The Runaway (Original Story) [2015]

Part 3

Jason's POV

"Jason." I hear my name called.

No, I can't let her see me like this. I think negatively to myself. But I should thank her. She helped me stay away from Him without asking questions.

While I was busy contemplating, she caught up to me. Out of breath she heaved my name out once more. "Ja-son." She places her hand onto my shoulder, as if it's to keep me there because she doesn't know if I'll run again. To be fair I don't know either.

"What do you want?" I ask harshly.

I don't want to be mean to this girl.

"Jason. I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to deal with that." She hugs me.

I don't know how I feel about this, but I do know that I don't want it to stop. I figure that instead of standing there letting her hug me, that I would hug her back.

We fit together like puzzle pieces. Her head on my shoulder and her waist in my arms. Her hair smells faintly of fruit and something tropical. Coconut?

I gently lift her off the ground, pulling her upwards towards me. Then I set her back down, even more gently. She pulls away with a small smile, and I return it.

This is what I want. 

Happiness.

I look into her eyes, They're a light color, blue. I think. Or green?  I can't tell.

The happiness is short lived because I see a mark on her cheek.

"L-Lauren? What's that?"

My mother comes out the back door. "Jason, your father is home. Get out of here quickly."

Then she sees Lauren, still in my embrace. As usual, she doesn't speak and just nods. I return the nod and whisper into Lauren's ear, "We need to get out of here, now."

"Why?" She asks.

"No time, we just need to go. I'll explain later."

I grab my bike and tell her to get hers.

"It's in the yard."

Shit. I think internally.

"Get on." I command. She stands blankly. "On the handlebars, get on."

She does as ordered, without complaint. I pedal away as my mother goes to distract my father.

I pedal down the street and pass her house too. I don't know how far to go, but I know that she can't know what happens at home, so I try to get her as far away as possible.

After about five minutes past the dirt road that leads into our 'neighborhood', the houses start to get nicer. Flowers and other plants grow and the scenery is beautiful. I continue pedaling however, slower now, since we are far enough away from Him.

"This is really nice." I hear from in front of me. I look up at her face, just slightly. She's really beautiful with the wind flowing through her dark hair. I continue to pedal, never wanting this moment to stop.

"Aren't you tired? From pedaling for so long?"

"No." I smile secretly. "I want to show you something later.

"Okay."

"I want to try something, so go slow."

I slow very slightly, but keep enough speed so I don't wobble the bike.

She steadies herself before putting her arms out, like an eagle.

I laugh quietly, but she must have heard it because she responds with, "What I saw it in a movie once."