Since the Beginning

Lost

{Jon's PoV}
After that fight, I couldn't bear talking to Aster. She wasn't weak. No. She was full of- I don't know. She was fierce and firm and unafraid. She was even unashamed to talk about God. Now that's my girl. But still, I couldn't find any words to tell her. Whether to comfort her or just listen to her talk about it or try to distract her thoughts.

She's a good girl and actually seems able to control herself. But sometimes, she gets the feeling that she doesn't want to be pitied or sympathized when she goes through something. She doesn't want people to go all over her when something kind of bad happens to her. She doesn't want to be some sort of center of attention when there are bigger things to handle. So I decided to let her have some alone time.

But I feel guilty about not not doing anything. It's like I'm having a battle. I want to give her alone time but the other part of my mind says I need to talk to her. That part wins.

After finishing buying presents for family and friends, the guys head to the dorms and I head to my house. It's a weekend so I'll be staying at home. Actually, since Christmas Break technically starts next week but we're already out of school now, we're already on break. So I'm staying for 2 weeks.

I enter the house through the front door after parking my car. When I step in the living room, I sense something's wrong. Julie's sitting quietly and just looks up at me when I enter. Mom gives me a tight smile. "What's wrong?" I ask. "The Philips had an arguement. Well, Stella and her dad. Ashley and Gabe were silent for the most part. Vanessa left before they continued. And-" Mom stops. "Stella left. Hasn't returned yet." She says quietly. "Did she run away?" I ask. She shrugs. "So why are you all so somber then?" I ask. "Well, Stella hasn't returned in three hours, and she's upset with you. Or shall I say disappointed. After Vanessa left their house, she came here and told me to tell you what happened and what Stella said. Hoping you could do something. Julie was saddened that you didn't do anything but she stays quiet. We wanna hear the story from you." She explains. I look around. "Where's dad?" I ask. "Not here yet. And will you please explain why you didn't help your bestest friend despite the fact that she was hurt? I like her. So do you. She's like my sister. Explain why you betrayed her." Julie says with such maturity that I stare at her in shock. "I didn't know what to do or say. I couldn't stand it. Okay? I did Not betray her. I wanted to give her some-" I pause. "Alone time." She smiles and gives me a hug. "I knew you wouldn't betray her." She says. I smile. "So where is she?" I ask mom who's been watching. Her face is lighter and happier than earlier. "She left. We don't know where. Now go find her and tell her the truth about you. She's been fed lies. She believes Sheila though she doesn't accept it or admit it. Convince her and help her." She says firmly. "She's been through a lot these past years."

And that's that. I change quickly and head out. "Just call me for any updates." I say as I head out the door. Mom agrees and I start the car. Now where would Aster go?

{Gabe's PoV}
Stella ran out. I know something's wrong. She's upset that dad's mad at her for fighting back. Something's wrong though. I think she's hurt. Why would she stop in mid sentence about comparing pain? She's hurt. Mom and dad don't know it and I can see why.

I see Jon drive out and I call him. He stops his car. "I'm going with you." He nods and I get into the seat. "So where to?" I ask. "No idea. I asked myself where she would go, but, knowing her, that'd mean anywhere." I agree. Stella goes anywhere that matches her mood. This is gonna be one long trip.

{Stella's PoV}
I started at a brisk walk. Then I went up to a jog, a sprint and then a run. I ran and ran not knowing where I was or where I was headed.

After a few minutes of running, I find myself out of the forest and beside a side street. In front of me is just plain land and signs. I turn to look behind me and see the forest fading into the background as I continue walking like I'm being chased.