Runaway

Part One: Introduction

            I stand at the bus station with my hands tightly gripping the bottom of my shirt. The wind pushes against me as if telling me to go back, but I know this is right. This is where I am supposed to be going. With a deep breath, I take a step onto the bus, a step out of my old life, a step away from old strangers, and a step toward new friends. The woman seated across the aisle has her eyes glued to me as if she knows what I'm doing, but after I settle into my seat, her lips turn up in a little smile and she gives me a nod, as if approving.

     The bus fills up for the next ten minutes. The woman across the aisle is out of sight as someone sits beside her. The seat next to me is still empty as the driver closes the doors. He looks ahead and the bus sighs as he puts it into gear. I take it as a sigh of relief, a sigh meaning everything is going to be okay from this point on. A breath that blows out all the bad things I have been through these past few years.

     It's all over, I think to myself, basking in relief. My gaze moseys out the window and my heart stops. There he is. Our eyes meet and I realize the sigh was mocking me. I thought I could escape. I thought I could get away, but here he is. His eyes meet mine and-

    Wait. We're moving. He wasn't fast enough. The bus is going and I am on my way to... to... to away from him. This time, I do a sigh of my own and collapse back into the seat, closing my eyes.

     "Well, honey, you look like you've just seen a ghost," a voice says from beside me.

     I jerk up in my seat and turn my attention to the voice. There is a woman seated next to me now. Her hair is enormous with dark brown curls and her voice is thick with a Southern draw. "I wish," I say, relaxing a little again.

     "What's got you all torn up, baby?" she says, painted brows furrowing together as she places her hand on my shoulder.

     I chew on my lip as I think about everything that has happened over the past couple of months. I feel tears well up in my eyes as I realize what I have done and fear that I won't be courageous enough to continue. Suddenly, her hand is wiping away a stray tear that has fallen onto my cheek. "Oh, honey," she says, placing her hand on mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

     "It's just a long story," I say, pulling my hand away to rub my eyes. "I'm not sure you'd like to hear it."

     "I won't pry," she says, turning forwards in her seat so she isn't leaning in my direction anymore. "But we do have a long ride if you decide to change your mind."

     I think it over a little in my head. Maybe it will help to keep me focused if I tell her. I can remind myself this is the right decision. This is what's best. I should be doing this. "Well," I start to say, but before I finish, she's already leaning towards me again with a smile spread across her face. "Okay."

     "I'm glad you changed your mind. It always helps me to feel better when I talk about things. My name is Trixie. What's yours?" She juts her hand towards me. I take it in mine and give it a shake before dropping my hand back to my lap.

     "Katie," I say. I'm not sure if her bubbliness is annoying or welcomed at this point. It is nice to have some positive energy right now, but she is a lot.

     "So, Katie, tell me everything." Her dark eyes peer into mine as if searching for the story behind them.

     "It started a little over two years ago," I say, sighing softly. I lean back into my seat and break my gaze from hers. I start to scratch at the polish on my thumb before looking back to her. "Are you sure you want to hear it?"

     She nods.

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***Author's Note***

Hi, guys! I decided to try my hand at writing again. I got really lucky and had a great run with PCK, but I feel like I can do better as a writer. I'm sure not a lot of you are still active, seeing as I have been gone for quite some time. That being said, I have some a couple other parts of this written already, so I will be here for at least a while. This isn't the real title. I just don't know what it should be yet. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy. 

Also, to note. Proofreading is not something I do. I know it's important, but I am lazy. Sorry in advance for the confusing moments I am sure are to come.