Run Away

Chapter 23

The end of the week rolled in and Evie was grateful to enjoy a relaxing Friday night without the concept of having to go to school the next day. It had been a long week and Evie had tried her hardest to continue keeping to herself.

Harley had managed to weasel her way back into Evie's good graces, but Evie continued to keep her at arms' length where she could.

She spent her lunch times outside on her own away from the noise of the cafeteria. Through the windows, Evie could see Owen and Zane with their large group of friends laughing and enjoying their breaks. Every now and then Evie would feel eyes on her, and when she would look up she would find Owen's curious eyes on her. Their eyes would meet briefly before he would allow himself be distracted by those around him.

Evie sat on her bed looking over her Maths notes from the week. Next week was full of exams and Evie's old self returned, wanting to make sure she did well, even if it would mean nothing when she left again.

Numbers and symbols were swirling around in her head by half past nine and so Evie slammed her notebook and textbook shut. As she went to store them in the bag she used for school, Evie noticed Owen's Modern History textbook in her bag. She had had it all week, studying most nights with it. In class, Owen would sit beside her but never once did he ask for it back. Guilt flowed over Evie that she hadn't returned it to him yet with the exam looming.

With the borrowed textbook clutched tightly to her chest, Evie walked out into the hallway to return it to Owen. As soon as she stepped out of her room, she could hear music blasting in Owen's closed room down the hall. She wandered slowly to his room and paused in front of the closed door. Suddenly feeling unsure of herself.

Taking a deep breath, she quickly rapped her knuckles gently on the door, but loud enough so Owen would be able to hear it over his music.

"What?" Came an annoyed shout from inside.

Evie bit her bottom lip nervously, now feeling like she had overstepped some imaginary line. Every part of her told her to leave quickly and return to her room, but as the book dug into her tightly clenched hand, Evie reminded herself it was important that she return it to Owen.

"Uh, it's, um," Evie stammered, "It's Evie."

Owen didn't respond. Instead, almost instantly, the music was turned right down, and Owen opened the door, a remorseful look across his face.

"Sorry," Owen apologised gently, "I thought you were Kelly coming to bug me. She's been pestering me to borrow money all afternoon."

Owen's bedroom door was slightly ajar. Evie couldn't see inside but it made her realise how she had never seen inside his bedroom before and her curiosity spiked at the thought. Owen leaned casually on the doorframe, Evie still standing in the doorway clutching the Modern History textbook to her chest as though it would protect her in some way.

"I just wanted to return your textbook." Evie held out the book to Owen and he took it from her. "I'm sorry I've had it for so long."

Owen shrugged at her apology.

"No big deal. If you still need it..."

"Please, if I read anymore I think I will start to think there are Nazi soldiers coming to get me," Evie laughed then frowned as she realised how poor taste her own attempt at a joke was. There was someone coming to get her, maybe not Nazis but an evil dictator all the same.

"Plus, the exam is on Tuesday. You should really study yourself."

"Yeah, I guess," Owen nodded looking down at the book in his hand.

"Uh, well, goodnight," Evie spoke softly and turned to return to her own room.

"Evie, wait," Owen called after her.