Wanted

Chapter 22

     After ten more minutes of confusion, we finally find our way out of that hell-hole. I rewind through everything that just happened. We got stuck in a hole in the ground, Guards found us, Sam kissed me, Sam kicked all of their asses, and now Rodger is after us. What exciting events I've been through.

     "We gotta go. Ella?" Sam pulls me out of my thoughts.

     "Ya, yes. You're right. We gotta go."

     "What's wrong?"

     "Nothing. Let's just go."

     "El, what's up."

     I break. "Just thinking about all that's happened, that's all."

     "Thinking about what, exactly?" He sounds nervous.

     "Oh just the fact that I've almost died like ten times, and, like, how you killed those Guards and how Rodgers after us... how you kissed me, ya know, things like that." Sam's eyes go wide.

     "Right, and how do you feel about that?"

     "I feel alright, I mean, I'm still alive, right?" I know he's talking about the kiss, but I'm not ready to discuss that yet. I still don't know how I feel about it. Being on the verge of death can make you say and do crazy things. I don't really know how he feels, anyways.

     "You could thank me for that." He looks over at me and smirks.

     "Thank you, Sam. Really." I smile back at him. A genuine you-just-saved-my-life kind of smile. Cause, well, he did.

     I can see the sun starting to rise off in the distance. It's quite beautiful if I do say so myself. I'm now realizing that we are surrounded with skyscrapers. It's pretty early, but I see a few people jogging and waking their dogs. We found a city. With people.

     I point that out to Sam. "Look, Sam! Look at the cute little puppy! Omg! Awwww!" I'm a bit dog crazy.

     He laughs. "Remind me to get you one when we get out of this mess." I smile at him. Why is he so comfortable around me? I haven't brushed my hair in days, my clothes are dirty and ripped, and my face is all muddy. He must really be loyal.

     We talk as we walk for the next few ours. We walk through the city, slowly inching closer to Lawton.

     "What's in Lawton, anyways?" I ask Sam.

     "I have a few friends that have a house out there. It's safe. No one knows about it. We just have to make sure nobody follows us."

     "Then what?" I know he hates when I ask him that, but I really want to know what he's planning.

     "Then, we'll hopefully find somewhere else to go. I don't know, El. That parts a bit foggy."

     I don't respond.

     "El?" He looks over at me.

     "Why are you here?" I stop walking and look at him. I don't know why he is still here with me.

     "What do you mean..."

     "I mean why are you still here with me? You got me out safely and you're still here."

     He looks speechless-- like he's trying to find words to say, but can't. "I.. I guess I can't shake you." He half smiles at me. Now I'm speechless.

     "Why? Why am I so different?"

     "Don't make me say it, El." I stare at him, waiting. He shrugs. "You're beautiful and brave and independent. I dunno," he scratches the back of his neck. "You just do something to me. You make me want to stay." I step in front of him and put my hands on his neck.

     "Thank you." I tell him. He smiles and looks into my eyes. They way he looks at me and the way he wants to protect me really makes me happy. I still don't know how I feel though, but he just made it clear how he feels.

      People are just starting to walk around now. The sun has been fully risen now for about two hours and all of the shops are opening. One in particular catches my eye. A clothing shop.

     "Sam," I get his attention. "I know we don't have much time, but I need to change." He looks me up and down.

     "I think you look fine." He smirks at me and I hit his shoulder.

     "Sam! Seriously."

     "Fine. You have five minutes." Who does he think he is giving me five minutes? I'm a girl. I'm gonna try not to take an hour.

     I sprint up to the shop and grab the money I always hold in my back pocket. I know it's weird, but I like to always have money with me. Always. I search through the racks for something comfy and plain. I find black skinny jeans and a white shirt. Plain and comfy. Good. I grab an extra shirt just in case. Then, I search through the shoes. I find a pair of black boots. I pay, head to the back to change, and come out of the store ten minutes later.

     "Ella could you have taken any longe--" his eyes widen as I walk down the steps to him.

     "What, never seen clothes before?" I grin.

     "You sure know how to clean up."

     My smile widens.