On Our Own

Chapter 10

"Dinner was delicious, Corrine," I compliment. I'm finishing up my third helping of fajitas.

"I'm glad you like it. I'm also glad that you've found a job here at the ranch. Serenity tells me you are quite helpful with the horses, and that you've worked wonders with the cottage," she replies.

"Oh, thanks. But I wouldn't have been able to do it all without Serenity, she's been great about helping me with the cottage."

Throughout the whole conversation, Serenity's face has been turning redder and redder.

"Well, this has been fun, but I better go get started on dishes," Corrine says, standing up from the table and disappearing into the kitchen.

"Hey Serenity? If you want, you can stay at the cottage with me tonight," I awkwardly suggest.

"Like a sleepover?"

"Yeah, I guess. It's just that it gets really freaky alone out there at night."

"Sure, sounds fun," she replies.

"Okay, meet me up there whenever you get your clothes and stuff," I say, and with that, I head off towards my cottage.

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I've changed into a pair of my new pajamas, and am sitting on a black bean bag when I hear a knock on the door.

"Come in," I call.

Serenity strolls in, and sets her bag down. Then she comes and sits on the other bean bag beside me.

She flicks on the TV, and the first channel that comes on is the news. It's the traffic report, which is boring because I don't have a car.

In the bottoms left corner of the screen, there's a small picture of a girl with blonde hair, and blue eyes. The pictures outdated, maybe two or three years old but I recognize the girl- after all, it's not hard to recognize your own face.

Under the picture, the caption reads 'Missing since March 14th. Name is Taylor, age 16. If you see her report it to the police.'

Oh god, please don't let Serenity see it. Please, please, please.

"I don't like the news, they're always so negative," I hastily say, hoping she'll change the channel.

"Hey, that's weird- that girl's name is Taylor, and she looks almost exactly like y- " She looks at me wide eyed, and stumbles backward.

"Oh. My. God."

"Let me explain," I beg. She just gapes at me, but she doesn't run out of the house screaming, so I keep talking. And I spill EVERYTHING.

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"You won't tell anyone, right," I ask.

"Of course not- I was lucky enough to escape the foster system, but I don't want to put you back in it."

"It feels so good not to be keeping this to myself anymore. I feel like this huge weight was just lifted off my shoulders," I say, mostly to myself.

"Tell me more about this Carter guy," she requests, totally expecting all of the 'dirt'.

"I don't know where to start. He's just- I don't know. He's great. I really miss him. And there's one thing I didn't tell you- I called him last night."

"WHAT!?!?"

"I called him! We talked for a while and caught up. I didn't tell him where I was, but I told him I was okay. And that I have a place to stay, and a job."

She looks a little disappointed that I don't have anything juicier for her, but I shrug it off.

"Well, I'm tired and we have to get up tomorrow. So goodnight," I say.

"Night. And Tay? I'm glad you told me," she responds.

"Well, I didn't really have a choice," I laugh. But then in a more serious voice, reply, "Me too."

A/N Ooh the next chapter is going to be good! Btw, are you happy Serenity knows?

Goodnight my lovelies.