The Underdog: Alex Rider FanFic

Chapter 19

{Friday, September 10th: 10:14 A.M: Part One}
Dare's POV

I step down off the bus, my feet planting down on the cement sidewalk it's currently parked next to as passengers unload themselves from the - personally, too stuffy of a area.

I breath in a deep breath as I look around the small town just outside of Harrisburg, savoring the fresh Pennsylvania air.

I may be a city girl, but I know when to appreciate good air.

Finally. I've made it.....Well, almost.

I step away to let Alex off, watching as he slowly plants his own feet down on the ground. The stoop still in his posture as he keeps his arms around his torso.

For whatever reason.

But I noticed as we crossed the border from New York to Pennsylvania, his posture seemed to relax. His face losing some of that tension that's been evident since this morning.

Sure, maybe I should be mad at him for basically strangling me. And yet I'm not. Instead, I've told him some of my past - surprisingly. I've even gone so far as to call him my friend.

Because that's what I feel like he is despite barely knowing him.

It's a little strange if you ask me. But I accept it.

Which I don't regret at all. Especially after he opened up a little to me. Telling me some of his own history.

Just a wee little bit though.

I glance up at his much higher head, looking over his features once more as I marvel at the fact he's basically the same age as me despite looking like he's at least seventeen.

But then there's the question: why?

I know people can look a lot older than what they really are - I'm not stupid, but this just seems a little....extreme. Almost like it was forced upon him.

But that just makes me feel even closer to him. Plus the fact we both lost people we care for at a young age.

I follow Alex through what little crowd is left from the bus, tugging my backpack strap up further on my shoulder.

My stomach growls in hunger, reminding me it's been almost four hours since I've last eaten.

Jogging a few steps, I catch up so I'm walking next to Alex. "Hey, my tank is empty. I suggest we refill before hitting the road again with whatever transportation we're taking." I tell him, carefully stepping over a rather large crack in the cement.

Geez, someone should get this repaired. Someone could totally not notice it and like completely break a leg or something hazardous like that.

What do we pay taxes for people?!

Alex glances over at me, looking completely confused as-to what I just said. Like I just told him I want to hop over to the nearest planet and visit my cousin before five.

I roll my eyes. "Food." I deadpan, rubbing my stomach like he's two. "I'm hungry, and a cup of coffee would be nice too." I nod to myself, already craving the familiar liquid.

Yup, only fifteen and I'm already hooked. It's official, I'll be dead before I'm fifty.

He redirects his attention to the front, making a right onto another road. I frown as I abruptly notice he appears to be slightly limping now, a sheen of sweat across his tight face.

Seriously though, what's with him? Can he really not tell me?

I occupy my mind with scouting out a decent restaurant as we walk down what appears to be their Main Street, eyes landing on the familiar double yellow arch.