Drew had rolled down our windows lightly to feel the cool November air flow through the car, allowing my senses to calm. The relaxing melody of Magic by Coldplay played through the speakers as I attempted to untangle the AUX chord from the gear shift. We hadn't been on the road long but I was eager to start this four hour long journey with her, and I knew just the thing to keep us preoccupied.

I demanded, "Okay, so we're gonna play a game."

She glanced at me uneasily, "A game?" I nodded as I watched her bite her lip, which made my heart skip in my chest, "Okay. What kind of game?"

"We take turns asking each other questions but we both have to answer them."

"That's a game to you?" she smirked at me, which made me bite my own lip in response. I knew it wasn't really a game but I just wanted an excuse to ask Drew things without making her feel like I was calling out. She replied once again, "Can I start?"

I nodded, hoping she would start out small and simple.

Instead I heard her ask, "What song describes our relationship, to you?"

She looked at me, an eager smile spread on her perfect lips. Given she had caught me off guard with her question, which she clearly took pride in, but I was determined to give my best answer. How she had come up with that on the spot was beyond me, but it was definitely interesting.

I frowned, "That's hard."

She teased, "Try."

I smirked to myself as I thought about the millions of songs I knew. Trying to think of one song that would describe our relationship was really hard, but I tried. I flipped through my music, reading all of the song titles and humming certain ones in my head. Then my finger accidentally hit one specific song, as if it was a sign for me to stop and look.

The melody began playing and I looked at her, "I didn't mean to-"

"Wait," she answered, smiling, "I like this song."

I recognized the familiar voice of Michelle Branch, who was one of my favorites, and soon the recognizable chorus of All You Wanted blared through the speakers.

I sang along quietly.

If you want to...

I can save you...

I can't take you away from here...

So lonely inside...

So busy out there...

And all you wanted was somebody who cares...

Drew was glancing at me, which made me nervous and excited all at once. She had an effect on me no one else had, and I absolutely loved it. Not to mention that I had accidentally picked the best song for my answer.

She smirked, "That's your pick?"

I nodded, "I think it suffices pretty well. Beat that."

"You're challenging me?" she continued looking forward but I could hear the playfulness in her voice. She stared forward for a bit before she signaled to my phone. "You know The Reason by Hoobastank?"

I searched it on my phone and pressed play quickly, listening to the familiar intro. I could hear the song in my head before we even made it the first verse, which was because I actually loved it that much. I waited patiently for the chorus.

I've found a reason for me...

To change who I used to be...

A reason to start over new...

And the reason is you...

Drew's clear eyes took me in, a smile on her face as she raised a brow, "That's mine."

I nodded, feeling my cheeks heat up at how cute her song choice was, "I love it."

I could feel her eyes on me but I wasn't giving her the satisfaction of seeing me blush. I always did that around her, it was embarrassing but she just had that damn smile and that sparkle in her eye... Ah why did she have to be so good looking? Not to mention her impeccable taste in music...

She glanced at me again, "Is it your turn now?"

I realized I had been distracted from the game momentarily because of her but I was still kind of dumbfounded over her song choice, which had given me goosebumps. I quickly attempted to conjure up a question as good as hers.

I sighed, "Okay, um... what's your most embarrassing moment?"

Drew seemed to smile to herself, and I could tell she had instantly thought of something that had happened. I figured it had to have happened recently, and I was eager to find out, so I waited patiently for her to answer.

She laughed slightly, "Okay, it only comes to mind because it was recent, but I'm sure I've had worse. One day I was working out at the gym and was running on the treadmill. I was actually going to turn the speed down because I was finished, but then a super cute girl walked by and smiled and I accidentally turned the nob the wrong way. The treadmill sped up instantly and I went flying back into the wall."

I couldn't contain my laugh then, and imagining this actually happening to Drew was quite funny. I felt bad for finding it so amusing but I couldn't help it. I asked, "Did she see you?"

She nodded hesitantly, "Yep, and she thought it was hilarious."

"I can picture that," I smirked, "But I don't think it's as bad as mine."

Drew pressed, "I'm sure it is."

I shook my head, "I was walking down the street to one of my classes, and I was in a rush so I really wasn't paying attention. I was just trying not to get trampled by the millions of people. Then all of a sudden I tripped on a raised part of the sidewalk and I knocked over the guy in front of me... Ah it was just so embarrassing."

She was trying not to laugh too hard but I was laughing too so I didn't care. I thought it was hilarious now, but that day I had fallen in front of a lot of people, and it had really hurt my ego. I was glad Drew found humor in my embarrassments.

