Running From Hell

Chapter 11

      Walking back to my room, I sat on the bed to put my socks and shoes on. Standing up, I slipped on my suit jacket. I stuffed my wallet and cellphone, and grabbed my bag and keys. Zoey and I had planned for me to stay at her place for a week or two, just for us to hang out.

      I hugged my father and gave my mother a kiss on the cheek then headed out the door, and got in my car.

      She had drifted in with the crowd and I hadn't been able to find her until I was called up for my diploma. While the audience had been told to refrain from clapping and cheering until the end, she had stood up at the back of the crowd, and was silently waving and cheering. I couldn't help but chuckle at her goofiness. This was the girl that had been hidden in the crowd two years ago, but now she seemed truly free, which just added to her beauty.

      At the end of the ceremony when we had all been released, I found my parents and said goodbye, then sought out Zoey, or Laney as she now went by. When our eyes connected, she ran to me and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, my arms instinctively wrapped around her, returning the hug.

      She had gotten a few inches taller, but she was still smaller than me. The sunlight caught her short, blonde locks making them look like they were glowing. Her outfit was simple, but cute in a way that showed her style.

      She released me from the hug, and pulled a black box from her pocket. "This is your graduation present. One of my regular customers makes different things, and I had her custom make this for you," she said with a small grin. I opened the box to find a 3D game controller keychain. "I got you a keychain, I didn't think it would look right if I got you a necklace like mine," she picked up the little camera hanging around her neck.

      Smiling back, I squeezed her to me, and kissed her head. "It's perfect, Corn-Dumpling."

      "I missed you," she whispered.

      "I missed you, too. Now, let's go to my car so I can grab some clothes and get out of this suit." I grabbed her hand and pulled her with me towards my car, occasionally greeting classmates.

      "Somebody's in a hurry to get out of here," she teased.

      "I just want to steal you away, so I don't have to share you with anyone else." It was true though, I hadn't seen her in person for two years and I just wanted to catch up with her without anyone else.

      "I get it, just as long as you don't go overboard like Alex does."

      "So, he's hanging around?" I questioned as I reached to grab my clothes from my bag.

      "Yeah, I mean I'm still surprised he's stuck around this long. He can be a major pain sometimes but it's nice having someone around. My roommate isn't much company but Alex definitely makes up for it. Anyhow, go change, I'll wait for you here."

      "You sure you'll be fine by yourself while I change?" I asked not really wanting to leave her alone.

      "I'll be fine, just go, I'm hungry." She rubbed her stomach then started shooing me away. I gave her a small smile before jogging off to change.

********

      When I was finally in sight of my car, I noticed Zoey wasn't there. I grabbed my phone from my pocket, checking for messages. There was one from Zoey and I quickly opened it.

      Corn-Dumpling: Situation came up. Meet me outside of Bob's Diner. I'll explain it when you get here.

      Me: Be there in a few.