{Friday, September 10th. 8:21 A.M.}
Alex's (POV)

I lean my too warm of a head against the cool glass window to my right, receiving a few precious seconds of relief from the scorching warmth that seems to have taken up a permanent residence inside my skin.

  My right foot taps the ground as I stare outside at the passing scenery, my arms firmly folded over my stomach as I attempt to put some pressure on my ailing body part in hopes it'll make it feel even just a little better than the piercing stabs of pain that are now repeatedly stabbing my insides as a nauseating sickness continues to float in the back of my mind.

  I breath a slow deep breath in through my nose, my mind flashing back to last night as that simple breath brings a small tendril of relief to my nauseousness that's currently plaguing me.

  I glance over to my left, at the body that's less than a foot away from me.

  Dare has a pair of pink earbuds in her ears as she listens to some music on her iPod she apparently has with her, her head back against the seat with her eyes closed as her lips move with the music only she can hear. Face full of concentration as she focuses on the lyrics. She has her feet propped up on the row of seats in front of us, unbeknownst to the elderly couple sitting there.

  Kinda makes me feel bad for them.

  Her hands tap the half zipped backpack in her lap, head moving to the same beat.

  I look away, a stab of guilt hitting me hard in the chest as I recall that fleeting look of hurt that fell over her face when I practically yelled at her yesterday. She just wanted to help.

  I'll admit I was being harsh to even my own standards last night, but after all that walking we did yesterday my body wasn't reacting well to it.

  My stomach felt - still feels, almost as bad as when....Ben decided to use it as a personal punching bag, a fever burning at my forehead. A sick sensation - like when you can feel a stomach bug coming on, hit me soon after the old hotel. Only adding to my irritation as I contained inside me.

  Then add the fact we had to share a room - though something in the back of my head was telling me not to let her out of site, and that equals a bomb set to explode.

  Which then led me to pacing the room after Dare fell sleep, everything inside of me escalating to the point it's overwhelming. Which then led to me finally puking my brains out before dunking my scorching head in the shower I had running in hopes Dare wouldn't be able to hear me being sick over the sound of it.

I thought maybe then I could get some sleep, my mind and body more than drained after the 'eventful' day. But no, my stomach just had to start back up. Twisting and turning as my head feels like it's in a oven.

   After attempting to throw up a couple other times, it finally sizzles out enough so it's to the point I can somewhat manage it. Then, then I went to sleep.

  Which led to....nightmares.

  Nightmares I hadn't had since my first few weeks in the underground, because apparently I was too tired and mentally drained to actually have any recollection of any after all the 'training' Frances had me doing.

  Nightmares I'd been glad not to have. And now they're back.

  And Dare just had to be there during a bad one.

  My eyes glance back over at Dare without moving my head, landing on the smooth skin of her exposed neck she currently has stretched out.

  Shallow black and purple lines mar the skin from where I held her.

  More guilt along with contempt at myself hits my heart again, chest squeezing as I glance down at the floor.

  I could've seriously hurt her. Something I've realized I really don't want to do - or happen to her.

  Yes, If I'm being honest with myself, I'd have to say I kinda.....like her presence. Even if that means enduring her irrelevant chatter she likes to randomly spit out at the oddest times.

It helps to keep me....grounded I suppose. Makes me feel more...normal.

Then I had to go and almost suffocate her because I couldn't bloody hell remember where I was or who she was at the moment.

  Stuck in that awful wedge between my nightmare and reality.

  I almost fell apart right then and there as she stared at me with those baffled eyes - like she couldn't believe I'd do that - my hand wrapped around her frail throat. My resolve crashing away as my confused mind tumbles in a ocean of emotions before I managed to escape into the bathroom.

  I close my eyes at the memory, my hands tightening into fists as I bring my attention back over to the scenery outside.

  A sharp shiver runs down my back as I recall the bone chilling silence that followed after I'd shut myself in the bathroom last night, how my chest felt like it was caving in from the immense amount of guilt that was filling me up as my heart thudded in my ears. Head still wrapped up in the nightmare I was still trying to shake.

  So I spent the next hour or so curled up between the sink and - unsanitary, toilet as I worked to reel my emotions back in, to patch my mask back up like I've been told to do by multiple people. Trying to make myself look unaffected as I surrounded myself in complete darkness that only helped to distress me more.

  But I deserved it.

We left the hotel a little before six thirty A.M. Neither of us saying anything about what happened less then two hours ago.

  I can tell it bothers her.

