The Car II

Ash’s pain subsided as they put distance between the car and Granny’s, and she drifted into sleep. Wake looked at not-Bob in the rear view. He half expected the amorphous blob to have disappeared. For it to have decided, y’know what, this place really isn’t my speed and blinked out. Unfortunately, no luck.

He wasn’t sure what to say. He’d heard the Bobs in his mind since he was a teen, but he’d never seen one out in the world. He’d certainly never heard of one crossing over.

“Me neither,” not-Bob swirled a little faster.

Wake jolted, and the car lurched a little from his foot pumping the gas for a moment. Can he, can it—

“Yes,” not-Bob swirled slower. “And ‘he’ is fine.”

Wake pulled over on the empty highway for a moment, his head swirling as he tried to grapple with the idea that this Bob was still connected to his mind. Not that there had been time to expect anything out of this situation, but if he had, this wouldn’t have been on the list.

“I’m as surprised as you are.”

Wake felt nauseous. “You can’t do that. You have to let me talk, and leave my thoughts to me. They’re mine.”

“… Alright.” Not-Bob sounded uncomfortable at this, but Wake would take the acceptance regardless.

Wake waited a moment, pulled the car back onto the highway and continued the drive. He still felt stupid whenever he checked the mirrors. It’s what he’d been taught, but he never understood the use.

He wanted to have more to say. But what else was there.

Not-Bob rustled like he was about to say something. Wake shot him a glare, a look that said don’t you dare.

The rest of the ride was quiet.