Chapter 1 The Runaways

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I'm all smiles and giggles. Tossing clothes into a suitcase gave off such an adrenaline rush. Things are going to be different; life is going to be a real adventure. I pack everything I'm going to need in LA. It's a lot but I'm trying to not let my life get off track. I sometimes write songs for my uncle, it's rare, but making music is in my blood. I can't leave it behind.

Rushing out the huge house I call home, Dave is waiting for me by the car. Winter is barely leaving, so we are dressed heavy. That's all going to change the further we get from this place. Dave takes his sunglasses off and gave me an unimpressed look.

"Anymore?" he asked.

"One more, don't hate just help me. Put this in the back please" I said handing him my suitcase.

"Hurry up, we got to hit the road" he complained.

Rolling my eyes, I rush back inside. I grab my last bag and give my house one last look over. The fancy furnished house with plastic plants and expensive statues. A house that was never a home. To everyone this place holds a perfect family. Even the pictures hung on the wall are just fake smiles and placed posing.

My parents were hardly ever home when I was growing up, hasn't changed. Only now I'm 16 and don't need a babysitter. Truth be told I'm a bit rebellious. With all the pranks, sneaking out, poker, and when I got old enough, the partying. My parents don't know who I am.

Sighing, I shake my head and walk out. They are overseas or something. Owning an international car dealership calls for a lot of attention. Sliding into the passenger seat, I drop my bag to my feet.

"Finally" Dave groans "Let's hit the road"

"Yeah, yeah, let's just go" I roll my eyes.

Dave is my best friend, just like our parents wanted. They are lifelong friends and forced their friendship on us since before we were even born. We were so tightly knitted that our friendship turned into something else in elementary school. For a few days we started dating, in the end we broke up. 

Being forced to see each other a lot after that, we became friends again. Somehow, I don't know, things just went back to normal. 

The first couple hours I just stared out the window. There is so much and so little on my mind at the same time. It goes from this long road trip to my parents, to the new city, to my music. I turn my thoughts, feelings and dreams into songs. They are personal, but if uncle likes one, I'll sell.

I don't do it for the money. I do it, so it goes out there into the world. If the song is too personal, I won't sell and just add it to the collection. Sighing, I close my eyes. This is going to be a long drive.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


We have finally reached a part of the world without freezing cold air. I should know where we are, but I slept for the last couple of hours. Two hours in Dave needed his 'beauty sleep' or whatever, so I took over. I'm leaning over the car putting in gas while Dave is getting snacks. 

"Got all the goods" speaking of.

Turning my head to look at him, my jaw drops. Light blue washed out jeans with designs in black and gold thread, snug white t-shirt, new Nike shoes, oversized wind breaker Adias jacket and new sunglasses. Completely different from what he walked in with.

"Want a picture? I'll have to charge you" he smirks.

I'm still flabbergasted at the total 180. Shaking my head slightly, the gas reaching the end snapped me out of it. Taking out the pump I roll my eyes with a scoff.

"I have plenty before pictures, I think I'll be just fine" I snicker.

"You're going to change your mind. Don't worry, I will give a discount" he said.

I fake a laugh and get behind the wheel. Looking over the map I memorize the route. Palm Woods, where dreams are made. Sounds fitting. The traffic, wow, not used to it. It took forever to get to the Palm Woods; Dave was getting antsy. His constant nervous chatter, shaking leg, tapping on the window and all the sighing is getting on my nerves.

I bite my tongue because getting into an argument is something I don't have the energy for. Seriously, if we aren't civil, we are at each other's throats. He is a big baby and will hold a huge grudge. Always been that way since we were babies.

"We're here" he whispers.

"Okay. We need to check in, bring out the bags and clean the car" I say.

"I'll check in-"

"Nope, you take out the bags, be careful, and I'll check in then we both clean up the car" I said. 

"Bossy" he mumbles.

"Whatever" I mutter with an eye roll.

Stepping out the car I look around with a smile. This is it. The start of a new life; new adventure. I stop right in front of the building and stare at the big sign. Palm Woods. Chuckling softly, I keep moving. The place looks so nice and business like. 

Teenagers are lounging around and walking by. Looks like I'm not the youngest one here, there are kids too, few, but still. Heading to the desk, I cross my arms over each other and lay them on top of the front desk. A man with glasses and suit looks at me and smiles politely.

"Welcome to the Palm Woods. Will you be checking in, ordering a room, or need assistance with your apartment?" he asked.

"Checking in please. Account under Dave Cambell" I smile. 

Dave's parents are... I don't know, supportive, I guess. They rented us an apartment and what not. Still, they crap on his dreams of being a pro dancer. I think they want him to get it out his system while he's young.

"Here are your keys. Let me know if you need anything else. Enjoy your stay at the Palm Woods" he smiles wide.

"Thank you, sir" I smile back.

Turning around I take a step back. My uncle's bodyguard Freight Train is carrying four guys right passed me. One with a helmet is being dragged by the hand, one is on his shoulder, in that same arm one is coddled in his arm, the other is on his other shoulder. All four boys are complaining and yelling at each other.

I purse my lips as I look at the show walking out the door. A smile and laugh are threatening to escape, but I compose myself. Shaking my head softly, I head back out to Dave. A bellboy is helping him unload things into a cart. I dangled the keys in front of my face when Dave finally noticed me. 

"Finally, I just want to sleep" he complained.

"All you do is sleep" I snort.

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