RUNAWAY

/ 58 \

💄VERITY💄

Mavros didn't deny his story about Axton, but he didn't need to. Their subtle jabs in the video chats were enough of a hint. I wanted to hug him, but it wouldn't be safe, so I rubbed his thigh. He gently patted my hand, and I removed my hand. For the next few minutes, a comfortable silence settled over us. Perhaps it was more comfortable for him as I started to feel a little guilty. I wanted to tell Mav that my running away wasn't an impulse due to a lack of options. If I mentioned it, he'd force me to confess. Then he'd want to confront my family for me, and my shot at freedom would be delayed. Some might say, "What does it matter if your freedom is delayed? If you could wait all this time, surely you can wait a bit longer. When you've been caged for so long, and opportunity is dangled in front of you, you'll go for it. No hesitation or compromise. Just a hit of desperation as if you're a robber with antsy hostages. Which is what I was currently feeling, but also anxious. As I wasn't sure, the road ahead was obstacle free. I probably wouldn't breathe easily until I was thirty-one thousand feet.

"I appreciate you sharing your story."

"What about you?"

"Me?"

"These two weeks, I've gotten to know you. And I understand your nature."

"What do you mean?"

"You're neither a helpless princess nor a dumb-ass. With your cunning, I don't think you needed to hide out at my mc."

"..."

"I think you chose it for a reason."

"..."

"I shared my story. I'd like you to do the same."

What does he think he knows?

"Are you insinuating I scammed you?"

"You didn't, but you played the helpless girl card well."

"If you think you know my ploy, you've had chances to expose it or ask me about it."

"I'm not angry or offended to do either in front of everyone. Which is why I'm asking about it here."

"I think you haven't unearthed enough info, and that's why you want my explanation."

Good, keep evading him. You can see the airport from here.

"I can help you negotiate with your family."

"That's both sweet and naive of you to say. I'm not seeking my parents' or anyone's permission. I'm a legal adult, and I've earned my freedom."

"I agree you have, I just don't think you need to alienate your family to do so. Plus, there's also the matter of that 'Jones' guy. Your family don't even know that this is an ela-."

Before Mav could say anything else, I stealthily slipped my collapsed nighstick out of my purse.

I pulled down the overhead visor and dramatically raised myself up like I was trying to see the traffic behind us.

"What's wrong?" He eyed me from the corner of his eye.

"I think there's an ambulance coming."

"Oh."

Taking my word for truth, he deescalated till he drew to a stop on the shoulder. As soon as the car was in park, I made my move.

( ( WHACK ) )

After he slumped over the car door I leaned over and pecked his lips.

"I'm sorry."

I lowered the window before switching the engine off. I left the vehicle and retrieved my luggage and reopened the passenger side to lock up the car.

💄💄

With a bag, a suitcase, and on foot took an hour to reach the airport entrance. Inside I leaned against the wall and took out my phone to check the time and my flight schedule. The text from West showed my flight was leaving at six-oh-five.

"FUUUUCK."

I checked the time and saw it was five-forty. I shot up and ran towards the above sign that read; check-in/baggage. When I viewed the counter I was relieved to see only five people.

"Thank you!"

When it was my turn I rushed forward to hand over my license and my luggage. As soon as my ticket was handed over I snatched it and dashed to the first security check-point. There the line was longer, but Thankfully the TSA guy didn't prolong the ID check. After slipping past I continued running to the metal detection point. I jerked a tray on the belt, placing my tote, sweatshirt, and shoes inside. I waited till my stuff went through the x-ray scanner before walking to stand inline at the walk in scanner. After a wait I was scanned and patted down.

"Ma'am, are you alright? You're not harmed or in danger are you? You're breathing kind of heavy." The middle aged female agent scrutinized me from my head to socked feet.

"Not at all. Just in a rush. I was late arriving."

"Alright. Enjoy your flight."

I nodded and rushed past to my tray to throw on my belongings. After I found a bench to take a breather, and checked the time. It was now five-fifty-six. I scanned the above signs for my terminal and sprinted towards it. After weaving in and out of traffic I made it as the C group was lining up to board. I checked my boarding pass and saw it was for group B. I rushed ahead of the line and haulted at the welcoming assistant.

"CHEAT."

"BACK OF THE LINE WHITE GIRL."

"WHAT AN ASS-HOLE."

"WE ALL WANNA BOARD."

"Hi, sorry I'm late, but I'm in group B." I handed over my phone for the assistant to scan and gave the jeerers a glare.

"No problem, go ahead, ma'am. Enjoy your flight." The woman gave a tight smile. I slowed my pace as I went down the hall to the plane doors. Where a pretty young stewardess was waiting.

"Welcome, thank you for choosing, 'Idaho Falls Regional Airline.'"

I nodded with a smile and went to find an empty window seat. Thankfully the nearest one was empty, with no kids near it, and no people to step past. I sat and placed my bag on the floor. I buckled my seatbelt and leaned back, to relax the tension from what felt like a three K. (One point eighty-six miles)

After C group boarded and the doors were bolted, fifteen minutes was spent going through introductions and the emergency guidelines.

"This is your captain speaking, we're in for clear skys, for a smooth ride to Overton Municipal Airport..." the captain went on to list the altitude, and speed.

"The estimated arrival time, is seven-thirty. Thank you for choosing Idaho Falls Regional Airline."

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