Marked

Chapter 7

{Marked}

Chapter 7

Lilac

I didn't go home that night after I saw Jerrick. I didn't want to risk seeing him and I didn't want to know if my dad was home or not. I decided to go to an old motel not far from my school. When I go inside the building smells like mold. The floor creaks as I walk to the front desk. The man breaks into a huge smile when he sees me. "Lilac!" He smiles.

"Hi Uncle John" I smile. My mom and I used to stay at the motel sometimes when I was younger. Usually if dad went out drinking. He'd always be the worst after being out. John used to give us rooms at No charge. His father used to abuse him, so he understands what was happening.

"Where's your mother..?" He asks, seeming unsure of how to approach the question.

"She's okay, I didn't mean to scare you, I just don't want to go home right now." I say. "I don't have any cash with me though"

"Lilac you are always welcome. Don't worry about paying. If you need anything please come see me, or call. You know my number." He says, handing me a key. "You get room 116" he says. I smile, thankful because room 116 is a nicer room than most. They started renovations but never finished them, because they weren't making enough money. John's wife, Maureen, passed away three years ago and it left him to run the place by himself. He's doing a good job, but there isn't much hope of him finishing the place.

I walk down the hallway, running my fingers along the cracked walls, with peeling wallpaper. Distant memories of my mother leading me down this hallway go through my mind. I get to my room and go inside. I lock the door behind me and sit on the queen size bed. My phone vibrates and I pull it from my pocket. Luke's name flashes on the screen. I slide the button to answer up.

"Hello?"

"Lilac? Why aren't you home are you okay?" Luke asks.

"I'm at the motel. I don't want to be at home" I say. Tears brim my eyes. "Luke I'm tired of being at home"

"Should I come see you?" He asks, concern raising in his voice.

I try to answer but I choke on my words, trying not to cry. "I'll be right there Lilac don't cry. What room?"

"One sixteen" I answer, my voice cracking. The tears begin to fall down my face and I hang up the phone. No longer than ten minutes later Luke knocks on the door. I open it and lock it behind him.

"I brought you some snacks" he says, placing potato chips on the bed.

"Thanks" I say. Luke walks over to me and places a hand on my cheek.

"Don't cry Lilly" he says, lightly brushing away the tears with his thumb.

"I'm tired of living a broken life." I say, blinking hard in an effort to stop the tears. Luke pulls me against him and puts a hand on the back of my head.

"I know" he says, swaying gently as he kisses the top of my head. He holds me until I pull back a little bit to lay on the bed. Luke doesn't say anything, he only lays beside me, holding a bag of chips for me.

"Thank you" I say, giving him a soft smile. He nods.

In the morning I wake up in Luke's arms. He has the TV on and is watching some cartoon. "What time is it?" I ask, rubbing my eyes.

"Seven thirty."

"Luke I have to get ready for school." I say, sitting up. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me back down.

"No. Just rest Lilly"

"No." I say, getting up. I'm wearing the same clothes from yesterday because I didn't bring any with me. I go into the bathroom, and wash my face. After drying off, I slip on my shoes and walk to the bed.

"I'll walk with you" Luke smiles, getting up. When he's ready, we head out the door and down the hallway of peeling wallpaper and squeaky floors.

"Bye uncle John!" I call. Luke and John share a look, and a nod before we make it outside. We make it to the school as the bell rings and I see Jerrick getting out of his truck. "Hurry" I say to Luke, rushing inside and losing him in the twists of the hallway.