The Girl With Blue Hair {A Novel}

-Chapter Five-

Blu's POV:

"Get up." My mom said through my open door. I looked at her. I hadn't slept, my decision keeping me up all night. Nonetheless, I grudgingly crawled out of bed, and sighed- it was only Tuesday.

I frowned as I looked in the mirror, taking in my rugged appearance. Worn eyes, bird's nest of hair, drool dried to my cheek. Oversized tee, gym shorts, no bra.

Last night, after I got back, I had called and made the necessary arrangements. I had called Russel, who was one of the people who stayed to fight after she gave her speech.

-/\-/\-/\-

The phone was dialing, and I could only hope his number hadn't changed. I didn't call often, so if he saw it was me he would answer. It was what we told each other the last time we talked. After what seemed like an eternity, he answered. "What do you need?" Straightforward, just like me.

"I'm running. Something happened. I have to get out." He sighed, audibly, but sounded amused. "Cops? Or a guy?" He knew me too well. "I wouldn't go to you if it were cops, you know that. But I'll explain what happened later, I pinky swear." I could almost hear the smile in his voice.

"Okay, I've got a place near me, I keep it ready if any of us need to run. It's out here, though. In Michigan." I sucked in a sharp breath, almost dropping the phone. I had forgotten where he lived. It was where Ash used to live. "Onyx, you okay?" I didn't speak for a moment. Two. "I'll be there. Tomorrow. Pick me up, okay? But- Russel?" I pictured him nodding. "Done- yeah?" "It's Blu now." "You'll always be Onyx to me, General." He hung up.

-/\-/\-/\-

I pulled a grey and blue Nike duffel bag from my closet, filling it with the essentials.

2 pairs of clothes, for emergencies- check.

Hair dye, to disguise- check.

Toothbrush, because the alternative is nasty- check.

Hairbrush- check.

Pads, just in case- check.

Airline tickets, sent via email, last night- check.

Deodorant- CHECK.

Granola bars- check.

That should be everything... Wait. No- I almost forgot! In a rush, I threw extra hair ties into it as well.

I rushed through my morning routine, tossing my phone and charger into the bag too. After a moment's thought, I also grabbed my laptop and it's charger, throwing them into my duffel as well.

I pulled my hair into a ponytail, throwing on ripped black skinny jeans and an Iron Maiden tank top. Throwing a black Nirvana hoodie over it, I decided I was ready.

Calling goodbyes to Ryan and Mom, I swung my backpack over my shoulders, and, not forgetting the duffel bag, walked out to the bus stop. No breakfast today.

I sighed as the bus pulled up to me. Vaguely I registered that I could hear people- no headphones. I pulled my hood over my hair, but I could still hear the whispers.

"Where's her headphones?"

"Why's she look so sad?" Said one. "Must be new here- she always looks like that." Said another. "Really?" The first replied. "Yeah."

"What's with the duffel bag?"

"What's in her duffel bag?"

I sat down, hoping I could ignore them long enough to get my music out. I forced a smile at Dan, pulling out my phone and earbuds, after a bit of a struggle.