Run Away

Chapter 3

Evie dumped her bag in the corner of the guest room of Sandra's house, where she had slept the night before. Flopping down on the bed, she gazed at the off-white ceiling. She let out a sigh of defeat. Evie knew she couldn't stay in the one spot for too long. It was too risky and dangerous, not just for her, but anyone in contact with her.

Sandra made it difficult for Evie to leave the house for the rest of the day, resolving to work from home so she could keep an eye on Evie. Not wanting to be social, Evie spent the day hidden in the bedroom.

By dinner, the entire family was home, making Evie feel uneasy knowing Owen was somewhere in the house. It wasn't his fault she felt this way, but it wasn't something she could easily move past either.

Kelly knocked tenderly on the bedroom door before opening it and inviting Evie down to the dinner table. Evie ignored her and gazed out the window wishing for her freedom. Kelly left without a word.

Sandra arrived in the doorway.

"Kelly tells me you refuse to come down for dinner," Sandra said as she stepped into the room towards Evie.

Evie remained silent.

"I know you haven't eaten a proper meal since last night," Sandra stated, "You need to come down and eat."

Evie sighed with defeat and looked at Sandra for the first time.

"I'll see you downstairs in two minutes," Sandra commanded, before leaving the room.

Evie took a deep breath to calm her nerves of seeing Owen and headed downstairs to eat dinner with the family who had taken her in.

Thankful, she had managed to position herself at the opposite side of the table from Owen. Evie trained her eyes on her plate, not wanting to meet his gaze she could feel was on her.

The family talked animatedly about their days. Evie's run in with the law managed to stay out of Sandra's account of her day and Evie was grateful. Although, Evie didn't know what Sandra had told her family about why Evie had returned to their house and with a new name, yet they all seemed to take it in their stride and didn't mention anything in Evie's presence.

Sandra mentioned to Owen that Evie would be starting school with him on Monday and that she would like Owen to accompany Evie to school and look out for her. Evie's eyes met Owen's for the first time that night. He seemed bored and unwilling at the idea of having to take on his mother's charity case. Evie bit down on the inside of her lip to steady her beating heart, her breath speeding up.

It was Friday night and Evie knew that she would be long gone from their home before Monday morning or the duty of heading to school would fall upon her. Taking a steadying breath, Evie stood up, excusing herself from the table, leaving half of her dinner still on her plate.

Later that night, silence fell over the house. Evie waited quietly until she was certain everyone was asleep. Looking at the digital clock in the guest bedroom, red lights lit up the numbers, it was just after one in the morning. Evie hadn't heard any movement or talking for nearly two hours.

Picking up her backpack and already dressed in her own clothes, Evie crept to the stairs and started to descend. One of the steps creaked and Evie stood stock still, looking behind her in panic. There was no noise. No indication that anyone was awoken from their slumber by her sudden noise.

As Evie passed the kitchen, she grabbed some food that could be stored in her backpack, keeping her fed for a few days at least. She had already stolen some toiletries from the bathroom earlier on that day. Positioning her backpack on her shoulders, Evie headed to the front door.