My mind immediately went to a different definition of ‘ride’. And from the look on Ellie's face, she might have had a similar idea. But I schooled my features so as not to give anything away in front of her parents. And I just nodded slightly.

“Let's go."

Big sister Cherys stopped me before we got in. She held my shoulder and looked straight at me. "Looks like this is for real. Ellie's an adult and she has her own wheels, she's independent. You two off to college and I won't be able to watch you guys all the time. So promise me you'll take care of my baby sister."

I felt momentarily awkward by the serious tone in her voice, but I managed to say, “I promise.”

Cherys smiled and hugged me.

“I know you will. You're a great guy

David." I glowed at the praise from my eternal dream girl.

Ellie and I got in the car, Ellie in the driver's seat, of course. I was surprised at the huge amount of interior space and head room the little bugger had. I was already feeling around the passenger seat controls to decide how best to have sex in this car. Probably if I reclined all the way and scooted the seat back a few notches.

Ellie grinned at me just before she flipped the key.

“I know a great place to park."

Tomorrow. That would be the day.

I sat in my desk chair, looking around my room. Most of my bags were packed, all the important clothing and personal affects already cleared out. I Left my posters and other decorations behind. My parents would pretty much leave my room the way it was until I came back for breaks or various vacations. But it still felt so... weird. This was only bedroom I really ever knew.

Tomorrow, I would leave my world behind and embark on a new adventure.

At least I had someone to share the journey with.

Ellie would be coming by to pick me up. Ever since she got her new ride, we'd both wanted to tool around town in it. Hey, it was newer and definitely a cooler car than mine, and she was a good driver besides. I didn't even mind the emasculating notion of not being behind the wheel, although we did find it was physically much easier for her to blow me while I was driving rather than the other way around.

We had plans for our last night: A Little food, a short walk in the park, maybe a little lovemaking underneath the stars. She'd kissed me so tenderly last night. I could still taste her on my lips even now.

The thing was, she was supposed to pick me up at seven. It was already

7:30. Not a big deal. Ellie often ran late, it's just a common hazard when dealing with beautiful women. But she usually called to let me know why.

As if on cue, the phone rang. The receiver was in my hands immediately.

“Hey! Where the hell are you?"

"David," came the male voice.

“Uh, hello?" I wondered. Was somebody calling for one of my parents?

In a very soft voice, he continued, "This is Ellie's father."

I don't know exactly why, but the instant he used the nickname ‘Ellie

I knew something was terribly wrong. I could actually hear the mini-pause as he forced himself to use that name for my benefit. And all of a sudden, I couldn't speak.