the day, like a business man retiring from work, leaving the sky a dark peachy orange tone.

It was beautiful.

"Ready?!" My eyes widen as my head bobs hurriedly.

I knew what this time meant!

Leaning to my left, I check the side view mirror, fascinated as a soft red glow illuminates the belly of the car, turning the blue into a dark purple, bathing the concrete in a rich crimson.

Peaking over the rim of the door, the highlight glowed up at me. Letting my arm rest over the frame so my fingers can rest against the middle of the car's body, my once peachy skin, now a light ruby shade.

"I could never stop being amazed by that light!" I exclaim, earning a chuckle in response. I almost laughed when the thought of Jace wanting a yellow light for the car instead swam through my mind. Since he saw the minions, he went through a mad yellow and blue faze.

Thank God he snapped out of it, and chose a reasonable colour. However, Jace has always been good with colour coding things.

Soon after, Jace retorts "I noticed, and speaking of …"  he trails off, eyes flicking to the surrounding pines and birch littering the skirting of the road before continuing "do those trees look more ... Eerier than normal?".

Turning my sight out the window - for who knows how many times tonight - at first, they seemed normal, like an average woodland area. Although, as the time passed, I had a feeling I knew what his words meant.

"Yeah ... Normally birds would be flying, or a deer poking its head out from the tree line at least" I wonder as my gaze analyzes the scene flowing past us. Jace wasn't convinced, he seemed so unsure.

"It's really weird …"

"Yeah Maybe it's an off day, it happens" I reassure ... he shrugs, shifting gear once more.

"The sooner we get home the better. Too much excitement wears you out" he announces, giving the tip of my nose a little boop, causing me to giggle along.

"Too right".

"Thank God, we don't have college for two days" he groans. I hum in acknowledgement.

"Yeah, and how come you have to go in?" I ask, wonder coating my face. I remember Jace saying something about needing to pop in tomorrow shortly in the morning.

He rubs the back of his neck before setting it back on the wheel "I have to hand my uniform in the morning. Thank goodness though, that gets heavy carrying it everywhere" I giggle, bumping his arm playfully.
    
"Heavy? For you? You do sports and have plenty of muscle, stop searching for a compliment" I roll my eyes dramatically, playfully acting stern.

However, he just smirks "I can now. You already admitted I have muscle".

I was silent, processing his words before I thought over mine.

I laugh, realising I slipped up, making him chuckle as well, saying how I will learn someday. Shaking my head, my hair bounces around my face due to the simple action, followed by saying how he's a Muppet.

"How about you, Lily?"
I smile as I tap my finger
absentmindedly on the dark dashboard.

"I have to collect my artwork from the exhibition some time this week, they also said I don't need to rush" he makes a sound of acknowledgement as he starts to shift the car around, following the slight curve in the road.

"If you want, I'll drive you? Or I can walk with you?"

I can't believe how sweet and caring he is, he amazes me every single time.

"Tomorrow, I think we deserve a chill day, what do you think?" I hum, just imagining it made me feel relaxed.

Now that I think about it, it's been a hectic week. The class and I needed to do a final piece, and decorate the class room, along with hanging the art work. Before all of that, we needed to finish up our sketch books, closing it up with a proposal, and handing that into Sir.

"Deal. We can binge on movies with a takeaway".

He licks his lips in anticipation "that sounds like a good plan Lily, I love your style" I grin at his humorous appraisal.

"Lily, we're only nineteen, I say we kick life in the balls and go on holiday" my eyes grew big, not believing what he was saying "don't look at me like that little missy" smiling, I process the words I want to say, waiting a minute.

"But, I can't afford a holiday, not yet at least. Plus, you're in the same boat as me" I sigh softly before adding "and it wouldn't be fair on you to pay for everything either".

"What would you say, if I already had enough money?" No coherent words formed, all stuttered and choked sounds "before you say anything Lily, it's my treat. You have worked harder than most of us, you could do with being spoiled".

Not knowing What to say, I give his shoulder a quick bop, playfully scolding him for doing something this big without me knowing. But I said I loved him, and he was sweet, plus it was a really nice thought.

Beaming down at me, he turns his gaze on to the road "eye spy with my little eye" I shook my head, exclaiming the word no, over and over again, trying not to laugh.

"Come on, you know you want to" he coaxes, light brows wiggling like a caterpillar in the rearview mirror. I stayed silent for a moment, watching his grin widen from the side.

