Crash 》Hemmings

Chapter Three

{1 year ago}

I knew I wouldn't have much time. I sprinted blindly through the parking lot, trying to find my car. I jammed the key into the ignition and it roared to life. I sped out of there and back to home.

*

I was aware of my phone going crazy in my pocket. It had to be Anna, and she was probably telling her parents what was going on. I ran into my room and grabbed the biggest duffle bag I could find. I threw in articles of clothing and other things that were important to me. I was thankful that I didn't have a lot of things, because it made packing easier.

I then ran into my parents room, stopping for a moment.

"Suck it up," I muttered to myself. I wiped away some tears and walked over to dad's dresser. I knew he had a jar with lots of cash in it. As to how much was in there, I didn't know. I grabbed the entire thing and shoved it into my bag.

After that I headed to the kitchen, grabbing any food and drinks that wouldn't expire.

I struggled to get everything into the backseat of my car. This was the fastest I ever packed and I did a pretty good job. Only when I was done did I look down at my phone.

Anna and Kelly were texting me like crazy. Steven also called me a few times. They informed me they were on their way to the house and that's when I knew it didn't have much time.

I was thankful that I just got gas yesterday, because this could be a long trip. I didn't know where I was going, I just knew I had to get out of here.

I know people always said running from your problems never solved them. But at this moment it seemed like that was my only option. I didn't want to be stuck here. I didn't want to have to drive past that diner where my parents were shot. I didn't want to have to drive past the damn hospital that couldn't save them. I didn't want to have to drive past anything in this place anymore.

I turned the radio up in hopes it would drown out my thoughts. I hit the highway and took off like a bullet, not bothering to look back at my old life.

*

"Please come home," aunt Kelly begged into the phone. I could tell she was crying.

"I can't," I muttered trying not to cry myself.

"At least tell me where you are."

I looked around at the night that surrounded me. I could see the stars wherever I was. That was something new and something I actually enjoyed. I never knew stars could be so pretty.

It was raining, and my wipers weren't exactly the best. I pulled into a truck stop and decided to call it a night.

"I don't know," I admitted. I turned the maps and gps off on my phone. I knew my family members would be looking for me. I also made sure to change the plates on my car, even though that was illegal. But they technically couldn't do anything to bring me home anyways. I was an adult now.

"Come home," Kelly whispered again before a sob escaped her. I held the phone away from my ear, not wanting to hear that.

"I told you, I can't. I needed to get out of there eventually and this seemed like the perfect time."

"What about the funeral?"

I felt like I was stabbed in the heart upon hearing that word. I sucked in a breath and held it for a moment.

"They have Steven. After all, he was always the good child. Take care of him," I said trying to hide all the emotions I was currently feeling.

"Paxton," my uncle John now said. Kelly must of broken down too much to even talk to me anymore. "This isn't funny. Come home."

"I'm not coming home!" I yelled. I began to cry, causing all the windows to steam up. My uncle and I bickered some more before I could hear the phone being handed off.

"Pax," Anna said softly. I was relieved to talk to her actually. I was always close with Anna.

"I don't want to hear it Anna," I said wiping tears away. I watched a few trucks pull into this place for the night. "You can't convince me to come home."

Her side of the line was quiet and I was about to hang up. I was dead tired and just wanted to sleep. But she spoke up softly.

"I'm gonna miss you Pax."

"I'll miss you too," I mumbled. "Um...can I talk to Steven please?"

There was another long pause. Anna was probably forcing the phone upon Steven.

"I heard all the yelling," Steven mumbled. "If you aren't going to come home I don't want to talk to you."

I didn't know what to say. I was kind of hoping that Steven would be like everyone else, and beg me to come home.

"Okay," I sighed, trying to remain heartless. "Um...be good okay?"

"Why?" He asked flatly.

"Why be good? Because, I know you don't always like to listen and-"

"No," he cut me off. "Not that. I meant why did you leave? Why did you run away?"

I sighed. "I needed to get out of there Steven. I couldn't handle it."

"So you can run away from your problems while I'm stuck here with them all?" He snapped. I flinched at his harsh words. It was like reality slapping me in the face.

"I'm sorry Steven, but I needed to get out of there."

"Whatever Paxton."

"Don't call me that."

"What, Paxton? But that's your name."

"Not anymore," I said digging around for my blanket and pillow. "I'm going to go by Crash now."

"Crash," Steven mumbled.

"Yes. Because everything around me seems to crash and burn."

A/N: dramatic huh?

For the most part every other chapter is going to be a flashback so you can get an idea of what Pax has been through.

Thanks for the 200+ reads!