Besides, she was gorgeous when she laughed.

"Yea, that's pretty bad."

I nodded, "Thanks."

"You're pretty clumsy for a dancer," she teased, and I knew deep down she was kind of right. I didn't trip over my own feet often, but when I did it was tragic.

I countered, "And you're too pretty to beat up on people."

She glanced at me and smiled, getting my joke as she shrugged, "At least I can stop eventually. You'll always be clumsy."

I let my mouth hand open in affect, letting her know I didn't like her joke but in fact did like it a little bit. I was content whenever she was carefree and happy, and I hoped it lasted for the next twenty-four hours.

"So it's my turn again, right?"

I nodded at her question, "Make it good."

It didn't take her long to ask, "What do you think is the best quality about yourself?"

How was she so cunning? I didn't get it. One second she could be so closed off and shy and the next she could be glancing at you and giving you those damn eyes. Her questions were meant to flatter me, I knew it, and she knew it, and it was unfair.

Shrugging I answered, "I don't know, I think I'm a good listener compared to most people..."

She smiled at me, causing my heart to melt a little more. I couldn't help but let my eyes linger on her lips, but my gaze was interrupted as she spoke. She confirmed, "You are."

There it was again, the flirtatious tone that she liked to use on me because she knew it drove me up the wall. I felt my cheeks heat up again, loving the way she subtly complimented me as she drove on down the road.

I continued the conversation, "Okay, so what do you think your best trait is?"

She tilted her head and glanced into the rearview mirror, as if she wasn't sure what it could be. I could think of a million traits I loved about her and thought would suit to answer her question. Drew couldn't dislike herself that much, could she?

Finally she chimed in, "Okay, well I think I'm extremely passionate about things I love, which pay off in the long run."

Watching her answer was mesmerizing, mostly because she just looked so damn stunning with the sun hitting the side of her face. It made her hair shine blonder, and her eyes seemed to almost glow. It made me want to reach out and touch her, but I felt like that would be crossing a boundary, which discouraged me.

"That's a good answer. You're better at this than I am."

She laughed, showing me that wonderful smile, "I know. It's your turn."

I nodded, keeping it simple, "Favorite color?"

"Red."

I rolled my eyes, "No fair that's mine. Pick another."

"Red's my favorite, period."

I let out an exasperated sigh, smiling at our moment we had. It was easy with her, like breathing, and I realized a good bit of time had passed between us. I had been distracted but that's how I knew whatever was between Drew and I was a good thing. Time flew whenever we were together.

She asked immediately, "What's your favorite candy?"

I smiled, "Anything Hershey's, honestly. You?"

"Am I allowed to say the same thing again?"

I frowned, "No, pick your second favorite."

She laughed at me this time, "Fine. I uh, I really like anything sour."

"Is it because you're a sour person?" I teased, and could tell she was enjoying the playfulness that accompanied us in the car.

She rolled her eyes smiling, "Yea I guess so."

I leaned over then, grabbing her free hand with mine as I let them settle in her lap. She tensed but not because she was uncomfortable, but because I allowed our hands to rest on her upper thigh. I waited for her eyes to meet me, and when they did I wasn't quite sure how to read her, so I asked.

"Is this too much?"

She shook her head, giving me a warm smile, "No, I like holding your hand."

I felt my cheeks redden, even when I was the one initiating a little bit she was still the one to make me blush. I didn't get it, the way she had this effect on me wasn't fair, but I was trying desperately to keep up.

I decided to continue our game, "Okay, so what's your biggest fear?"

She seemed to hesitate, as if my question had caught her off guard. I didn't blame her, because I had suddenly thought of it and kind of blurted it out without thinking. Although I was curious, and I was hoping she would open up about the subject.

I felt her thumb rubbing the back of my hand, as if it provided some sort of comfort for her. I was kind of worried because she seemed to go somewhere else, but then she looked at me. I watched her shake her head, "Not ever being able to forgive my past... if that makes sense."

I frowned, understanding completely what she meant. She had sounded so broken when she had answered, as if there was barbed wire wrapped around her heart and every time she thought about it, it tightened just a little more. I hated seeing her struggle with things, mostly because Drew could be so strong and so fragile at the same time. I just wanted to help her, but I had no idea how.

I nodded, "I think I understand."

Then she shocked me even more by continuing on the subject, "It's like, I'll never be able to move past it until I understand it... and I have the hardest time even thinking about, so how am I supposed to move on? It seems impossible, but I know the only way to get all my happiness back is to forgive my past, but I can't... and it..."