"Fine"
    
He cheered in joy, fist bumping the air, and I giggled, obviously I would play!

"Something beginning with … T" looking around, I had two options: tyres, or trees.

"I'm going to go with … trees?" He nods, praising me, letting me know it's my turn to choose now. Flicking my gaze around, I tap my fingers against my knee in wonder "eye spy with my little eye …" I continue my search, humming to fill the silence.

In the corner of my eye, I could tell Jace was really eager to guess the word.

"Something beginning with the letter … G" his brows furrow, concentration highlighting his features.

"Grass?" I shake my head in disagreement.

"Green?" I say nope.

"Ground?" I declined his answer, and he looked really down cause he couldn't get it, which was cute. His eyes sifting over everything in the car, then outside.

Moments must have passed before he suddenly shouts "glow!" Which made me jump, causing the belt across me to constrict my sudden movement.

"That's it! Your turn!!" He chuckled evilly before his eyes roamed everywhere they could without his head turning to give it away.

"The letter … S!" My eyes widened in shock.

"S?" He nods, a dark grin on his face. Ok Mr Jace, if you want to give it to me hard, I'll do it back the next time.

"Stereo?" He chuckled, saying no and I will struggle, and how much this one is a good one.

"Stars?"

"No, but that's a good one!"

"How about …" I glance around, thinking where his eyes could reach without turning his head. Positioning myself head on, I turned my eyes in multiple directions, and surprisingly, I could see more than I thought I would.

"Ok, I have two, steering, and seats" he nods his head in acceptance.

"You are correct … but what one?"

"Seats?" He burst out in a chorus of praise once more, then into one of sadness because he thought I wouldn't beat him "my turn! I choose the letter H!"

"What in the hell begins with H?" I chuckle, creepily rubbing my hands together "now that's evil" he jokes, making us laugh.

"Hood, car hood? Hoody?" I shut down his list, but praise him for his good effort.

"Hands?" I shake my head, showing it was wrong again. He sighs, throwing his head back before groaning, causing a giggle to slip from me once more.

"Do you want to know?" He pouts, nodding his head.

"It's hair".

His mouth gapes, eyes larger as his hand jolts out, fingers tickling my side, earning a fit of laughs and cries along with wheezes. It didn't help when I couldn't do it back since he's driving, plus the fact I couldn't really reach due to his arm holding me in place the same time he tickles and drives.

"Ok! I give! But I won!" I scream, tears coating my face as I cackle away like a clown on drugs. He finally decided to ease up, letting me finally catch my breath as I pant and gasp. Leaning back from my hunched over state, I shove my head out the window, living the rush the breeze was giving me, slight adrenaline pumping my veins.

The speed was so exhilarating.

"So, where would you like to go?" I query, causing his head to tilt a little my way "for the holiday, I mean".

"Maybe somewhere warm? I honestly don't mind as long as you're with me" he comments, making my cheeks feel as if they were on fire. Running my hands through my mane, shaking it out a little so it wasn't tangled in my top, or the strands mingled together.

"Thank you Jace, that means a lot. Also, I feel the exact same way, you make everything fun" his cheeks flared as well, causing him to clear his throat in shyness.

"Can we send mum and dad a postcard? I've always wanted to do that!" His hand strayed from the wheel as it traveled to my hair, softly stroking it, sending me into a relaxed state of mind. This feels really good.

"You've always liked your hair being played with … especially by me" he murmured, his eyes still on the concrete trail ahead of us.

"Of course … you're really soft with your hands, it just feels so good" I mumble softly, feeling drowsy all of a sudden "hey, stop, you're going to make me fall asleep!" I squeal, Jace's laughter belting out, causing a mini echo. Letting his hand fall to the gear stick, he shifts it to a faster pace, not exceeding the limit.

"I'll make sure the post card is the corniest one possible!" I exclaim, many ideas running through my head of what they could look like.

"Let me guess, a guy falling over saying 'have a nice trip'?" My eyes enlarged at Jace's joke, but it was absolutely perfect!

"That's a great idea! We definitely need to keep an eye out for one with that on it!"

He chuckled, and I was so excited about the idea that I was almost wriggling in my seat. The music was still running in the background, and I was happily listening away.

Slowly, my attention drifts back to the patrolling trees, watching them run past us, almost like a professional track runner.

However, that wasn't the only thing.
I couldn't see clearly, but amidst the woodland, a tiger was weaving in and out of the trees deeper in the woods, almost keeping up with the car. I could tell it was an animal racing through the trees, that's because people don't run on all fours, and match the speed of cars.
    
