runaway.

chapter 2 - seen.

stella.

the shattering noise bounces off the brick walls, sending an echo of my scream down the alley. it makes him take a small step backwards as he lets out a soft 'woah.' tears prickle my eyes from the immediate fear of the moment. i take a few steps back with one hand stretched out signaling them to stop and the other holds the hoodie to hide everything but my eyes. the figure does not advance, just stands there with his arms up in surrender. it makes me realize that i recognize him. it's the same man from the book shop who just sold me the hardcover. he now has on a jean jacket on top of the shirt he was wearing inside.

i place the hand that's out in front of me over my wildly beating heart. my words come out a little bit muffled through the barrier of my hoodie, but the anger in my voice is ever apparent. "did you follow me? what the fuck man? i don't know you!"

the strange man takes another step forward as i take one more back. he keeps one of his arms up as the other one goes digging through his pocket. fishing out an id of some sort, he holds it out for me to take. i stare back at him suspiciously while keeping my distance. "yes i was following you, but please hear me out. i noticed that huge cut on your cheek when you were checking out. my name is luke hemmings and i'm a doctor at randall children's hospital. you look a little young to be out here alone. i want to help you if that's okay with you."

i let out a nervous laugh yet i was clearly scared, "i don't trust you. how could you be a doctor? you were just working in that bookstore."

"it's a little side hobby when i'm not at the hospital. look, here's my badge to prove it." luke nudges the id towards me again and i hesitantly grab it. there's a low quality picture of him wearing navy scrubs flashing a cheesy smile at the camera. the badge reads his name along with the hospital's logo at the top and colorful animal stickers all over it. he did say it was a children's hospital.

there's an uneasiness in my stomach as i continue to stare at the plastic card. the cut has been burning since this morning and it did appear deeper than usual. if i went with him, i couldn't let him find out about my living situation, especially my crazy parents. they would never help me. all they do is hurt me. luke can clearly sense the fear written all over my body as i hand him his badge back.

"there's no way that doesn't hurt sweetheart. it looks like it needs a suture. i promise i won't hurt you. if it makes you feel better, the hospital is only about a block away from here. we can walk there if you'd like so we're around other people if that's what you're afraid of. come with me, i only want to make sure you're okay." he emphasizes softly as if he's speaking to a young child.

i feel my heart crack at his last line. no one ever makes sure i'm okay. i stare at his face for the next few moments, almost trying to read if he held any bad intentions. i nod my head and take a step towards him.

"what is your name, sweetheart?" he asks sympathetically.

"i'm stella." i shakily respond.

-

the second we arrive at the hospital it makes me realize it's the last place i want to be. the doors open to reveal a lively emergency room decorated with brightly colored walls that have murals of various children's stories painted on them. the next thing that i notice is there are children everywhere. some play with the toys the hospital has have set up while others cuddle close to their parents for comfort. it makes me wish i had parents i could cuddle close with. one little girl lets out a wailing cry as we walk past her. it startles me and i look to luke for reassurance. he notices and says, "it happens all the time. she'll be okay."