runaways

3

I parked into a somewhat nice motel, and checked in, then walked up the stairs to my floor, and jumped onto the big bed, being glad to finally rest. I threw off my black converse, and smuggled into the large covers, then doze off.

~

I woke up at about 5pm, and rubbed my eyes. I threw my long, blonde hair into two space buns on the top of my head, then tied a red flannel around my waist, and finally put on my shoes. I headed out the door, and decided to walk to a café or Starbucks near me, I really needed coffee. Or maybe Taco Bell. As I walked down the busy streets of LA, listening to All Time Low in my earbuds, and wearing a Fools Like We shirt, I smiled at my new home. I was so glad to get away from that old dump, that I didn't even care if the police found me, or being know as a runaway.

I mean, aren't we all runaways at some point?

~

I spotted a Taco Bell across the busy street, and quickly sprinted across the road, dodging cars, and stopping every now and then, thinking hit me, then you'll pay for my college tuition.

One I reached the Taco Bell, I stood in line, debating if I wanted a soft or hard shell. I finally said my order, then stood off to the side, waiting to hear my name called.

"Annabelle!" A woman's voice yelled over all the talking between strangers. I looked up from my phone, got my food, then took my tray to find a seat. I started to walk back to a table while looking back down at my phone from Jack Barakats new post, then in a matter of seconds, my tray was flying up, crushing a taco into my Fools Like We shirt, and my phone flung across the tiled floor. I felt sour cream in my hair, and my face was splashed with my Mountain Dew.

I looked at my newly stained shirt, and growled as I yelled "damnit! This shirt was expensive!" Then I finally looked up at the almost perfectly clean, besides his drink spilled, Alex Gaskarth. My eyes became wide as I stared at him, and he stared at my taco covered body.

"Shit, I'm so sorry." He frantically looked around for napkins, then set his tray down on a counter, and pulled a million out of the dispenser on the counter.

"Here." He held them out to me, then took my tray and set it down too.

"Tha-nks." I stuttered while trying to get everything off me. I couldn't believe Alex Gaskarth was in front of me, after just spilling my tacos all over. Alex reached down and grabbed my phone, then laughed as he picked it up.

"Nice picture." He laughed, then showed me my now cracked phone screen that had a picture of Alex and Jack as my background. Alex realized I wasn't laughing, then got a worried look on his face. "I'm really sorry, do you need more napkins?"

"I don't think napkins is gonna get this off." I huffed as I looked at my stained shirt and tried to keep my cool in front of the man that saved my life. I smeared more sour cream out of my hair, and patted my face dry, even though it still felt sticky.

Alex bit his lip, "here, why don't we go sit, and try to clean you off."

I smiled as I followed Alex to a table, and he set my phone and tray down. He rubbed the back of his neck, and waited for me to say something. But what was I suppose to say?

"Sorry for ruining your shirt, I can get you a new one for free if you want."

My face instantly lit up. "Really? You don't have to."

"It's fine, I have plenty." He smiled.

"Thanks." I smiled back, but I couldn't get my mind off the fact that I was sitting across from Alex Gaskarth, and on the inside, I was screaming. But I really needed to go back to the hotel and shower, even though I wanted to stay.

"I really should be headed home." I frowned.

"Are you sure you don't want like another taco or something? I'll pay." He forced a smiled. Aw. His smile was perfect.

"I'm good, but thanks, Lex." I said, then regretted it. I just called him lex, and he didn't even know me!

Luckily, he laughed and ignored it. "Okay, well I'll see you around...?" He paused for me to say my name.

"Annabelle, or Anna for short." I smiled, then got up to leave.

"Wait, Annabelle!" He stopped me, "Do you need a ride or anything? I feel really bad about everything."

"Uh.. Sure." I would never turn down the opportunity to get into Alexs car. Even if he were to kidnap me.

He smiled, then got out of his seat. He lead me to his car, his long legs taking big steps, and his beanie keeping his hair down in the cool weather of LA. He showed me to the car, and I got into the passenger seat, him getting into the drivers. I told him the motel name, and we talked about random stuff on the drive there.

"I'm guessing you're a fan?" He asked, which caused me to smile.

"You could say that." I shrugged my shoulders, tracing the cracks in my phone. No doubt, I was one of the biggest fans out there, but he would probably think that was creepy if I said that.

"Most fans cry when they see us, or can't stop talking. But you're different, Annabelle." He smiled at me.

"You know you could just stick to Anna."

"I like Annabelle better." Alex said as he pulled into the motel driveway.

"Thanks for the ride." I smiled as I opened the car door and stepped out.

"Wait can I have your number to follow up on the shirt details?" He asked.

"Sure." I smiled, then told him my number, and left. I watched him pull out of the motel onto the busy street, and a smile spread across my face, along with tears as I ran to my room.

I cried and laughed just thinking about how I just rode in Alexs car, and I dialed Joelle's number.

"Anna?" She answered.

"I just met Alex Gaskarth!" I practically yelled into the phone.