I squeezed her hand as I heard her voice crack at the end, letting her know she didn't have to continue if she didn't want. I had heard enough to understand completely, and I was so grateful she had chosen to share it with me.

"Drew," I spoke softly, "You're strong enough. I promise you'll find what you're looking for, and you'll come back even stronger."

I felt her hand relax in mine, as if her entire body had been tense before I had said those words. I was glad I could relieve some of the tension she had built, but I knew I couldn't repair her, not completely. I could only be there and watch and be what she wanted me to be while trying to understand that this was a problem only Drew could surpass. It made me upset but I was helpless.

She cleared her throat and looked at me, "What about you? What's yours?"

Unlike Drew who seemed to not be afraid of much, I had plenty of fears. Admitting that out loud would never happen, because that made them more real, but I was determined to open up to her. She had done a fantastic job opening up, and I knew that I could trust Drew even whenever I had been hurt so many times before.

I nodded, "Leaving the people I love behind."

She studied me a little while longer before pulling her eyes back onto the road, "Elaborate on that one, please."

Smiling lightly I complied, "Whenever me and Ashley ended... I don't know, I feel into a dark place. Even though I was going to school and distracting myself I just wasn't living, I was just going through the motions. I had Jada and Maria worried sick because they thought I was going to do something to myself that would shatter everyone's world. I had thought about it, you know... ending it all."

I could feel her hand tense in mine again, but I knew this time it was the only form of comfort she could offer me. I clenched my jaw, attempting to keep myself together long enough to finish the story. This was something I didn't open up about, not at all, but here I was with Drew about to show her the most vulnerable side of who I was.

I continued, "I could tell everyone was on edge over me. Jada, Maria, even my parents, who would call me almost every night to see if I was okay. They knew I was hurting, yet they couldn't be with me because I was in New York. I almost did it, but I had this realization a moment before... and I saw my parents. I saw them at my funeral, crying and cursing and asking God why this had happened. That image scared the shit out of me, and I realized I never wanted to bring pain to the people I loved by ending my own life."

Drew seemed speechless, which was okay because I understood she probably hadn't seen me this vulnerable up until now. I had been there for her multiple times, and even when I had broken down because of Ashley this was different. This was a problem I had overcome on my own by telling myself things would get better with time, I just had to keep breathing.

I heard her speak up, "I'm so glad you decided to stay."

I felt a little ache in my heart dissipate; as if Drew couldn't have said that any better. It sounded so sweet and genuine rolling out of her mouth, and when I looked up I could tell she was struggling to hold back a few tears. I hadn't noticed till now but so was I, and I felt extremely grateful for her in this moment.

I nodded, pulling myself together, "I am to... because I wouldn't have met the people I did in school, and I wouldn't have been able to dance in front of hundreds of people. I wouldn't have learned to love myself the way I do now, and I wouldn't have met you."

I could tell I had hit a nerve in her, but it was a good one because I watched a wide smile spread on her face. Seeing her smile gave me hope, like it was the finish line at the end of a long race, or the sunrise after staying up all night. It made opening up worth it, because her smile literally lit up my entire world. It sounded so cheesy but Drew was something special, and I had a feeling her and I were meant to find each other. Why it had taken so long I didn't know, but we were here now and that's what mattered.

She took in a deep breath and shook her head, "You..." I watched her lose her wording, as if she knew what she wanted to say yet didn't know how to say it. "You're beautiful."

I smiled, loving how that had sounded so good in her voice. Drew wasn't affectionate, but she could be a romantic, which was contradictory but sweet at the same time. I nodded, "I'm a mess though."

 "A beautiful one."

I whispered, "Thank you."

Glancing at me I saw her beauty in a way I hadn't seen it before, as if I had gained a whole new perspective on Drew. She was flawed, and so was I, but that only made me think she was more perfect. It didn't make sense in my head, but it made sense in my heart, where it really mattered. Looking at her made my entire body warm, like I was stepping out of the shade and into the sun, letting the rays engulf my body and bring me back to life.

We fell silent, but it wasn't uncomfortable. I continued holding her hand the entire time, feeling her soft skin against mine was a type of magic I hadn't experienced in a while. It felt familiar yet foreign at the same time, because even when I had felt it with Ashley it had never been in the same intensity as it was with Drew.

That had to mean something right?

