On the Run

Chapter 5: I will not hesitate to superglue your clothes on

He squeezed my hand as we turned onto a rocky dirt road, past several pastures and the welcome sign, and we began to see the first signs of life in the small town that would, hopefully, be our refuge until it was safe to return home. Or at least a little while; staying in a different place each night tended to make you lose your sense of self. Having a home again, just thinking about it, was a dream that would hopefully come true.

         "Okay, we're here. Durston, Idaho. Dead center of the state, known for nothing. Ever. Not even good potatoes. Not even a dot on the state map. You sure about this? We could be here a while." Alex bit his lip nervously, and I didn't blame him. Here we are, two high schoolers having to make a decision that will determine the rest of our lives-and if we even have lives after this. Shouldn't I be contemplating which outfit to wear which day of the week, and he learning new plays for football? And even still, our efforts may end up being futile, but I'm not going down without a fight, and I know Alex won't either. Disappearing into this miniscule rural town is our best chance at become invisible--and ergo, surviving. "Yeah, this is our best shot. He'll expect it least, and even if he does catch on, the US is huge. How would he find us in the middle of nowhere?" He let out a breath and pressed the gas pedal.

"Where do we head first?" he asked as we drove around downtown. A few small shops, a gas station, some brick houses that looked straight out of a movie, a school. "I don't know. I mean, not the police, because they might not take us seriously. Plus they might try to send me home, since I'm not eighteen yet.In all the cases I've heard of, the people who go to the police end up six feet down.  School's almost out, so that's not an option...oh, what about here? First Baptist Church of Durston. They'll probably be inclined to at least hear us out, right?" It was clearly an older building, but it was beautifully structured, with architecture that could rival Rome's. It had a comforting feel to it, like our church back home. The faded paint contrasted well with the bright green grass, full of wild daisies, like something in a treasured work of art.

"Can I help you?" A woman with a pale face and light hair, maybe mid-thirties, asked when we stepped in the church office. It was large, but with a cozy feel to it, pictures of the members of the congregation tacked up on a few bulletin boards in dozens of random settings, as well as a schedule of all the different service and event times. Alex was zoned out, so I tried to figure out how to word the situation, without sounding like a raving lunatic.

"We were wondering if we could speak to the pastor here? We literally just came into town, and we have a...complex issue, and we felt he would be the best one to ask for help and guidance. We're just so...lost. Completely and utterly lost. It's not something he'll have experience in, but we figured...it's the best idea, and he might have an idea as to what we should do." I explained, trying not to cry or let my voice crack (endeavors in which I was unsuccessful).

 She raised her eyebrows at me, and attempted to smile sympathetically, though seeming as though she wanted to laugh, as one would a child who didn't have a clue about reality. "Hon, he's dealt we plenty of teen pregnancies before, just cause it's a small town doesn't make it set apart from current times. He'll get you all set up with a good doctor for prenatal care, and-"

I rapidly shook my head as I felt the blood rising to my cheeks at her inference, gaping like a fish in an attempt to conjure some words to correct her, but staying mute.

 "Hold up, excuse me? You think...you think I knocked her up?" Alex choked out, looking as mortified as I felt. She smirked, as if she enjoyed guessing I was pregnant, "Well given your age, anxiety, and how protective of her you seem to be, it is the most logical conclusion that-"

"No, that's definately not it. Trust me, I have a purity ring on and everything, that's not possible,  see?" I said, flustered, holding up my left hand. In hindsight, my wording was a little awkward, but the thought of my being pregnant with Alex's baby made me lose my head. Recognition flashed through her face, then confusion. "Oh. Well I'll show you to his personal office, he shouldn't be toobusy at the moment," she said with wide eyes.