Always on the Run

14. Runaway

Hi guys, firstly HUGE apoloies for the delay. Massive writer's block on this end which has been really sucky. Thanks to @Tarasplace for kicking me up the butt and helping me get out of the slump. Hence the dedication. :) secondly, I will be posting one more chapter in a few minutes to make up for my absence. Hopefully no more writer's blocks will have me updating more regularly.

Remember to vote and comment. Enjoy! <3

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I’m not sure how long I’m in Jamie’s arms but it feels so good, I’m in no rush to move. Neither of us speak. I have this overwhelming feeling of love for him and it reminds me of where my heart really is. For the first time since he was arrested my life actually makes sense. I know I want to be with Jamie and no one else. I even don’t care about the gifts anymore because right this second I feel complete. I feel like me…who I once was before all this happened.

If this feeling can last forever then I will forever be a happy woman.

Of course I know this is never the case in my life so when I suddenly feel Jamie drawing away, a feeling of dread settles in the pit of my stomach. When I look at him, my eyes widen in surprise as I take in his appearance for the first time. Something is different about him. The first thing I notice is his eyes. The usual aqua blue eyes that are always shining and full of mischief are currently dull and lifeless. His shoulders are slumped, he looks tired and—dare I say it?—old. This is not the Jamie I know.

A stab of guilt pierces my heart as I think of how selfish I’ve been. I’ve been so worried about not having him around, about not coping when I didn’t even think what he might be going through. Being interrogated by the police and perhaps even having to protect me. It must be very draining.

“It’s good to see you,” I finally say, suddenly feeling awkward.

He gives me a weak smile and my heart breaks. He says nothing though but the look he gives me tells me he missed me as much as I missed him.

I offer him the brightest smile I can muster then ask him if he wants to come in. At first he hesitates, his eyes wide. Then he looks around as though checking no one is watching. Eventually he nods.

I open the door and let him in ahead of me. He looks one last time behind him then walks in. As he passes me, I catch a whiff of something…it’s not a knee weakening aftershave smell or his natural scent. It’s something different.

Following him inside, it suddenly occurs to me what it is. It’s the smell of a musty office and paper. My heart plummets as realisation dawns on me. It’s the smell of the police station. Has he come straight from there? Is that why he’s so jumpy? I close the screen door but leave the main one open. The smell isn’t unpleasant but it’s unsettling.

Turning, I find Jamie standing in the centre of the room looking like a broken man. What happened to make him like this? He’s been confronted with police so many times, even done time in jail before now. What’s so different this time?

I motion for him to sit on the sofa and when he does, I sit opposite him. It’s taking all my self-control not to throw myself at him and kiss him senseless but I know now isn’t the right time. There’s something on his mind that much I can tell.

I can feel his eyes on me, watching my every move. Once I’m comfortable I look across at him and notice him staring. He immediately looks away. Is he hiding something from me?

“Jamie, what’s going on?” I ask, deciding to approach this head on. “Are you okay?”

His hands join together on his laps and he stares at them as he plays with his fingers. He starts shaking his head and I close my eyes as I release a slow breath. God this is bad, isn’t it?