Run

Chapter Fourteen

I wake up and find my backpack and book have been moved. Sitting up I see my clothes at the foot of my bed and Alex's bag on the couch, but no Alex.

"Alex?" I call out, hearing nothing but silence in return. I get up and look all around the room, nothing.

I hurry over to my pile of clothes and start folding them up and putting them in my bag. Some of them feel softer than normal, like my underwear. I feel my cheeks turn lobster red. While I'm folding, I pull out fresh clothes so I don't have to keep this stretched shirt and over-sized pants on. After everything is put away, I quickly pull off my pants and shirt. I slide into my shorts and start to go for my shirt when I hear the door knob turn.

Before it manages to open I make my way into the bathroom and close the door.

"Jules?" I hear Alex's voice bounce through the room, "Jules are you here?"

I hear a small hint of panic in his voice, I grab a towel to cover my chest and open the door slightly, "I'm in here. I didn't know when you'd be back, I was getting changed."

He looks at the bed and sees my shirt, his eyes get wide, "Oh so you're..."

"Yes Alex, I am, can I please have my shirt?" I reach my arm out the door.

He gives me a very endearing smile and nods, reaching over to the bed he grabs my shirt, "How are you doing?" He passes the shirt to me, looking at the ceiling.

"I don't know. How are you doing?" I respond as I rush to pull the shirt over my head.

"I feel fine given everything, no blackouts. I do want to throw myself into traffic for what you had to go through today," I step out of the bathroom, met with his concerned eyes digging into mine, "I am beyond sorry, if there's anything I can do to make it better I will."

He suddenly seems distracted, looking me up and down. I didn't realize how small my shorts were, my shirt almost passes them.

"Maybe I should change again," I slide past him and reach for my bag.

I feel my hand on my arm, I look up at him, "Please don't," his voice drops to a soft whisper, he stares at me.

"Alex," I speak slowly as I pull my arm back.

He shakes his head, "I'm sorry, I don't really know what that was. That came out really bad," he steps back and puts his hand in his pockets, "I mean please don't feel like you have to change because I'm here. Those look comfortable, I want you to be comfortable."

I look down and nod. I bite my lips before moving past him for the front door, "I need some air."

He shrugs his shoulder away from the door and doesn't fight me going outside. I close the door, leaning back on it I take in a deep breath in. I feel like I've been holding my breath all week. It hasn't even been a full week since we left Englewood. It's barely been five days, feels like it's been months.

I close my eyes and just take in the air around me. I feel the door latch behind me moments before I fall backwards as the door opens.

Alex barely catches me, "Oh, sorry I didn't think you were against the door," he holds me in his arms barely off the floor.

I try to wiggle out of his grasp and stand up in the doorway again, "God you just can't give me a little privacy?"

"I'm sorry, I wasn't sure if you were going somewhere, or where you would be going, or if you were ok. I'm sorry."

He stands in front of me. I do see genuine concern when I look at him, but somehow it isn't enough. Somehow I'm not fully convinced. Somehow I still just want to slap him and yell.