Stockholm Syndrome l.h

20

We had arrived in Ohio. and had no idea where to go from here.

"Well, I know this airport and we aren't too far from where I live. Should we go there, or is that too soon?" I looked at Calum.

Calum scratched the back of his neck, "I have no idea. There's two ways that could go: One, your family or friends or whatever will be so happy you're back and not question Luke and I. Or two, they get extremely pissed at you for disappearing, and possibly call the police on me and Luke." He took a breath, "All in all, you can't tell them it was us from the start. At least not yet." He slumped his shoulders a bit.

"Hey, I just got off the phone with another taxi. Should be here in ten minutes, let's eat." Luke grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the small Taco Bell.

"Can I get two cheesy bean and rice burritos with a medium Pepsi please?" Calum told the cashier with pretty blonde hair.

She nodded then looked at Luke and I waiting for our orders.

"I'll just have a chicken quesadilla and a medium Dr. Pepper please." I went with my usual.

Luke asked for a grilled stuft nacho with a Pepsi as well, then we took our food and sat down at a small table waiting for our taxi to arrive.

"I haven't had Taco Bell in ages." I sighed with joy. I'm finally being reunited with some of my favourite food ever.

"Same, Michael - may that prick rest terribly in hell - always wanted Chipotle." Calum took a big bite off his burrito, "It's no Taco Bell, that's for sure." He wiped some food off his face and took a sip of his drink.

I scarfed down my quesadilla about the same time they finished their food, and Luke got the call that our taxi had arrived.

We left the wrappers on the table and ran outside as if we were running from security. It was kind of thrilling.

* * * * * * *

"That'll be fifty-three dollars and eleven cents." The taxi driver spoke as we stopped in front of my house.

"I got this." Luke huffed and pulled out his wallet, handing the driver three twenties.

"Have a safe night." The driver called to us as we got out of the vehicle and drove off.

We stood there in a line just staring at my house, frozen. It still looked the same. Same boring white paint. Same boring flowers my mother didn't plant.

"Well, this is it." I was the first one to speak.

"Now what?" Calum looked at me.

"Do we say goodbye?" I turned to Luke.

He shook his head, "I'm not ready for goodbye."

I hummed, "Would you like to come in?"

"I'm down." Calum began taking a head start to the door.

Luke intertwined his fingers with mine tightly like he would be pulled away. He followed me up the small set of stairs leading to the front door, where Calum already found the spare key.

"How did you-"

"Oh come on, it's so cliche to keep the spare under the welcome mat." Calum sassed.

Without letting go of Luke's grip, I unlocked the door and slowly opened it. All the lights were off, meaning my mother was asleep or out for the night.

"Don't make a sound." I whispered as we entered.

We creeped our way up the stairs to find out that my mother wasn't home. I sighed in relief.