Runaways

Ash

"Hey, Sky?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you happen to know where the nearest pet store is?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Asking for a friend."

"Well, if you go two miles left and turn right then take another left. Oh, wait scratch that I meant right." She laughed.

"What?" I looked puzzled.

"I was messing with you slow-poke."

"Oh, I couldn't even tell. I thought you were being serious."

"Ok, I'll give you directions, but you better be in time for our date."

I looked away sheepishly. "Yeah... I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Good. Now, do you have your phone?"

"Yeah."

I took it out from my pocket and handed it to her.

"Password please." She held the phone up to my face.

"Ok, I'll type in the address for you."

"Sounds good."

"Here you go. Don't be late, ok?"

"I won't."

She walked away. Her brown hair and highlights swinging side to side.

Damn, she likes me. Me of all people.

I hurried down the stairs and ran to the nearest pet shop.

The pet shop was tiny. With food stacked up on the floors because there was no more room on the shelves.

I searched in the dog food aisle and found a 50 lbs bag. Of course, the dog needs something to eat and drink in, so I bought him two stainless steel bowls with paw prints on them. And of course, the dog needs some things to play with, so I grabbed a squeaky bone and rope for him to naw at.

I reached the cashier where there was a old man sitting with his nose in a newspaper. When he saw me, he jerked right up and gave me a wrinkled smile. I guess I was the first customer he's seen in ages.

"How may I help you, son?"

I gave him a warm smile and gave him the toys to scan.

"Is that all?"

"No, sir. I have these two bowls and dog food. If you'd like, I can scan them for you, so you don't have to reach around to scan them."

"Thank you, son." He handed me the scanner.

"How much do I owe you, Sir?"

"$45" I handed him $70 because well, I figured it'd help him out a bit.

"Keep the change. Thank you, Sir! Have a nice day."

"You too." He called back when I left the store.

I put everything down on the side walk and checked my phone.

1:15 pm

Crap, I was late to meet Eden. She's probably thinking I blew her off.

I picked up everything and jogged to where we'd last met. The bag of food was heavy on my shoulders, but I managed to make it. To my surprise, she was there, waiting.

"Hey, Eden. I'm so sorry I'm late. I was buying Brownie stuff."

"You said you'd only get dog food. Why did you buy all this extra stuff. Now, I'm going to have to owe you."

"No no, it's alright. You don't need to."

She looked away. I wasn't sure if my smile creeped her out or made her flustered.

"Th—thank you," she whispered.

"Sure thing!"

I placed everything down and pet Brownie. He sat down with his tail wagging. I think he likes me.

I looked up at Eden who was fiddling with her thumbs.

"When do you want me to take him," I asked.

"Tomorrow. I'll be here at 10 am. Try not to be late."

I laughed, "I'll try."

She stood there, silently.

"Well, do you want me to help you take all this stuff back to your house."

"No!"

I blinked because I didn't expect that.

"S—sorry, I just can't let them see me with him."

"Do you want me to give you some food and a bowl, so you can feed him today?"

"Sure."

I opened the bag of dog food, and I dumped the bowls and toys out of the bag to pour some dog food in. I tied the bag, so it wouldn't spill.

"Here." I handed her the food and a bowl.

"Um thanks."

"No problem. Well, I must be going then. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see ya."

I watched her dark brown ponytail swing side to side. She was wearing a faded blue jacket with white-washed ripped jeans and black, leather boots.

Something about her made me curious about who she was.