Escape

Don't look back.

Reaching the penthouse living room she stopped in her tracks when she spotted Michael.

His gaze scanned her quickly before settling to her face. "You went out." He said, voice laced with concern before he turned to the man beside her.

Marco laughed and took a seat opposite Michael. "Thought she got lost, turned out she didn't need my help." He grabbed the paper lying in front of Michael and continued reading it as if he didn't just witness her kill a man.

She stepped forward but when both men offered a seat beside them she turned and went instead to the high chair by the counter. She reached for the smoking pot of coffee and poured herself a cup.

Michael cleared his throat. "Do you want to look around the city?"

She shook her head. "Not really. I'd just rather spend the day here." Her hand trembled and she put the cup down to keep it from spilling.

It's done Van. It's him or you. You did what you had to do. She took a deep breath, unaware as the two men looked her way.

Stepping inside Michael's car she noticed that the rest of her group had piled up into another car. "They will go for a shopping spree figured you would rather spend your time with me." he said, answering her unspoken question.

She leaned her head back and turned her face toward him. He had a boyish smile that was infectious she found herself smiling back.

"Is that so?"

"Yes that is so." he replied. They were quiet for a moment till she noticed they seem to be going east and not to the direction of the town.

"Just a little detour, you don't need to get out of the car for this."

She let him, and just pulled the scarf higher on her neck.

Fifteen minutes later, they pulled up into a parking lot that faces a board walk. In spite of the dark clouds that threaten to pour anytime, there are still a number of people there, out with their dogs, couples holding hands, kids and family milling around. A couple of food trucks lined the street too while big waves crushes on the shore line which didn't seem to bother them. Instead they seem to enjoy the day like it's another sunny one.

They were quiet for a while, like their time in the manor, they just seem to enjoy each other's company.

"Did you spend a lot of time here in the city?" she found herself asking him.

"I finished college here, though Lara pushed me to going somewhere else. Now I come here when I need to, business and nothing else."

"Why here then?"

He starts to drum his fingers on the steering wheel as if thinking how to answer her question.

"I'm contented in this place; the university here is actually pretty good. The people are very laid back and it's only a few hours from Sta. Monica."

"You mean you'll be near to Lara and Kristy?" she smiled. They both laughed. A toddler run past holding a corn on a stick Michael turned to her. "Sit here, I'll bring the boardwalk to you." He said then winked.

He quickly unbuckles his seat belt and when he reached for the door she grabbed his arm. He turned to face her.

She smiled. "Don't forget the popcorn and hot dogs."

"With milkshake, got it."

When Michael was out, her smile dropped and she stared down at her open palm.

More blood in her hands, how many more before she's free?

She shut her eyes but instead she saw the man fell to the floor eyes open wide. He didn't expect to die that day, did he have a family? Someone who waits for him to get home.

"Vanessa go! We'll hold them off."

Her eyes widened. "Mom no. Let's go, we can make it."

"Please Vanessa, go with your brother."

"No! I'll fight with you." she said facing the door. Her heart threatened to explode from her chest but she took a deep breath and tried to keep herself together.

Her father pulled her hand, when she glanced at him, her brother was at her mother's side. Both of them hugged quickly then did the same to her father, they exchanged words that were too fast for her fogged brain to catch.

Her panic kicked double. No no no no.

Her parents enveloped her into the barest hug and let her go. A backpack was handed to her hands; it was a black one identical to the three others they keep for emergencies.

"Listen to me Vanessa. You and your brother run don't look back. Run and live for us. Understand? Live my love."

She opened her eyes and wiped her tears before they can fall. The image faded away but it left her heart heavy once more.