Naked and alone

Finn 1

            I was on my way home after a long night of searching. With my luck it would probably take forever and who even knew if she was still alive. (God that thought scared me. Finn don't even think that.) Walking past the abandoned buildings with my favorite graffiti didn't even help my mood. I've been a mess ever since she went missing two weeks ago. No trace, no reasons as to where or why she was gone. All we knew was that she was seen leaving her family's shitty apartment after another fight. In my gut though I could tell something bad had happened but that she was still alive and that I shouldn't give up on her. She's been my best friend since we were little. I was about to take the alleyway shortcut when I noticed something next to the dumpster and trash bags. Whatever it was, it was shaking and crying. It was dark out but as I got closer I could tell it was a person, in fact I could tell it was Alex! 

          She was alone and scared. I didn't want to scare her even more by rushing to her side. Inching slowly I made my way closer. Alex was sitting against the wall with her knees pulled to her chin. She was shivering half naked in only a torn bra and undies. Her eyes filled with terror. I was lucky to have found her at all. 

             Softly I spoke, "Hey Alex... It's me Finn." No response. "I'm not gonna hurt you." She was utterly terrified eyeing me up and down. Alex tried backing up more but she had nowhere to go with the wall at her back. Her next move was to curl up into a ball even more while keeping her eyes locked on me. I decided to sit down a few feet away as to not scare her more. (What can I do to help? That's right my jacket!) Taking off my jacket I slid it closer to her, but stayed where I was keeping my distance. She must be freezing her ass off considering its October and she's freaking naked! 

           She stared at me and then the jacket for a few minutes then decided it was okay to grab it. Carefully she checked the pockets before slipping it on. It was a big blue zip up hoodie with a furry inside for the cold days ahead. I could tell she was grateful for the warmth of the coat but still scared. "Hey, I won't hurt you. Alex?" Her face was blank to that name. "Wait... Do you know who I am?" She shook her head no. Crap How was I supposed to get her home if she doesn't know me or trust me? I just have to hope she sees me as a safe enough guy.

           I pull out my wallet from my pocket hoping that if I show her my I.D. she'll trust me more. Slowly sliding it towards her I lay it by her feet. She gingerly picks it up, puzzled as to what she's supposed to do with it. "If you open it up there's a picture of me on my driver's license to prove who I am. The names Finnigan Stuart but everyone calls me Finn. Um... well I'm your friend, not that you remember but uh well we've been friends since we were little. I hope you can believe me enough to trust me just a little." Shakily she pulls out the driver's license and studies it, looking at the picture and back at me to confirm it. Then nodding to herself that the information adds up to his words.

            I decide to ask, "Can I take you home? Not like in a creepy way or anything I swear, I just wanna keep you safe. I live a couple blocks away, and if you can't um well walk which I take it your too shaken up to walk I can carry you. There's clothes and a bed for you to rest in at my place. I promise I won't do anything weird, I'll even make some warm dinner. You must be starving." I could tell that the thought of warm food and clothes interested her. Inching a little bit closer I asked again, "Can I pick you up? I'll be gentle." She eyeballed me up and down, then, tried to stand up by herself instead. As she used the wall for support I could tell it wasn't helping out much. Next thing I know, she's falling. Luckily I catch her just in time. "Please Alex let me help you!" She was shaking even more now, and had no other choice but to agree considering the circumstances. 

            Wrapped up in my hoodie I fixed the coat on her while swiftly picking her up in a princess lift. She was scary light making it super easy to pick up her small frame. I could feel her bones protruding from inside her skin as if she hadn't eaten in a week. She kept her eyes locked on me the whole walk home except for sneaking glances at the direction we were taking making sure she was going to be safe. Once she saw the lit up apartment in front of us she gave a sigh of relief. I entered the building carrying her up a few flight of stairs before reaching my front door. Lucky for me everyone was in there apartments or out and about so no one would question us. I unlocked the door and carried her to my bedroom so she could lay down. 

            Rummaging around my room I find some clean pajama pants and a t shirt for her to wear. "Here you go, some fresh clothes. And if you want, or if you feel up to it you can take a bath or shower in the bathroom over there, but no pressure. I'll leave you alone to get dressed." I grab a towel from the closet and set it on the bed. "Holler if you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen making some food." She doesn't say a word but nods instead, so I head out of the room and close the door for privacy.