Something New

I Just Keep Running - Chapter 9

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Chapter 9

Nara's POV

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I ran as fast as I could through the early morning haze. Once I felt I was far away and when I ran out of juice, I plopped down on the ground in an alley. I sucked in air hard as I tried to slow my heart from beating out of my chest.

I did it. I completed my plan. Not knowing how exactly I felt, I went into hysteria, laughing and crying uncontrollably. I had made them feel only a fraction of what I've felt, but my perfect plan crumbled at the end. I was totally screwed.

I couldn't show my face back at their houses. They most likely have the police looking for me. I left my only other pair of clothes, my backpack, and other belongings at Link's house. and the kids... I probably won't be able to see the kids again...

I was torn between feeling like justice was served and feeling like I suffered the worst loss.

I stood up and grabbed the only thing I had, my board. Skating was going to clear my mind.

For the rest of the day I skated around parts of the city I faintly remembered. I really had nothing but the clothes on my back and my board. No money, no food, no shelter.

I had no idea what was to come next. I contemplated turning myself into the police because then i'd have food and shelter. I also thought about going back to the Neal house to beg for forgiveness.

But I knew those were stupid ideas.

When night fell upon the city, I curled up in ball and laid against a garbage can. Wow, how I took for granted the couch in the McLaughlin house.

For the next week, I laid low and skated around the city scavenging through trash cans for food. I felt so low by the end of the week. Nothing was going my way, but then again, when does it ever? I needed help, but I was too stubborn to admit it.

The next night, as I was about to give up, I found a glimmer of hope.

I slowly cruised through an alley when in the distance I saw a figure with a spray can. A boy, who looked a couple years older than me, turned to look at me. He stopped in his tracks about to run. I hopped off my board and walked closer.

"Hey, i'm not gonna bust you." I laughed as I pulled down my hood.

The boy pulled down his hood as well to speak.

"Well, yeah. Cops don't exactly ride skateboards through dark alleys while wearing black hoodies covered in paint." he smirked.

I laughed as I looked up to observe his graffiti.

"Wow, this is some serious art. You're really good." I gestured to the wall.

"Really? Thanks. I don't usually get compliments on my crime." he joked.

"Oh, so i'm the first chick on a skateboard in a dark alley to critique your work?"

"You're a little jokester, aren't you?" he laughed as he set down his spray paint can.

"Only when it comes to street art."

"I'm Matt."

"Nara." I spoke as I shook his extended hand.

"Interesting name. Like a work of art." he smiled.

"Matt. Short for Matthew?"

"Actually it's Matthias. Weird I know." he looked at his hands.