I gazed out the window, knowing we still had about an hour and a half to go but I didn't mind. I found being next to Drew was the most comfortable I had been in three years. It was like a safety net, and I knew she would catch me if I ever fell and needed her to help me back up. She was a support that I had gained involuntarily, yet I felt as if it had been meant to be. We seemed to be complete opposites yet so similar at the same time, and us colliding into each other just didn't feel like chance but rather fate.

I had never thought about these things until she had come along, but maybe that was the point.

She broke the silence after a while, "What are you thinking about?

I let my eyes glance over to her, feeling the warmth her voice gave me, "Just how crazy things seem to work out whenever you're least expecting it."

She smiled and nodded, "Yea, I think that's how it's supposed to be."

I narrowed my eyes in confusion, "Explain?"

Tilting her head, she contemplated, "Like, you find happiness when you stop trying so hard to find it. Kind of like just letting it find you, you know?"

Why was she so beautiful inside and out? I had never met someone with the same ideas and outlooks as Drew. She was just so intelligent and wise, yet she was only twenty-three and seemed to understand more than I did.

I spoke softly, "How are you so... wise?"

She shook her head, "I'm not like, Buddha or anything like that.... I just read a lot."

I smiled at her innocence, knowing damn well she was too good to be true, but if she wanted me around I would stay. In a weird way I felt as if we both kind of needed each other, even if we didn't have to say it out loud, we both just knew. Like the final piece to complete the puzzle, Drew fit next to me.

Something I hoped I could keep for as long as possible.

~ ~ ~ ~

"I'm really hungry, and they have this awesome little pizzeria up ahead... Do you want to stop?"

"Yea that sounds great," I agreed quickly.

Glancing at the clock on the radio I realized it was in fact around dinner time, and my stomach was cramping from hunger. We were finally here, which was exciting because my legs were stiff and ready to walk around.

Parking on the side of the road I followed her out of the car and fell into stride next to her, and felt her arm lace around my waist. She usually didn't do these types of things, but I could help but feel myself smile when she did.

Walking into the restaurant caused my senses to explode as the smells of cooking pizza completely intoxicated me. I hadn't realized I was this hungry up until now, but when Drew and I sat at a booth I heard my stomach growl.

She smiled, "I'm glad you're hungry."

I blushed slightly, "I'm glad we're finally here."

"Me to," she seemed to mean it somewhere deep down, but I couldn't help but wonder if there were bad memories resurfacing already.

I asked, "Are you okay? Like, with being here?"

Nodding, she answered, "Yea, I just... if I see him..."

I shook my head, grabbing her hand in the process, "We won't."

Then a waitress interrupted our moment, taking our drink orders and giving us recommendations on ordering. Considering the fact that we were both pretty hungry we didn't waste any more time and ended up ordering then and there too.

Then we were alone again.

I sighed, "Okay, so what are the plans tomorrow? I figured we'd go visit your mom's grave first."

I watched a smile grow on her lips at me putting her first because that was the real reason we were here. I wanted her to see her mom's grave, she needed it, and after we would do whatever she had in mind.

"Yea," she agreed, "Well after we can get breakfast at this awesome little café only a few people know about. They have the best coffee I swear on my life, and then we can figure it out from there."

I smiled at her excitement, seeing that she had in fact missed her hometown a little bit even when she didn't want to admit it to herself. She couldn't fool me.

Leaning forward, she eyed me, "Do you have anything in mind?"

I shook my head, "Nope, I'm leaving it all up to you to entertain me tomorrow."

"Sounds like fun," she responded, sipping on her water while eyeing me. For some reason it made my skin heat up, and I could tell she was doing it on purpose.

Why did she do this to me in public?

I tried to play it cool, "So where are we staying tonight? Or are we camping out in the car?"

She laughed, "Please, I got us a room at a hotel down the street."

I felt her knee touch mine under the table, setting me on fire. Why did my body respond instantaneous to her touch? I didn't get it. And did it do the same thing to her? I was desperate to know I wasn't the only one going insane right now.

"I'm not keen on you paying for everything you know."

Her eyes switched up from my lips and locked with mine, "Well, too bad."

I rolled my eyes, "Drew, you work for your money... let me at least help with this trip."

The pizza eventually came, but it didn't cut the conversation short this time. I was serious about helping her out, and I wasn't backing down this time.

She leaned over the pizza and smiled, "Then pay for dinner and consider it done."

God she was stubborn just like me and it was frustrating, but I knew arguing was pointless. She was just like me in that area and I couldn't be a hypocrite.

