Run (8 page)

Twigs snapped behind me. Startled, I spun on my heels and screamed. It was Noah. He was wearing board shorts and had a towel slung over his shoulder.

“Were you trying to go back?” he asked.

I couldn’t form words I was too shocked to see him. He waited for me to say something, but all I could do was nod.

“Well, you’re going the wrong way,” he said, turning around and heading back the opposite direction.

I stopped in my tracks, worried going back with him wasn’t the best idea. But pushing all the negative vibes away I followed him until I realized we were nowhere near the house or water anymore.

“This doesn’t look like the right way,” I said. Noah turned and shrugged.

“I’ve lived here my entire life. Of course it’s not the right way,” he said, watching me.

I kept my expression stoic. I wasn’t going to panic. This wasn’t the worst set of circumstances I’d ever faced. 

He grabbed me by the arm, squeezing it tightly. “You think it’s okay to make me look like a fool?”

I pulled at his hand. His grip nearly crushed my arm.

“I don’t like looking like a fool, either. And I wasn’t about to let you do what you wanted to do.” My heart was racing, my mind trying to come up with a plan for what could happen next.

“I don’t like girls like you.  You and your so called family come here pretending to need a place to stay. But I know you’re all a bunch of con artists. I know you are,” he insisted.

I pulled away, backing up to a tree when I tried to get away from him.

“I’m not a con artist. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me go before you do something really stupid,” I said.

Noah shook his head, wrapping his arms around me. He kicked my feet out from under me with one quick kick to my legs. We fell to the ground with a thud, his body falling on top of mine and knocking the air out of me.

“You were willing to let my dad have what he wanted, weren’t you?” he asked, pulling at the strings of my bathing suit top. I closed my eyes, his hands clamping down on my throat.

Noah was nuts.

“Just tell me. I want to hear you say it. Say you were going to bang my old man,” he pushed my face into the dirt and leaves.

“No.” I choked, his hand crushing my windpipe.

“What kind of girl does that?”

“I don’t know,” I said, squeezing my eyes tighter so I didn’t have to look at him.

“Tell me right now. Say it!” He grabbed my face, nose to nose with me.

“Let me go,” I screamed, lifting my head from the ground trying to get loose. Noah slammed my head back down.

“My parents may be stupid, but I’m not. Tell me why you guys are here,” he said again, spit flying from his mouth, anger radiating through his entire body.

He pulled back and slapped me across the face and waited. When it was clear I wasn’t going to answer him, he slapped me again.

I fought hard, trying to punch him in his smug face, but he only crushed his body against me harder.

“You need to get far away from my house. You and the rest of your so-called family. And if you don’t, I’ll tell my mom what kind of girl you really are. Because I don’t like you, any of you.”

“Fine,” I breathed, my head pinned under his elbow.

“Are you guys wanted? Did you do something?” he pressed.

“No!” I winced as he tugged my head to the side by my hair.

“Then why are those broads so sneaky and strange acting all the time?”

“I said we would leave, just let me up,” I begged.

Noah sat up, he squeezed my throat with one hand, pushing into my shoulder with the other to keep me in place. It was all a game to him. He stared down at me, as if I were a wild animal at his mercy.

Even if he was angry, knowing what kind of people we were he should have known better than to mess with us. I wasn’t sure how or why he knew, but he did.

I gasped as a large branch crashed down upon his head.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Mason yelled, swinging the branch at Noah over and over again. Noah blocked the brunt of his attack with his arms, having been caught off guard and unable to defend himself.

Lainey helped me to my feet.

“Noah, what is wrong with you?” she exclaimed, in tears.

“Mason, stop!” I screamed, grabbing Mason’s arm to stop his assault on Noah. I pushed him away.

“Let’s go! Right now!” he demanded, taking hold of my arm. I pulled away, grabbing ahold of him instead.

“That’s right. We need to go…all of us,” I said, giving him a severe look.

Mason turned around and looked at Noah. Noah picked himself up off the ground. His face was fine, but his arms were scratched and bleeding.

“You two aren’t related. And those women you’re with are bad news. Not to mention her and her scheming ways. My parents have a lot, and you’re not taking what’s mine,” he said in shaky breaths, struggling to explain himself.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Mason asked. “Beating Kendall senseless isn’t going to fix anything. And if you think think we’re such bad news, then why would you even want to mess with us?”

Noah shook his head, checking his face for blood. “I don’t want you around my family.”

Mason nodded and grabbed me by the arm again. “Fine, not a problem.”

Lainey chased after us. “Are you guys in trouble? If you’re in trouble just say so. I know my parents would help you out.”

Mason laughed out, holding an edge of anger. “Lainey, shut your mouth. Just let them leave.” Noah called after her.

“You’re just kids, we could help you,” she begged. I looked at her, wondering what it was she thought she could possibly do for us.

“Lainey, you’re a nice girl, but there’s nothing you can do for us,” Mason told her. He stopped walking, at a loss for what more he could say.

“Our parents have a lot of money. If you’re in trouble because of those women, just say so and they’ll help you. I know they will,” she said again. Noah stood behind her in disbelief.

