RUNAWAY | Ran Haitani

01

"Can I have your name?" the lady smiled as I thought of a name. Something different.

"It's Evie Aristia." I smiled. First, I need some place to stay in. Thankfully, I found one. It's a small town and I think they won't find me here. I saw some places that I can apply for a job. My money is not enough because I need to pay for the room permanently and it costs a lot. I also need to change my clothes and shop for some.

The lady gave me a key and guided me towards my room. I was so relieved when I saw the room tidy and cozy. Good enough for one person. I sat down on the small couch and removed my heels. My feet hurts.

I leaned my back against the backrest of the couch and stared at the ceiling. I'm hungry but I don't have the ability to move. I listed all the things I should do before I realized that I shouldn't go out tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. They might find me.

"Thank you again." I smiled as I watched the lady from before walk out of my room. I asked her to buy me clothes and food. Of course, I paid her. I also asked her if I could find a job here and she said she will look one for me immediately. I didn't know what did I do in my past life to be treated like this but I am thankful.

"Evie, here's everything. And I found a job for you!" she beamed at me when she came back holding a lot of paperbags and plastic bags. I helped her and guided her inside my room.

"Karine, thank you really." her eyes widened and she immediately smiled widely.

"You're welcome, Evie! Here! Look at it!" she's jumping up and down as she showed me a piece of paper. She's a year younger than me. "A cafe, restaurant, the library..." she keeps talking as I arranged all of the things she bought. I was surprised to see one of the plastic bags full of essentials for me to use. And some cooking ingredients and seasonings.

"A cafe? I'm interested." I looked at her with determination.

"My friend works there! I'll let him know!" I nodded, saying 'thank you' again.

After a week of isolating myself, I went out of my room. I saw Karine greeting every people that came in and out of the hotel with a big smile plastered on her face. How I badly want to smile genuinely and walk freely.

"Good morning, Miss Evie! Where are you going today?" she grinned. She has beautiful physical features and she's nice.

An idea popped up in my mind. "Bring me to the cafe shop." her eyes sparkles when she heard what I said.

"Yes, Miss!" she said happily.

We both walked out of the hotel. I'm even worried that she left her work and she said it's fine because there's not much to do inside the hotel. She's holding my left wrist as we stride the street of the small town. It was unfamiliar but I feel safe here, at least.

My lips parted when I saw the cafe shop. I thought this was a small town but I feel like I'm at the city again. The chimes jingle as Karine opened the glass door.

"Well, hello there." A man, no, I don't know. He strides towards us, hips swaying as he grinned.

"He's the owner. My friend. And he's a gay." Karine whispered. "And his name is Lave."