Runaways

Ash

When I got back, Sky was sitting on a bench outside, reading a book. She looked up and saw me.

"Aww, who's this little guy."

"Huh?"

She laughed, "I was talking about the dog."

"Oh, right. I knew that."

"So this is why you needed to go to the pet store. Whose is it?"

I wasn't sure if I should tell her whose it was. I don't think Sky is the jealous type, but who knows—wait, what am I even saying; it's not like we're dating or anything, and even if we were dating, I doubt she'd even get jealous because of me.

"This girl named Eden. She's not allowed to have pets at her house, and he's a stray. I decided to help her out, so she doesn't get in trouble."

Her smile faded a little as she straightened up.

"That's nice of you. What's his name?"

"Uh, Brownie."

She pet his head while he was cradled in my arms.

"You forgot about our date yesterday."

"Wait, yesterday was Saturday? Oh, crap. I'm so sorry. I guess I lost track of what day it was. How can I make it up to you?"

She put her hands behind her back and inched closer and closer to my face until we were only what felt like a centimeter apart.

She smiled. "You can give me a kiss on the cheek." Then, she pointed to her right cheek.

I immediately turned red, and I'm pretty sure she could tell I was extremely taken off guard by that.

"So?"

"Huh?" I whispered. "Yo-you want a kiss? O-on the cheek?"

"Mmhm," she nodded.

Brownie got fussy in my arms, so I let him down.

"Mmm...ok," I managed to say. I turned my head to the side and rubbed my neck.

"Heh." She straightened up and laughed.
"I was just joking. I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd actually say yes."

"Oh, hahah. It's cool. I figured you were joking."

Actually, I didn't think it was a joke. This stung. I felt like the biggest idiot and loser because like of course she didn't mean it; it's me after all.

She held her stomach and kept laughing while tearing up. I just kept forcing a laughing and started tearing up not because of the laughing, but I just didn't want be around her anymore.

She finally recollected herself, and said, "When do you wanna reschedule our date?"

"You still wanna go on a date with me?"

"Mmhm. You helping out a girl with her dog isn't gonna make me not wanna go on a date with you."

"Oh yeah, I know. I just wasn't sure."

She rested her chin on her hand, trying to think of a good day.

"How about Tuesday after lunchtime?"

"Sounds good," I smiled.

"Great. I'll see you then." She winked and walked over to the bench to grab her book. Just like that she disappeared into the rundown foster building.

I walked over to Brownie who was growing at a dandelion. I pet him and slouched down next to him.

"Ah, Brownie. You think we'll actually date? Ugh, I wish I was a dog."

I took out my phone. "Hm? Your mom texted, Brownie?"

Hey, read the message from Eden.

"I wonder if something happened. Huh, why am I worried about her?"

Hey, you ok? I replied.

Not really...Can you keep Brownie for a few more days. Sorry...

Of course, but what happened?

I didn't tell you about this because I was embarrassed, but my foster mom-well more like head of the foster facility I'm at....kicked me out.

Wait, wait you're a foster kid too?

Too??

I'm a foster kid too.

Really? Small world...

Wait, why did she kick you out?

3 hours- no response

9 hours- no response

I'm worried.