Escape

Chapter Seven

The next morning comes too quickly as I'm woken up by the bright sun shining into my bedroom. I check the time: 10:00am. I can't remember the last time I slept in this late. I must have really needed it.

I get out of bed and jump into the shower. I smell of beer and cigarettes after being in that pub all night. The shower never once offered warm water this morning, so I make it extra fast.

I step out of the shower and blow dry my hair. I place a few curls at the bottom and pin half of it up. I keep my make-up simple by just putting some mascara on. I'm very blonde, so without mascara, I practically look like I'm missing eyelashes.

I walk over to my closet and pull out the first t-shirt I see, a black v-neck, and put that on. Then I grab a pair of dark blue jeans. I give myself another look in the mirror feeling very... nervous. I have to bring Samuels jacket back.

I walk downstairs, grab my bag, and slip my converse on. I look at the book and contemplate bringing that back as well, seeing as I've already read it once before. But then I remember Samuel insisting that he get two visits out of me by having me bring back his jacket. And if I'm being honest with myself, I wouldn't made having multiple excuses to go back to the bookstore.

I grab his jacket and drape it over my arm. I can still smell his cologne lingering on the jacket. I swing my bag over my shoulder and head out of the apartment.

I find myself walking a little slower this time. Typically, the bookstore is only a ten- or fifteen-minute walk, but today it took me twenty minutes. I think my nerves slowed my pace.

I walk into the bookstore, hearing the bells echo throughout the store announcing my arrival. I look around for a moment when I hear someone come from the back.

The woman I saw before, that I now assume is Samuels sister, approaches the counter. She has dark-hair just like him and beautiful fair skin.

"Hi! Can I help you?" She asks, then looks down at the jacket in my arms and looks confused at first, then she smiles like she knows something I don't.

"Oh um, is Samuel here?" I ask. I can feel my face flush.

"No, he's not, I'm sorry. Is there something I can help you with?" She asks, glancing at the jacket.

"Um, if you just don't mind returning this to him." I say as I hold out the jacket, feeling disappointed

"If you'd like to wait, he just stepped out to grab breakfast. He should be back any minute." She says with a smile.

But this is awkward enough already, "No that's okay. But thank you." I lay the jacket across the glass counter. Samuels sister nods and grabs the jacket, disappearing into the back room.

I turn to leave the bookstore and just as I walk out, I run into Samuel, literally, making him drop a bag full of muffins on the ground.

I cover my mouth with my hands, "Oh my god! I am so sorry!" Good job Payton.

He laughs, "Please, don't worry about it. It was an accident." He looks at me and smiles. I help him pick up the now ruined muffins as we gather them back into the bag and toss them in the nearest garbage.

"I really am so sorry." My cheeks flush.

"Payton, it's okay." He says with a laugh, "it was nobody's fault." He scans my hands, and I know what he's looking for. His smile fades.

"Um, I left it with your sister. She said you weren't here." I shift uncomfortably.

"Oh," He looks disappointed. "Yeah sure, no problem." He shrugs and goes to walk inside.