Beneath the Scars

Chapter 2 - The Escape

XILINE NAOMI DRAVEN

years passed...

The kitchen was really quiet, and I was on edge, my heart pounding as I gathered our things. I had spent weeks planning this moment. Leaving behind our chaotic life for a chance at a new beginning. The bus would be leaving soon, and I had to act fast.

I glanced at the clock again and then made my way to Xenon's bedroom. I opened the door slowly, cringing at the slight creak of the springs. Inside, Xenon was resting under the covers, sleeping peacefully. I approached his bed and gently shook him.

"Xenon, wake up," I whispered.

He stirred and blinked with a half-awaken eye. "What time is it?"

"It's early. We need to get up," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "We're going on a trip."

"A trip?" he asked, rubbing his eyes. "Where are we going?"

"We're leaving this place," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "We're going to a new town. We'll be safe there."

Xenon sat up, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. "But why are we leaving? What about Mom and Dad?"

"It's complicated," I said, avoiding his eyes. "Things haven't been good around here, and we need to find a better place for us."

He frowned, looking worried. "But will we ever come back?"

"No, Xenon," I said firmly. "We're not coming back. This is a new start for us, and it's the best thing for us."

"But I don't understand," he said, his voice trembling, worried. "What if they need us?"

"They don't need us," I said, my voice stained with sadness. "They've caused us too much pain. It's time for us to move on."

Xenon looked down at the covers, clearly distressed. "Are you sure this is the right thing to do?"

"I'm sure," I said, taking his hand. "We have to trust that this is the right decision. I've made plans for us, and we're going to be okay."

Xenon took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "Okay, Xiline. I trust you."

"Good," I said, pulling him into a quick hug. "Let's get dressed and get out of here. We don't have much time."

We hurriedly got dressed and gathered the last of our belongings. I glanced around the room one last time, taking in the remnants of our old life. There was no turning back now.

As we headed towards the front door, Xenon looked up at me. "What's going to happen when we get to the new place?"

"I've got a job lined up and a small apartment," I said, trying to sound confident. "We'll start fresh and build a new life."

"What if things don't work out?" Xenon asked, his voice full of concern.

"We'll make it work," I said. "We have each other, and that's what matters most."

I opened the front door slowly, careful not to make any noise. The early morning air was cool and refreshing. We stepped outside and I closed the door behind us, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

As we walked towards the bus station, Xenon remained quiet, deep in thought. I could see the worry in his eyes, and it made me feel even more determined. This was our chance to escape the pain of the past and build something better.

When we reached the bus station, I bought our tickets and found a place to sit. Xenon looked around, looking at the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Do you think we'll be okay?" he asked quietly.

"I know we will," I said, squeezing his hand. "We're starting a new chapter, and it's going to be different from what we've known."

Xenon nodded, but I could see he was still nervous. "I just hope we can find a place where we can be happy."

"We will," I said reassuringly. "We'll make it work. We're a team, and we'll face whatever comes together."

The bus pulled up, and we climbed aboard. I found our seats and settled in, trying to calm my own nerves. The engine roared to life, and as we pulled away from the station, I glanced back at the town we were leaving behind.

"Xiline?" Xenon's voice broke through my thoughts. "Are you sure we're doing the right thing?"

"Yes," I said, looking at him with determination. "This is the right thing. We're moving forward, and we're going to be okay."

Xenon looked out the window as the familiar sights of our old town began to fade. "It's kind of scary," he admitted.

"I know," I said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But it's also exciting. We're starting something new, and that's something to look forward to."

The bus journey was long, and as we traveled down the road, I tried to focus on the positive side. The fresh start, and the new opportunities. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face the challenges ahead.

As the bus moved further away from our old life, I felt a sense of relief mixed with anticipation. We were leaving behind the pain and moving towards a future filled with possibilities. And as I looked at Xenon, I knew that no matter what lay ahead, we would face it together.