A Thousand Miles | Sunshine & Bene

[Sunshine and Whiskey]

The day had finally come and Alyssa was ready.

A trip to God only knows where it came sooner rather than later and honestly, she was happy. Ecstatic even. She had promised Edward, or Eddie as she liked to call him often, that she’d pick him up in her vehicle and that they would take turns driving a few miles or whatever. It was an agreement that they have had since their Freshman year of high school, which they both had drawn up a contract for. It was that serious for the both of them but most importantly, herself because she had grown tired of the small-town life and that’s another reason why her college was going to be far, far away from home.

Alyssa hasn’t told Eddie that she had gotten accepted into the college of her dreams simply because of the fact that she didn’t want to hurt him. Not that she ever would intentionally but knew that the news would probably devastate him simply of how far away it was. She had sighed at the thought then placed it in the back of her mind because she didn’t want to be sad before they kicked off this trip. She definitely didn’t want to be the one who caused them both to be sad on the trip.

Before she made her way in Eddie’s direction, Alyssa did a brief checklist of the items she knew that she needed then stuffed her bags inside of the trunk, which she closed then got inside of her vehicle. There was no bother in telling her parents where she was headed because this trip had no desired destination. Herself and Eddie were just going to go wherever the road took them, wherever the wind blew, and just be free with who they were.

There was absolutely no telling where they might end up.

The only thing that mattered was that Alyssa trusted him and vice versa. She had begun to drive to Eddie’s home, which wasn’t that far from her own. She hoped to herself that Eddie hadn't told anyone about the trip. He was such a softie at times that she could never stay mad at him for too long. Alyssa just felt it in her gut that he told but of course, she was going to ask him whenever she saw him. It was going to be the first question she’d ask him, as a matter of fact.

After a few minutes of driving, she pulled up to Eddie’s home and she really didn’t want to honk the horn, so just simply sent him a text.​

To: Eddie ❤
From: Alyssa
Here. Hope you’re ready.​

Whenever his figure would come into view, she’d smile and exit from her vehicle, running up to him and giving him a hug. It wasn’t like they hadn't seen each other just the other day but Alyssa was just happy to be spending the Summer with him. Hopefully, the entire Summer. She’d break the hug then punch his arm playfully. ❝Who did you tell about this trip?❞ She asked as if she just knew that he had told someone, which brought up that feeling within her gut again. She had popped her trunk open so that he could place his bags within the trunk alongside hers.

❝Well?❞ She’d ask, basically accusing him further at this point.​

 

[Bene]

The idea was really quite simple: a road trip from their small hometown on the east coast, to the west coast and California. Or wherever they ended up. The plan was to just... drive. On paper, it was about a week's worth of driving. But knowing Eddie and Alyssa, that trip could easily last much longer. Whenever the two of them went on even short trips, they took all sorts of detours and ended up getting lost. With the distance they were covering, he expected this trip to last a month or more easily. Even the whole summer if he was lucky.

Eddie was in his room finishing getting ready. His duffel bag was packed with most of his clothes and other necessities for this trip. They would be away for quite some time, so he was sure to have everything he needed. That was when he heard the beep of her car outside. Knowing Alyssa, he had at most 30 seconds to get downstairs and in her car before she beeped again and got impatient. So once he heard her, he slung his bag over his shoulder and headed downstairs and outside to greet her.

Since it was summer, he was wearing a pair of gym shorts and a loose tank-top with slide on sandals. Comfy clothes. Especially considering how long they would be in her car together. Luckily hers had AC.

Alyssa greeted her the usual way, and he happily hugged her back. Though he always hated when she pulled away.

After their hug, he looked over and smiled. "Nobody really, just dad. You know he gets." he said scratching his head. "But that's about it. Let's get going already." he said, tossing his bag into the back of her car and shutting the trunk. Eddie leaned against her car and turned to her again.

"I'm looking forward to his, sure we won't get sick of each other?" he asked her.

 

[Sunshine and Whiskey]

Her nose had inhaled his scent whenever they hugged and he always smelled the same. She tried her best not to be creepy about it either. She disliked herself more and more every single time she had to pull away from him. She wanted her arms to cling to him and stay around him forever but they were only friends, which really explained a lot about them. Alyssa rolled her eyes upward to the sky above them at the thought then focused on his gaze.​

Of course, he would tell his dad because he practically told him everything. She couldn’t be too mad at him though because that would’ve been a mistake. Her arms had rested themselves on top of her vehicle while Eddie asked a question that made her cock her head to the side slightly. Where did that question even come from? A thought that she’d place elsewhere inside of her head until it was needed because it wouldn’t do any good to start a trip off badly.​

