Love Always, Callie

Prologue

I was hungry. I was tired. I was thirsty. I was lonely. But more than anything, I was scared. I regretted running away, once again but I couldn't get adopted knowing I was so deeply in love with Brandon and I couldn't stand to tell them what I did, to tell Jude what I did, so I did what I do best, I ran. By now they've found my letter I'm sure, and soon they'll be looking for me. I miss everyone so much that my heart aches, but I'm okay, I always am. Jude's safe so I have nothing to worry about. I felt guilty and I'm sure Brandon felt bad and that made the guilt sink in even more. Our last conversation flashed through my mind.

I ran my hand across his sleeping face.
"Brandon, wake up." My voice cracked.
"What's wrong?" He asked with concern, more guilt.
"I just wanted to see you, I know that I've put you through hell and back and for that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for changing your life for the worst. I'm so sorry." My eyes filled with tears. I think we both knew this was a goodbye but neither of us wanted to admit it. His eyes were glistening in tears but he remained silent and let me continue.
"But I'm not sorry for loving you. I'm not sorry for falling so deeply in love you I can't breath sometimes because it consumes me so much. I'm not sorry because you gave me something so special. And always, always know I will never forget all the little things." I grabbed his hand. "I love you, Brandon. And I always will."

He finally spoke up, "You didn't mess up my life, you made it. You came along and you changed everything. Before you, I was terrified of stepping outside my boundaries, look at me now. I am a different person because of you, a better me. I love you, Callie. I will always protect you, I will always be here for you." A tear slipped down my cheek as I listened to his words, he was making this so damn hard.

He leaned up and pressed his lips against mine, sparks shooting through me like dynamite. The kiss started out slow and passionate but quickly progressed to needy and desperate. It was so consuming, everything about him is consuming. We both pulled away, his bright green eyes staring into my brown ones.

"God, I love you. I'm so lucky to love you." He whispered pulling me into a hug and kisses the top of my head. More tears streamed down my cheeks like a steady waterfall. This hurt so much.

A stray tear rolled down my face as I stared at my reflection at this old, unsanitary gas station bathroom. I wiped my eyes and took out the last bit of my money, getting ready to take a bus to as far as it will. I was walking and not paying attention, and when I finally looked up I was met with a set of headlights coming straight toward me and before I could even blink I was mid air. It all seemed to go in slow motion before I hit the ground. I heard screeching of tires and a lot of screaming. I wasn't in pain, but before I slipped completely into unconsciousness, flashes of Brandon and I at the cabin flashed through my head.

I love you.