Remember

Chapter 12: Little Theif

I run into the woods, not looking back. Running faster when I hear his loud steps right behind me.

"Maple stop!" Sawyer shouts from somewhere behind me. If he thinks I'm going to stop because he said to stop, then he's in for a surprise. I keep running, not caring that branches are hitting my face or that my lungs might give out. I slow down a little to hear if Sawyer is still following. When I don't hear a sound I hide behind a thick tree, just waiting, listening. I calm my erratic breathing and lean my head up against the tree. For the first time, I feel vulnerable, in the middle of nowhere, alone and afraid. And now it's clear to me that Sawyer knows a little more than he leads on, and what he said keeps repeating inside my head. "You can't draw attention to yourself" what does that even mean? Am I in danger? Before I can think things through I'm pushed up against a tree. I try to scream, but a hand is covering my mouth. What the? I keep wiggling, trying to get free, my attempts effortless.

"It's ok. It's ok. Calm down." When I hear Sawyers voice I'm a little relieved that it isn't shadow man or some sick weirdo. Or he can be the weirdo? I don't know anymore. I calm my wiggling, but remember that he's the exact person I'm running from, and try wiggling free again. I soon come to terms that I'm not going to be free. When my breathing calms he slowly let's go. I turn around to face him, my eyes narrowing in on him. He breaths out, and pulls at his hair. He's clearly frustrated.

"Look I know you're scared, and on edge." I scoff and roll  my eyes at his statement. He's making everything worse. "A girl, alone and afraid. Not knowing who to trust." I stand there just staring at him. He takes a step closer, and I move back. His face hardens at my reaction. He looks around, a couple of times and I see him clench his jaw.

"The sooner you tell me what's going on, then maybe I won't run." I say sternly, hoping and praying he'd finally start giving me some answers. But nope, he ignores my comment and continues to check his surroundings. Ugh.

"Please." I plead. Now he's just looking at me.
"I am scared. I am lost. And you're here not making it any better." I say, hoping it looks like I'm standing my ground. I don't notice him come closer. His hand reaches my cheek, and I flinch.

"Don't cry, Opal." Sawyer whispers. I felt the first drop, before he noticed. He lifts his hand up and I keep fighting the urge to flinch. Why is he doing this? His hand wipes away the tears strolling down my face. I close my eyes, surprised by his gentle touch. This isn't the Sawyer I know, I've watched him enough to know he isn't caring. I open my eyes, flinching away from his touch. I look up and see his greenish blue eyes, there is enough day light to tell they're a little dilated. His hand is still near my face, barely touching, but I feel the warmth of it. At first, I thought I'd be able to fake cry without actually crying. Once that one tear fell, I lost it. I lean into his hand and Sawyer looks at me, his eyes widen a bit as if not knowing what to do. He looks a little torn. He first stares at me not knowing what to do, then he turns away rechecking his surroundings. Back and fourth his head continues to whirl: crying girl, or whatever it is he keeps looking for. Finally he doesn't turn away from me at all, he stands there; staring with irate eyes. I stand there and continue to sob, stuck, not knowing what to do.

"Hey, shh shh." Sawyer says trying to soothe me. He pulls me close to his chest. Before he can actually give me a hug, I lift my leg up and kick him right in the goalie. I know I catch him off guard when he looks up at me in shock before crouching down in pain. I hear him curse under his breath and I book it again. Running faster, and farther, away from here. I'm a little surprised my kick was hard enough to cause pain.

It's starting to get dark, and I spot an abandon house deep in the woods. I head straight for it, I know Sawyer isn't following me anymore. I also know he may be calling Drew, the police or someone to come searching for me. I walk up the creaky three steps to the rotten wooden porch and I just sit. I'll probably stay here the night, then take a bus somewhere out of here. I can't be here anymore.