Run Away

Leaving the Forest

I woke up to the sun shining, and the birds singing. Zach had left the hammock. When I sat up I saw why. He was making breakfast.

"Good morning Kendall."

"Good morning."

I rubbed my eyes, so I could see a little clearer. I saw that Zach had started a fire, and he was roasting something.

"What you making?" I asked as I walked closer to him.

"Cooking some chicken."

"Chicken? Where'd you get that? I hope you didn't go hunting for one!"

He giggled then cleared his throat to speak.

"No, B-Dad gave it to me this morning."

"Oh."

"What?"

"Nothing. I just should've figured B-Dad gave that to you."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well I shouldn't have thought you killed a chicken now should I?"

He then giggled again.

"Ok, just wanted to make sure you weren't mad at me."

"Mad? Why- don't worry I'm not. Anyways how much longer until it's cooked?"

"It's almost done. Uh take a seat. Sit, sit."

I pulled over a small log that was nearby, and placed it beside Zach. As I sat down he handed me some of the chicken.

"Mmmmm smells sooo good,"

I took a deep breath. Smelling all of the yummy chicken. It took me about a minute to realize I was practically drooling over it. I quickly stopped, and sat up nice and straight.

"So, uh, what's the plans for today?"

"Well, I was thinking, that, we could- I mean like- go out- not on a date- but-"

"Zach just spit it out!"

"Right sorry. Well I was thinking, we could leave the forest, and go into the real world-"

"You mean on the streets where actual people are?"

"Yeah. What do you think?"

I took a bit into my chicken, thinking about what he had just told me.

"I don't know. I mean, it would be awesome to go out- into the 'real world', but I'm not sure."

"Not sure about what?"

"Zach, what if my parents are looking for me? Then what do I do!?"

"Kendall, don't worry. Anyways if they are, I'll protect you."

I starred at my chicken, still thinking. The answer had finally popped into my head. I looked up at him. Straight into his eyes.

"Alright. Let's go."

"Awesome!"

***

We had finished our breakfast, and headed out. I was so nervous! I didn't want to get caught, but I also really wanted to explore the world. Zach and I didn't bring much. Just water. We knew we could easily find food somewhere, and we wanted to save as much energy as possible.

We had finally gotten out of the forest. I took a deep breath. I looked all around me, seeing what the world really looks like.

"Kendall come on, let's keep moving."

"Right, okay."

We decided to walk with a crowd of people. Zach thought we would have a less chance of being caught. I could see his point, but I still didn't like being by a whole bunch of random strangers. When we were walking, we passed some street lights. I know, street lights, not that big of a deal, but there was something on there.

"Kendall come take a look at this."

I walked closer to the street light, wondering what it was.

"What? It's just a street light?"

"Take a look at this!"

I looked at it again, closer this time. I realized there was a 'Lost Child' flyer on there.

"Oh no, poor child. I wonder who it was?" I was so upset. There was a lost child, no where to be seen or found.

"Read it."

I looked even closer, forcing my eyes to focus on the small printing.

"I can't read what it says."

"Then let me read it to you. It says; 'A lost child has been reported to the police by her parents. She's just a thirteen year old girl, with long, straight, brown hair. Her name is Kendall Forge. She was sound asleep, then was missing in the morning. No one knows how, or what, but her parents would love to have her back.' Then it has their contact number."

"Oh my gosh. They're actually looking for me? We have to get back to the forest now!"

"Kendall calm down. Look what's the chance they will see you. We will head back in a few hours. Everything will be fine."

I groaned. I didn't like this idea at all. But why would they want me? I didn't understand.

"Come on, let's keep walking."

"Okay."

We continued to walk through the streets, admiring all the beautiful buildings we had passed. We stopped at an old, but beautiful bench. Starring at the beautiful sunset. I had then remember about the 'Lost Child' sign. I could feel the butterflies come back.

"Kendall what's wrong?"

Zach had realized something was wrong, so I had to tell him.

"I'm scared."

"Scared of what?"

"My parents finding me."

"Why?"

"Because they won't treat me any different, and I would never see you again."

"Why does that matter? I'm just some weird loser."

"You're not a weird loser. You're my friend, who I can trust, and who I love."

He looked at me straight in the eyes, and whispered;

"If they take you, they'll have to fight me first."

I then cuddled into him. Feeling safe. Feeling relaxed. I closed my eyes, thinking of tonight. There was very beautiful thoughts for once, until I felt someone grab me. I opened my eyes, and saw a police man right in front of me.

"Are you Kendall Forge?"

"Um yeah. W-w-h-hy?"

"Come with me. We will keep you safe from that strange man."

"Strange man?"

"Him."

He was pointing to Zach.

"He's not a strange man! He's not even a man! He's a 13 year old boy, who actually cares about me!"

"Look you don't have to try to back him up. Come with us, we'll keep you safe."

"No! I'm perfectly fine with Zach!"

"Look Kendall, this isn't an option. I'm demanding you to come with me. Now come here."

"W-w-h-h-at about Zach?"

"He's coming with us too. We got some question, for both of you."