Mason released his grip on my arm and got in front of Lainey. He stared down at her. “Leave us alone. You don’t know anything about what’s going on.”

“But there are things all over the news. And according to all of you, you all were near those parts where these things happened.” She spilled.

I was blown away. Did I hear what I thought I did? That Lainey and Noah believed we were criminals on the run.

“Lainey, shut up already. If they are, do you think it’s good to point it out to them?” Noah yelled at her. He started pacing the forest floor.

“I think they’re good people. I don’t want anything to happen to them,” she said.

Mason sighed. “There are a lot of bad people out there, Lainey. I know Kendall and I are not them. I appreciate you and your worrying about us, but Kendall and I are going to be fine. And we’ll be out of here as soon as tonight,” he said.

“What about you, Kendall?” Lainey asked. Noah looked at me, suddenly seeming concerned.

“I think we’ve outstayed our welcome. And I think you’re a nice girl, but Mason and I are and always will be okay,” I said, looking away from the disappointment on her face.

“Well, let’s head back then. I’m sorry I got all crazy back there,” he said. “You guys really need to watch yourselves.”

Mason threw his arm around me. The cat was out of the bag, now, so he had every right to hug me now.

We didn’t admit to anything. But we all silently agreed that we understood what was going on. Noah didn’t want his family harmed because of us. He wanted us gone, so that was what we would do. I knew agreeing to leave was enough to keep him silent. And, if not, we’d always find a way to stay one step ahead.

The night was as dark as tar. Little specks lit the night sky. I watched them silently as I leaned against the door frame. It was almost two in the morning, and we were about to leave.

I could hear the bullfrogs croaking through the night air. Their sound soothing rather than annoying, it fit right in with the country life Roger and his family lived.  Every moment was even better than the last in this place.

I thought to myself if I ever got to choose a way of life and where to live it, this would be perfect. I would love to live in an old country home, secluded from the sounds of the city, with my family. How great it would be to breathe in the fresh air on a daily basis and to live a simple, peaceful life.

I laid eyes on Roger as he walked across the lawn. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes were filled with questions and concern. I knew he would never have the guts to ask the questions he wanted to ask.

“Hey there, beautiful,” he said, climbing the stairs.

“Evening, Roger,” I said softly, keeping my eyes on the stars—those very stars that I’d wished upon a million times or more. “I heard you guys are heading out,” he said, joining me. He looked up at the stars as well, running his hands along the railing, not speaking just enjoying the view.

“Yeah, we’re leaving. It’s been nice. I really like your home,” I said. It wasn’t easy for me to make small talk.

“What do you like about it?” He leaned against the railing.

“It’s relaxing. And really pretty,” I said with a shrug.

Roger moved past my compliment, I could see in his eyes he was about to burst if he didn’t say something. I swallowed, afraid to hear what he had to say. I knew that Noah was more than likely only an earshot away and Mason was probably crouched underneath the porch waiting to attack if he tried anything.

“Lainey came to me concerned about you and Mason,” he said finally. He crossed his arms over his chest and studied me very carefully.

I sighed, not sure what to say, but I looked him straight in the eyes. “Did she say why?”

“That’s not important. The important thing is, I wanted you to know if there’s anything you need to tell me, you can do it right now.”

Silence crept into the moment, curling its fingers around us. We both stood very still. I didn’t know what to say. 

“I don’t know if you know this or not Kendall, but I’m worth a lot of money, and I’m willing to help you and Mason out,” he confided.

I shook my head. I felt the heaviness of remorse from a life full of misdeeds come rushing at me. My legs felt heavy as lead. The thought of anyone knowing the real Kendall was the worst thing that could ever happen.

I was seven years old the first time I realized my life was a wreck. I remember the first time I saw, with my own eyes, what evil really looked like. 

My mom and Wanda had gotten into a big fight. I remember my mom bolting out the front door of our house wearing that old, worn out dress that she’d worn for as long as I can remember. She was barefoot and drunk.

Then I saw Aunt Wanda racing down the street in her car, trying to run her over. I imagined how great it would have been if Wanda had hit her. I was seven years old and I would have been happy to see my own mother plowed down by a car. How wrong is that?

I sat down on the porch steps watching the chaos play out around me. The sun was about to set, and it was a beautiful moment in spite of Aunt Wanda’s screeching tires.

It didn’t take long before I couldn’t see my mom anymore; she was busy running between cars and mailboxes trying to outrun Aunt Wanda.

Eventually, they found their way back home. Aunt Wanda acted as if nothing had happened, and by this time, my mother had sobered up from all the running. She walked right past me going back inside the house like she hadn’t a care in the world.

That was the day I knew we weren’t a normal family—we were the rejects, the trashy people who didn’t care about anyone or anything.

“This one time she almost strangled my mom,” I confessed, looking away from Roger.

“Wanda?” Roger asked. I just nodded my head.

“She choked her until I thought her eyes were going to pop right out of her head. I never saw someone’s face look like that before. That was the day I knew Aunt Wanda was a bad person,” I said, barely able to settle my unsteady breathing.

