runaways [ lams ]

01 | bellyache

Alex sat with his knees folded against his best and his head buried in his hands. The only source of comfort was the soft pitter patter of rain outside his window, and a large blanket draped over his rapidly rising and falling shoulders. Choked sobs escaped his lips every time he thought of her. The girl who probably thought that she was too good for him, just because of their family history. Alexander thought that was bullshit. He was just as good as— if not better than— the people she was after.

He wiped his tears, picking up his phone and blocking her on every social media. He scrolled through his messages, making sure to remove himself from every group chat she was in. Alexander knew he was being a little dramatic. After all, it was just a little heartbreak. He'd been through so much worse, so why did this tear him up like this?

His eyes widened when he realized it was Sunday, and that he'd have to face Elizabeth at school tomorrow. He knew damn well his parents would never let him stay home because of a girl, so he grabbed his school bag and dumped out of all the contents inside. He stuffed it full of his clothes, packing an extra hoodie just in case he got cold. He made sure to leave his phone, too. His parents had a tracker on that. As hard as it would be, he didn't want to be caught.

He pulled a hood over his messy hair, tip-toeing through the house to avoid being caught. Once he was outside, he sunk his shoulders and took a few deep breaths. Did he want to go through with this? He weighed the pros and cons. He could escape seeing Eliza for a few days, but how many? How long could he avoid her without having to go back? And what were the consequences for running away from home?

He shook away his thoughts, gripping the strap of his bag tighter as he started to move. He was going through with this, despite knowing it was a bad idea.

Alex hadn't really planned where he was headed, but he decided his best bet would be downtown. His parents rarely went there, so it was unlikely that he'd be caught. His dad wouldn't call the police either. When his mother was assaulted by one of her clients, all his father said was "you'll get over it." After that thought, Alex decided he'd be safer all alone in the city.

He found a small brick bakery with a colourful overhang, which shielded him from the rain. There he sat for god knows how long, watching the rainwater collect on the sidewalk. Alex eventually fell asleep, curled up with his face hidden in his knees.

He woke to the sound of sirens and bright lights. Alex thought he was busted for a moment, before realizing there was a curly haired boy about his age aiming a gun at the police. Alexander chewed his lip as he watched. He knew he'd regret seeing someone get shot, but he really couldn't look away.

"Drop the weapon," one of the officers stepped closer to the boy, "and you'll be fine."

The boy took a step backwards, noticing Alex out of the corner of his eye. He smirked at the police. "You wouldn't want that kid to see an innocent get shot, would you?"

The cops looked over at Alexander, who only kind of realized curly boy's plan. He decided to work with what he was given, closing his eyes and letting out a blood curdling scream. That gave the other boy enough time to run, and while Alex felt bad for letting a criminal get away, maybe he actually was innocent? Or maybe it's just that the thought of "police equal bad" was engraved in his mind.

Alexander grabbed his bag, yelling "sorry!" as he started running in the same direction the boy with the curly hair did. He assumed there was a car or something to get him away from the police, who would probably fine him for letting someone get away with whatever it is he did.

He tripped on the sidewalk, scraping his hands and knees up badly. By the time his brain caught up with what was happening, he was being dragged into an alleyway.