Off Planet (Asterism Chronicles Volume One)

The Road Back

The road back was full of anxiety. With every step we couldn't help but think about what would happen if the cops found us. And why we were being set up. The cops probably dont want people to know that we escaped. It's supposed to be impossible for anyone to get away from the cops. That's what we belived.

As we walked together down the silent streets we kept an eye out for them. Our disguises hid us well, but there was always a chance. A chance to be seen, a chance to be recognized, and a chance to be put back in jail. That was the last thing that was wanted, going to jail meant death. As we neared Caps house more and more people were out. Walking past, they looked to us. Not because they recognized us, but because of the art and scar on our faces. Though their stares were uncomfortable, it was better then them recognizing us.

"Lets rest." I said as Jacks breath increased.

"No, we can't risk it." He continued on as I pulled him back.

"You need it. We're almost there, just take a few minutes to sit still."

He looked at me and agreed as we found a quiet place to sit. It was a little cove of trees with an opening in the center. Despite the calming surroundings he relaxed very little, and as we sat there his anxiousness grew.

"Lets go." He said standing up, ignoring the silent comfort around him.

I stood up to follow him as we ventured back. As the golden hour approached we walked towards the setting sun. Caps building getting closer with every step.

"So," I said, "what do you think happened?"

"About the posters?"

"Yeah, I mean, they have no proof we killed any one. And the whole conspiracy thing can just be us breaking out."

"Like I said. Corruption. They don't want us roamingthe streets, so they will try to get us back no matter what." Jack said as we grew nearer to Caps.

Looking up to him I wondered why he chose to live the life he has. He grew up abused, ran from people who tries to take care of him, and lost a sister. He could have taken her and ran where no one could find them. If he'd of done that, he would have never been hurt, he would wouldn't be facing death, but he wouldn't of met me. As I walked silently he poked at me.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked, his blue eyes bright.

"You."

"I'm flattered." He said jokingly. "What about me?"

"Why did you choose the path you did?"

"I don't know. At first all I wanted was for Erin to be happy. I didn't think it was safe for us to travel far, she wasn't very strong. But as we grew up they kept a closer eye on us. They knew what I wanted to do, but didn't allow me to do it. When I finally made a date for us to leave, she was adopted. I left that night. Because I was just a couple months from eighteen they never came for me."

"And you didn't leave because she was coming."

"Exactly. Or I thought she was. Enough about me. What about you? Anti social, aggressive, loner."

"Joke all you want, its not my fault the school's are dumb." I said nudging him. "Well, you met my dad. We hung out when he was home, but he was gone a lot. So I learned to cook when I was young. When he was gone I usually would watch tv or read."

"What about your mom?" Jack said softly bringing up a topic never discussed.

"She died when I was little. She got sick and they couldn't help her."

"I'm sorry, what was she like?"

"She was very caring. She volunteered at children's hospitals and schools. Everyone loved her."

"She sounds amazing."

"Yeah," I said happy at the memories. "After she died my dad was gone more often. I know now why."

"Those pills. They couldn't help her?" Jack asked thinking to my dads 'job'.

"It wasn't cancer. They didn't know what it was. They said it was a disease that went extinct long ago. They had no way to treat it."

"Thats terrible."

As we walked up the steps to Caps building we stoped at the top. Look i g at Jack I shook my head. "No, shes in a better place now. One without suffering."

"Your amzing. To be able to lose someone like that and not be sad or angry." With a hug he unlocked the door and we walked in.