When Worlds Collide

Chapter 25

*ANNA'S POV*

After about a week, Eli and I had both dropped out of school and gotten jobs, since school wouldn't be safe. I knew I'd have to go to the store. Eli came into the kitchen just then to get water. I stopped him. "Eli, I know we've mostly been laying low, but I'm going to the store today." He didn't hesitate before responding.
"Then I'll go with you." I sighed.
"No. Your mom needs you here. If your father shows up, you need to stay and protect your mom and sibling."
"Then she can come with us." I shook my head.
"Eli, it's too risky. She's safer at home. Here." He fell silent for a while.
"Alright. I don't like it, but here." He handed me the keys to the Hellcat. "You don't have a car, so use mine. And come back soon. And alive. And well. And-" I did the only thing I could think of. I kissed him. It was a sweet kiss, unlike kissing Alex, and different from the kiss we shared in the hospital. That one was nervous, and stunned. This one was soft and gentle, yet determined. I found myself melting into it. I could've stayed that way forever, but Eli pulled away. "Go to the store before I change my mind and keep you here," he said with a smile. I returned it.
"I'll be back before you know it. I promise." He kissed my cheek.
"You better be."
"I will." I walked out the door, got into the car, and began driving. Everything I'd told Eli was true. If I had actually been going to the store. But I wasn't. I hated to break a promise, but I knew that Eli's dad would find us eventually. So I was going to make sure he didn't hurt anyone. By giving myself up in exchange for him leaving Eli's family alone.