Walking Straight

Chapter 23

Hey guys! Did you miss daily updates? I have been slightly busy with tanning and relaxing and honestly did not have the energy to pull out my computer and write, but here is a new update for you guys! Thanks for leaving such great coments and voting! Keep it up! and special thanks to Jacob aka @ginganinga557 for helping me out with this chapter. Make sure to follow him on instagram! His personal is @ginganinga557 and his eminem account @stan_edits__    thanks so much guys! 

+++

"Life has a hopeful undertone"

                --- Tyler Joseph

TAYLOR'S POV:

No messages. None from Rhett, Jacob, my mother, no one. I understood Jacob but why was Rhett giving me space? Seems like he would have sent at least 20 by now, asking where I am, what I'm doing, when I can leave. What have I done? Is he finally sick of everything? I know I need somewhere to go. I cant stand being stuck with my father. I need to leave. But where should I go? Does Rhett even still want to be around me? I'm thinking about going with Jacob, maybe he will be different outside of the facility. I cant tell. 

I pick up the phone, and begin to message Jacob, to see if his offer still stands. 

Me- Are you still okay with me staying with you? i can get on the 8 pm bus tonight and be at Boulder by 8:40

the phone doesn't buzz until a few minutes later. 

Jacob- Of course, I will pick you up from the stop. See you at 8:40. 

I set the phone back on the bed after reading the text and soon feel the nerves kicking in. This would be the first time I have ever officially run away from home, and I hope it doesn't backfire on me. 

+++

I lift my wrist to check the time, 7:47. I check to make sure Dad's car isn't parked outside, and grab my bags, fleeing the apartment. 

+++

The bus station is basically empty, only a few adults heading home from work. I buy my ticket, and take the ride to University of Colorado Boulder. 

+++

I take a short nap, and am awake in time to see the last few minutes of the ride through the campus. Jacob waits at the stop. He sees the bus and raises a hand, waving. I lift my hand as well and step off the bus. He greets me by grabbing a couple of my bags and wrapping me in a hug.

"Finally decided to come, yeah?" he chuckles, his arm tight around my shoulders.

"Yeah, couldn't stand another minute being with my dad,"  I respond. 

We walk through the campus, down Pearl Street, and end up in a neighborhood littered with fraternities and sororities. His apartment is a couple blocks away from a frat house, sandwiched between two small houses. There are only 3 total apartments in his complex, making it small and private. It's nice inside, with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living area with a TV, and a cramped kitchen. 

My room is the larger of the two, Jacob insisting that he is okay with a small bedroom. All my bags get unpacked, and I don't realize I am exhausted until I wake up to Jacob carrying me off the couch and into my room.

I sleep heavily, no dreams, no tossing and turning, just much needed rest. I finally feel safe. 

+++

In the morning, I immediately recognize where I am, as if it has already become home to me. Sunlight leaks through the thin curtains, creating a light glow to the room. It is warm on my cheek, something I haven't felt in months.