Imogen’s POV
Truth or dare had never been one of my favorite games, it generally had some fucked up results. I’d only ever played it twice. The first time, I had to admit I didn’t really like my boyfriend and he moved away and never contacted us again without saying goodbye. The second time, I got dared to try ice. That was the worst experience of my whole life. Never ever again.
This time wasn’t any better. We spent all day trying to get rid of our hangovers so I guess we were bored. I admitted that I did still have feelings for Shaun. As stupid as it sounds, I just can’t lie. Ever. It just doesn’t work. I always end up crumbling and telling the truth. I looked up at Jumpnow and saw the hurt in his eyes and I just couldn’t take it. I looked at Shaun and he didn’t look happy. He was holding Ashley’s hand and kind of giving me a disappointed look. Ok, so I still had feelings for him but what did it even matter? What did it even change between us? I loved Jumpnow but I couldn’t help liking Shaun. Why does every piece of happiness smash into a million pieces?
I probably overreacted but instead of just sticking it out, I took the stupid way out. Today had been perfect but now, it was pouring and windy. I didn’t even have my shoes, just socks. At least, I was wearing half decent clothes - skinny jeans and a random shirt which probably belonged to Jumpnow. Ok, so I was half asleep getting dressed today, so what? So anyway, I just got up and ran. Ran and ran and ran. Down the stairs, out the door and down the road. The rain was drenching me, soaking my socks and stuffing my hair up. There was someone running behind me, I could hear the thump of their feet, along the concrete. It was like a heartbeat. Thump thump thump thump thump. One step closer, one step further away.
I slipped my phone into my bra (at least, I had worn one today) and ran some more. I’d been to sydney a couple of times yet I was totally lost, I felt so alone. My phone kept vibrating but I ignored it, I know running from your problems wasn’t how to fix them but for now, it was all I could do. I had a few coins in my jeans from the other day, I left my wallet at the hotel. I kept running, sprinting even though my head was pounding and I was out of breath. But the footsteps follow me. I couldn’t face whoever was chasing me so I just kept pushing myself forward, tears slipping down my face and rain whipping against my cheeks. Being Sydney, at least it was lit, not full on dark despite it being 10:30pm. But I didn’t stop. Either did the footsteps so I just kept running.
Emily’s POV
It was really late and I was just finishing cleaning the tables in my parent’s cafe when a small pale girl ran past. She was crying and looked half suicidal so I couldn’t just leave her alone. The doors were locked so by the time I unlocked them, I had to jog just to catch her. When I caught up, she threw her arms around me. Surprisingly it felt nice, to actually be appreciated. She was crying, tears dripping down her cheeks and her phone was ringing non stop. Coming up behind us was someone else, it was a guy. He looked like one of those gay Short Stack guys, but he obviously was after this girl. He threw his arms around her, pulling her away from me and holding her tight. She should have been happy having a guy hug her so hard. I think even he was crying a little. A guy never did that to me. Never would. I was going to leave then but instead, the girl broke free of the guy and ran into the coffee shop. I shot the guy a quick smile before I followed her, shutting the door gently behind me.
The guy obviously wasnt going anywhere, he sat down outside and didn’t move. The small blonde haired girl was sitting in the corner, hugging her knees against her chest, hiding her face. Whenever I was upset, I made tea so seeing as we were in a cafe, I decided to make some. I added a fair bit of sugar, trying to cheer her up a little. I sat down next to her, handing her the china cup with hot tea in it ‘Hey, I’m Emily, are you ok?’ She gave a small smile. ‘I’m sorry, I’m Imogen and no, I’m not okay. I’m completely and utterly fucked’. Her voice was kind of scratchy and miserable so I put my arm around her and let her lean into me. A few minutes passed before she breathed in hard and started to talk to me. Outside, the boy was waiting and after asking Imogen’s permission, we let him in. And before either of us could get a word out, he started talking in a sad voice. ‘Ims, why did you run off? I love you. Nobody will change that’. He was almost in tears himself but she nodded slightly. ‘I’m sorry jumpnow’ she muttered, flushing red. He hugged her again, making me insanely jealous. This guy was hot. And I wanted him.