  She rambles less today than yesterday - something I've picked up about her, and I catch her staring at the side of my head more often than I'd like. Only serving to make me feel worse.

  I should apologize.

  But then she'll most likely begin to question me. Which will probably lead to me snapping at her again, or something worse.

  And it's almost like I....can't. Like if I even try to I'll break down, revealing something I don't want anyone to see. Anyone.

  No, I can't. At least not yet.

  I shift my body a little more to the right, immediately wincing as both my stomach and the new bump on my back reacts to it.

  The place the guy hit me is somewhere under my right shoulder blade, a large, pulsing bump in its place this morning instead of just the stabbing pins it was yesterday.

  Its pain helps distract me from the more...unpleasant one.

  I blow a slow breath out in what could be called a sigh, feeling more tension drain from my muscles as we head further away from the vastly populated and loud area of Manhattan.

A cautious memory of the Brown's peaceful farm fleets across my mind like a soft whisper, feeling like a long dream as it invokes a stab of sadness. The calmness of the atmosphere, the quietness besides the sounds of nature.....unless Mack is around that is.

  I feel a small smile quirk up in the corner of my lips.

  It could be reality again soon.

  We're currently on a Greyhound bus that's traveling to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A three hour trip that's already halfway over.

  Then we just need to find transportation from there that'll take us the last six hours to Ohio. Lazy River to be exact - where the Brown's more than likely are.

  My head bumps into the glass window as the bus takes a sudden sharp left turn, Dare's shoulder bumping against mine as the momentum swings her over. Her backpack abruptly spilling over from her lap onto mine as she places her feet down on the floor.

  I look down as a few objects scatter across my lap, Dare already working to gather her things back up as she mumbles incoherent words under her breath.

  Probably complaining about how our bus driver shouldn't be qualified to drive.

  My hand moves on its own accord as I spot a small, square piece of paper that's closest to me. The object being only one obvious thing.

I lift the picture up to chest height, feeling the familiar style of paper commonly used for pictures between my fingers.

  There's two people in the picture. A young girl of maybe five, and a women who appears to be in her late twenties.

  Their relation looks evident from their facial features alone. The girl has dark red hair pulled into two pigtails as the mother wears her long red hair down. A dusting of freckles sprinkle over their noses, more prominent on the girl.

  They sit under what looks to be a giant oak, a quilt spread out underneath them as they both stare at the camera seven or so feet away. Large, goofy smiles are spread across their faces. Their light blue eyes glinting mischievously in a way I've come to associate with someone else.

  I look over at Dare, almost expecting her to be upset I invaded her privacy. But instead I spot her watching me with calculating eyes, looking more curious than upset.

"It's my mother and I." She explains, leaning closer to me as she looks at the picture pensively.

  Her shoulder once again brushes against mine, staying there this time. I unexpectedly tense at her close proximity, my own shoulders moving to scrunch further together on their own accord.

  When I don't say anything, she continues. "She died when I was six, almost ten years ago." She sighs, gently taking the picture from me as she holds it fondly out in front of her.

  My chest squeezes at her words, confusion swirling in my mind.

Why's she telling me this? I thought she was just as closed off about her past as I was?

  But despite all the questions that are currently trying to burst my mind, I feel a stab of sympathy for her.

  I stare at the picture, suddenly wondering if I'd have had any pictures like this one if my own parents were alive.

  I quickly redirect my thoughts somewhere else, knowing those only lead to certain....other things.

  "How?" The word slips from me before I even realize I'd said it, my eyes flickering over to her melancholy face.

   So different from the girl I met yesterday that speaks only at one pace; rapid fire. Who likes coffee more than water - don't ask.
  
  Just yesterday.....it feels longer somehow. Like we've known each other longer despite hardly knowing anything about each other.

  Guess that's what running for your life does.

  She wryly smiles. "She was a detective - a good one at that." She starts. "She worked for NYPD. And though I don't really remember much about her, I do remember how excited she'd get whenever she was close to solving a tough case - loving the thrill of the hunt." Her eyes sparkle with amusement before clouding with sadness.

  "I'd often wait up for her to get back, wanting her to tuck me in because no one else could do it right." Her voice grows annoyed towards the end, making me roll my eyes.

  Of course she'd be picky about that.

  "But then one night, she didn't come back....." She trails off, sitting straight up as her voice wavers.

  I glance towards the front, feeling my own throat tighten in emotion.

