Disguise (Adopted by Motionless in White)

"I want to help"

(Summer's POV)

I knew it, this was the end. I should have died before I failed, but now I'm in a car driving back to my more painful death. I kept silent and stared out the windows, taking in my surroundings, outlines of road signs, a few large birds hunched over, probably vultures or turkey buzzards considering their hunched over forms. If I lived from the journey I would've tried to pursue my dreams of playing the bass, but now those dreams are going to be crushed again, just like my first bass, I still remember it, my twin got it for me a Christmas before he died, it's body was black, and it had a red pick board, the neck was a bit rough, but I still loved it, the feel of the instrument in my hands...and the immediate connection I felt to it...then dad got home and threw it against the wall until it was no more. I never even got to learn how to play... 

"So why did you run away?" Ryan asks, snapping me out of my trance, I keep looking out at the window, breathing out so quietly, but so deeply. I didn't know whether or not to speak up, I probably shouldn't...

"It doesn't matter." I say quietly, the sun starts to rise, casting a mystical glow across the horizon. I used to enjoy watching the sunrise, I guess it will be my last one.

"It does, well at least I think it does. You don't seem okay, and if there's something wrong, I will turn the car around and help you." He says that strongly, but softly. Its confusing, it almost sounds as if he cares. There's a moment of silence. "please, tell me." he ends softly.

I don't respond, I can't...I just can't. There's a feeling that's keeping me from knowing what to do...It's almost tearing at my head, a feeling that keeps saying that this is the end and I'll always be alone. He sighs, I don't know how to explain this but it makes me feel bad, like I'm hurting people just with my silence. "I...can't."

He's surprised by my response which causes another moment of silence. "What's your name?" he asks, why would he care? He's an amazing guitar player who shouldn't even be helping me, I'm just...faceless. 

"Summer." I say quietly, not exactly prepared to answer the question. I just feel bad with every moment of silence, but worse with everything I say.

"Summer, I want to help. If something's up you can tell me, I'm not going to hurt you." His tone is serious, but he isn't hesitating at saying this. It's caring, and different, reminds me a bit of King, how he always knew something was up, I hold out a breath quietly, then breathing in, I move my gaze from the slightly foggy window.

"I'm scared." I say quietly, it's all I can seem to muster to say.

(Ryan's POV)

"I'm scared." she finally responds quietly, as if she could barely say the words. She was hesitant, as though something would come out of nowhere and hurt her. What happened to this kid? I could feel my mouth opening of some sort of shock and pity. I sigh and pull over to a parking lot, parking I lay back and look up sighing.

Now looking at her I breathe in and respond, "Tell me what happened." She looks at me surprised and confused. "Please. Or if it's easier, what you're scared of."

"I...don't want to die in their hands." She says hesitantly, barely getting it out, and very quietly. 

"Who's hands who's hurting you?" Is that what the older marks that Justin found were from? She opens her mouth, but nothing comes out, this is concerning. I think I know who she might be talking about, but I wish I didn't. "Where do you live?" I ask, not without pausing, and looking sternly out to the road and getting out of the parking lot, she tells me hesitantly. I drive there, this is risky but I need to make sure...I'm not putting someone's life in danger of the people who should be caring for them!

I knock on the door, not prepared at what I'm about to do. I hear bottles crash to the ground and a strong scent of alcohol emerges, followed by a large man opening the door.

"We don't want whatever shit your selling. So take your girlscout cookies and get off of my porch." He grumbles, his breath of alcohol and cigarettes, there's broken wood and glass behind him, and there's dry blood all over the ground.

"I'm not selling anything." I need to check something, "Is your daughter Summer here?"

He snorts "Of course! She's in her room with her brother Kingsly! Why, what have you heard?" He glares at me, obviously lying. I couldn't help but keep a glare off of my face,

"YOU ASS!" I shout, not being able to keep my normal self. I couldn't help it, these are the worst kind of people! He takes a step forward, I take a few steps back quickly, away from the much bigger man. He raises a hand, what's the deal with my stupid outbursts tonight? He swings it at me I luckily bend my back just in time and run to my car. 

Summer looks at me terrified of what happened. I lean back catching my breath, "You didn't deserve whatever happened to you." I start to drive, "You're going to stay with me until I find out what happens next." I say concerned yet soft so I don't alarm her.

(Time skip)

"Tell me a little about yourself." I ask after a while of driving through rain and onto the highway. 

"What do you want to know?" She asks, not knowing what to say, a tad bit awkwardly, 

"Just facts, interests y'know." I say, not making it any less awkward, but I keep my tone friendly. "Favorite music, favorite animal, uh, and any thing else that can come to your mind." She pauses thinking.

"I mean I like the bands Korn, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Veil Brides, Palaye Royale, and uh, your band." She says the last part awkwardly, and very quietly and barely hearable, I crack a smile at the last part, "And uhm, animals are cool." That last part was awkward, but slightly adorable.

"So what age are you?" I ask, she looks young, and I know she's not any over 15.

"I'm 13, but I'd rather forget that." She says quietly, but in a different kind of sad way.

"Why's that?" I ask keeping the same pitch, confused by the statement.

"I've never really known, I just don't like the concept of age." She's thinking deeply, it's interesting.

"Hm, any other interests? Do you play any instruments?" I ask, thinking, trying to get to know her.

"I've always wanted to learn how to play the bass, but my chance slipped away." She gives a tired look, and her tone isn't quite awake.

"Oh, that's cool." I respond, "You can sleep if you need  to, we still have a long drive to Scranton." she nods, keeping in a yawn. I keep a light smile and nod still driving.

This'll be different, I don't know what I'm going to do. Probably call the police, then find out if there's anywhere that can take her in, until then...I'll care for her.

-

Second chapter WOO HOO! Chances are people won't even read this, but eh, it doesn't matter, I have a life. So anyways...Listen to Rob Zombie's new single "The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)" DAMN ROB THAT'S A MOUTH FULL!!! And go worship Brian 'Head' Welch before we sacrifice you to that adorable doggo.

- TinCan