𝑴𝒚 𝑪𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 | 𝟏𝟖+

~ I hate you ~

Ethan's perspective

Soft jazz music plays in the background of the coffee shop matching the gentle jingle of people coming and going. The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans helps me finally settle after this chaotic day.

I rest my chin in my palm as I admire Ruby's messy attire. Her blonde hair is wild from the rain and her blue eyes dart around the room.

I place my other hand on top of hers in an attempt to comfort her racing mind.

"I swear Ruby," I whisper with a tender smile playing at my lips, "You're the most beautiful person I've ever met."

I raise my hand and boop her button nose. "I can't get enough of you,"

Her expression softens with a rosy tint accentuating the freckles on her cheek.

But, as she turns away, her face shifts. Her eyes grow wide and her mouth slacks open.

I follow her gaze and a breaking news banner flashes across the TV screen, capturing my attention.

"What..." I trail off as Ruby raises a hand to her mouth.

"Oh my God," her voice trembles as she points to the screen.

"Breaking news: The police have identified an accomplice for Ethan Woods, the murderer who escaped prison. Ruby Winter has been helping to hide the criminal and we believe they may be plotting to escape the country. Suspects are considered armed and dangerous. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any sightings to the police."

Ruby gasps quietly next to me and my heart stops as a photo of us comes onto the screen. My hand flies to hers as I shoot up.

"We need to go to Ruby, now!" I snap.

Her eyes stay glued to the screen, frozen in place as the report goes on.

"No..." She mumbles to herself.

I tug at her hand urgently as eyes start shifting to us from around the room.

"Ruby! Now!"

One final tug and she lifts, I begin running to the exit and a few men stand behind their tables.

The door swings open and I pull us through, knocking over a few people as we make our way down an alleyway.

"We have to get out of here,"

The once serene atmosphere has turned urgent as our feet pound on the stone pathways. We twist and turn to pry away from any watching eyes, I glance back a few times half expecting to see police round the corner and arrest us.

I'm panting by the time we stop, I slam my back against the brick wall and slide to the floor, legs giving in. "We need to disappear," I say, mine racing, "Find a place to lay low until we figure this out."

I finally look up to Ruby. Her eyes are glazed over as she stares down at me.

"This is your fault," she whispers so softly I wonder if I imagined it. Tears swell in her eyes. "My life is ruined!" She snaps, voice laced with resentment.

My eyes widened. "What?"

"Because of you, my life is over! We might as well go to the police, then I can clear my name!"

I furrow my eyebrows. "Ruby, we ran from a cop, they won't get over that,"

She stares at me with wide, wet eyes clouded with fear. Her lips quiver as more tears fall forming waterfalls down her rosy cheeks.

"I hate you." Her breathless voice makes my heart ache. "I hate you!" She screams again before collapsing onto the floor. I shuffle towards her, pulling her into my arms. "No! Let me go!" Her voice cracks and creaks as I start rocking her in my lap.

My stomach twists as a wave of nausea washes over me. Finally, she relaxes into me. Her fingers curl around any loose fabric of my shirt as she sobs into my chest.

A blood-curdling scream rips through her and I go deaf for a moment, but never once do I let her go. She needs me more than ever right now.

I continue to rock her as the beauty of day fades into a stark contrast of night. The bustling city falls quiet and the bats chirp above.

Our chaotic yet exciting day has been transformed as we now have to escape the chilling pursuit of justice.