escape | ethan dolan

disappear • 13

My hands are shaking. I'm not sure what to do with myself at this point. Do I just pack my stuff and run? How would I even get past Grayson though? The only doors that lead outside are literally right by him. He'd obviously expect some answers from me.

You know what? Maybe he didn't hear the television! He could've been so focused with whatever he was doing on his phone that he didn't even listen. Maybe-

"Harlowe," Ethan pants and swings open my door.

"What's Grayson doing?" Is the first thing that blurts out of my mouth. Ethan itches his chin with worry. This can't be good.

"I don't know," He winces. "He's kinda just sitting there..."

"Just sitting there?" My sweaty palms collide with my forehead. Debates of what I should do pound in my brain; Runaway, go talk to him, stay here, wait a little bit, don't say anything. "I need some time, Ethan. I'll be back out in a little bit. If he says anything let me know."

Ethan purses his lips and nods. "Yeah, of course." I smile nervously, trying to stop the shaking that's jerking throughout my body.

When Ethan closes the door I whip back to the old satchel on the bed that's overflowed with unfolded, shredded clothing. I've slipped all my belongings in there, including some alcohol and bandages for my leg. I got them from their bathroom cabinet.

When Ethan came into the room, I had to make sure to stand in front of the satchel so he wouldn't see. Not even he can know I'm running away. No one can know.

I won't go far. Maybe I'll head up near the place where they're keeping Chloe, that way when she gets out, we can both runaway together.

It'll only be a few weeks until she's released, right?

In a matter of minutes, I have everything packed. No sound is heard from the kitchen, so I guess that means Grayson still hasn't said anything. He's just in shock, and I get that. I would be too.

I wait a couple more seconds, taking in the depth of what I'm about to do. I have clothes, plenty of them, but no money. A loaf of bread and some peanuts still sit in the bottom of my satchel from the last time I ran away.

The last time I ran away.

It feels like such a long time ago, but it's only been just a few short days. I'll miss Ethan, and maybe Grayson. But they each caused me so much confusion and messed with my feelings, I'll be sort of glad to get out of the whirlwind of emotions.

Once I collect myself, I make my way over to the window. I set down my bag and lift it open to the point where my body can fit through. The drop isn't far at all- the bedroom is on the first floor, so I just have to hop down into the flower beds and I'll be safe on the ground.

I toss my satchel down first and let it hit the ground with a poof. Next I swing my legs- one after the other- through the window and scrunch my head under. I jump down and grunt when I feel the impact. Ugh, it was a farther fall then it looked.

Quickly, I grab my bag and dart off to the driveway.

When I reach the main road, I stop and look both ways. I'm guessing I should go left? It seems to be the direction all the cars are headed. I shrug and take a deep breath, rethinking my risk in my head over and over again. Then, I take off.

Grayson

I don't even realize what's going on until Harlowe jumps up from the table. I was just scrolling through Instagram when she darts off down the hallway, and I hear Ethan yelp behind me.

"What's going on?" I furrow my brow and turn to Ethan. He's looked like he's just seen a ghost. "What? What's wrong?" I become more panicked.

"How much did you hear?" He says exasperated. His breathing is quick and uneven. Something's really wrong.

"Of what?" I persist. Ethan says nothing. "Okay then..." I hum, turning back around to face the counter.

A few minutes of silence go by before Ethan speaks up.

"I'm going to check on Harlowe. Don't turn the T.V back on."

"Uh, why?" I ask, but he doesn't hear me. He's already sprinted out of the room and down the hallway. I'm left alone.

Harlowe

My legs are already burning with exhaustion, and I've barely made it down the street yet. I try to recall back memories and places that seem familiar from when I escaped the orphanage, but nothing rings a bell.

I feel comfortable that Ethan or Grayson won't catch up to me now. The fog has created a glitch for distant eyes, so if they choose to run after me, it'll take some time to spot me in the midst of it. The only problem is if they drive down the road, which seems more likely for them to do, then I'm definitely in trouble.

Finally, I make my way to the end of the street. A small little town circles around me. It's like something from the early 1900's; a rustic tool shop, a cozy bed and breakfast, and an antique store sit idle, awaiting to be visited. A few cars pass by here and there, but nothing overly busy.

I decide to walk down the sidewalk. A little ways down, I spot an alleyway in between two buildings. The sun is close to setting, and I realize how late it must be. I've been pondering around a lot of the day, trying to find a place to sleep.

During the day, I notice that the town is peaceful and quiet. Only a few souls wander about the streets, only a few cars pass by. But at night is when everything comes to life. Chatter is heard from all about, cars and motorcycles zoom around, shops become active and people visit them.

I'm sitting in the alley- between a dumpster and some cardboard boxes. Every once and while I'll hear a cat whine for food, or a car beep in the distance. It's like something out of a film. The poor homeless girl sitting alone tucked away, twiddling her thumbs and waiting for daylight so she can continue her long, tiring hike.

I begin to become unsettled when I hear footsteps and voices getting closer. But then they pass, and I roll my eyes and realize I was just being paranoid. A few seconds go by with silence, and I relax up against the brick wall behind me. I'm assuming it's a nightclub or bar, considering the loud music and booming voices vibrating through the wall. It almost drowns out the sound of two men calling out to me. Almost.

"Little girl," A deep voice rings. I snap open my eyes to see a tall dark man hovering over me. At first, I think it's Grayson or Ethan and that they have found me. But the more my eyes adjust, the more my heart races and the more worry rushes over me and the more scared I become.

Another man stands behind the first, about the same height. All of his teeth are gone and he's wearing a torn jean jacket. A lump forms in my throat. What are they going to do to me?

"Little girl," The man mocks again. The second man chuckles in the back. A rush of emotions come over me; anxiety, fear, and simply not knowing what to do.

"Do you want money?' I squeak out. "I- i have food. Do you want food?" I can't believe I actually have the strength to get the words out. I'm so stunned at this point, it feels like I can't move a muscle in my body.

I jump when each of the men laugh as if it's the funniest joke they'd ever heard.

"We don't want no money," One speaks up. They inch closer to me. The closer they get, the more weak I become. I'm so scared...

"Hey!" I hear a familiar voice bark. "Leave her alone!"

Grayson.

~~~

Sorry it's been a while since an update guys. I've been busy with school and I'm just getting over being sick, but hopefully you still loved the chapter! :) There's definitely more to come. Anywayyyy thanks so much for 650+ reads!!! You honestly don't know how happy that makes me <3 Stay tuned for more chapters soon! Ilyy :))