❝Uhm, what?❞ She asked with a laugh then shook her head. ❝We haven’t grown sick of each other yet.❞ Alyssa replied then opened up her car door as she got inside then waited for Eddie to also be inside before she asked a question of her own. ❝Are you sick of me already?❞ A little laugh followed after those words because she wanted to be sure that this trip was going to be a good idea.​

That’s the one thing she hated about herself, she thought about things too much.​

Alyssa's hands gripped the steering wheel while she stared straight ahead. Her hands then clapped together as she reached in front of Eddie for the glove compartment, her elbow rested against her upper thigh as she dug out a small notebook. ❝I have an itinerary for each place we stop, just in case.❞ She stated while handing him the notebook so that he could flip through it and give her his thoughts about it.​

❝So, ready to go?❞ She asked him but seemingly already knew the response because she started up the engine, put the car in drive, and proceeded to get on the road and start their trip off. This was going to be awesome and she had a great feeling about it. Even before they got inside of the vehicle, she did have her doubts but all those washed away since they were now headed onward to kick start their journey.​

 

[Bene]

Eddie climbed into the car with her and buckled in. This was happening. A smile grew on his face while he flipped through the notebook. It was just like her to have the whole thing planned out. It was cute how excited she was about this. So was her outfit today.

The two of them had been friends since they were in elementary school. They were nearly inseparable, and sometimes even blurred the line of “just friends”. Their mutual friends had tried to push them together romantically, but they just never really went for it. Now that they were both young adults, labels like boyfriend or girlfriend just didn’t matter.

Though he would by lying if he said there wasn’t feelings there. Part of the reason he agreed to this was to see if she felt the same way

“Let’s go!” he said excitedly, patting the dashboard. “You have first shift, we’ll switch off in Delaware. Should be there by the afternoon I figure.” he said, then flipped through the notebook to Delaware. Surely she had something planned for it too.

Thankfully her car was nice enough that this trip would be comfortable. It would be interesting to see how the two of them interacted after being this close together for so long. They hung out a lot in the past, but this was more than one overnight together. That was something that never done before, so it would be interesting. Along the way there would be plenty of motels to stay at, or even just sleeping in the car. Either way it meant they were likely sharing a bed or sleeping space. That was something he was looking forward to the most.

This was bound to be one hell of a trip.

 

[Sunshine and Whiskey]

Alyssa couldn’t help but stare at Eddie because she did have feelings for him. She never had the guts to tell him though. She just didn’t want it to be awkward for this trip, so maybe it was best that she just didn’t say anything for now. It was something that she kept bottled up for so long, so why not continue to keep it inside. She exhaled a sigh while her hands tightened up around the steering wheel. Just those thoughts were coming back to her from the first day they met. ​

It wasn’t love at first sight because they were too young to know what love was.​

They have seen each other’s ups and downs and honestly, Alyssa was always there for Eddie, no matter what and vice versa. She remembers sneaking into his room to just comfort him for whatever reason he needed her there. Those were some good and bad times for them both. Those thoughts were still mingling somewhere inside of her mind that was to be brought up during this trip. It was the perfect time for it, she thought. Alyssa had tuned back in whenever Eddie enthusiastically said let’s good.​

She had planned out different activities for them to do in every single state and city that they visited. She was very organized, always has been, and Eddie should’ve known that by now. ❝Sounds like a plan to me.❞ She commented then reached over to help him flip through the book and pointed her finger on the page that was marked, Delaware.​

❝I figured that we could bar hop there and just let loose.❞ Alyssa spoke with a little giggle as she continued to drive, following all the signs and such. ❝I’ve already booked us a hotel reservation, as well.❞ She added with the shrug of her shoulders then turned to face him as they came to a red light. ❝Did you think that this day would never come?❞ A question that she asked herself more than once because they had planned this for a very long time now. She waited for him to respond before she went any further. Although she did reach to turn on the radio but turned the volume down a little so that she could hear Eddie, as well as the music that was consistently playing in the background.​

 

[Bene]

"Never actually. But I'm glad it did. I really needed this trip." he said to her with a smile. Cautiously, he reached his hand out and placed in on her thigh and gently rubbed it. "I hope you're as happy as me, though remember that we only have so much money. So don't blow it all at the first bar.." he teased and removed his hand, placing it in his lap. The light turned green and they were off once more.

Out the window, he saw their hometown pass by for some time until they reached the edge of town finally. Beyond it lay just miles of the open road, and the freedom that came with it. This would be the longest trip he would have ever taken, and the longest he head been away from home. The change of scenery would be nice, along with the time he would spend with Alyssa. A bit more time would pass until they reached the highway proper, and she wouldn't have to focus on the road much more.

