Run Away [Completed]

10

"How did they still know we're at the airport?" Maine asked as they settled into their seats which were almost by the tail of the plane. Worry was evident in her voice and she kept glancing at the exit door near them.

"I don't know. They may have gone to the hostel and asked around," Alden said. "I shouldn't have told the lady we were going to the airport. That was such a dumb move," he mumbled, furious at himself for being careless.

"Do you think they know our flight details?" Maine asked worriedly.

"I hope not," Alden said quietly. He wondered how long it would take for them to trace his ticket purchases last night. If they knew about it now and decided to check the plane, him and Maine will be trapped with nowhere to go. He couldn't imagine what he'd do if they took Maine from him. He was hopeful that if that happens, the other passengers would be brave enough to step in and help them.

Minutes ticked by so slowly as they waited for the take off to be announced. He could see Maine wringing her hands in agitation.

He took her left hand and clutched it gently. "Maine, relax... We have to act as natural and as calm as possible. This will be over soon enough." he whispered to her. For better or for worse, he thought sadly, the reality of their situation hitting him hard.

Maine bit her lip and nodded.

A few more seconds later and the take off was announced. They both sighed in relief, leaning back on their seats, and wondered what the next few hours will bring. Maine adjusted her hand and entwined her fingers with his.

He looked at her as she gazed out the window, feeling closer to her than ever, and hoped that he could keep his word of keeping her safe. He will do everything, he promised... Or he'll die trying.

+++++

Their plane landed in an airport in Palawan after an hour and 15 minutes. He kept Maine's hand in his as they disembarked the plane, not wanting to let her go because he knew that the next few hours will be filled with danger and uncertainty, and he wanted to keep her beside him for as long as he can. Maine seemed to have felt the same because her hold was tight in his.

They walked from the tarmac to the waiting area and Alden scanned the people for Jerald, his mind extra alert for any suspicious movements from the other people there.

He finally saw Jerald on one side waving at them with a serious look on his face. They walked over to him quickly.

"Dude," Alden said as they reach him and Jerald hugged him quickly. "Thanks for coming for us. This is Maine, by the way. Maine, Jerald. I believe you still remember each other?"

"Of course," Jerald said as he and Maine nodded at each other with a small smile. Then he caught a glimpse of their entwined fingers, looked at Alden and shook his head. "I was able to borrow a car and a driver so we can take you to your hotel. Come on," he said, gesturing to the parking area outside.

Alden put both his hands on Maine's shoulder and gently led her to the parking lot with Jerald.

"What are your plans once you've checked in?" Jerald asked from the passenger seat. Maine and Alden sat on the backseat and she was just quietly looking out the window.

"I'm not sure yet. We just wanted to get as far away from Brent as possible," Alden said.

"What if Brent finds you here?"

Alden felt Maine's hand jerk and he knew that she was getting scared again. He gave her hand a little squeeze before he spoke again. "We will continue to run until we find help, just try to survive it I guess."

Maine looked at him with fearful eyes and he wanted to hug her right then but Jerald was staring at them.

"God, man, I still can't believe you got yourself into this mess. You're the last person I'd ever think of being in this kind of situation," Jerald groaned. "We can ask help from the police," he said finally.

"Maine is wary about getting help from them. I guess we can't trust them. At least not yet. When are you leaving?" Alden asked Jerald.

"Today's supposed to be my last day and we're traveling to Batanes before we fly out of the country. But I can't leave you here, man." Jerald answered. "And you can't keep flying everywhere. This has to end somehow."

For better or for worse, Alden thought again.

"I'm going to try and find help too," Jerald said. "Just keep our communications open. I always need to know where you are," he added.

Alden nodded. "Thanks, Je."