Tarantism

10

It's amazing how my whole life can fit into an oversized duffle bag. I've never had much. So living off of the bare minimum has become normal for me. Everything is packed away and I'm headed back to the studio. The bus is crowded as usual.  There are adults arguing and children screaming. I won't miss having to ride the bus across town. My stop comes and I move to get off. Lugging the bag down the stairs I look up and spot Gabe and Luke coming around the corner. Luke sees me and rushes to take the bag.
"Holy shit Cupcake. What do you have in here a body?" He jokes.
I just shake my head at him and answer straight faced. "My life."
That answer earns me two very concerned confused looks. I walk ahead and up the stairs with them trailing close behind.
"You can just throw that in the office. Thanks for carrying it."
"Trouble what did you mean 'your life' was in that bag?"
They are going to find out sooner or later. Sighing I answer him honestly.
"I'm moving in with Eli. I can't risk my sister or step mother finding my apartment. I don't want to get into that story, but it would cost me a lot more if I was ever found."
The frowns on both the guys faces get deeper the longer I talk. I know they have tons of questions but I don't have time to deal with those. I need to get back to the kids. I walk out and Eli is working with a small group on some difficult moves. I love watching him. He's the one that taught me all I know. He's the best psuedo brother ever. I don't even want to know where I would be without him. I hear a wrapper crinkle next to me and look over to Luke popping candy in his mouth. He grins at me. The concern and questions gone from his eyes. I don't think I'll get that lucky though. I have a feeling I'll be cornered to elaborate later.  Eli shouts at me when my favorite song comes on. I can't stop the grin as I walk to him. I need this. I need the escape of the music. We dance and goof off for a good hour after that. Everything seems better while you're dancing.

The kids leave later that evening. I'm spent. With packing and teaching, I'm ready to just take a hot bubble bath and sleep. Gabe and Luke offer to take me to dinner again but I decline. Eli is leaving and I want to catch a ride.
"Hey, you ready?"
"Yep I'll lock up."
We make our way to his apartment. It makes mine look like a shoe box. Eli shows me the spare room.
"I can get whatever else you'll need. Just let me know. Bathroom is through there. There's food in the fridge and pantry. Make yourself at home." He turns and walks into his room and shuts the door. It's not my own bed but it'll do since I'm just grateful for his offer. I remember I forgot to ask Gabe about the real estate. I put that as a reminder in my phone and  gather my clothes for a bath. I'm calling it an early night and sleeping.

Gabe-

"I'm telling you. She's staying there because she's running away from them. They hurt her. You should have seen her face. She said 'it would cost a lot more if they found her'. She's talking about her life. She's afraid for her life being alone." Luke is just nodding agreeing with me. Owen standing by the window looking out.
"Has anyone done a search on her?" He addresses all of us.
"There's nothing on her until she turns 18. Even then it's just the apartment and a high school diploma in her name. Her social pulls nothing." Victor states from his seat at the computer. "Do a search on her parents. She said her last name is Sorenson. There can't be that many here in Charleston."
"She needs new clothes." I muse out loud.
"Why do you say that?" Sean asks.
"She said her entire life fit into a duffle bag. I would bet her entire wardrobe consists of baggy shirts and leggings."
"She can wear those leggings every minute of everyday." Luke mutters as he's daydreaming. North grunts and slaps the back of his head.
"Ow. What the heck was that for?"
"Don't talk about Sang Baby that way." "Oh so now she's your baby?"
"Shut up asshole."
Owen whistles over the arguing. "That's enough. Now get to finding more information on her parents. We need to find out why she's running."