9 months ago...

Hallie

I ran as fast as I could, but with two babies in tow, I feel my legs wanting to give up, but I can't. I can't stop running or he'll kill me, Ty, and Michy.

I can't believe he almost found me. How did he find me so quickly? I thought to myself.

He's got money, what did you expect? I thought to myself. Even behind bars, he can still get to me. That's how rich and powerful he is.

When I was sure we were far enough, I stopped to catch my breath and calm Ty and Michy.

I turned to a corner and stopped dead in my tracks.

"There you are," he sneered.

Suddenly, I woke up.

I was breathing hard.

I looked around me, and everyone in the bus seemed oblivious to the fact that I just had a bad dream.

I ran my hand through my now, darker hair as I forced my breathing back to normal.

I looked down at the two bundle of joy, sleeping peacefully on my chest.

I adjusted the straps a little to make them both more comfortable, before looking out the window to see where we were.

I saw a sign that said, Town of Westchester. 

How long was I asleep? I wondered.

"All right folks, time for a fifteen minute pit stop. There's a coffee shop, bakery and deli shop nearby if you need to grab a few things. Bus will leave in fifteen," the driver said.

I grabbed my single bag and stepped off the bus. Fresh air will do us some good, however, Michy woke up in a startle and began crying.

I tried soothing her but with my bag in my hand and Ty holding on to my other hand, it was hard. Then Ty also started crying. It's been hard for the three of us and I can't blame them for being restless.

I stopped at a small coffee shop.

I walked inside and found a table.

I just need a minute. I just hope, no one asks me to leave.

I quickly pulled out a bottled milk and gave it to Michy, while I grabbed Ty's favourite snack.

Thank god it worked. I was able to calm and soothe Ty and Michy.

Ty is only nineteen months old, but he's a smart boy for his age. He's more aware of what's going on and is not afraid to ask questions. He's quite the talker too, I smiled at my son. Michy is only a few months old and this is a lot harder on her being so young and already on the run. I know they say that kids are resilient but with the stress and trauma they've endured at such a young age, I just hope it really is true. I'm trying my best, but it hasn't been easy. I'm always afraid, looking over my shoulder wondering if this was the day, his men are going to get to us. The only people I trusted ended up dead for keeping us safe. They trained to protect and yet they died. How can I trust myself? How can I trust that I would keep my kids safe?

"It's going to be okay," I said, trying to comfort them.

"Are you okay dear?" An old lady asked.

I nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry, I just need a minute," I said, as I tried to catch my breath.

"Take all the time that you need," she said.

"Thank you," I smiled at the woman gratefully.

"You're welcome. I'm Anne by the way," she said.

"Hallie. My name is Hallie," I said.

"You're children are beautiful," she gushed.

"Thank you."

"What's your name sweet boy?" She asked Ty.

"Ta-yer," he answered.

"Tyler?" She echoed.

Ty nodded.

"And how about this precious bundle?"

"Her name is Michy. Short for Michelle," I answered.

"She's precious."

I smiled.

She smiled in return and said, "I'll be right back."

A few moments later, she came back with water, iced tea, a bowl of soup and a cookie.

I gulped, my mouth watering at the food in front of me.

My stomach grumbled. But I can't. I...

"Don't worry, dear. It's on the house," she said, as if reading my mind.

"I..."

"No arguments," she said with a smile. "Please..." She said, as she motioned for me to eat.

"Do you have a place to stay?" She asked.

I shook my head. "I..."

"I have a spare room out back. It should be big enough for the three of you," she offered.

Tears sprang in my eyes at her generosity. No one has ever shown me kindness in a long time. "I don't have a lot of money..."

She placed her hand in mine. "I'm in need of a server and if you're up to it, I would like to hire you."

"You would?"

She nodded with a kind smile.

"I'd like to pay rent," I started to say and she shook her head.

"The room is yours, rent-free."

"I would feel much better if I at least pay rent," I insisted.

She nodded. "Okay. If you're keen on paying me with rent, then you can do so, once you've earned some money and you're back on your feet," she said. "As for now, think of it as an employee benefit."

"I don't know what to say..."

"Say yes," she smiled kindly.

I nodded. "Thank you. This means so much to me," I said, then hesitated. "I'm really grateful, but may I ask why you're doing this?" I asked. When I stepped off the bus, I wasn't really thinking of staying in this town, but a job and place to stay sounds good. To be honest, I don't even know where I planned to go or what I would once I get there, but something tells me I'm right where I need to be. 

At least for now.

She smiled at me. "You remind me of my daughter," she said. "I'm guessing you were about the same age when she passed."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's quite alright, dear. You look like you need some help and I can offer it."

"Thank you again. I hadn't really planned on staying," I said. "Well I don't really have a plan period."

She smiled. "Well its settled then."

I nodded. "Thank you," I said.

As I looked down at Tyler and Michy, hope flared inside of me.

We can make it.

I just know it.

Damien

As I looked down at the woman sleeping beside me, emptiness filled me.

For the past couple of months, one night stands has lost its appeal to me, I contributed it to stress at work, especially now that I've taken over the company from my dad. But, now as I lay here,
I know it's now about work. This is about me.

I want what my parents have. What my sister has with Nate.

I can't do this anymore.

I want someone to share my life with. I want someone to share looks with. Someone who'll make me feel more...

It's definitely not this woman beside me. Yes, she's attractive. Sexy and beautiful, but she doesn't make me burn.  Fuck. I don't even remember her name.

Was it Cindy, or Cynthia?

I shook my head.

I met her at the bar earlier. I wanted to drink and just forget about work for a couple hours, when she sat beside me and started flirting.

I figured, why not? I could use the distraction. So I offered to get the hell out of there and she didn't even hesitate.

I pushed off her bed and put my clothes back on. That was one of my rules. I don't stay after sex and wait for the awkward morning after.

Yeah, so that makes me an asshole, but I always made sure the women knew the deal. This was sex. Nothing more. I don't linger because woman often misunderstand the situation and starts hoping for something more than what I'm willing to give. So why would I make it even more awkward for the both us?

But like I said, this whole thing doesn't hold its appeal anymore.

I want more.

I don't know exactly what I'm looking for, but I know that this is not it.

I didn't bother finishing up the buttons on my shirt. I quietly slipped out of her bedroom and her house.

I got into my car, feeling worse than I did earlier at the bar.

At that moment, I made a vow to myself that I was done settling for a few hours of pleasure. No more one night stands that only leave me empty afterwards. I want a woman who challenges me.

A woman who makes me burn inside.

A woman who will drive me crazy.