Samantha Vargas about 800 words

Yellow Lights

by Samantha Vargas

Do you even like me? Mary asked, eyes trained on the passing scenery outside the

passenger side window. Her forehead was pressed up against the glass, and when she pulled

away from the glass to look at Hunter, some of her makeup remained.

Hunter stared straight ahead, one hand gripping the steering wheel while the other rested

outside the open window.

A moment passed in which no words were exchanged. Where the only sounds to fill the

silence were the rush of wind passing them by and the rumble of the cars engine.

Sighing through her nose, Mary shook her head, placing her face back up against the

glass. I know you dont love me. I do. But do you even like me? Her eyes closed, eyelashes

brushing against her cheeks as she swallowed.

Hunter said nothing, eyes never leaving the road.

 Vargas / Yellow Lights 2/

Yellow lights flashed across their faces, illuminating them for only a moment before the

shadows returned, hiding them. The streets were barren, empty save the old Ford Galaxy.

I dont know. Hunters voice broke the silence, the sound of the cars engine fading

into the background, white noise.

You dont know anything, do you?

Hunters eyes darted to the wheel for only a moment before they returned to the road.

Drawing the letterman jacket tighter around her small form, Mary turned her head to

glare at him.

I dont want to keep doing this, she said. Her legs were bare, her clothes having been

tossed into the back seat some time ago. She wore only the letterman and a pair of

undergarments.

Then why did you come tonight? Hunter asked. His knuckles had gone white, fingers

coiled around the wheel as his foot pressed against the gas with more force than necessary. The

odometer reading 50, 55, 60.

I dont know, she said, her eyes never leaving her lap.

Beside her, Hunter snorted, his foot lifting from the gas and moving to the brake as the

car pulled off to the side of the road. You dont know anything, do you?

Mary flinched.

Hunter shook his head, placing the car in park. Let me ask you this, then. Do you even

like me?

Mary smiled. I asked you first.

And I gave you my answer. Now whats yours?

 Vargas / Yellow Lights 3/

Mary drew her legs under her, pulling at her seat belt to loosen it as she adjusted her

position. When she was comfortable, she settled back, arms crossing over her chest.

I think I like you, she said. Her eyes flicked to the side, looking out the windshield, to

the empty streets ahead of them.

They had parked beside the football field, the large spotlights shining down, illuminating

the field with harsh, white light. The white light was a cold contrast to the warmth of the yellow

streetlights.

Goosebumps broke out across Marys exposed skin, and she tucked in on herself even

further, shifting and drawing her knees to her chest underneath the letterman jacket. Pulling the

long sleeves over her hands, Mary wrapped her arms around her legs, looking to the football

field.

Hunter threw his head back against the headrest, sighing as he stared at the inside of the

roof of the car. Turning his head, he spoke. I dont like you.

Mary said nothing. Made no move.

Hunter lifted his head from the headrest. I like this. I just dont like you.

Mary closed her eyes, still facing away from Hunter. She pinched her bottom lip between

her teeth. Okay, she said, voice cracking.

With a sigh, Hunter leaned forward, foot pressing against the brake as he threw the car

back into drive. Pulling away from the field, they continued down the road, entering a residential

neighborhood.

This is it then? Hunter asked, pulling into Marys driveway. He turned to face her.

Mary continued looking out the window, unresponsive.

 Vargas / Yellow Lights 4/

Hunters eyes moved from her to the house, and he sighed, reaching out to grab her

shoulder. Turning her to face him, Hunter placed a finger under her chin, lifting her head.

Mary glared back at him, chin lifted in defiance. Her eyes were red rimmed and

bloodshot, her carefully applied makeup smeared across her face. She pulled away from him,

uncurling from herself and unbuckling her seatbelt. Opening the door, she climbed out, shutting

it behind her before moving to the backseat. She retrieved her articles of clothing, gathering them

up in her arms and looking at him.

Ill see you, she said. Then, she closed the door, disappearing around the back of the

house.

Hunter waited a moment before putting the car in reverse, lifting his foot off the brake

and twisting to see behind him. As he pulled away, he sighed.

See you.