Running Bases With You

Chapter 12

Sorry this is late ! 😁

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*Annabeth's POV*

I walk down the busy, crowded sidewalk of London with my hood pulled over my head, and my head facing down. I don't want anyone to notice my bloodshot eyes and the dark purple bags underneath them, two true signs of crying for long periods of time and lack of sleep.

It's been a week since the huge incident with Mr. Madison. He's currently in the hospital, breathing and awake again, but not in the best state. Apparently, he has Parkinson's disease and he failed to inform anyone. Not even his own daughter.

He's had it for a year now and since he couldn't afford the treatment to slow it down, his body has been deteriorating from the god awful disease. He didn't want to tell his daughter because he didn't want to upset her. She was still fragile from the death of her mother, and he didn't wanna damage her anymore than she already is now. Little did he know that she wouldn't even look at him when she found out the truth. Hell, she won't even go near her father anymore because he kept such an important secret from her.

I still remember seeing his pale, and weak body laying helplessly on the hospital bed when I came to see him. He was in so much pain, and I could tell it hurt him just to move an inch.

I look both ways before crossing the street towards the small park on the outskirts of town. I've been walking for a few hours at most since I got up this morning, just thinking about things.

I'm on holiday now, and exams became more difficult to complete after everything that happened last week. Mr. Madison is like a second father to me, and just knowing that he might die unexpectedly at anytime is enough to make me go over the edge.

I take a seat on one of the old, rusty swings that has weathered down over the years from the cold, wet weather of London. I slowly swing myself back and forth, but not enough for me to lift myself off of the ground.

I'm just sitting here, minding my own business when I hear the soft patter of rain.

I love rain.

It comes down softly at first, but after a course of only a few minutes starts to come down faster in translucent sheets, drenching me in a matter of seconds.

But instead of getting up and running to find shelter, I sit here alone, letting the rain disguise my tears flowing freely down my face.

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*Louis' POV*

"Damn it, Talia, where the hell could she be?"

"I dunno, I'm clueless!"

"You're her best friend!"

"So, that doesn't mean I know her every move!"

I groan and tug on my hair in frustration. Annabeth has been gone since seven this morning and it's currently five in the afternoon. I'm beyond worried sick, and extremely frustrated, and Talia is definitely not helping my situation.

"Louis, just calm down! She'll probably be home soon. She's upset, and probably just needed some time to herself." She tries to assure me, but it looks more like she's trying to assure herself.

"How am I supposed to calm down when she's been gone for nearly 12 hours, hasn't answered my calls or texts, and I've searched the entire town for her and she's nowhere to be found? Don't tell me to calm down!" I snap.

"Louis William Tomlinson, so help me God, I wi-"

The sound of the door slamming shut cuts her off and we both share a look. Only seconds later, we bolt towards the door together to see if our prayers have finally been answered.