Run

Chapter Twenty

Opening my eyes I see our bags by the door. Alex is nowhere to be seen. Looking at the clock it's not even eight in the morning, where could he be that early? Why even think of getting up that early unless you have work or school?

Groaning, I pull the blankets up over my head and try to go back to sleep. Before I know it the door is opening and I hear our bags moving around. I peak over the blanket to see Alex grabbing his and my backpack.

"You ever hear of sleeping in? I've heard it's great and I'd love to try it," I pull the blanket back in order to glare at him. All I get in return is a sweet smile.

"I was trying not to wake you, I got our bus tickets and I was going to let you sleep until the last minute I could."

I feel the blush run up my face, "Thanks... Too bad it didn't happen, right?"

He nods as he watches me sit up and stretch. I climb out of the bed too fast, giving myself a head rush leading to me stumbling and almost falling. Alex gives me support by wrapping his arms tightly around my waist. He's so warm and strong I feel like I could go back to sleep right here.

"Are you ready to go?" His voice is a soft whisper against my ear.

I almost don't hear him, I'm in a daze, but I manage to nod, "I just need to change."

His arms slip away slowly, leaving me feeling cold as I grab my clothes and head for the bathroom.

I quickly exchange the comfortable pj's for the snug fit of my black skinny jeans and the thick warmth of my red sweater.

Stepping out of the bathroom I see Alex staring through the blinds on the window. His face is firm in concentration before he turns to look at me and his whole demeanor changes. I watch as his shoulders relax and his jaw goes slick. We stand staring at each other for a few very long moments before he regains his focus and picks up my backpack.

"Heads up," he tosses it in my direction, catching me off guard.

I barely catch the bag without dropping it, he focused on making sure we have everything as I shove my pj's into my duffle bag and throw my backpack over my shoulder. I grab my jacket, slip on my boots, and patiently wait by the door.

Alex ushers me out the door as he grabs his jacket. It's brisk outside, the air is cool and crisp. I take in the nice breeze while I wait for Alex to return the room key, it feels nice against the skin on my neck.

"Jules, come on, we need to leave. Are you ready?" He puts his hand on my lower back, but I don't react.

"Just one more minute, this feels amazing."

Being cooped up in the motel room for almost a week, I've almost forgotten how nice it is to come out to a cool morning breeze. He moves his hand off me and steps back, I wish he would take a moment to enjoy this with me.

I turn to look at him stand there stiff and awkward, "You tell me to relax and let go all the time. Take your own advice."

He looks down at his shoes, I can tell he's trying not to push me but I know he wants to leave. Rolling my eyes, I adjust my backpack on my shoulder.

"Alright fine lets go, I can feel your antsy-ness from here," he looks up at me, apologizing with his eyes. We start walking together back to the bus stop.

By 9:30 we're loading onto the bus and Alex gives me his hand to lift me onto the steps. He hasn't spoken since we left the motel. I think he just wants to leave so he doesn't have to worry about blackouts but it still annoys me how moody he is. He relaxes in his seat as we pass the city boarder. I glance at him occasionally while I read and I feel him do the same.