Run

Chapter Fourteen

RUN

By Elissa Evenson

Chapter Fourteen: MASON

We sat in silence for a while and we didn't hear anything. We figured the "mystery man", as Stacy called him, gave up. But that doesn't mean he won't be back again. I looked over at Stacy and smiled. Then I saw the tears in her eyes.

"Come here," I said and opened my arms up for her. Since we were sitting on the floor, she crawled towards me. She sat in my lap and a hugged her. She leaned her head against my chest and I kissed the top of her soft head. I rested my cheek against her head and closed my eyes.

"Mason?" She asked me quietly.

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you invited me in." I was a little taken back by this.

"I-I am to." Then I closed my eyes again.

***

Everyone was getting antsy and hungry.

"Can't we just sneak down there and get some lunch?" I asked.

"No, he could still be watching us." Stacy said. I was starting to get the feeling that she thought she was in charge. After an hour into our waiting I went to the bathroom so I could finish cleaning Stacy's burn. It looked a little better now.

"Oh come on. No one attacked me when I went to the bathroom. You know what? I'm going down there anyways." I stood up to leave.

"No!" Stacy reached out and grabbed my wrist. "Please don't. I care about you and don't want you to get hurt." I sighed. She was giving me an irresistible, puppy dog face. But I was so hungry...

"Well then when can I?" I asked.

"Hmm... How about half an hour?" I suppose I can wait that long. If I'm doing something entertaining.

"Ok, but we have to do something other than just sit here."

"Alright. What should we do?"

"Let's play the truth game." I suggested.

"What's that?" Stacy asked.

"You just ask each other questions, and if they refuse to answer you have to remove one article of clothing. And both socks count as one item."

"Ok, sounds easy enough."

"Alright, I'll start. Stacy, what's your favorite color."

"Hmm. I dunno. I've never really had a favorite. Although if I had to pick one, I think I'd pick celery green. It's the color of your eyes." I felt myself blush up. Man up, I thought to myself.

"Well it's the same beautiful color as yours." Her cheeks flushed. She's so cute when she blushes. "Ok, Stella's turn."

"I'm not playing." She replied as she glared at me.

"Ok, ok." I held my hands up in mock defeat.

"Come on Stella, don't be such a grumpy pants!"

"I'm not a- arrrrggg!" Stella shot daggers at Stacy.

"Let's just leave Miss. Grumpy Pants alone, ok?" I chuckled. "So I guess it's your turn Stacy."

"Ok, um... Let's see. What's your favorite food?"

"Ohhhh. Hmm. That's a tough choice. I think either bacon, or a double bacon cheeseburger."

"Oh my gosh! I love bacon too! Although I haven't had it in a while."

"I'll get you some as soon as I can!" We both laughed at my enthusiasm.

The next half hour went like this: I grew hungrier by the second while Stacy and I continued asking each other questions. It got pretty hard after a while so then she just sat on my lap and we cuddled. Stella just sat in the corner and pouted the whole time. Although she claims she wasn't.

"Can I go get food now?" I asked eagerly. Stacy gave a little giggle.

"You and your food. I was enjoying your company though." She turned to face me and gave me a little pouty face. I kissed her soft lips.

"I'll be back quickly." I promised.

"Alright." She said defeated. She got off my lap and I slowly unlocked the door. Stacy tried to stand up but failed.

"Sit." I ordered.

"I'm not a dog." She said with a grin. I rolled my eyes at her.

It was unnaturally quiet downstairs. I made my trip quick. I was back in less than five minutes with some chips, bread, peanut butter, jelly and a knife.

"Looks good to me." Stacey said as she smiled.

"Let's eat!" I said and set the food down on the ground.