8 | car ride*

                                    

                                          
"And onions. Don't forget the onions."
                          
"Eugh. Onions make my breath stink." I said as I picked a bag of onions and put it in the cart before pushing it towards the till. 
                          
"You always stink but I don't complain." 
                          
I was too tired to give my usual comeback of the same immaturity but I was still annoyed at the comment so I faced my brother and did a dramatic eyeroll. "C'mon, help me put these on the belt."
                          
Taking two heaped bags in each hand after paying for the groceries, we made our way out and started to walk home. 

                          
It's usually a thirty minute walk to home from Tesco, but at this rate, it would take us at least forty-five minutes as the bags were slowing me down by already digging into my skin due to the plastic handles thinning. If I drove I would be there in ten minutes tops - depending on traffic. But unfortunately, because my parents (including myself) don't trust me behind the wheel, I barely get to use the authority of my driver's license.
                          
"Ugh why did we have to buy the food?" I heard my brother complain from a few steps behind.
                          
"Mum's ill. Didn't you see the vomit this morning?"
                          
Mum had been ill for a few days now, waking up to vomiting and just feeling sick overall. Today, she unexpectedly threw up in on our breakfast while making it. Unfortunately, I had to clean up her mess because she felt too tired to do it. Needless to say, I did not enjoy it.
                          
Matthew heaved as he struggled to hold his groceries with both hands. "Seriously? You're literally only holding one bag!" 
                          
"Doesn't make it less heavy." 
                          
We were practically trudging on the way home while bickering and making sarcastic remarks to each other. At some point, we even stopped at a bench for a few minutes to take a break.
                          
When we stood up to carry on, a big, black car that was just about to pass us slowed down and looked like it was following us. My first thought was 'stranger danger' and instinctively went to Matthew and made him walk on the side of the pavement that was furthest from the road. I kept my head down and told Matt to shut up before he could ask any questions. Ignoring usually works.
                          
It had only been ten seconds but I was getting too creeped out and started speed-walking - my brother following suit. 
                          
"Hey!" A voice, who I thought belonged to someone I knew, shouted out from the van.
                          
Instead of turning around like my instincts told me to I picked up my pace and again, so did Matt. I wasn't going to die today.
                          
"Beth!" 

                          
Bastard knows my name.
                          
"Beth, they know you." Matt was about to turn his head around until I told him not to.

                          
"It's Brandon, slow down." The voice laughed.
                          
I turned around and the black car came to a halt. The back window was down and Brandon's smiling face was peering out. With the rest of PrettyMuch poking their heads out next to or behind him.
                          
"Oh my God." I muttered. 
                          
Like I said before, I know I shouldn't be surprised anymore but can't a girl just get excited everytime she sees her favourite band?
                          
A chorus of "Hey Beth"s called out to me from the car.
                          
"The rest of you remember my name?" I couldn't help but ask.