So we ate, exchanging small talk about the things we could possibly do tomorrow. She wanted to show me the basics every tourist should see, but she also wanted to show me little spots not many people knew about. I was glad she was excited about it though, because it let me know that she was actually enjoying the trip before it even started.

And I was glad I was here with her.

"So what are you gonna do about the winter recital?"

I looked up, realizing I had managed to push that thought to the back of my mind until now. I should be thinking about it but I had been too pissed off to do such a thing.

I shook my head, "I have no idea."

She tilted her head, "I'm sorry that they did that to you... I think you would've choreographed a phenomenal solo."

I smiled sadly, wishing I could show her and prove her right, but I couldn't. I needed to start thinking about a duet, and a song choice, and my partner. The stress over it really was suffocating, but Drew knew better than to let me push it aside. Even though it wasn't a solo it was still an opportunity, and I was going to take advantage of it regardless of the situation.

I nodded, "I know, but that's not the case anymore."

"Have any partners in mind?"

She seemed overly curious, which was kind of cute because it seemed like she was jealous almost. I leaned forward, teasing, "Maybe Jordi. What do you think?"

Her eyes darkened as she frowned, letting me know she didn't like that suggestion one bit. She shrugged, "Not a fan, he's not that good."

I groaned, "Actually he's really the only one I could rely on to be able to do the lifts and acrobatics that a duet requires. The other guys we dance with are too small to lift, and after Cielo I don't think Jordi's willing to help. So I'm basically fucked."

She shook her head, "Don't say that."

"Well it's true."

"You'll find someone, just start thinking about it."

I picked at the remaining of my pizza, "The problem is finding a strong partner who can adapt to new partners quickly considering we have a little over a month to prepare. I mean that's hard."

Drew's eyes were stuck on me, as if she was thinking of something big in her mind. I wanted to know but I didn't press her, besides, I was still overwhelmed with the thought of the upcoming recital and who the hell was going to partner up with me to help.

I didn't want to lose another number simply because I couldn't find a partner.

Then she asked, "Do they have to be a student?"

I looked at her, confused as to why she would even ask me that. I really didn't know the answer anyway because I had never considered asking, but why in the world would I ask anyone else?

I shrugged, "I have no idea."

She continued picking at her pizza, attempting to let the conversation die there but now I was curious. I watched her sip her water before attempting to revive the topic.

"Why?" I asked.

She folded her arms on the table, delaying her answer for some ungodly reason. Did she know someone? Is this why she was asking?

She finally opened her mouth to answer, "Well, I was thinking maybe... I could do it."

Was she being serious?

I narrowed my eyes, "You want to partner up with me?"

"I don't see why not. We've already established the fact that we dance great together, I can lift you no problem, and I'm experienced. The only problem would be is I'm not an actual student, but considering the fact that they basically forced you to perform a duet such short notice should give you reason to fight them for power."

I intruded, "And the fact that you're a girl."

I watched her eyes narrow this time, letting me know that she was about to take this the wrong way.

I continued talking before she had the chance, "Don't take that the wrong way, it's just... a duet is traditionally boy and girl. You know how they are."

She shook her head, "And it's two-thousand fifteen. Traditions are changing."

"You're really considering this," I mouthed, and I watched her nod.

She shrugged, "It was an idea, that's all."

I grabbed her hand, smiling like an idiot, "Drew, you want to do this? Cause if you do I'm going to fight them Monday for them to allow this, but I need to know you're all in."

Her clear eyes watched me intently, as if she as going through this idea one last time in her head. I could tell she was hesitating, but she was right about her being the perfect partner. We danced so well together it was almost scary, sure she hadn't formally danced in a long time but she learned fast. She was strong, agile, and the perfect height for me. She was basically the perfect partner, except she wasn't a student, and that could possibly bring us a problem if she decided to say yes.

She nodded, "I'm in, and just know that I'm only doing this for you and only you."

I smiled, not being able to contain my excitement over this idea. All of a sudden I was ready to be back in New York to fight for this. I needed Drew as my partner, but getting the permission would be the hardest part.

I mumbled out of excitement, "You're perfect."

This time she blushed, and she shook her head, "Don't say that too quick, we haven't even started practicing yet."

She was right, but all of a sudden I couldn't wait. Although I needed to chill because we had agreed to spend tomorrow in Boston, and I didn't want to distract her from the real reason we were here.

So I pushed the recital to the back of my mind again and decided to focus on the trip, secretly praying that everything worked out Monday when I went back to school.