Run

Chapter Six

Getting off the bus, while it was dark, it felt warm. Unlike Englewood, the breeze in Missouri was gentle and soothing. There wasn't a drop of rain, not even the smell of rain. It almost smelled like summer still. The bus stop was in an open field, probably not even two blocks from the city.

"I've got our stuff, and the directions to a motel a few blocks over," Alex hands me my bag and I smile.

"Still thinking about that wish you made?"

"God yes," he sighs and tilts his head back, "I mean, I'm sorry but if we can't get a room with two beds then you're either sharing with me or you can sleep on the floor. My back still hurts!"

I make a pouty face at him, "Aw you poor baby."

He flashes his charming little grin at me, I've seen it before, it's the same grin he uses to hit on girls at school. Part of me wished he was using it the same capacity here. The other part of me was offended by that wish.

We walk together in the quiet night, there isn't much traffic. The tranquility has me captured, I could actually see the stars. It hits me, I can't remember the last time I could see them or take the time to look at them. It's hard to believe that something so enchanting, can be so far away.

"You alright," Alex watches me quizzically.

He stands a few steps ahead of me and I smile, "Yeah, I just was caught off guard."

"By what, there's noting really out here."

I point to the sky, I can't peel my eyes away, "I've never gotten to just... Look at the stars. Not since I was little."

"Well, then let's not waste it," he pulls me over to the grass and we lay down, "Now you won't break your neck."

"Shouldn't we get to the motel?"

"Eh, it's not going anywhere," he smiles at me, "So? What do you think? As good as you remember?"

"That's the thing, I don't remember, I honestly don't remember the last time I got to just stop and enjoy the stars. And, it's... I feel like I could reach out and touch them. I want to pull one down and hold it in my hands and feel it glow.  It actually feels like the most radiant and beautiful thing I've ever seen, and I want it, but it's just barely out of my reach."

"I understand that feeling," his voice was soft, I could barely hear him.

I look over at him and see his lips curl into a sad smile, his eyes distant with longing.

"You do?"

His smile vanishes and he sits up and starts rubbing the back of his neck, "Uhh yeah, yeah I have... Anyway are you ready to go?"

I look at the stars again, "Just a few more minutes."

"Alright," he looks down at me, "you know, you've got an amazing smile."

I feel my ears heat up and I look away, "thanks," I sit up and grab my bag, "I think I'm ready to go."

Sitting up I pull my stuff into my lap, my arms wrapping around my backpack.

"Oh, hang on you have something in your hair," he reaches his hand out before pulling it back, "Do you want me to get it?"

I can feel my words catch in my throat. I reach for the tips of my hair and nod.

His fingers gently run through my hair, and it feels amazing. I let my body go limp as I let his hands remove any debris from my seemingly never ending hair. Before I can catch myself, a small moan escapes me.

I hear Alex let out a small chuckle, "You seem exhausted, let's get you to the motel," he breathed against my cheek, removing his hand from my hair and lifting me up from the waist.