Secrets

5 - Help

I jogged along the pavement, sucking in air through my mouth quickly. Declan, as usual, decided to sleep in. "I will call for room service later," he had mumbled.

Is finding Aria really worth it?

Maybe she ran away with her lover...

Such a ridiculous thought.

Picking up my speed, I then noticed a girl running in my direction. Her beautiful brown hair which was curled at the ends bounced on her shoulders. Her steps were frantic, arms swinging weakly.

She constantly turned to look behind her.

Before I had the chance to dodge, she collided with me. I nearly lost my balance. On instinct, my hands grasped her waist to stabalise the both of us. Couldn't she have been more careful? I rolled my eyes.

"I--I'm so--" she stopped to catch her breath. "I'm so sorry!" Her English accent was think.

Breathing heavily, she glanced behind her again, then clutched my hand tightly. "Please, you have to hide me."

I stared into her eyes, dumbfounded at her ridiculous statement. She blinked, the pressure of her hands squeezing mine increasing by seconds. What the hell is going on?

"Hurry!"

Sensing her urgency, I let my gaze wander behind her and saw a group of man wearing black from top to bottom, running, shouting and pointing. She turned and gasped loudly, her face losing colour, lips wavering slightly.

Shit.

I grabbed her hand and ran. I made a turn to the left and then to the right. We stopped at the dark alley. With her back against the concrete, I planted both of my hands on it beside her face. Rustlings of footsteps got louder.

I stepped closer to her, the distance between us decreasing. The sound of footsteps faltered and I knew they were close. Touching the nape of her neck lightly, I whispered, "I will have to do this."

She shivered and lowered her eyes.

With that, I grazed my lips with her soft ones. Taken aback, she sucked in air harshly and clung onto my sweater.

"She's not here. Search elsewhere!" The distant voice finally called out. Jerking back, I focused on the intriguing girl and found no flaws on her prominent and distinct features. Especially her eyes. A very beautiful pair of grey eyes.

She let out a breath. Her eyes were lifted up, looking at me, as if waiting for something else to happen. "You... you stole my first kiss!" She announced, her tone a mixture of shock, sadness and anger.

"Now I can never give it to the one I will love with all my heart..."

My eyebrows raised. Seriously? I just helped her and here, she complaining about her first kiss? "But thank you. Thank you so very much for chasing them away," she looked to her right, where her pursuers had been, thinking deeply. "I owe you a huge favour."

I don't need a favour to be returned.

A thought occurred to me. "Why were they going after you?"

Her hand flew to cover her gaping mouth, and I couldn't help but notice her trembling long fingers.

She met my eyes, tears welling up in hers. Something happened must have happened. But what?

"I can't tell you," her voice shook. "It's too dangerous, you must not know."

Ah, secrets. She just kept continuing to intrigue me.

I ran my hands through my damp hair. "How is it dangerous?"

"More dangerous than you'll ever know. They are people you cannot be close with."

She said, "I have yet to learn your name, my saviour."

The corner of my mouth tilted up. "I'm Adonis."

"It's a pleasure to have met you, Adonis. I'm Eloise."

Eloise.

She had such a beautiful name.

"Uh, do you, perhaps..." Eloise started. Muttering to herself -- something about stupidity and trust -- she stood with confidence and pride. "Never mind."

I cocked my head to the side. "What is it?" Eloise took a deep breath then spilled out, "I might have a slight problem. Do you mind if I shared it with you?"

I groaned. "Just say it."

"I don't have a place to stay..." She fiddled with her fingers, obviously because of embarrassment.

I thought about her situation. Declan and I stayed in a room and there were two beds. Well, both of us could share. Though he'd possibly pester me about it.

"You're very lucky today, Eloise."

----------

I've finally updated!
What do you think about Eloise?

Once again, thanks for reading!

Love,
E.