"Hey! I think I saw a Deer! I think it's playing with something, or going for a run!" I cheer. Jace transfers his gaze in my direction with a smile for a second as he clicks on the headlights.

That's another thing about Jace, he's considerate, and caring for all nature from the smallest Ant to the largest Elephant.

"Can you still see it?" He asks as he focuses on another bend, slowly straightening the car up. Leaning closer to the rim where the window would come out to seal the gap, I tried to see through the trees, but it was highly difficult.

"No ... It's gone. Maybe another one will pop up" I respond, looking ahead with a relaxed sigh. I haven't seen a Deer in a long time. They have one of the sweetest faces you could ever see. Shifting that thought to the back of my mind, I focus on my bed, really can't wait to get my feet up and watch a movie. It feels like forever since I have done that.

"Only an hour and a little bit left, then we will be home, and we can hit the hay for tomorrow instead. We can always celebrate then" I nod in response, that's a better idea.

"That's a good plan there Jace, I love your thinking" he chuckles, realising I used the same words as him, this time he gave my shoulder a soft bump before he indicated to shift around a pothole.

These things are so hazardous, but fun if they are small enough to not do any harm to the people or the vehicles.

Except that one time I hit the ceiling. I had a slight bump, and Jace being Jace, said it looked like I had an apple strapped to the side of my head.

"Should I call to surprise mum and dad when we get back? Or should I wait until we see them?" It was silent for a moment, which confused me. Rotating my head, I find Jace already gazing down at me with one of his gentlest looks ever. It held joy and pride, which gave me the warm and fuzzy feeling in my chest.

"What's the matter?" I question gently as he lets his eyes linger on the road again "you still call them that ... It makes me happy, and it's adorable" he chuckles.

My eyes widen a little as I drop my head in embarrassment, and shyness from his words. Finding the lining of my top interesting, I glance at him as I raise my head "yeah ... They have shown me so much love, and cared for me ... I see them like my own ... I love them" he grins, patting my knee softly with a small caress.

"We all love you too" my lips stretched up at the sides while I mentioned how much I love him and his parents. Peeking out the window frame, straining my ears for birds, however none were heard. Just the rumble of the engine, and the thrum of the music.

"Oh, and getting to your question ..." he starts, soon trailing off as he begins focusing on pulling the vehicle into the middle of the road for the slimmer turn.

"I reckon, they would love to hear it in person. Both of them will be so proud of you" he is the sweetest boy I have ever met.

"Are you sure?" I bashfully retort.

In return, I got a confident "I know so".

Grinning at one another, I settle my hand on his knee as he puts his foot down to shift speed to a slower pace. Patting my hand, Jace looks up at the concrete floor beneath our car. The view now bathing in a soft orange light, due to the headlights merging with the red undertone.

Glancing at the variety of skinny and thick wooden giants lining the road once more, I saw it.

It was quick, like an animal, however it was a little tall. Maybe a Bear? They are large, even when on all fours like this, they hit at least six to eight feet tall on their hind legs … but I didn't know they could run on them though.

Fascinated, I watched in amazement "I think I see a Bear!" Shooting my head round at Jace, his eyes were wide.

"Really?" I nod fast, rushing to find the animal again.

However, it had vanished.

"Dang it, that's the second animal I missed tonight" I pout, watching the scenery from the glass pane in front of us. This is starting to suck, I can't believe I lost two animals.

"Don't worry, there will be many more trips kiddo" sharing a massive toothy smile, I set my gaze ahead of me as a wind the window up halfway with the button on my door.

Next time, I will bring my phone with me, and I'll catch it on camera too. Or I'll steal Jace's, he shouldn't mind ... Hopefully.

Third plan, I'll bribe him. He loves food, so it shouldn't be hard. Anything sweet or spicy will one hundred percent win him over.

Feeling pleased with my plan, I settle back into my comfortable seat more, letting the soft leather calm me "So-"

All of a sudden, from the side of the road, I see a flash of sandy brown in a large mass in front of us.

"Watch out!" I scream in alarm. A hard thudding sound pierced my ears as something slammed into my side of the car, sending a sensation of dizziness while the car spun out of control like a tornado down the road, a sharp pain shooting through my skull.

The screeching tires dragged along the floor, with the faint stench of the irony liquid dripping from my temple as it all grew still ...