day three: Jaycee's driving

I brought Ivan home again half asleep. My mom was pretty amused but she was worried because Ivan was a deep sleeper. We would commute to my house and he'd remain asleep all throughout. So I asked her to let me drive. I practically begged her for it.

"Why should I let you?" she raised her eyebrows at me.

"Well, it's easier to go home that way, I don't have to carry Ivan home."

"Why do you even bring him home?"

I scratched my head. "ehrmm.. I don't know where he lives?"

She let out a heart laugh. "You should know where your boyfriend lives."

"Ma. He's not my.." I gave up, exasperated which amused her even more. After she exhausted all the laughter she got out of her system, she gave me a stare and some words of wisdom and driving tips before agreeing. School was only a five minute drive, easy. But wherever Ivan may drag me off later would be a different story. I went to bed satisfied.

One, I get to drive. Two, Ivan's sleeping beside me, again.

When I woke up, Ivan was snuggled to my chest, curled like a cat. His eyes opened, surprised.

"Good morning."

I couldn't resist so I put an arm around him and kissed his forehead. 

"I'm getting used to having you in my bed." I said

He snuggled close, trying to hide his embarrassment but the tips of his ears were turning red, it gave him away. 

"Am I talking to a pillow or something?" 

He didn't answer, he pointed at the sculpture of Haliya on my desk. 

Haliya was a moon deity my mom was named after. When she learned about it, she became obsessed and used her a her subject in her art. So now our home was like Haliya's museum. 

I stretched and let out a yawn. I got up from bed and motioned Ivan to follow me to the kitchen for breakfast. I looked at Ivan walking behind me, smiling. I wonder what he's talking about, sometimes I really cannot read him. 

"Why are you smiling?" I asked.

He answered me with a bigger grin, I flicked his forehead. "Eat, we have to go to school.

"Good morning kids," mom greeted when we got to the kitchen. She already prepared the table for breakfast. She gave me the car keys I begged for last night and gave me a thumbs up. 

"Thanks."

"Let's go?" I asked Ivan after he showered and prepared himself. He's wearing my shirt again. I shrugged at the thought creeping in my head. "I'm driving."

He looked at me with…fear? Worry? I don't know, I almost laughed. 

"You even allowed to?" He questioned. 

"I'm eighteen." I simply answered. 

He nodded. 

I walked to the door and ivan followed, clinging in my arms. He really is petite. He's slightly just below my ears and really thin. 

"You're so small." I couldn't help but comment. 

He wrapped his arms tighter around me. If he were someone else, I would have flinched and pushed he away. But since our first meeting, I already knew how straight forward Ivan is, so I guess I half expected him to be all clingy and touchy. I don't care though, because it's him. 

"You're just a giant." Ivan retorted. 

I drove a Civic, a gift from my dad and his boyfriend for my eighteenth birthday last month. My mom was reluctant to take it but I accepted. Well it's a car, and it's my birthday gift and I didn't want to hurt my dad's feelings. 

Ivan rode shot gun and stared blankly outside. I was fighting the urge to reach to him and pat his head or something. I turned my attention to the road instead. The short drive was uneventful and painfully quiet. But when we got off, Ivan was smiling again. 

We were greeted by his friends who were looking at us, surprised. Well except for Honey who's eyebrows were raised. She started scolding Ivan and Ivan explained as much as he can.

"Nothing happened, I swear." I heard Ivan say. 

"I didn't do anything." I couldn't help it.. "Unless…" I smiled and walked away.