I pack all my clothes and throw them in a large backpack, along with my toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, shampoo, conditioner and phone. My debit card and credit card are in the back of my phone. Max and I immediately started working every day when we were 14, so that 10 years later we have enough money. I have one elastic band on my wrist and one in my hair. I have everything I hold dear with me.

I open my door. Normally I would have closed it as softly as possible, but I'm leaving to never come back, so who cares. I slam the door behind me and grin. God, how I wanted to do that.

When I am downstairs I put my backpack on my back. My parents are waiting in the hall, along with Anastasia and Evangeline. I will certainly not miss them.

"Bye Jo!" Everyone shouts when I walk out the door. Jesus, how fake. They've never called me Jo. Max is already ahead with his motorcycle. I step on the back and hold his backpack on my lap. Max gives me a helmet and I put it on. I look back for the last time. Everyone is grinning stupidly in the doorway. Nice goodbye, but what do I care.

We drive silently for almost an hour. With 80 km / h we drive on the road and we pass multiple cars and other motercycles. We have already passed almost 3 small villages but kept driving. We need to get as far away from that awful village as possible.
We stop for nothing, ofcourse we get some food or refuel the moter, but in general we drive all the way down this long road.

When we finally stop, it is almost 10 o'clock in the evening. Max puts the motorcycle in the parking lot and hand in hand we enter the motel. A cheerful girl is sitting at the reception desk with a big smile on her face. She has long blonde hair that reminds me of Evangeline's hair and blue eyes. I'm sure if I looked like her my parents would have accepted me.

Her attention is focused on the computer in front of her. When she sees us approaching, she turns her attention to us and sits up. "Welcome to Hotel Vermond. I am Sylvia, how can I help you?" Max lets go of my hand and takes out his wallet. "We would like a hotel room with a double bed." Sylvia nods and clicks something on her computer. "For how many nights?" Max doesn't have to think about that. "Just one night." Sylvia clicks something on her computer and then takes a folder. "Name?" Max says his name and she writes it down. "Okay, that will be ...... 100 euros." Max gives the money and Sylvia gives him a key. "Your room is on the second floor, room number 24. If you need anything, you can call us by phone in the room. Have a nice evening." Max and I walk to our room.

The room has a double bed, two bedside tables, a large TV and a bathroom. I jump on the bed and close my eyes. The mattress is nice and soft. "I'm going to shower okay?" Max asks. I open my eyes and look at him. "Okay. I'm going to take a shower when you're ready."

When I have finished showering I lie next to Max in the big bed. For a long time it has been absolutely silent. It is not an awkward silence, more a silence that gives you space to think. Ultimately Max says: "I am actually scammed that we are out of that village." I turn on my side so that I can look at him. "Me too." I lie closer and put my head on his shoulder. "Me too." I whisper

It really took a long time for a new chapter, sorry!
Xxx
Mandy