Run For Your Life

Everyone's Last Choice

Song: Runaway by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

May 4

Beverly and Ben ended up stealing a vehicle two minutes into their walk. Ben insisted on the walk, but she grew tired and complained about her shoes being too wet and squishy. And, well, the man holds a place for her in his heart. He just can't say no when it comes to those eyes.

Plus the rain really was annoying.

"To mine first?" Ben's the one driving, much to her dismay. Now he might care for the girl, but he can only imagine Beverly behind the wheel. He hopes he only has to imagine and never live it out. It would practically be a death sentence, not that he would tell her that.

"Yeah that's cool."

Ben lets his eyes drift away from the road every now and again. He's just checking. "I wonder if she noticed I was gone. Have the police talked to her? Maybe going there isn't such a bright idea. Is it better to let her think I'm dead?"

The girl hums. "I don't know. But let's do it anyways. You deserve the chance to say goodbye to your mom. And she deserves to know you're not hurt."

"Yeah I suppose you're right." He's parked the car now.

"Is this it?" Beverly looks to the brick house and smiles. There's flowers and statues and chimes hung from the porch. "It's pretty."

"My mom is strange. Wait until you see the inside?" He's already unbuckled himself.

"Wait I'm going in too?"

Ben stops getting out and turns to her. "I mean you don't have to. I just thought it would be better to have you by my side rather than out here alone."

"I don't need protected." She looks to him with a straight face.

Ben laughs. "No one said anything about you being protected." He smirks and hops out. "So come on."

Beverly's cheeks heat, but she does as told. "Whatever."

Ben doesn't knock before entering. He waltzes right in to find his mother sat on her couch, watching the Golden Girls. He smiles at this, but his lips turn down at the sight of her IV.

Beverly knows what he means now. The house is completely cluttered, but in the most delightful way. Plants hang from the ceilings, as do lanterns. There are even more fairy statutes inside than out. Old Renaissance paintings hang from the walls. A suit of armor lingers in the corner. It's wonderful.

Beverly travels through the kitchen while Ben checks on his mother. The girl doesn't want to invade. So instead she checks out other things. Like the odd cookie jars and handmade bowls. Even the crocheted oven mitts are as cool as can be. In the corn of her eye she spots a candle collection, which brings out her curious side. She smells each one before deciding. Her finger lights up a bit as she burns each wick. She didn't even know she could do that.

Soon Ben is in the kitchen too. He smiles at the redhead, who leans against the counter, admiring the room. Her eyes eventually drift back to him. "This has to be the coolest place I've ever seen."

"I told you she was odd."

Beverly notices the bag in his hand too. "How is she?"

Ben's smile falters a bit, which makes Beverly wonder if she should've even asked. "She's great. A nurse comes a few times a day. She's still up and baking."

"Was she happy to see you?"

Ben sighs. "Yup. Which makes this even worse."

"Well you can keep in touch, surely."