The Runner

Chapter 2: Ocean Eyes

On the flip side there was a girl born in the town of Chester in a little suburb just outside of the city. This little blue-eyed brunette was as innocent as they came. She loved hard and some might say a little too much. She had been successful in driving out everyone who showed any interest never to feel the pleasure that she longed for. Alone with her father, a local sheriff, who had raised her by his self after her mother died during childbirth, she longs for a meaningful relationship that doesn't involve a man running away never to be seen again. She spends most days at her part-time jobs at the bookstore in town, shelving books that she dwells in day by day. Her days were predictable and simple, but they never seemed to dull that sweet girl.

My mornings are nothing special, breakfast for me and my dad before he heads to the station to start his day. He grabs his big hat and keys and heads out for the day of patrolling this small town. After my dad leaves, I put some food in Tenzin's bowl, he is a small orange tabby cat that has the cutest defect in the world. He was born with legs that were too short, so he drags the ground. I love him and I know he loves me too, even if he didn't, he couldn't get too far with those nubby little legs. I get dressed for the day in my favorite sun dress and flats. I take one look in the morning and I'm off for the day.

The bookstore is so nice and quaint, not too many people read in this town, which is sad but, were doing pretty good for ourselves. My boss, Mrs. Grant, is such a sweet old woman who is quite feisty for her age. Books are her pride and joy, as is mine. My day consists of restocking shelves and once a week I get to read to the local kids. After work I normally grab a cup of coffee from Grind and head home to study my psychology notes for my final exam before I graduate, but until then I guess ill just keep stocking. I don't like telling many people this because they either don't believe me or care, but I love working on trucks and cars. Any old vehicle catches my eye if it has potential. As I'm stocking while the sun sets, I catch of a glimpse of this beat up old ford parked outside of the shop but I'm assuming the owner is next door in the market since no one is in here, even though the spaces are designated for our store. I hear it, she just started. My eyes catch the driver's, and I'm in love with the vintage steel surrounding him. Then I see it, the look in his eyes draw me in and I'm engulfed in feelings of uncertainty and confusion. The have so much damage and baggage, but underneath I can see it. Behind that strong burly exterior is someone just like me. He has so much love to give but doesn't know how because he was never shown any of it. He nods and gives me a grin as I show him a smile as he drives off.

So, there it is, my social status boiled down to one interaction. All my life men have seemed to be repelled by my kind of love. I tend to love hard because I'm in my love with love. Love shows us things we need to know, things about society and the world all around us, but more importantly it reveals things about ourselves. I love with all my heart the men I have been with love half-heartedly with one goal in mind and I'm not interested in giving it to them without a whole-hearted commitment back. Does that make me a prude? Perhaps. But the end result is worth taking the risk. Plus, I'm only 22 so I have a lot of time to figure it out, but then again, the thoughts of this man consume my mind. I wonder if ill ever see him again and if the day comes; what will I say?

Weeks go by and that man bought a house in my head. Thoughts of him keep my mind racing. Since that day I haven't seen him; will I ever see him? On the other hand, I should be focusing on my new job. I got a job as a guidance consoler at the local middle school and that takes up my day, but I enjoy visiting the bookstore to see what's new and catch up with Mrs. Grant after the day is over. After the almost daily visit I like to end the day by grabbing some coffee and getting whatever carryout I prefer that day. Mexican is the choice of tonight, so I head home to my new loft downtown and my night begins. Luckily my favorite drink goes with any kind of food, at least in my mind, so I grab a glass and pour me a little "pink wine," as I call it. I end the night by feeding Tenzin, putting on my cloud pajamas, and watching a little Grey's Anatomy before I go to bed.

A new day begins, and it feels as though my life has boiled down to a monotonous, predictable schedule. School during the day, all the kids have the same two issues jealousy and anger which is sometimes a little annoying to deal with, the bookstore, and then home. I can't seem to figure out how to end this cycle of tedious activities. I'm checking out at the bookstore, while Mrs. Grant is on rant about the internet ruining business, while out of the corner of my eyes are being blinded by the headlights of a familiar vehicle. The bright yellow beams blind me but I can still see the vintage shape of the casing. The lights shut off and my vision is slowly being restored and I see him. What should I do? I'm freaking out cause I never thought this day would come. He hops out of the truck, Work boots on his feet grab at the bottom of his slim denim jeans, Flannel that tries to hide the bulk of his muscles stretching the fabric of the old shirt. I gather myself and check the reflection in the store window and head out towards the man. He is heading to the market while I'm a step behind him. I reach up, tap him on the shoulder and say a word that possibly will change my life forever. He turns around and I work up the courage to say "Hi."