On The Run

Release

Last time on On The Run...

"Hey Lightbulb, can I... ask you something?" I nodded, blushing. "Of course." Paintbrush kissed me, and asked, "W-Will you be my girlfriend?"

Paintbrush's POV:
I couldn't believe it. I just kissed her. Please don't pinch me if this is a dream, because I want this one to last forever! My crush was standing in front of me, her mouth just barely open, in shock that I had asked her such a question. She suddenly flashed a smile, sparkles in her eyes, and nodded slowly, "Yes.. yes yes yes yes YES YES YES!!" I felt her jump up in joy and tightly hug me.

I've never felt so complete in my whole life now that she's finally with me. I then hugged her back in delight. "I never knew such a crappy situation like this could turn out so well..." Lightbulb simpered. "Neither did I..."

TIME SKIP

It's been a few weeks, and Lightbulb has already made it through quite a few rounds of SYTYHT, and we were finally at the top 24! Going through the competition, I could see her confidence sky rocket as she sang her heart out on that stage. I couldn't believe that was my gorgeous best friend, and now girlfriend, made it to the top 24 on a singing competition! Im so proud of her, and I could tell she wouldn't have liked it any other way than how it is now. As for me on the other hand, I was almost just as happy as she was! The only thing keeping me from enjoying these weeks is my sketchbooks back home.

Oh, how I missed sketching anytime I possibly could. Of course, I was ecstatic for Lightbulb and witnessing her pursuing her wildest dreams on stage, but I couldn't help but wish that I could do something with my art to pursue my own dreams. I would buy new supplies and a book, but we've been so busy with the show and moving around everywhere, that I can't seem to find the time to go and get stuff. "Painty!"

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard echo from across the new room we were staying in, complements of the show's studio. "Painty, you'll never believe it. You know how they're going to replace the jail Sugar is in back in Ohio with a hospital or something since it's so old?" Paintbrush nodded, recalling hearing that on the news recently. "Yeah, what about it?" Lightbulb worriedly continued, "Since there is so few people in there, and around 7/8s of them are due to be released soon anyways, THEY MADE A NEW LAW SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MOVING THEM TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION. SD IS BEING RELEASED FROM PRISON EARLY, PAINTY."

I nearly choked on my water bottle. "WHAT??? They're legally aloud to do that?" Lightbulb panicked. "APPARENTLY! I'm scared, Painty. I don't want her coming after me for revenge..!" I couldn't believe it. I hate our government system. I kissed her forehead and held onto her. "If she even attempts to touch you or say anything that could hurt you, I swear I will destroy her. I'm not gonna let her abuse you like she did."

She wiped away a tear coming from her eye. "I love you so much, Painty. Thank you." I smiled, continuing to wrap my arms around her. "Anything to protect you. Besides, we've moved so much these past few weeks, I doubt she could track us down too easily." We sat down and started to watch tv, trying to keep our minds off of it.

Sugar Drop's POV:
"Did I just hear the warden correctly? We're being released TOMORROW??" I ecstatically asked Rusty Jo as he entered the cell after coming back from the bathroom. They had just made announcement that it was because of difficulties with moving inmates elsewhere, and they would all be released eventually anyways! "That's right princess, starting tomorrow, we're gonna be free!" He ran over and picked me up, happily spinning me around, and we both hollered in overwhelming joy. "FREEDOOOOOM!" He let me down, and suddenly caught me off guard, starring at me, almost longingly. He quickly stopped though, and smiled.

"You have no idea how excited I am. I've been in here for 2 years now, and I can finally see... my family..." He very suddenly dulled down, and I was naturally concerned. "Is something the matter?" I asked him. "I-It's nothing. Maybe NOT my family, but at least I can finally see my girlfriend again!" I tensed up a bit. He never told me he had a girlfriend... "I'm just joshin ya, I don't have a girlfriend!" I felt my face turn hot, and I nearly smacked him. "Good. *cough* I mean, psh, figures. The day you get a girlfriend is the day my sister forgives me, and we both know that's NEVER happening, even if I try." Rusty Jo rolled his eyes. "Well, you've gotten progressively better at being less aggressive and more positive and nice since I've given you those goodness lessons. And hey, ya never know, they may pay off in the end if you apply them correctly!"

I cracked a smile. "Thanks again for those. They've really changed me since I've gotten here. To be honest, I'm really glad we're cell mates, Rusty. I wouldn't have spent prison with anyone else." I noticed Rusty's cheeks turned a light pink. "Me either, Sugar. Me either." I then yawned. "Well, I'm getting some sleep. I wanna be rested for tomorrow. Goodnight!" Rusty gave me a peace sign as he turned to write on the cell wall with some chalk that was on the floor. "Night."

The Next Morning...

"Everyone, listen up! You delinquents are due to be released today, and I'm gonna need you guys to exit that a way." The warden pointed towards the door, which was open and revealed that it was sunny outside. "I'm not driving or sending any of you on a plane, you're gonna have to do that on your own. You'll be walking home, unless you've got someone to come take you back home. Now get out of my sight." Everyone raced out the door, and celebrated as they headed into the dew spotted grass. She'd never seen such a small crowd cheer so loudly in her life. She danced around, excited to finally be let free from the wretched place. "Rusty, this is great! But... now what?"

Rusty gave a small chuckle. "I guess you'll have to go find your sister in California." I asked him, "That's right! But.. where will you go?" Jo looked at the ground pensively. "I... I honestly don't know.. I guess I'll stay here, I don't have enough money to go any place else..." I looked at him, and realized that I was actually really gonna miss him. "Well, what if you went with me to California? After all, you are helping me out. Why don't I help you out too?" Rusty gasped. "R-Really? But, the money...-" I smirked. "Do you know how much money I've gotten from constantly ranking in competitions from dance? I can totally pay for it, it's the least I could do." I had never seen Rusty cry before this, but I saw tears of joy sparkle in his eyes. He embraced me  tightly, repeating 'thank you' over and over again. I giggled, and realized that being a good person really pays off, especially when it makes others happy. I suddenly couldn't wait to make amends with my little sister again.

(SO MANY MONTHS OF WAITING, AND ITS FINALLY BACK!! But, unfortunately, the next chapter will most likely be the last, unless I split it into two parts. Another thing: was it worth the wait? Probably not, actually. Nothing is worth waiting around half a year for 😂 Please vote and comment what you thought, see you in the next chapter!)