Death Valley (Desert Children Series #2)

Fall Out of Grace

I got into Cola's car and we started the drive back to the inn. We didn't talk up until the time he stopped in front of the inn. Ghoul was standing in front of the inn waiting for me. He smiled.

"You know I really like you, right?" Cola pulled me out of my thoughts.

I looked at him, confused. Cola grabbed my face in his hands and pressed his lips against mine. I pushed him off of me.

"What the hell are you thinking?" I asked him.

"Phoenix, I-"

I climbed out of the car and shut the car door in his face. Ghoul's smile had turned into a frown. He had seen Cola kiss me. I was so embarrassed.

"When were you going to tell me, huh?" Ghoul asked.

"Ghoul, I can explain. He grabbed me and kissed me." I responded.

"I fucking trusted you! I thought you were different." He said.

"Ghoul!" Tears began to stream down my face. "Are you even hearing yourself?"

"I feel so stupid." He threw his hands up in the air.

I couldn't string words together. I was sobbing loudly, tears blurring my vision. His words stung like venom.

"I can't do this. I can't be with you right now." Ghoul didn't look at me when he said it.

He left me standing in the dust as he went inside.

I sat on the roof of the inn, trying to collect my thoughts. It was the quietest place I could find. I held a pencil and a pad of paper, trying to write a letter to Ghoul. I didn't know where I was going to go. I guessed I could go live with Rocket for awhile. That thought helped me write the letter to Ghoul but didn't stop me from being so confused. How could things suddenly end up here?

Ghoul,

I'm sorry. I love you so much and I never meant to hurt you. I would never cheat on you because you mean so much to me. But if you really don't want me anymore, I'll just leave. I'm sorry. I feel like this is all so stupid and you'll get over yourself soon.

Phoenix

I left the note on my side of the bed with my ring. I knew he was inside the weapons room working to get his mind off of it all. He wouldn't notice me leaving. I decided I could get my stuff later when I was ready. I snuck out to the small, broken garage where the Trans Am sat hidden. The extra keys were sitting right where they should be. I picked up the radio and tuned in to Dr. D. I told him through sobs that I needed someone to come and get me.

Show Pony didn't ask any questions when he picked me up in his car. He drove me straight to Dr. D's hideout. Rocket stood up when she saw me. I immediately ran to her and cried into her shoulder. I told her what happened. She held me as I cried.

"Hey, how about we go get a drink. You look like you need a few." She offered me.

I didn't refuse. "Yeah. Yeah I do."