LITTLE RUNAWAY // Benson Boone x OC

Room For 2

WARNINGS
•breakdowns
•mentions of death

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July 11th 2020
[Jailah's P.O.V.]

Yesterday's events stirred through my mind like a herd of deer shuffling through weeds. The meltdown I had still lingered about in the scribbled canvas of my mind. I didn't want to scare Benson away, that was my last intention. But, I knew that's probably what happened. It was going on six P.M and I hadn't heard anything from him.

Sighing I rose from the comfort of my bed and shuffled into the kitchen to find my aunt and uncle happily dancing together to Elvis Presley's Cant Help Falling In Love. I watched in adoration as my uncle spun her around in a circle with a whimsical smile etched into his mouth.

Too engulfed in their own little world to notice me standing there, I walked back into my room with my head held low. I hadn't really left my bedroom only to eat breakfast this morning, which wasn't much of anything, just a small portion of scrambled eggs and a slice of buttered toast. Lately, I'd been having a hard time eating, I just didn't have an appetite.

With a heavy sigh I sat on the edge of my bed and peered over at the Polaroid of my mother and father at prom. It remained safely tucked under the wooden frame of my vanity mirror. Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away. I didn't need to break down anymore than I already had. Not today, not right now.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed against the bed, I peered over and saw Benson's name flashing across the screen. I couldn't help the smile that crossed over my previously somber features.

"Hello?" I answered, subconsciously twirling a strand of hair around my finger.

"Hey, how you doing?" He calmly asked.

"Good," I lied with a smile, "How are you?" I inquired, lying on my stomach.

"Good, just tired I got back from the studio a few hours ago and finished up a few songs."

"Ah, so what you're telling me is you need to go to sleep?" I chuckled.

"Bruh, sleep is for the week," he playfully spoke, "No, but I was actually calling to see if you wanted to get some breakfast tomorrow?" His question was quickly followed by a nervous clap of laughter.

"Of course, what time?" I smiled.

"Uh, like ten."

"Yeah, sounds good." I pursed my lips in thought as what to add to keep the conversation going when my thoughts were interrupted by Benson's graveled voice.

"So, I just want to ask if you're okay? I know last night you kind of fell apart, that's okay. It doesn't bother me at all, but I just wanted to make sure you're okay?" I smiled at his thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, I mean I'm better now. Thanks for asking."

"Yeah, no prob', uh, so when did everything transpire?" He began, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." He added almost immediately after.

"Well, fourth of July there was a shooting at the parade in Santa Barbara. Long story short-" I stopped myself before I broke down into another fit of tears. The terror filled day flooded my mind with images I had fought my hardest to not think about ever. The sight of my mother's motionless body lying on the pavement as the distant echoes of gunfire pierced my ears. The way my brothers head lolled side to side as he lost consciousness. The memory of it all left a deep cavern in my heart, one full of putrid darkness and agony.