Eddie pulled the map out from the door and opened it. It didn't take him long to trace out their path thus far and find where they were. According to the map, they had a few hours between them and Delaware still. Maybe 3? 4? Depended her driving mostly. Satisfied with his math, he folded it again and sighed contently as he placed it back in the door.

"Nothing but the highway now, only 3ish hours until Delaware. Unless you need to stop at the bathroom before then." he said with a chuckle. Truth be told he liked the stops anyways; there was just something interesting about rest stops. The atmosphere around them, especially at night, was just so... mysterious.

 

[Sunshine and Whiskey]

❝I think we both needed this trip.❞​

She stated then felt her body tense up whenever his hand was placed onto her thigh, which she didn’t even bother to question the motion. Alyssa just stared straight ahead because she was the current one driving but then was brought back to reality after his statement and the removal of his hand from her thigh. A little giggle escaped over her as she turned briefly to face him. ❝You telling me not to blow it?❞ She asked and pointed a finger towards herself. ❝I think you need to be telling yourself that.❞​

Alyssa tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear then looked over towards Eddie while he pulled out a map. ❝Where are we, grandpa?❞ She said jokingly as they finally reached the highway and she yielded at the sign and looked to see if another vehicle was coming or not before she pulled out then continued onward. She was going to enjoy this time with Eddie, no matter what it took, and even considered taking the long route just so she could do that.​

❝I think we should stop and get something to eat.❞ A statement that hinted that she was hungry. Alyssa had chuckled as the open road was ahead of them, unsure if there was a location nearby that sold anything to eat. ❝Or we could stop and get snacks.❞ Another statement came from her. She couldn’t wait until nightfall because they could get a hotel room or something similar. Hopefully, they would only have one room left with two beds, so that she wouldn't be away from Eddie any longer than she had to. It was one of those thoughts that she would never admit out loud.​

❝So, are you hungry?❞ She finally asked while those other thoughts still clouded her head at the moment. ​

 

[Bene]

"I could eat. Map said there's a decently sized rest stop along this stretch of road." Eddie pointed out. "I told you we should've stocked up before he left..." he teased her. Outside, he could see signs for the rest stop saying it was only a few miles away. It had been a bit so getting out to stretch his legs would be nice. Eddie turned his attention back to the road ahead, ready to point out the pull-off to the rest stop. They reached it fairly quickly and pulled into the large parking lot for the rest stop.

The building itself looked fairly new; it had brown brick sides and a black shingled roof. There was a sign on its upper wall that advertised the convivence store inside, as well bathrooms and a fast food restaurant. All three sounded like just what they needed. Once she found a parking spot he unbuckled and looked over to her.

"Quick in and out, then let's go." he said to her. "I'll grab some snacks if you grab me a burger from that restaurant, sound good?" he asked. They were splitting a lot of the costs down the middle, so this seemed fair. They were both pretty broke, and had been saving up the past year for this trip. But still, he wanted to stretch that money as long as it could go. They were still only at the start of this trip after all.

 

[Sunshine and Whiskey]

❝Well, why didn’t you stock up then?❞ She asked teasingly back towards Eddie then stuck her tongue out before it slid back into her mouth. Her eyes saw the signs of a rest stop nearby and she decided that she needed to pull over. Alyssa had pulled into the parking lot, which she quickly found a parking space then proceeded to turn the engine off. She sat back in her seat with a sigh then turned towards Eddie, who stared directly back at her. ❝What’s up?❞​

She asked with a raised brow then leaned closer with interest. ❝I thought that I was the planner between the two of us.❞ She joked then nodded her head before licking her lips. ❝Okay, sounds good to me.❞ Alyssa finally remarked then unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the vehicle, arms stretched above her head and a released breath came over her. Alyssa locked her vehicle before she turned to Eddie with a smirk. ❝Don’t take too long.❞ A simple command that she should’ve directed to herself.​

Alyssa eventually parted ways with Eddie as she entered the restaurant. Her eyes studied the menu while she waited in line before she went up the counter and placed an order. While she waited, Alyssa retrieved her phone from her side pocket and just skimmed through it. A lot of missed calls and texts from her parents and friends.

