Annabelle's locket

chapter 21

We woke up and kept moving. I wondered if this is what it would be like for six months. If so, it was less than desirable. Of course I had Noah, but six months on the run.."Hey you okay?" he asked, driving. "Why do you ask?" I bit my lip. "You seem tense." he replied. Who was I kidding? I was an open book. "Do I? I'm fine." I stuttered. He didn't say anything and I went back looking out the window. My mother started to flash into my head. I wished like hell she was still here. I then thought of my dad. He had just had a heart attack and here I was, leaving him. "I'm a terrible person." I mumbled to myself, realizing I said that aloud. "What are you talking about Anna?" Noah placed my hand in his. I smiled. "Nothing." I whispered. Some things are meant to keep to yourself. Lately, almost everything was kept to myself. I was a soda bottle ready to explode. "Are you hungry?" he asked, approaching a diner. "Parched." I admitted. "Me too." he sighed and pulled in. We were in some small town, and the diner was definitely not one you'd see in California. It was a mint green color and about the size of my room at home. "It's better than nothing." Noah read my thoughts. Noah glided in, and I followed, a bell chiming. There were a few tables and we sat at a booth by the window looking over the road now drenched in the falling rain. A girl around my age with blonde curls that reminded me of a poodle served us. I received a warm plate of grilled cheese and potatoes. Noah got a steak and fries. As I scrummaged through my grilled cheese, probably looking like a savage, Noah told me more about night riders. I still hadn't understood the concept. "It runs in your blood." he told me. "We can talk to the stars. But only when asked to. If we don't keep on contact with them or do something like i'm doing now-" he left off. I knew what he meant. If Noah and I were caught, the consequences would be severe. "What's the king like?" I was curious. Noah gave a hollow laugh. "He's a dictator. He makes the rules. We have no say. If you don't obey the rules, he puts you in prison for life. He can't kill a night rider, but he'll make you wish he could." Noah sighed, as if recalling a memory. "So what happened?" I asked. I was nearly finished eating. "My best friend Blaze was sent to prison for attempting to run away. All I know is he managed to kill himself in prison."Noah spoke so quietly I had to lean in to hear. "That's terrible." I examined his angelic face, he looked genuinely upset.

We finished and kept on moving. It was getting late again, as we had been driving all day. "There's a hotel." Noah pointed. We had arrived in a larger city. "Where are we getting the money for this?" I looked at the hotel that had to be at least four stars. It had many floors and was a spotless white with statues, gold lights, fountains, and columns. A Greek theme. "I have a credit card." he smirked. "That doesn't mean anything." I laughed. "It should if I have 100,000 dollars in it. "What? How the hell did you get that much money?" I asked. "Perks of being rich and a night rider." he strolled through the entrance. I watched as he checked us in.

Our room was on the top floor, a suite. The room was beautiful. Ornate, tranquil, and white. "Since you'll be transforming can I use your credit card to go shopping? I did leave all of my possessions at home." I said. "I'll go with you." Noah walk led towards me. "Im not helpless Noah. I will be fine." I urged, needing some alone time. "Okay." he gave in and handed me the card. "Don't go crazy now." he joked. "Don't worry I will." I replied and left.

Walking out on the street was a breath of fresh air. The sidewalks were fairly crowded by Christmas carolers and window shoppers. I had almost forgot it was Christmas Eve. That's when I decided to get something for Noah. Sure it was his money, but it's the thought that counts. I glanced up at all of the shop names. I didn't recognize any. There were no American Eagles like at the malls where I lived. So I just walked into one marked "Helen's" and hoped for the best. There were a few people scanning the racks, which was a relief; I didn't want to be the only one there. I walked over to the young adults section and browsed through the jeans. Jeans were my favorite article of clothing. After picking out some pairs, i picked out some sweaters, longsleeves, blouses, a winter coat, and a pair of brown buckled boots that looked sturdy. Now was the hard part, picking up something for Noah. I left the store and snow fell from the sky. A white Christmas. I smiled as a snowflake fell on my nose, dissolving before my eyes. I had never had a white Christmas before. Before the gift, i picked up clothes for Noah. He had left them at home also. I awkwardly walked into some mens outback store and got him some jeans, tee shirts, sweathshirts, and Nike sneakers. I felt really awkward picking out boxers but I did anyways. I didnt get him a jacket; he already had one with him.

I was walking down the street, my hands full of shopping bags. I laughed at myself and hoped his clothes would fit. I stumbled along and found the kind of store that sold trinkets and everthing unusal. I found a lot of cool things but nothing for Noah. I bought a simple necklace with a key at the end for something extra. I was checking out, and noticed a green army colored watch that look real heavy duty. "How much is this?" i asked the woman with red highlighted hair. "fifty." she replied flatly, placing my necklace into a bag. "'ll take this too." i placed it on the counter and left. Noah would like it. I finally arrived at the hotel. I struggled opening the door and walked in, my hands full of bags. Noah was laying out on the bed, watching tv. He got up and i saw he was transformed, his hair black and hair blue. "Here." he helped me and I gave him his clothes. He seemed to like them, espescially the teal and grey Nike sneakers. They fit too. "Wow Anna thanks." he smiled. "No problem. Atleast now we have some clothes for a little while." i shrugged. There was a knock on the door. Noah looked at me and walked over, looking through the peep hole. "Who is it?" I whispered. "A pizza man. Did you order a pizza?" he asked. "No-" I shook my head. "We didn't order a pizza." Noah said. "It's hotel service. Out guests eat free." a mans voice replied. The door opened and Noah took the box, thanking the man. "Oh and one more thing." the pizza man said. His hand slipped into his pocket and he pulled out a gun.