Million Dollar Runaway

Chapter One ~ The Stanton Boy

2 weeks earlier ~

It was easy enough to slip unnoticed through the back gate and onto the street, my parents were busy schmoozing up anyone and everyone. 

I started a brisk walk, praying silently I would make it to Alex's house in time, but it was only a minute or two before my heels began to ache and I had to stop. I kicked off my stilettos, stopping myself from audibly hissing at the bright yellow monsters. 

'Stupid things,' I muttered, kicking them to the side with my bare feet and continuing on my mission.

I could hear the garden party behind me and the feeling I always got at parties, the feeling of being suffocated and not being able to escape was disappearing with every step. But then I heard it.

The harsh click of high heels was growing louder, I knew I couldn't escape her so I stopped, keeping my back to her and accepting my fate.

'Arianne?' called a sing-song voice from behind me.

I tried not to grimace, plastering a fake smile on my face instead and turning around to face my mother. 

'There you are, darling!' she sang. 'Everybodies been wondering where you had gotten too.'

Yeah, right.

I forced my smile to grow, and maybe a little too much because her own faltered for a mili-second. 'Oh, I just felt like a little air.'

It was the first excuse that came to mind, and a stupid one at that. She frowned slightly, the wrinkles on her forehead creasing, something she would hate if I pointed out.

'Well, darling, we're having a garden party, so there's no lack of air there.' She said, reaching out a perfectly manicured hand and clutching my shoulder. 'Come on now.'

She began guiding me back towards the house, stopping suddenly and looking down. 

'Arianne! Where are your shoes!' She said in shock, pointing at my feet like they were the most disgusting things in the world. 'You're not an animal, Arianne.'

I huffed, shuffling forwards to where my shoes lay abandoned and picked them up. 'Why these ones. They're so uncomfortable and... colourful.' 

'Don't be childish, put them on.' She snapped, tapping her own stiletto clad feet impatiently.

I glared at her and sat down heavily on the sidewalk and put them on. As soon as I was done, her claws were back in my shoulder and we were speed-walking back to the party. I was trying hard not to tear her hand from my shoulder and run in the opposite direction, away from her and her stupid stilletos, away from our house and our stupid garden parties, away from this whole stupid neighbourhood.

But a second passed and it was too late, we were already back. My mother practically having to drag my up the driveway of our small mansion. 

That feeling of being suffocated was back.

'Found her!' Mum called cheerfully as we entered the garden. 

There was no response so she let go of my shoulder and nudged me towards the food table. 'Go make conversation, and don't eat anything.' She hissed.

I shot her a glare and shuffled over to the table. There were a few people mulling around the food table, none of whom I talked to. I grabbed the nearest item of food and shoved it in my mouth, looking round for Mum who was, as expected, shooting me death stares from the other side of the garden. 

I gave her the thumbs up and motioned at the food. 'Really good,' I mouthed, not bothering to swallow. 

There was a loud snort from my right and I turned, startled.

A boy around my age was grinning at me, I realised he was the boy all the parents in the neighbourhood had been gossiping about.

The Stanton boy who didn't go to University.

'Sorry,' he said, not looking sorry at all.

I swallowed and shrugged. 'No problem. It was the reaction I was looking for, I guess.' I grinned and, actually looking at what food I was getting, picked up a miniature hamburger.

They were the only thing on the table that would actually fill you up, and were made for the guests who were 'on the larger side of life', according to my dear mother. The plate was untouched though.

'Ah,' the boy said, looking over at my mother who was trying to subtetly get my attention. 'I take it you're the elusive, Arianne?'

I nodded. 'Just Ari, though.'

'I'm Miles.' He said, giving me a friendly smile.

Mum had made him out to seem like this awful, snot-nosed kid who wouldn't do as his parents please. But then again, it was my mother telling the story and she tends to 'exaggerate' rumours.

'The Stanton kid,' I said, smiling deviously. 'Oh yes, you're the devil spawn according to my mum.'

Miles laughed, at least he had a sense of humour. 'That's me, alright.' 

I didn't reply. Mum had finally broken away from some talkative neighbour and was marching towards me, her face a flawless example of happiness but her eyes were burning as they met mine.

'What are you doing, Arianne.' She snapped in a hushed whisper, moving in close to snatch the food out of my hands without anyone seeing.

'Enjoying the food, mother.' I said cheerfully.

'Don't be such a brat. I've had enough of you today, go to your room and stay there until the guests leave.' She hissed, quickly shooting a false smile at anyone who was curiously watching. 'And don't even think of having Emily bring you any food.'

'Out of sight, out of mind, right?' I said harshly, anger pulsing through me. 

She didn't answer, just one last glare before returning to the guests. I stopped myself from picking up the plate of miniature burgers and throwing them at her, instead I grabbed two more and turned to Miles.

'Sorry you had to witness that.' I grinned sheepishly.

'No worries,' he said, looking slightly unsure. 'She's pleasent. Your mother.' 

I rolled my eyes. 'You have no idea. Anyway, I've been put in time-out, so I'll catch you round.' 

Miles nodded and grinned at me. 'Hey, talk to me if you ever want a quick escape?' He was holding his hand out, his fingers curled around an unseen object. 

I put my hand out and he dropped a small piece of paper with a number on it. I smiled gratefully and tucked it into my pocket.

'If only you could promise me an indefinite escape,' I said, before sighing dramatically and laughing, then noticing my mother glaring at me, I quickly made my way inside.

~

First time I've written in god knows how long! 
This is only a first draft, so advice and constructive critisicm welcome!
Also, mild swearing will be in this story, so don't read it if you don't like that ^-^

Let me know what you think .-. 
c: