Solecism (under revision)

Chapter Three

Lilliane James

Run.

I don't know why I'm running. I don't know where I'm going. I just run because that's what I do best anyway, run away from everything and everyone. Even when I was little, I tried to run away just to see who would come after me.

Only Finn, my little brother, did. I can still remember him running after me, tripping over nothing. His small chubby legs didn't allow him to run that fast and far. He was only four then, two years younger than me. I only went back because of him. He scraped his knees badly. I can see he's trying hard not to cry in front of me but he did. He cried. We cried hugging each other.

I can hear the grass crunching underneath my feet, I can feel the wind brushing my skin, and I still feel numb. My legs started to ache and I ran faster. That's the thing I love about running, the pain makes you go further. The adrenaline rush made everything blur. Running made me forget the worries, the anxiety. It felt like I was part of the wind, going fast, free-

"Get out of the road!" someone honked behind me.

"I'm sorry," I lowered my head and moved to the side. "I didn't mean-"

Before I could even finish my apology, the car already sped by. I guess someone was also having a bad day. I didn't mind the yelling, it was my fault anyway. What if that person was having a really terrible day and just decided to hit me? That wouldn't be good. I checked my wristwatch to see that I was already seven minutes late. Oh, no. I ran faster this time, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I didn't want to seem disrespectful.

By the time I reached Lemon Grass, I was struggling to catch my breath. I pushed the glass doors open, trying desperately to ignore the miniscule chip near the handles. But what if it cracks on the next person who opens the door? I wrapped my arms around myself and hunched my shoulders in a vain attempt to contain myself.

The amiable hostess who I never remembered the name of approached me with a warm smile. "Welcome to Lemon Grass Ms. James."

I awkwardly tried to smile in response which probably looked like a grimace. Her smile never faltered as she directed me to an empty reserved booth. As I sank down in the black leather seat, I looked around and saw no sign of him, probably caught in traffic. Or a car accident. I need to stop.

My eyes caught someone staring but he turned his head before I could see his face. With his blonde hair and tall stature, he reminded me of Finn. I released a shaky breath. I miss him dearly and I'm still in this old town wondering if he's doing okay. Thinking about why he ran off in the first place made me feel uneasy, again. I zipped my jacket up to my neck. My fingers unconsciously started tapping patterns on the table. Is this mahogany? It looks like it.

The front door opened and I craned my head to see who it was. He's finally here and only twenty minutes late. I clenched my fists in hopes to calm my nerves. If he knew how much worse I was getting, I would disappoint him, just like how I disappointed everyone else. "You look constipated, water lily."

"Good morning Uncle Tommy," I gave another grimacing smile.

I ordered the usual for brunch, their classic benedict and caramel latte, while Uncle Tommy only ordered black coffee. I guess he didn't plan on staying long. The waiter left and he started discussing how the temperature is dropping rapidly. "Yes but I'm sure you didn't come here to talk about the weather."

"You need to get out more often," he started. Before I could protest that I was already out, he dropped two tickets on the table. "There's a music festival tonight and I got you an extra so you can bring a friend. My colleague gave them to me and now I'm giving them to you."

Friend, I scoffed. My only friend was backpacking somewhere in Asia, but that was the least of my problems. I have a terrible feeling about this festival. My mind went through all the possible things that could go wrong. Hundreds of people in one area? Sounds like a stampede or a shooting. Maybe a fire will escalate from technical problems with the fireworks. Best case scenario, I'd meet someone unhinged and drag me to god knows where. Then I'll never have to worry about disappointing my family. I'd be as good as dead and-

My thoughts halted as the waiter placed the poached eggs and Canadian bacon in front of me. I looked up to see my uncle already slipping the muffin from my plate. I sighed.

"I'm not really comfortable being surrounded by strangers."