The Runaway

Elora

"Ask me what?" I walked in and pretended not to hear anything. Well I knew Seán liked me now. But I'm still not sure how I feel about him. Do I like him because well he save my life? Or is it because he's such a sweet kind loving guy? I need to figure it out before he actually does ask me.

"Oh you're up! How did you sleep?" He was obviously trying to change the subject.

"I slept fine after the nightmare. Was that what you wanted to ask?" What was I doing! Heart stop making me saying things when my brain doesn't understand it yet!

"Oh um no. I was wondering.....if you needed anything! Yea that's it. I'm going to the store here soon and was wondering if you wanted me to pick you up anything?" Nice cover up Seán.

"Uh no I'm fine thanks though." It wasn't that I didn't need anything because I did. I seriously need more clothes. There was no way I was telling him my sizes though. He'd probably think I'm fat. Then he'd never touch me again because of how disgusting I am.

"Are you sure? It didn't seem like you had very much clothing. If it's money you're worried about then it's fine. I have plenty of money. I don't mind buying you some stuff." God he was so sweet! If only he knew. I have money also. I wasn't worried about that.

"Dude you're an idiot! She's not gonna tell you her sizes. Don't you know anything about girls. It took Amy forever before she told me." Mark said shaking his head at Seán. Well at least one of them understands.

"Oh...well why not?" Ok so Seán isn't the brightest when it comes to females haha.

"Gosh Seán. How have you ever had a girlfriend? I'll explain it more to you later ok." Mark just got up and laughed as he walked away.

Seán and I stood there awkwardly for awhile. I decided I was hungry and looked for food. I found some eggs sausage and hash browns. Yum my favorite.

"Hey do you mind if I cook a few things?" I asked him out of politeness. I looked back at him for his response.

"No I don't mind. You don't have to ask. What's mine is yours." He said smiling. "I'm gonna go ahead and get changed and head out. Here's my number in case you change your mind."

He wrote his number down and handed it to me. He kissed my cheek and walked away. I was glad they were both gone. I was blushing so bad I probably looked like a tomato. I was still cooking when Mark came down. He had changed for the day as well.

"Mmm that smells so good. Is there enough for me?" I don't think he realized he was drooling.

"Uh Mark you got a little something on your face and yes I made enough for everyone." I laughed as he wiped the drool off his face. As soon as I was done cooking Seán came down.

"Mmm that smells fantastic! Can I have some?!"

"Didn't you guys eat before I came down?" I asked them.

"Well yea but us Irish men eat a lot! Especially if it smells this good!" Seán said. I just laughed and looked at Mark waiting for his excuse.

"I just like food." Mark said while chewing. I could help it. I laughed even harder. I laughed so hard it hurt my sides.

Mark decided to stay behind to keep me company while Seán ran his errands. I had went and cleaned up some after I finished eating. Seán offed to clean my wound again. I told him I'd do it myself this time. It looked like I had hurt his feelings. I didn't mean to. I just needed a few minutes alone.

"So when are you going to tell him?" Mark asked as soon as I came down the stairs.

"Who and what are you talking about Mark?" I gave him a confused look.

"Don't play dumb with me. You like him. And I know you heard him say he likes you. So why don't you just tell him?" Mark asked seriously.

"Mark it's more complex than that. I'm on the run. I should've already left by now. I can't with the cut though. I can't drag him into this anymore than I already have. If I tell him how I feel you and I both know he'd never leave my side. Which means he'd be on the run with me. I can't do that to him." I wanted to cry. I wish I could be like a normal girl. I don't think I'll ever have that option.

"Elora if you don't mind me asking why are you on the run? You're not really dangerous are you?" He looked worried.

"I'm only dangerous if you're one of the people helping my father look for me. Mark if I tell you, you can't tell Seán ok." He shook his head saying he understood. "My father wasn't always like this. My mother died in a car crash when I was 5 I think. I don't remember it much. That's when my grandmother moved in to help take care of me. She became my mother and father. He drowned himself in work and alcohol. As I got older though he started grooming me to be a certain way. To look a certain way. He said it's what appealed to men. The last few years he's taken an interest in a rival company. Three months ago my father agreed to partner with the company if I married the owners son. Two months ago my father set us up on a date. Jason seemed sweet and kind. Then a few days before I ran he proposed to me. I refused the proposal. I liked Jason but I didn't love him. Jason smacked me across the face and told me I'd be his no matter what. I ran home and told my father. He beat me and told me I ruined everything. That Jason was on his way and this time I was to accept. Again I refused. He locked me in my room until I learned my lesson. Normally he wouldn't do that because of my grandmother. But she died so I know I was alone. That's why I ran. Do you understand why I can't involve him?" I was crying by now.