The Runaways

Chapter Fifty - Blake and Remington Sittin' In a Tree

Reece

I was a bit worried walking through the woods. Corban and Elias told me I needed to check on Blake since she hadn't come back in awhile. And since we knew Syndicates were in the area it was better safe than sorry, hopefully I don't interrupt her in the middle of the burial or whatever she was doing for the baby. If anything happens to Blake that will be the last straw for today. I've had this pit in my stomach ever since I found out the baby wouldn't make it. It just reminded me of all the kids still trapped in with the Syndicates. It reminded me of all the kids I left behind when I left.

Thinking about the time before I met Remington, Elias, and Corban just made me sick to my stomach. I have nightmares about it a lot. Me and Corban never talked about what we went through, we don't need to. I'm really scared for Warren's daughter. They do really bad things to the girls they keep, they let who ever wants to take advantage of them do it. I was lucky I wasn't pretty enough to be singled out more than a few times. I really hope they don't think she's pretty. Or I hope she looks to young— even for some of those men I hope there's a too young.

I tried to clear my thoughts I didn't want to think of that anymore. If I dwell on the past like that for too long I could end up having a flashback and those are horrible. I took a couple deep breaths in and out to calm down, just thinking about it made my pulse speed up. I bent down and took off my shoes and socks so that just my feet were touching the ground, walking on grass always felt nice. I learned that if I'm ever upset or feeling like I'm about to relive everything distracting myself with sensory things always helps.

As I held my shoes (with my socks put in them because it's more efficient that way) in my hand I looked up to see a faint glimmer of a campfire. I began walking towards it, maybe this was where Remington has been staying these past few days, usually I don't worry when Remington goes missing for a couple days at a time, it was normal back when it was just the four of us but out here with the syndicates it was concerning.

As I walked closer I could see one— no two people. One was sitting on the other persons lap as they caressed each other's faces while they kissed. As I walked forward I saw one was Remington, I just stood there staring at the lady sitting on his lap she had long straight black hair, it was hard to see in the dark. It was really awkward— standing there trying to figure out who the lady was.

The lady slowly looked over and when she saw me standing there she screamed and fell off of Remington. Oh crap she must've felt me staring at her.

"I— Reece what are you doing over here?!" She exclaimed, as she spoke I realized it was Blake but just with her hair down. It was a lot longer than I expected.

"Oh my God I'm so sorry," I spoke quickly, "We were just worried because you were taking so long to get back and with Syndicates around and everything they sent me over to make sure you were okay!"

"Wh— how come no one went looking for him!?" Blake asked in a frazzled and embarrassed tone as she pointed at Remington.

"Remington does this all the time— not kissing but he walks off for days at a time all the time! Sorry that sounds confusing, it's just normal for him." I explained.

"Yeah it is normal for me." Remington said in a tone that seemed like he was trying to prove a point. He didn't seem to care that I just caught him in the middle of a makeout session. Which was to be expected, it's much better than his 'man talks' he's supposedly had with Corban and Elias where he goes in depth about his sex life. Corban and Elias said it was traumatic.

Blake sat up and quickly walked off in the direction I can from. I watched her go and then turned to look at Remington.

"When are you gonna come back? It's dangerous with the Syndicates so close ya know?" I asked in a nice and light tone, usually Remington doesn't like getting caught when he's out 'doing his thing'. Usually he's on a bender or he met someone he's hooking up with or he's on a bender with someone he's hooking up with, asking him when he's coming back only wants him to stay away longer.

He shrugged, "Tomorrow I guess."

"Wait really?"

He nodded as he turned to his side and reached for a mostly full bottle of alcohol, "Yeah I plan on being hungover tomorrow so it probably won't be til like— late but yeah. Tomorrow."

I smiled at him, "Alright well I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Reece."

"Goodnight." I turned around and jogged to catch up with Blake. I was careful not to step on any branches or rocks while I ran bare foot. I caught up to her relatively fast as she walked back with her arms crossed. I tried to make eye contact with her but she kept staring dead ahead. "Sorry I kinda walked in on everything."

Blake let out a loud sigh, "It's fine just— please don't tell anyone about this."

"Oh don't worry Blake I won't, I wouldn't want people knowing that I liked Remington like that either." I said as I gave her a pat on the shoulder.

"I don't like him."

I stared at her with an unsure glance, "...You were making out."

"It was in the heat of the moment."

"The heat of what moment? You just buried a baby..."

"Reece please!" Blake snapped, "We we're arguing because Remington is a fucking idiot I don't understand why you've hung out with that guy for so long!"

"And I don't understand why you kissed him. I should know better that anyone how gross he is I've lived with him for like three-n-a-half years." I said.

Blake just sighed again, "Look can we just go back? It's been a long day."

I nodded as we started walking again. There was a long awkward silence as we walked into town, I felt bad that I embarrassed her.

"I didn't recognize you with your hair down at first that's why I was staring." I blurted out, feeling the need to justify why I'm not a creep.

Blake just grunted one response.

"But I think you look really pretty with your hair down like this." I said, "I never knew how long it was."

"Thanks. It's part of my culture, as natives were taught that your hair is an extension of yourself... I should really start braiding my hair again..." Blake muttered.

"Yeah I think it would look nice." I said.

Blake gave me a little smile, "Yeah, your right."