Running From You

Chapter 15

(Bella ^ )

NORA

After I've gotten showered and changed into non-sweaty clothes, I slouch to my car. I don't want to go home. Mads is most likely still mad at me and I just don't want to deal with that right now.

I spot Tyler and Evan getting into the familiar Mercedes, and on a moment's decision, run up to them.

"Hey, what are you doing right now?" I ask once they've rolled down their windows.

"Picking up Bella and going to my place" Evan tells me. "Why?"

I hesitate for a second, then ask, "Mind if I join you?"

They exchange a glance and I bite my bottom lip, nervously waiting. Please don't make me go home, I silently beg.

Tyler looks at me like I've lost my mind, wanting to hang out with him, and he might just be correct. But I would actually like to see Bella again. She's adorable.

"Yeah, sure," they finally agree.

"Hop in," Evan says, "I'll give you a ride back to your car later."

I smile gratefully and hop in the back seat.

---

"Nora!" Bella cries with a wide smile when Tyler opens her the car door for her and she sees me.

"Hi again," I smile at her as Tyler helps her put on her seat belt. "How was your day?"

"Good," she smiles, then giggles and tries to hide it behind her hand. "Liam Thomas kissed me," she whispers in my ear, but as most kids, she can't really whisper and so the guys hear as well.

Tyler turns back in his seat, "He did what?"

Bella grins up at him. "He likes me."

"Well of course he does" Evan says, meeting my eyes in the rear view mirror. I can see he's having a hard time not bursting into laughter. "Who wouldn't like our pretty little Bells."

Bella giggles again. Dang, it's adorable.

"What did you do?" I ask her.

"I told him I'm not sure I want to be his girlfriend."

"Oh," I so cleverly say. "Why don't you?"

"Because Josh Atkins likes me too," she grins at me conspiratorially. "And he's cute, too."

"Two boys like you?" Tyler asks her, looking perplexed.

She nods. "But I can't choose who I like more. I like them both."

"Well, that is a problem" Evan fights back a laugh.

She nods, looking serious.

"You don't have to become either of their girlfriend," I tell her. "I mean, if you don't want to."

She puckers her round lips in thought. "I don't know," she spreads out her hands. "Life is hard," she sighs, sounding so much like a grownup that I can't help but smirk. This kid is going places.

Tyler looks at her sister like he's been hit in the head with a log. "I didn't think six-year-olds had problems," he shakes his head amused.

"We do," she crosses her arms and mopes at him. No need to guess who she's learned her gestures from. Having a brother that much older and spending a lot of time with adults has clearly lefts its mark on her.