𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 | 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐳

𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Cherry already has a bad feeling about the gas station. She isn't sure why, but looking at it makes her feel anxious. It could also be because people are there.

"You okay, Cher?" She looks over at him, taking a moment for her to hear the nickname to her nickname. A dopey smile forms on her lips.

"Yeah. Just not a people person," she says. She walks towards the gas station, and she and Sean follow Daniel.

"Were you ever a people person?"

"Meh. Not much to like with most people."

He takes in a sharp breath, almost making a hissing sound. He places his hand over his chest. "Ouch."

"You, Daniel, and Lyla are the exceptions." He smiles softly at her words.

"Good, 'cause this would be an awkward trip if you didn't like us." He knocks into her gently, a grin forming on her face.

  "I've been so hungry for some real food," Daniel says, gaining their attention.

  "I got enough money for food if you want to try to get us supplies," Cherry states, giving Sean a glance. He smiles, nodding his head gently.

"I hear you, Daniel," he says, giving his brother his full attention. "We're going to get food, water, plus a map. So we can find the best route."

"Okay." The two can practically hear the pout on his face. Cherry speed walks to catch up with the boy.

"We'll have a better day today. I swear. Besides-" she leans down to whisper loudly, "Sean said he'll get you a Chock-o-Crisp, remember?"

"Oooo!" Daniel tries to wiggle his eyebrows, failing miserably. Cherry has to bite her lip not to laugh.

"How about we go wash up first?" Sean says, butting himself between the two. "You got some dirt right there." He wipes his finger across his brother's face, making him whine.

  "I'll wait for y'all," she says, moving to sit on the bench.

"Don't worry, we won't take long," he reassures her. He moves his brother into the single bathroom before locking the door behind him, leaving Cherry with her thoughts.

He washes his face, as does Daniel, and the two complain about how cold the water is. For a moment or two, he stares at himself in the mirror. He feels he's aged so much in only a few days. It doesn't help his eyes are heavy with sleep. Him waking up in the middle of the night to help Cherry probably wasn't the best idea. But then the thought of their hug and how she felt against him and it makes his stomach bubble. Or he could just be hungry.

The two walk out of the bathroom, seeing Cherry sitting in the exact same position. Sean can see her eyes look hazy. He places a gentle hand on her shoulder, and the cloudiness in her eyes seems to disappear. She gives an awkward smile, seemingly knowing she's been caught.

"Sorry. I was daydreaming."

"About what?" Daniel asks, sitting beside her, and Sean does the same on the other side.

"My mama." A wide smile forms on her face. "You would've loved her, Daniel." She ruffles his hair gently. "She was sweet like honey. Gave me my hoodie. But she could chuck a shoe at you from a mile away." Sean laughs while Daniel looks a bit scared.

"That sounds terrifying." Cherry laughs at the look on his face.

"That was rare. She was a lover, not a fighter."

"Are you a lover or a fighter?" he asks. She takes a moment to answer, brows furrowed in thought.

"I fight, but only for those I love."