bonus a | syzygy

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syzygy (n.)

an alignment of celestial bodies, especially of the moon and the sun

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(5 weeks after graduation)

AT the beginning of July, a total solar eclipse happened an hour away from us in Provincetown. Since Eli and I were both space nerds, we had to go see it. The eclipse wasn't scheduled to occur until late afternoon, so we decided to drive up early in the morning and spend most of the day lounging around at the beach.

"Do you have everything?" Eli asked as he slammed my trunk shut.

"I think so," I replied, making my way to the driver's seat.

"Where do you think you're going?" he chuckled right behind me.

"I'm getting into the car..."

Eli lightly flicked my nose. "You're on the wrong side, idiot. I'm driving."

"It's my car, and you always drive. I don't want to be one of those girls who always force their boyfriend to drive."

"You're not forcing me. I don't mind it," he said, voice lacking conviction.

"And I love surprises," I deadpanned as I clicked my seatbelt into place.

Eli reached across my body to un-click it. "Babe, I love you, but you're not the best driver. And before you punch me, I'm not making fun of you. I think it's so cute how you drive slow and can't parallel park. And your road rage is very charming. I just want us to get to Provincetown before the eclipse, not a year after it's over. So, get your ass into the other seat before I force you."

Huffing, I climbed over the center console and plopped into the passenger seat. "You don't see me making fun of how bad you are at MarioKart."

"That's a game and doesn't reflect my superb driving skills. And for your information, I'm amazing at MarioKart. I always wipe the floor with Ben and Ethan's asses, and I'd hardly call that being 'bad at MarioKart,'" he mocked as he sat down and started the ignition.

"Your competition sucks, so of course, you'll be the best," I quipped. "Playing against any competent player, you'll get lapped. The game will end before you cross the finish line."

With a smirk on his face, his gaze darted to me for a fleeting moment. "You wanna go, Charlotte? I'll stop the car to fight you right here, right now."

I stuck my tongue out at him. "What happened to getting to Provincetown before the eclipse?"

"So you're saying it'll take hours for you to beat me? Doesn't sound like I'm that bad, after all."

"No," I shot back. "It'll take hours because your ego will demand a rematch every time I beat you."

"We'll see about that," he snorted.

"Yeah, you'll see that I'm better," I smiled smugly.

Barely suppressing a grin, he stuck his tongue out at me.

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