Don't Talk to Strangers

VII

- Dan -
My head swam as I stood in the empty lot, staring after the dust she'd left. I shoved emotion after emotion away, attempting to stay calm. If I didn't, I'd do something stupid.

Cassie. So that's her name. The thought kept running through my mind, making me both angry and distractedly peaceful.

I paced about the lot. I thought I'd planned for everything, but I couldn't believe I gave her the goddamn keys. How could I have been so stupid? I kicked the dirt and continued pacing. I'd cut the wires to the phoneline, removing any slim chance that they'd work, in case she got out, but now it was the only thing keeping me in. And how could I have not noticed the poster? This whole fiasco could've been avoided, and the plan would've worked.

I screamed frustration. I had to get out of there.

I started walking. I was disappointed she'd remembered which way we'd come from; she had seemed bewildered enough to take the wrong turn. I stuffed my hands in my pockets for a few minutes, but soon that became hot and uncomfortable. I eventually took off my jacket and tied it around my waist. It seemed to be getting hotter and hotter by the minute.

I glanced down at my watch. It was nearly noon, of course.

I kept walking, slowly and deliberately. Flashes of Cassidy's face and her voice kept floating through my mind. I cursed myself for learning her name. I could've avoided looking at the poster, honestly. I wasn't supposed to get attached.

Whatever, I thought bitterly, I can still prove them wrong even if I know who she is.

Time dragged on and I started getting extremely thirsty. I tried holding my tongue at the back of my mouth to let saliva form, swallowing that in an effort to keep my mouth from drying out.

It had been over an hour, I noted, before I saw the first sign of more civilization. The road started getting more packed down and side roads were appearing, hinting at people living nearby. I picked up my pace involuntarily and started looking around for houses possibly.

My hopes were shortlived, however, and soon the civilities disappeared. My bitterness returned and I couldn't avoid my tumbling thoughts. I'm such an idiot. I shouldn't even be going back; she'll have called the police on me by now, and they'll be waiting for me as I get into town. Besides, how am I ever going to get her back in? She practically knows now. I'll have to...

I started forming another plan in my head as the road stretched on. My thoughts distracted me, at least, from the burning sensation in my feet and mouth. My heartrate seemed to slow down to match my labored steps.

Two excruciating, long hours passed.

I practically dragged myself into the town. I didn't even care anymore if the police had been called on me. I'd cross that bridge when I got to it.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, it was surprisingly quiet on the streets. I must be on the back side of town, I thought tiredly. I suddenly looked up to see the familiar, long back road I'd finally approached Cass—her on. I noticed another surprising thing, though. A figure was leaning against the lamp post where I'd watched her from.

How fitting, I thought, a dry grin cracking on my face.