runaways [ lams ]

02 | second chances

Alex stood face to face with the brunette, who looked as gorgeous as ever. He felt a pang of sadness in his heart, like thorns had wrapped around it and were now sinking in. The one time he tried to escape her, he couldn't. He fucked it up, just like he fucks everything else up. Fucked his family, fucked his relationship, fucked his feelings.

She cleared her throat. "The entire school was freaking out. Your mother called and informed us that you were missing, and the teachers told us to be on the lookout. I offered to try and find you, 'cause you never skip school. This isn't like you. Alexander, are you alright?"

Alex sighed. "I'm fine."

He wanted so badly to cry to her like he always did, but now he couldn't. Not when she was literally the reason he did this. He had to keep his walls up and power through the heartache.

"I'm fine is the most common lie told in the English language." She sighed quietly, looking into his eyes. "We've been friends for years, Alex. You can tell me what's wrong."

Alex shook his head. "Really, I'm okay. I just needed a break. Isn't that what you wanted for me anyway?"

Eliza's eyes widened as she came to a realization. It was like a lightbulb flickered on above her head as she came to her conclusion. "This is about last night, isn't it?"

Alex froze, his eyes darting around the room. "I... I have someone waiting for me in the car, Liz. I need to go."

"Oh, Alex! You said it was only a small crush. I'm so sorry! I didn't realize-"

Alex rolled his eyes, pushing past her and slamming the candy on the counter. He handed the cashier the money, who gave him his change quickly, seeing how desperate he was to leave. He took the food and left, bolting back to John's car. Actually, he wasn't 100% sure it was John's. Stealing a car wouldn't be the worst thing he'd ever done.

"Woah, what's got you fuming?" John asked, opening the bag of skittles and dumping a few into his hand. He studied Alex's face carefully. "They didn't have your favourite snack?" He guessed.

"You're an asshole, John," Alex spat, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. "Sure! I'm dramatic, but I'm not that dramatic. My heart is literally being stabbed over and over again and you have the fucking audacity-"

"I know what heartbreak feels like," John reminded him. "That's why I'm on the run. Just don't be stupid like me, Lexi. You're still a teenager. I know it hurts, but you'll get over it soon."

Alex had streams running down his face by now. John pulled him onto his lap, wrapping his arms around him. The shorter boy cried into his shoulder, letting out choked sobs.

"Shh," John whispered soothingly as he rubbed his back. "It's okay. You're okay. It isn't your fault she won't date you. Maybe she's just scared. Maybe she thinks you're too good for her. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case."

Alex found it really hard to believe that John had ever murdered anyone. Two people, for that matter. John was so sweet, which made Alex question why anybody would ever leave him. Maybe Francis and Martha were just genuine assholes.

Once Alex had calmed down a little, he crawled back over to his seat and buckled himself in. He sighed softly, watching as John turned the key and started the car.

"Where are we going?" Alexander wondered, trying to identify the direction John was headed. He wasn't familiar with the downtown area, so it wasn't much use.

"I dunno," the taller boy smiled softly. "That's what's fun."

Alex rolled his eyes, a tiny smile toying on his lips. "Just remember I gotta go back home eventually. Don't flee the state with me in your car."