Never Let Go

Chapter 15: Underneath the Stars

"Michael, are you serious?" Maya asks as she stands up from the bed.

"Yes, but we need to be quick."

"What if we get caught? What about your job?"

"We won't get caught. Just follow me and we'll be fine. I know where the cameras are, and I know a way out through the back of the building."

She nods slowly and pulls on my jacket. It's far too big for her, but it looks nice on her. I check to see if the coast is clear while she puts on her sneakers. I look back at her and she shows a little smile as she tuck a loose curl behind her ear.

"I'm ready." She whispers.

"Stay close to me." I smile.

I might seem calm on the outside, but on the inside I'm shitting myself. If I get caught, I'm in big trouble... I still can't believe I'm doing this. I'd never normally do something so risky.

Maya follows me out of the room and I lead us down the corridor. I constantly keep a look out in case any nurses are around. We go through a couple of doors and down some stairs before reaching the back of the building. I press in the code to open the doors, and the fresh, cold air hits us as we step outside. I lead Maya to my car and we quickly get in.

"Are you ok with this?" I ask, sounding slightly out of breath.

"Yeah. I was the one who asked you to do this." She lowers her eyebrows and pulls on her seatbelt.

"I know... I just mean, being alone with me."

"I trust you." She nods and smiles slowly. "I actually can't believe you're doing this."

"I know... me neither." I laugh softly and start up my car.

I pull away from the hospital and drive up the road. I'm not entirely sure where we're going to go, but we can't go too far. I glance at Maya and see her curiously looking around and out the window.

"Is there anywhere you want to go?" I ask.

"I don't care where we go." She said, opening the window.

It's pretty cold, but she looks like she's enjoying the breeze blowing against her skin and hair.

"Are you hungry?" I ask.

She laughs softly and looks at me.

"Are you gonna take me to a restaurant?"

"If you want?" I nod.

"Like a date? Is that really what this is?"

I widen my eyes and laugh a little bit, feeling my cheeks heat up from embarrassment. Now I'm stuttering on my words...

"Uh... no... I-I just thought that you, uh, might be hungry, or something."

She giggles and shakes her head before looking out the window again.

"I'm just messin. I don't think a night dress is appropriate for a restaurant anyway."

I laugh softly and bite my lip.

"You said you like McDonald's. I could get us something from there? As long as you're ok with that, of course."

"Um, sure. Ok." She shrugs.

I find a McDonald's and go through the drive through. I order two burgers, two drinks, and a Mcflurry.

"Are you sure you don't want ice cream?" I ask as I drive away. "I know you said you like ice cream."

"You remember a lot, don't you?" She chuckles.

"I guess so." I laugh softly.

"I'm ok with just a burger, thank you."