On The Run: Part Two

Chapter Six - "Breaking Pattern"

“Five minutes, Kay,” Trey called, as she hopped out of the car and bolted through to the entrance.

“I think I want to go too,” I murmured more to myself than anyone else. It didn’t seem like anyone was listening anyway. Fitch seemed to hear over his music and got out to make room.

I muttered a ‘thanks’ and walked off. The place was practically empty except for two trucker-like men. I plopped onto one of the soft pink chairs and breathed in the comforting scent of dough, sugar and the faint smell of coffee, my eyes shut tight against the image of my crumbling heart.

“Chloe, what’s up?”

Trey was standing over me, his face etched with concern.

“Nothing,” I replied, hoping that maybe it all might really be nothing. Maybe I was overreacting; I had no experience in the relationship department so I really could have been reading things wrong.

“Come on,” he urged, sitting next to me.

“Trey, I’m fine. Really,” I said, plastering a smile on my face.

“You don’t look fine.”

“Gee, thanks,” I muttered sarcastically.

He smiled, “I just mean, you look unhappy. And that doesn’t really work for me.”

I smiled – sincerely, this time – and shrugged, “I’m fine.”

Kayla stepped out of a wooden door that read ‘ladies’ and walked over when she noticed us sitting.

“What, trip cancelled?” she asked hopeful.

“No. We’ll be leaving in a minute,” Trey replied.

“Fine. But I need donuts. Trey, if this sucks, I won’t forgive you for ruining a perfectly good weekend,” she said, walking off to the cash register.

“Okay, talk to me. Is it Fitch?” he asked me, his expression suddenly serious.

I sighed, “I’m fine, Trey.” His concern was soothing, but mildly getting on my nerves.

“It’s him, isn’t it? Did he hurt you?”

“Drop it, please. I’m fine,” I said firmly, sitting up straight, “But, thank you for worrying about me.”

He looked completely unconvinced.

Speak of the devil, and the devil appears. Not that Fitch is remotely close characteristically to a devil. But, still.

He walked in and turned to Trey, “Are we ever going to leave?”

Trey glared at him and stood upright, “What did you do to her?” he asked.

I felt my mouth drop open as I stood up, “Trey!”

“What?” Fitch asked.

“What did you do to her?” he asked louder, his glare getting fiercer by the second.

Fitch looked at me distraught and I let out an exhausted breath.

“Trey, he didn’t hurt me, okay? I’m fine,” I said, stepping in between them and backing Fitch. I took Trey’s hand and dragged him towards the exit. I glanced back to find Fitch’s gaze following me, a pained expression in place.

Like I said, overreaction. So, he didn’t want to talk to me. He was allowed.

“What part of ‘I’m fine’ don’t you understand?” I snapped at Trey as we reached the car, only slightly amused.