friday knights

42 ... home

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knights
42

☊ | track thirty-four—runaway

DIANE SCROLLED THROUGH THE 100-plus text messages from her mom, puddles of tears splashing the notifications. She turned the phone off completely and looked over at the full backpack she brought with her. It was a hand-me-down gift by Lola. Though it was still in great condition, Diane accepted the bag anyway. It sparkled with a dancer key chain hanging from the zipper. She grabbed it and hugged it to her chest, looking out of the window on the train.

It had been twenty minutes since boarding after hiding out in her room for some time while her mom searched for her. Her anxiety was off the roof thinking about just how much trouble she would be in if someone were to find her.

It hurt to see her mom go through the pain of thinking she was gone forever, but she just couldn't take it anymore. She didn't feel like she belonged. So she decided to pack a bag and go visit her grandparents in a small but comfy town where her mom grew up.

She remembered hearing many stories of the urban neighborhood and what it was like growing up there, how everyone came together in the community before eventually visiting every year. Those times she'd spent there were the best times of her life growing up. There, she felt like she belonged. All of the kids and adults in the neighborhood accepted her for who she was and not for what she looked like or who she came from. She missed that. Somewhere where nothing felt bitter and cold, but sweet and warm.

She'd made some friends down the line and missed them too. They taught her so many things and understood how she felt about not feeling accepted in her skin. And, she was tired of the big open space. Her grandparents owned a comfortable home.

It always smelt like childhood and cookies.

She couldn't wait to see them again.

Just then, a figure sat beside her in a rush making her do a few double-takes to make sure they were real.

"Charlie?" She turned in her seat, eyes wide. Charlie smiled and hugged his best friend, squeezing her tight. Diane, despite having many questions, squeezed him.

"What are you doing here?"

"You thought you could just run away and leave without me? After you texted, I found your location before you turned it off," Diane sighed as she stared at her friend. "Charlie you shouldn't be here."

"Try and stop me," He crossed his arms, a backpack at his feet on the floor. "I can't spend another second in that house with everyone arguing and..."

"After what my brother did...I feel like I have no one else. Except you. So if you're running away, I'm right behind you and you can't say anything to stop me."

"What about your aunt? You said she was like a mom to you," Charlie shook his head, frowning. "She caught my uncle cheating. So she'll be leaving me soon."

Diane blinked. "I'm sorry, but I'm not dragging—"

"I followed you. You're all I have left you freak."

She nodded hesitantly and whispered, "Okay."

"Footsie freaks remember?" He lifted a foot and Diane smiled, not being able to resist. She felt somewhat at ease and more confident about her decision now that she wasn't alone. Though, she still had her doubts.