Shotgun

"Shotgun!" Mary shouted as she ran around to the passenger side door, flung it open, and dived inside John's classic car.

She stole a glance back at Susan and was surprised to see a mixture of disappointment and anger play across her friend's face. "What's wrong Sue?"

Susan crossed her arms and turned her head to stare out the window. "Nothing," she replied.

Mary rolled her eyes. "Good," then she turned her gaze to John. "Fire it up big boy, and let's get going," Mary added a little extra emphasis on big boy as memories of John flexing his muscles while carrying the luggage made her feel a bit naughty.

John's mouth dropped open for just a second before he composed himself and turned the key; he chuckled a single word to himself. "Women."

If Susan had been angry, she quickly got over it as she began to rapidly explain all the wonderful things they would be doing over the weekend. "You're going to love it, Mary. Martin is going to be there. Though his line is sure to be long as hell. Also, they're debuting the new Star Wars trailer and some of the cast from the new Harry Potter spin-off will be there as well. Oh, and don't forget the panel's on the latest anime Funimation is bringing over. Also..."

"Jesus!" John interjected. "Slow down Sue. You're going to overload Mary and fry her brain."

"I don't know why you are butting in Johnny." Susan retorted gratingly. Mary winced a little at this knowing how John hated being called Johnny. "Aren't you generally more into the gaming than anything else."

"Sure but we don't normally have a guest. I think it would be rude if I ignored Mary and disappeared to the gaming area for the entire con." John stated while stealing a glance at Susan.

"I'm certain it's your sense of chivalry that has you all altruistic toward Mary," Susan said with a tinge of bitterness.

John and Susan continued to bicker back and forth about who would be Mary's guide. Mary stayed quite during the family squabble. She had never known the siblings to have a disagreement before. The fact that it was over her made Mary a bit uneasy. Finally, the argument ended, and an awkward silence descended over the group.

After what seemed like an eternity John tapped Mary on the shoulder. When she looked over at him, John placed a finger over his mouth then pointed back toward Susan. "I knew it." The older sibling said in a hushed tone. "Susan is the world's worst about falling asleep on a trip. Mary, word of advice if it's ever just you and her driving make certain she takes the first shift behind the wheel. Otherwise, you'll be driving the entire way yourself."

Mary turned to look in the back seat, and sure enough, Susan was leaned over with her head propped up against the window gently snoozing away.

As Mary returned to facing forward, she began to doze herself. As her head began to slump, she was suddenly aware that John was now resting his hand on her knee. Her drowsy state had kept her from reacting, but now Mary was not certain what to do. Mary liked John and his hand caressing her leg was making her tingle, but Mary wasn't certain if she should allow him to take such liberties with her especially with his sister asleep just a few feet away.