as fragile as a dandelion

distance

Two's POV

A year and a half later...

I sprinted into the alley, diving behind a foul smelling dumpster. I held my breath, the frantic beating of my heart sounded like a helicopter. The men sprinted by me, feet away, shouting with menacing grins on their faces. The buttons on their black leather jackets glinted in the late afternoon sun.

I let my breath out in a strong gust and wheezed, trying to get oxygen to my brain so I wasn't dizzy anymore. I turned to the dumpster and heaved into it, throwing up the measly breakfast that I had shared with...

"Shit. Oliver." I realized aloud.

Powering through the dizziness, I peeked out to look at the street. It was clear. I speed walked as fast as I could without looking suspicious, but still received sideways glances from uppity women as they clutched their purses. I pictured myself: sweaty, panting, dressed in men's work clothes, with a bruised face and dirty hair, and I agreed with them silently. I fumbled for a cigarette from my ratty carpenter jeans, promptly dropping the lighter. I sighed and picked it up, but as I stood up, I saw a familiar, black eyed, dark haired, tall figure.

It can't be...

I blinked and he was gone. I shook my head at the tiny spark of hope that had risen in my heart. I lit the cigarette and placed it between my lips, breathing in the sweet burning sensation as temporary calm overtook me. I closed my eyes and leaned against the cold brick wall, waiting for Oliver's daycare to let out. Remembering my father's men chasing me not 10 minutes before, my eyes shot open and I scanned the area. It looked clear but I knew looks were deceiving.

Time to move again. Poor Ollie was just getting settled too... But I can't risk his safety, even if it means he's grumpy at me.

The doors to the daycare flung open as tiny kids with sticky hands and full smiles streamed out and ran to their parents. I watched as couples picked up their kids and spun them in the air. The kids squealed as their moms giggled and their dads chuckled. Happy families, content with their lives. Longing pulled at my heart before I shook it off again. Gloria strode out holding a sleeping Ollie in one arm and his baby bag in the other.

As she stood in front of me, she lifted my chin and examined the fresh cuts and bruises, clicking her tongue. "Oh Tina... Not again." She said in her thick southern accent.

I shook off her fingers lightly, pasting on a fake smile. "It's nothing Gloria, just work."

She raised her eyebrows in a way that said she knew I was lying, but left it alone as Oliver started crying softly, reaching his chubby fingers out towards me. As I held the one year old in my arms, I swayed back and forth and whispered to him. His big, innocent eyes stared up at me and it was like looking into my reflection, they were the exact same shade of green. Emerald, August used to call them.

He smiled, showing off his four bright white teeth baby teeth. "Aren't you just the sweetest lil' thang? Yes you are!" Gloria purred to him.

I turned to her, looking into her eyes that changed color every time I saw her. Today they were blue. "Gloria, here's the money for the past 2 weeks, but you won't be seeing us again. Ollie and I are moving in with my cousin, she got us an apartment right next to hers." I lied through my teeth, handing her a check.