Chapter 9 - DRIVING AWAY
The black luxury sedan backed out of the parking space with unnecessary force, kicking up loose gravel against Ethan's car doors.
Richard and Eleanor sped out of the lot, their taillights disappearing down the tree-lined campus highway.
Chloe let out a long, shaky exhale, leaning back against the passenger side door of Ethan's sedan.
"Well, that definitely closes the door on Thanksgiving dinner," Chloe joked nervously, offering a wry, tired smile.
Ethan chuckled softly, unlocking the car doors and tossing Chloe's duffel bag into the backseat.
"We can host our own Thanksgiving with instant ramen and microwaved burritos," Ethan offered warmly.
Chloe slid into the passenger seat, clutching her dark leather graduation folder across her lap like a precious artifact.
Ethan climbed into the driver's side, starting the engine with a familiar rattling cough from the old starter motor.
As they pulled out of the university gates onto the interstate, Chloe watched the campus recede in the side mirror.
The forest green cap sat on the dashboard, catching the golden hour light as they drove toward an uncertain future.
"Where are we going, Ethan? I can't stay at my dorm; my parents own the building lease," Chloe noted quietly.
"You're staying at my apartment. It's small, but the locks work and my roommate is out of town," Ethan reassured her.
Chloe turned her head to look at him, feeling a deep wave of gratitude wash over her tired soul.
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"Thank you, Ethan. For everything today," she whispered sincerely, resting her head against the cool glass window.
"You don't ever have to thank me for standing by you, Chloe," Ethan replied, keeping his eyes focused on the open road ahead.