Roger stayed still. He let me keep right on talking. I’m sure I said more than I should have, but it felt right to do so for some reason. I didn’t care that I might regret it later.

“Payton is just as evil. Mason’s in the same situation I am.”

My thoughts drifted back to the times Mason and I would talk about all the horrible things we did while on the run with Wanda and Payton.

It was the only part of my life I shared. Mason could always one-up or tie any story I had about Wanda, proving Payton was just as nasty as Wanda.

We were both screwed up, and we knew it. It’s what made us close.

“You’re still a young girl. You could make life better for yourself if you put your mind to it,” Roger said, giving me a crooked grin. “You could probably have anything you ever wanted.” He playfully elbowed me in the side.

“I must admit I’m surprised by you, Roger,” I said, holding tight to the railing. I looked at him, a smile creeping up out of nowhere.

“Now why would that be, Kendall?”

There was nothing complicated between us. We were just two people talking.

“I expected a long drawn-out lecture about how sorry you are for me and my life.” The wind blew my hair against my face as I stared off, my eyes seeing every lightning bug appear then disappear again.

“I’d like to say I have the answer to your problems. I’d even like to fix what is going on, but I think you’re the only one who can fix this. And I think you know it,” he told me.

I nodded, wishing I knew what that even meant. I had no clue how to fix any of it.

“What do you want out of life, Kendall?” Roger asked, touching my hand gently.

“Peace. I want to be able to trust someone. And maybe a giant bathtub I can use whenever I want,” I said, smiling at the thought of it.

Roger chuckled. I felt a bit stupid. I didn’t have high hopes. I barely had hope at all.

“This is the only advice I can give you.” He stood up straight, his shoulders relaxing some.

“What’s that?” I asked, curious.

He headed down the stairs without finishing his sentence. He motioned for me to follow. I looked around, heading down the steps slowly, a bit nervous to be sneaking around right before we were leaving.

Roger was nowhere to be found in the darkness, his shadow vanished beyond the doors of the workshop.

I hurried after him, adrenaline surging my body, my heart leaping out of my chest, my stomach clenching in a panic.

“I want you to take this,” he whispered as soon as I was inside, his figure hardly evident in the darkness. He pushed some kind of envelope in my hand.

“What is it?” I whispered, running my fingertips across the material.

“That’s two thousand dollars.” He pulled me close, his hands gently leading me to the ground.

“Roger, this is a lot of money,” I said, lying down next to him. I gripped the money with both hands, trying not to think about what he might want in return. But nothing happened. He was silent and then he pulled me close to his warm body, holding me…comforting me.

“You take it. You never know when it could come in handy. I’m sure it could get you far away,” he whispered, his voice having a calming effect.

“Go on now,” he whispered as soon as we heard the car start up breaking the silence.

I jumped to my feet, blindly finding my way to the moonlit doorway.

“Goodbye, Kendall. Take care of yourself,” Roger said.

I scanned the darkness for any signs of him, jumping when I realized he was right in front of me. He gave me a gentle nudge, sending me off.

Payton and Wanda busily loaded the trunk. Mason watched me approach, his expression showing irritation and anger. I glared right back at him, shoving my hands in my pockets, along with the money.

I finally came to a stop next to Mason. The car engine hummed and rattled beside us.

“Are you serious?” Mason hissed in my ear.

“It was nothing. He gave me money,” I said in a whisper. Roger suddenly appeared in front of all of us.

“It was nice seeing you again, Wanda. You take care now,” Roger said. He lifted the last suitcase from the ground and dropped it in the trunk for Wanda. She slammed the trunk shut.

Aunt Wanda nodded, rather quiet, seemed like she didn’t have much to say to Roger now that she didn’t need his help anymore.

“Will do, Roger,” she said.

Roger grabbed Wanda by the arm, his features resolute. Aunt Wanda stiffened at his touch, staring down at his grip.

“Just want you all to be careful, wherever you’re headed next. And take care of that niece of yours,” Roger said, letting go of her.

My heart plummeted. I could feel the awkwardness flowing through the air as we all stood there.

Mason tugged me toward the car.

I struggled to break away from his grip on my sleeve. I needed to see what was going on.

Aunt Wanda turned, studying Roger. She grabbed the door handle of the car. “You be careful too, Roger. You have a nice family and I’m sure it’s not something you want to lose over silly little Kendall,” she said, her gaze lasting longer than Roger’s.

He nodded in agreement and headed back to his house.

We climbed into the car. I eagerly stole one final glimpse of Roger. He had proven to me he wasn’t any typical man. He looked past my silly infatuation and really wanted to help me.

It was a good feeling, one that I never felt before.

As we drove down the driveway, I looked at the house one last time. I would always remember how nice it felt to be in a home made from love—a home where the people in it genuinely cared for one another.

Anna was the most loving woman I’d ever met. She was exactly what I thought a mother should be like. It saddened me to know I’d never see her again.

“They’re all safe, that’s something to be happy about,” Mason whispered in my ear, pulling me close.

I nodded, resting my head against him. He knew what we were leaving, what it all meant. And I was sure he knew how I felt. He was the only one who understood me.