She wasn’t really worried, honestly, and would just have to explain everything whenever she got back.​

Her thoughts returned back to reality as her order number was called and she went up to the counter to grab the bag. She had asked for some ketchup, which she kindly received then grabbed the bag and exited the restaurant. Alyssa hoped that Eddie would be standing by the car but if not, she’d award herself as victorious because she would be the one to return to the vehicle first. She unlocked it with a simple click of a button then placed the food inside as her arms rested on top of the vehicle, where she waited with a smirk.​

❝Took you long enough.❞ Alyssa said while she popped the trunk so that Eddie could place the snacks inside of there. She had gotten inside of the vehicle herself then waited for Eddie, to whom she handed the burger to and pulled out her chicken sandwich then took a bite out of it. ❝Ready to hit the road again?❞ She’d ask with her mouth full but then swallowed her food. ❝That wasn’t very ladylike, was it?❞ Alyssa asked with a chuckle then put her vehicle in reverse but still waited for Eddie’s response before going any further.​

 

[Bene]

In the convivence store, Eddy carefully picked out their snacks for the next stretch of road. He went with some jerky, some chips, a few packs of cupcakes and a few bottles of water. Eddie placed these items on the counter and paid for them as the cashier placed them all in a brown paper bag. Once everything was packed up and paid for, he made his way back to the car to find Alyssa waiting for him. Impatient as ever too. He loaded the bag into the trunk, but pulled two of the water bottles and the jerky out first.

Eddie chuckled at her comment and shook his head.

"Since when has that ever mattered to you? You're the girl that used to play in the mud with me when we were kids." he said with a smile. They had a lot of memories together like that one, since they had been friends pretty much forever. And now they were making new ones on the open road. Eddie got into her car with her and accepted his burger from her. He unwrapped it and took a big bit, nodding at her question.

The two were back on the road now. Last he checked they would still have a few hours till their first official stop in Delaware. There they could get out and stretch, and rest a bit before driving more tomorrow. By the time they got there it would be pretty late, so Eddie wanted to just relax. But knowing Alyssa, she would probably drag him to some seedy bar near the hotel first. Not that he minded of course. It was all an excuse to see her more and be around her awake longer.

 

[Sunshine and Whiskey]

Alyssa couldn’t help but chuckle at Eddy’s comment because they did have a million and one memories together. A list immediately compiled inside of her mind at the thought but she kept quiet for now. She didn’t even realize that they were close to Delaware that she had originally thought. It was within a matter of moments that they had made it to their destination. The sky above them had darkened to signal how late it was. Alyssa had to admit to herself that she was pretty tired although there was nothing that a little liquid courage couldn’t handle.​

She pulled the vehicle into a nearby hotel parking lot and shut the engine off. Her head rested against her seat while her head turned towards Eddy with a little smirk. ❝So, are you too sleepy to go with to a bar?❞ Alyssa asked as if she already knew the response to her question. ❝I mean, you are getting pretty old now, so it’s okay if you want to go to bed.❞ She teased while unlocking her seat belt and getting out of her vehicle. She had hoped that Eddy followed suit. ❝I’ll go pay for the room and you can get the bags.❞ It sounded like a command as she walked inside the hotel and went to the front desk.​

Alyssa paid with a card and the transaction was complete. She met back up with Eddy to retrieve her bags from him then walked to the elevator. She waved for Eddy to hurry up while she pressed the floor button that they were staying on. Eventually, the doors rolled open to reveal their floor’s hallway, and soon they’d at the room door. She stuck the keycard inside of the slot on the door and heard the beep, which made her twist the doorknob and push the door forward.​

Her bags flung from her shoulders onto the bed that she has chosen for herself. She sat down on the edge of the bed then eyed Eddy. ❝So, coming to the bar or not?❞ Alyssa asked while she stood up and started unzipping one of her bags then rummaged through it to find an outfit and retrieve her makeup kit.​

❝Please come.❞ She pleaded. ❝A few drinks with help you sleep.❞ Alyssa said with a smirk curving the corner of her lips.​

 

[Bene]

Eddy did as she asked and pulled all of their bags out of the trunk. Along with the plastic bag full of food they had just gotten. By the time she came back, everything was unloaded and he followed her closely until they reached their room. Once their stuff was set down, he was just about ready to go to bed right then and there. But then she had to go and mention the bar.

“You and I both know it won’t just be a few. I’ll end up dragging you back here, then have to listen to you tomorrow.” He said said to her with a sigh. But then again he could use a bite to eat. Plus a cold beer. That was all the convincing he needed in his mind. “Ya know what, on second thought let’s do it. But you’re paying.” He said to her and stood up.

“I know you have a sixth sense for these things, so lead the way!” He said to her, and pulled her to her feet off of the bed. The two would then set off back down the elevator and back outside. The bar was in the same parking lot at least. It had gotten a bit cooler outside without the heat of the sun. It felt refreshing as they walked through the parking lot to the bar.

The inside of the bar was opposite of air outside: hot. The place was packed with only a single booth open. Spotting it, Eddy grabbed her hand and dragged her through the crowd and pulled her into it. With their seat claimed he grabbed one of the menus tucked into a holder on the wall, and looked it over. They had basic bar food like burgers and chicken tenders, but FAR more cocktails and beers.