The Girl Who Ran

December

　

***********************************************December 1 One-hundred eighty-sixth day gone

In the cold months Aleena walked along the roads alone. It was quiet at night and noisy in the day. Aleena trudged through the newly fallen snow underneath a full moon. It was quiet out. All Aleena heard was her footsteps and an owl that hooted in the distance. It was alone like her. She was cold. Her feet were numb. Her pink lips were now blue. She shivered in the clothing meant for summer. It was a pair of jeans and a short sleeve shirt. Her hands were in her armpits trying to stay warm. A car passed by. She tried to signal it to stop but failed. A new car passed by and slowly stopped. Aleena hurried to the car hoping for warmth. The door was unlocked and she hurried inside. A blast of heat engulfed her. Her body sucked it in greedily. The driver took off driving. It was silent in the car for a while. Aleena finally broke the silence. “I have to know if you are going to turn me in or help me in my travels.”

“Help.” His voice sounded angry and happy at the same time. Aleena looked at him. She saw a little of his face in the darkness. His dull grey eyes looked at the road. The same grey eyes that looked at Aleena with anger and hatred. Aleena realized who this man was. She reached for the handle but found she could not open it. Her father chuckled in an evil way. Aleena tried to click the lock. Her fingers were to numb the touch. Aleena’s leg started to hurt. The cut being pulled open by her struggling. Her arm started having pains as well from the stress. “I found out where you wanted to go and I thought I would take you there then I would take you home.”

“I will escape again.”

“You do and you could die in this cold weather.”

“At least I would be away from you.” Her voice sounded a lot stronger than she felt.

“You are a tough one. Just like your brother. He could take the lesser hits we give him. As he gets older it will be harder like your beatings.” Aleena glared at him. A plan was forming in her mind. She would be taken to her destination and then she would leave. A brave smile appeared on her face.

*************************************************December 22 Two-hundred seventh day gone

Aleena had suffered so much in the last three weeks. She had been hit and yelled at. Her parents had stalled to getting to Pullman. Finally the town was in sight. It was a beautiful town. People walked on sidewalks and talked to one another. The car stopped at a hotel. Aleena was led inside. She looked out the window that faced the street. Outside she saw a many people but one caught her eye. Sarah was walking with a boy about Aleena’s age. Aleena could tell he was laughing at something. A hint of a little boy flashed against his face. The same boy who became her friend. Aleena looked at him. Over the years his boyish looks became a handsome man. His chubby little cheeks became perfectly shaped cheeks. Aleena wanted to hear his voice. She wanted to see his eyes. She wanted to talk to her best friend. Aleena felt a hand pull her around. She looked at her father. “What you looking at?”

“Right now a sick, ugly-” Aleena was interrupted by a hand against her face. She decided this is when she would escape. Aleena lifted her leg up and hit her father between the legs. He fell to the floor in pain. She grabbed Caleb’s arm and ran outside. Caleb followed close to her. They reached the exit and a burst of cold air hit them. With out his coat Caleb shivered at the cold air. Some people stared at the two. Aleena was lost. She did not know where to go next. Before she knew it a person grabbed Caleb and a different person grabbed Aleena’s arm. It was her bad arm and hurt at the pull. Aleena was so confused she just followed. She was led into a car and the doors shut behind her. Caleb sat beside her and looked at her for help. The two people who grabbed them sat in the front seats.

“Wow, that weather is cold today. Surprising those two did not freeze.” The person in the passenger’s seat talked to the person in the driver’s seat. Aleena was still shocked. Soon she realized what had happened. She grabbed at the door handle and tried to open it. A hand rested on her good knee.

“Aleena it is o.k. It is me Sarah.” Aleena looked at the driver’s seat and saw the face of the girl who saved her from death. The person in the passenger’s seat looked back and smiled.

“Long time no see Aleena,” he said. His voice was deeper and Aleena wanted to hear it more. A small girlish laugh escaped her lips. He rolled his eyes and turned back around. “Haven’t changed a bit,” he mumbled loud enough for Aleena to hear. His mom looked at him.

“Be nice Alex,” she said in a half joking-half serious tone. Alex laughed. Caleb cringed at the sound. Aleena put her arm protectively around her brother. Sarah started to drive. They went to a farm not far from town. A man worked on a horse’s hoof. The car stopped. Alex got out and helped Aleena out of the car.

“Sorry if I grabbed you a little hard back at town. I had to get you out of there right away.”

“I have gone through worse pain.” Alex did not expect that response and led Aleena over by the man.

“This is my dad, Drake.” Aleena looked at the man. He looked familiar.

Drake said, “Have you had anymore chicken noodle soup lately?” Aleena laughed. This was the same man who cooked soup for her. Caleb ran up and grabbed Aleena. She felt pain from her cut. “So who is the little boy?”

Alex said, “I don’t know who he is.”

“This is my brother Caleb. He is very touchy around other people. I am the only one he trusts. Caleb can you tell them hi?” The little boy cringed at the new people. He did not trust them like Aleena. He did not understand like his big sister. “He does not like new people that much.”

Alex bent down to Caleb’s level and said, “I promise you can trust me. If I have to I will beat up your mommy and daddy for all the times they hurt you. All you have to do is trust me. Deal?” He held out his hand. Caleb slowly took it. His small palm fitting into Alex’s big hand.

“You will make them pay for the pain I have?”

“I promise I will.” Caleb hugged Alex. Alex fell to the ground. He did not expect the hug and lost his balance. Aleena laughed and helped Alex to his feet. Caleb hugged onto Alex. “Remember when I wanted to tell you something at camp but I always was interrupted?” Aleena nodded her head. “I wanted to say that I love you.” Aleena’s cheeks flared red. Alex pulled her in a kissed her. His lips were warm against her cold lips. It lasted for a second then soon was gone. Her cold body became warm and new strength erupted.