Race to the Finish

Race to the Finish chp.30

I stood there for a moment staring at the scene before me in shock.

No thoughts ran through my head at sight before me. I was just shocked.

I shook out of my shock and moved forward towards them. My usually heavy steps caused by my combat boots were actually silent as I made my way to them. My back was rigidly straight and my head was held high with an impassive face.

When I reached them, they hadn’t noticed I was there. Tiana had her face buried on Jason’s neck and Jason had his back to me.

I cleared my throat loudly to gain their attention. Tiana jumped out of Jason’s arms and he turned around. When they saw me they both widened their eyes.

“Finally I find you! I’ve been looking for you all day. Why weren’t you at school today?” I asked.

Jason opened his mouth to say something, but I interrupted him.

“Travis has been worried sick about you Tiana.” I said looking at her and completely ignoring Jason’s existence.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry him or anything. I-I just… umm…” She stuttered trying to come up with an excuse.

I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair. “Look I can’t talk right now. I have to get some things and head back, but you and I are having a conversation soon. You better be at school. Got it?” I told her making sure she knew I was being serious, but in a caring way.

She nodded her head rapidly wiping her tears away. “Yeah.” She said in a quiet tone.

I gave her a small smile and I hugged her. She sniffed and hugged me back tightly.

I let go off her and stepped back. I ruffled her hair making her pout at me.

“You’re a good kid.” I said to her.

“I’m only a year younger than you. How does that make me kid?” She asked.

I chuckled humorlessly. “Age wise you are just a year younger, but trust me, I have seen and experience and lived through shit that you couldn’t even imagine. You are so innocent, which makes you a kid; to me.” I replied.

“I’ve seen things too.” I heard her mutter under her breath. 

I furrowed my eyebrows, but didn’t press the matter. I’d talk to her later.

I turned to walk away, but someone put their hand on my arm. I turned around and saw Jason was the one who stopped me. I pulled away from him carefully and turned to face him.

“Oh yeah, Jason, Andy’s with me. Actually his with Jaiden and my best friend. I’m just picking something up and I’ll drop him off later.” I told him and walked away and into the store.