RUTHLESSLY

Amber alert

I slumped back in my seat on the bus, keeping to myself. I had been riding the bus for a while, we had passed almost half way across the urban side of latitude city. After a few hours I started to see the sun rise.

I couldn't help but feel free with the choice I had made to leave. I crossed my boundaries with such a little am out of confidence, I made a move and now I was almost to the city.

'Oh how fast changes are made'

I sighed with relief. The uneasy feeling in my stomach had mostly disappeared. Confidence in myself and my plan slowly wanting to take over, still I couldn't help but feel getting away from that prison was too easy.

The bus was big and had two closed off sections of seats in separate areas for people to sit. In the broad daytime I guessed the bus would have been filled, now there was only six or seven people riding along side with me. Mostly sketchy people with their hoods up, much like myself, staring at the ground waiting to get to their own locations. Others look as if they had just gotten off a late night shift, some still in their uniforms and some regular stragglers standing up holding onto bars attached to the floors. 

My eyes left them to look out the window. Streetlights, trees and other objects like fire hydrants whizzed by. I could see the city's tall skyscrapers in the distance, meaning my stop was coming soon.

I looked in utter awe as the city grew closer to my face, the lights lit up the sky. I could see a bus station coming into view as we came closer then to a roaring stop. This is it, this is where I get off.

I stood up and began walking towards the open doors in my seated area. I awkwardly walked towards the station while two or three other people passed by me to get onto the bus. I stood in front of the station as the driver hauled the transit away.

I looked around, it was quiet and I was alone. I could see that just beyond the station doors was an entrance into Latitude city. The buildings stood tall and intimidating, but the lights made a welcoming aroma. I took a deep breath in and descended through the glass doors. I made a brief walk in and out, entering a fresh start as I came out of the other end.

The city was very different compared to my bus ride up, I should have guessed since it was early morning when I arrived. Everyone was probably zooming off to their jobs. I walked down a sidewalk trying to decide what my next move would be.

I looked into Jason's stolen wallet, I thought I should get something to eat with the rest of the money since I would need the energy to get to Karma's farm.

I found a small 24/7 diner and walked inside. I found a table in the far corner and seated myself. I didnt want to attract attention, especially since I was already a sixteen year old girl roaming the city by herself at such and early hour.

A waitress came to me almost immediately. She greeted me warmly and left me with a menu. After a short while I decided to order a regular burger, the waitress took my order and left me to tell the cook. I looked around, it was a small cozy place which gave off a home like vibe. It had a bar area with barstools and a TV just hovering over the long island table, which was playing the news.

The waitress came back with my food a few minutes later. She gave me a warm smile before telling me to 'enjoy' I thanked her and she sped off again.

I bit into the burger and almost moaned as I did. The damn thing tasted so good. I hungrily ate it. I felt satisfied as I finished the last bite. I then walked over to the counter to ask the same waitress for the bill.

"Just a moment" she smiled before disappearing into the back. I stood paitenly, looking around again as I did.

Suddenly, a flashing red screen on the TV diverted everyone's attention towards it. It made a loud buzzing noise and soon words started moving upwards on the screen a woman's voice reading the words out loud as they came.

"Amber alert: a young girl aged sixteen..."

I visably tensed, fearing for the worst.. Had Jason noticed I was missing already?

'That could be anyone." My brain hissed.

"Long dark brown hair and green eyes, last seen near the outskirts of latitude in the county of Halton..."

'Shit.'

"Police are now searching the city and encourage citizens to report any sightings or encounters..."

I looked around at everyone who was inticed in the television. I could here a few whispers starting and eyes burning through me.

'Time to get out'

I started backing away from the counter earning more sets of eyes on me. More mumbled words could be heard. I backed into what felt like the door and pushed on the handle for an exit. I rushed outside and hurried down the street pulling my hood up as I did.

Why did I think of everything but this?

I froze as I saw a police car zoom passed me. Double shit. I needed to hide, and fast. I scanned the areas in front of me. My eyes fell on an ally way in between two abandoned buildings, at least they looked to be abandoned. I pulled my hood over my face even more as I crossed the street into the ally way.

I looked around, an old dumpster, cardboard boxes and garbage bags along with loose litter cluttered the pavement. Seeing no hiding place I went to turn back, when another police car dashed passed me yet again. I backed up slowly and ducked behind the dumpster. I guess I'm stuck here for the time being, until I figured out where to go.

I couldn't take any sort of public transportation to get to Karma's any more. I couldn't risk being spotted.

I rubbed my temples and put my head on the side of the dumpster, suddenly feeling fatigue take over me. I hadn't slept at all for the past two days.. If I just let myself sleep for a little while, I'd be more energized and thinking clearly when I woke up. Besides I couldn't leave my little hideout until night fell anyway.

I yawned before I checked the street again... Everything seemed clear. I laid my head back on the rusted metal, allowing myself to drift off into a shallow sleep.

Hoping I'd be alright when I woke up.