The Cruise (PK Universe {Completed})

Chapter 11

When Len ran, he didn't expect to find his way to the basement, yet that's where he ended up. Or to find himself next to that creepy little girl again.

But she seemed different. The way she held herself. The way her eyes flashed around. The shock. Fear. It was all different from last time.

And that was the only thing that kept him from bolting.

She whispered something Len couldn't hear, and all Len could think was, What the hell?

So that's what he said.

She said something in that quiet voice of hers, and he wondered what it was. But he had more pressing questions.

But when he saw her voice, looking closer, he could recognize the expression of self-hate and confusion.

"Are you okay?"

He mentally slapped himself. Of course, she wasn't! Why would she be?

Weirdly, a slight smile took over her features, and Len couldn't deny that it made her look beautiful. Her dimples seemed so tight that it looked painful like they hadn't been forced to stretch in a while.

Suddenly, a flash of panic and pain took over her face. She crawled away from him. She grabbed a piece of glass nearby, and Len knew what would happen before it did. Yet he didn't move until there was a thin line across her wrist.

He moved so fast, he mentally compared himself to Barry. He ripped her hand away before grabbing the glass away. He tried to hide the shaking of his hands, but he couldn't.

"What the hell are you doing?"

She flinched, slinking away. After a second, pain flashed in her expression again, and she bolted, desperate for the glass he held. He held it above her head. 

Suddenly, she started crying. Sobbing, really. 

Len wasn't good with crying children, but he would try, just this once. He didn't know why, but he felt a special bond with this one.

So he pulled a board loose from the wall and set the glass there before sitting down next to her. He wasn't used to this, but he was sure he was supposed to put a hand on her shoulder, so he did. She flinched away, and Len was about to pull away himself, but she placed a hand on top of his and held it there desperately, like a lifeline.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You know, I never got your name," Len asked.

"I never got yours," she replied. She seemed to slowly get a little calmer, and Len couldn't help but proud knowing he was the reason why.

"Call me Len," he answered.

"Isn't Len a little too friendly?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. Len fought off the urge to laugh as he replied with, "Fine, Ms. Perfect. Call me Lenny."

"That's worse," she giggled.

"Well, I gave you two options. You can pick," Len smirked. 

"I think I like Lenny," she said.

"Well, now it's your turn. What's your name?"

"I don't know," she whispered back, her voice just as soft as before. With one question, the lighthearted mood had disappeared.

"Well, until you remember, I think I'll give you a temporary one?" Len raised an eyebrow, silently waiting for her approval. He couldn't help but wonder why she didn't remember, but he wasn't going to ask.

"Sure, but I have to agree," she suggested. Lenny nodded.

"Sara?"

She looked at him like he was crazy. "Hell no."