Carrie glanced down at James. It was chilly, but a net of fire kept him cozy. Finally he's asleep. Carrie thought to herself. She had made it to the Carolinas, planning on going up the East coast to New York. But it was hard. Weirdly though, it was easier knowing someone was traveling with her, who would look out for her.
In the distance Carrie made out a small town. She headed for it, grateful she kept her credit card on hand.
After booking a motel room, Carrie flopped down on the bed, turning on the tv. The screen flicked to the news. The voice of the reporters floated to Carrie. "According to police, music sensation Phoenix is still missing after her last concert about two weeks ago. Cut to Calvin Wesslyt, psychologist that specializes in celebrities. Dr. Wesslyt?" Carrie's blood ran cold. A man in all black appeared on the screen. He had a long nose and sharp blue eyes. "Yes, Olivia, I believe all that has happened is a young lady had become obsessed with attention. Most likely hiding out at an estate of hers, as well as ever until she gets bored and returns to her record deals. "The real question is..... Carrie switched off the tv, curling up in a tight ball. James laughed. "You never mentioned being a pop princess." Then realizing Carrie's state, rushing to her side. He's trying to draw away attention from my disappearance...... So no one will realize when he kills me. Carrie thought. James tapped her shoulder. "He's one of them isn't he?"
"He's Ingrid's second in command. His wife killed Vanessa." Carrie blurted out.
"Carrie, I'm so sorry." James said, standing. "Come on hot stuff, let's get some good in you."
After wandering the town for a while, Carrie passed a dollar store. They have clothes... Not good clothes but, I have been wearing this for a few days now... Carrie thought to herself, looking down at her clothes. She pulled out her credit card and slipped in.
The news story from earlier forced her to confront that she was on the run, and just left the only safe haven. And it didn't help that she was a superstar.
Crap, most of my interactions have been at night, with old people. But here there could be anyone. What if I'm recognized? Carrie thought to herself. She could imagine the whispers extending until the whole world knew where she was. "Look that looks like...... Phoenix is in our town!....... I'm gonna get a picture..... Look how many likes it's getting!"
"Miss?"
Carrie started out of her thoughts, glancing at the cashier.
"What?"
"Do you need anything? We'll be closing soon."
Carrie moved her gaze around the store. Not a soul was in it. Oh yeah, it's almost ten at night. Usually Odessa's the one who worries. Carrie thought to herself. Just then the little bell above the door clinked.
James walked over to Carrie. "The hell was that firebird?!" He asked, barely above a whisper. "A little notice might have been nice!"
"You said I could fend for myself." Carrie said plainly.
"Yeah, but you could still tell me where you're going." James finished.
"Well currently I'm going to go to the bras and underwear aisle, care to join?" Carrie replied, turning away.
"We're not at that level of intimacy yet, hot tamale!" James called after her.
After picking out fresh undergarments and a pair of black leggings, Carrie selected a plain soft denim button up and a grey tank top. Feeling her tangled hair, she also got a hair brush and hair ties. As she went to the register, she also got a stick of deodorant, some jerky, a candy bar and a bracelet that caught her eye.
"Damn, hot stuff, did you have to buy out the store?" James said as the walked out.
"Do you think this just happens?" Carrie responded playfully.
"If you mean being gorgeous then yes. You wouldn't need a thing to be beautiful. Can't fix perfection Firebird." James said seriously. Carrie smiled. James leaned in closer. Carrie puckered her lips while James closed his eyes and came closer. Just then Carrie whispered,"Let's go get food."
"But!" James protested. Carrie walked away laughing. "Dream on James!" She called over he shoulder.
After finding Wendy's that was open late, Carrie sat with her French fries, chicken sandwich and a frosty staring at James, who had a lemonade and a salad. Carrie picked up a fry and dipped it in her vanilla frosty. "That's disgusting." James said, taking a sip of his lemonade. "No." Carrie managed to get out before taking another huge bite of sandwich. "Try." She dunked another fry a held it out to James who tentatively put it in his mouth. "You are the weirdest person-" James closed his eyes and chewed. "This shouldn't be good. Why is this good?" Carrie laughed. "You've never eaten fast food before have you?" James opened his eyes. "I'll have you know, I have traveled the world!" Carrie smirked. "But I never tried the fast food." He confirmed. "Why?!" Carrie asked, horrified. "I was told it was artificial and bad for you; gotta keep this up." James said, pulling up his shirt to reveal abs. "Well it is." Carrie said.
They spent the rest of their meal laughing. Finally, they walked back to the motel.
"You know what they say about couples going to motels for the night..." James said grinning. "First we aren't a couple, second......." Carrie trailed off.
Carrie dropped to the ground. "Carrie! Carrie! Carrie..... Carrie.............carrie." Jame's voice got further and further away.
Suddenly Carrie was in a forest. The trees were black, their dead arms clawing up at the sky. She looked down at the ground. Every inch of the ground was covered in RoseKeys. She somehow knew she had to find the real one. As she sifted through them she looked up. Hanging from a tree branch about a football field away, hung the RoseKey, tangled with another she knew as the FlameKey. As she raced towards it, she felt the ground move. Looking down, she saw that each necklace was dissolving into thousands of cockroaches that were crawling up her legs as she ran. While Carrie ran her thoughts slipped away from her. Reality melted away like candle wax as did her identity.
The girl ran, getting more and more cut up by brambles. She did not know where she was running or why but she knew one thing. She had to run.