  "Turns out she was working on a case involving the underground - before it was so wide spread, and apparently they caught on." She shrugs, trying to act like it doesn't bother her even though I can tell it does. "She was shot in the back of her head. Didn't even have a chance."

  My breath catches, my foot pausing its tapping for a split second.

  She moves her left hand up to her eye, quickly brushing it over a few times as she blows a unsteady breath out.

  "I'm sorry." I tell her, looking down at my lap because I know that's the last thing she'd want to hear. But needing to say it anyway.

  She carefully places it back in her bag, zipping the backpack up. "Don't be. There's nothing you, me, or anyone can do about it." She looks at me from underneath her lashes, a small hesitant smile on her lips like she thinks I might rebuke her or something.

  Silence lapses between us again, only the sound of quiet chatter up the isle and soft background music playing.

  "But hey," I look back over at her, noticing she's digging into the back pocket of her jeans.

  She holds her left fist out to me, looking at me expectantly.

  Slowly moving my right hand, I hold it open underneath hers. She releases her hand, a small, light object immediately falling out and landing in my palm.

  I stare at the familiar computer drive, the letter in my front pocket abruptly growing five times heavier as I recall my promises.

  I give her a confused stare, still holding my open palm out.

  She shrugs again. "I trust you're not going to abandon me until you've fulfilled your promise, and I honestly just feel too guilty about taking it." She smiles, her face lighting with amusement.

  She sits back. "I now consider you my friend, Einstein." I contain another eye roll as the nickname rolls much too easily off her tongue, only making her look more accomplished. "Feel privileged. I don't tell many people that."

   Her....friend? Me?

  There's suddenly a small pool of warmth in my chest, a small smile unconsciously tugging on my lips as I place the computer drive back in my pocket where it belongs.

  "Does that mean you consider me as your friend too?" She gives me that mischievous smile, wiggling her eyebrows teasingly.

  Does she not remember I almost strangled her last night?

  I immediately frown, looking back out the window, my shoulders moving in a slight shrug.

  Because I honestly don't know.

I'm not the best when it comes to figuring out your feelings.

She lightly laughs. "I'll take that as a yes." I hear the smile in her voice, a satisfied air about her. Like she truly means it.

Shame and guilt pull on my conscious, making my foot pick up speed.

I can't have friends.....even if I consider the Brown's, Mack, and Polly to be friends. The less the better.

And yet, I can't help but feel I've already accepted her as one.

It grows silent for a few minutes, Dare back to fiddling with her iPod - occasionally banging it against her palm in annoyance, and I stare out the window. Mentally counting down how much longer I have before the half a bagel I had for breakfast is going to try and reappear.

  I'd rather it not be in here. Even if they have that small bathroom in the back. Too many...eyes.

  "I'm going to Ohio because my aunt on my mother's side lives there." Dare abruptly says, bringing me back to the present.

  "I've lived with my father - I have a older brother too, but he doesn't live at home anymore - since mom died." She stuffs the earbuds and iPod back in her bag, seeming a little hesitant.

  "I never really liked my dad - he's not abusive or anything." She quickly adds. "We've got money and stuff, he's just never around...." She trials off.

  "And I recently.....discovered something-" She glances over at me. "Something that's made me decide I'm not living with him which is why I'm running away to my aunt because he won't let me." She rambles towards the end, fiddling with her hair.

  Quite the rebel.

  "No matter how many holes there are in that plan." She mutters more to herself than me.

  I stare at her, not really sure how I should react to her sudden life tale.

"Why not just call her?" I oh-so-smartly reply with, giving her a incredulous look.

  She shrugs, looking down. "Believe me, it doesn't work that easily." I slowly nod, understanding her more than she probably thinks.

  What does?

  But why would....

  The silence returns, growing thicker to the point my lungs literally feel like they're getting harder to expand. Like I should say something.

  I blow a slow breath out, wincing at the discomfort.

  "My parents died in a airplane accident when I was three months old." I mutter, gaining her attention.

  Why'd I just say that? Why do I suddenly feel way too comfortable around her despite how little I know about her?

  She looks openly surprised - either that I said something without her speaking first, or about what I said - her mouth opening in a O.

  "Oh." She stares at my face, tilting her head to the side as she thinks about something.

  "So exactly how old are you, Alex?" She abruptly questions, narrowing her eyes at me like she's suspicious.

  "I'll be sixteen in February." She adds, still eying me.

  I swallow, tightening my arms around my stomach as I debate on whether or not to tell her.

  What would it hurt?

  I slowly shrug, eyes sliding around to look back out the window. "Same." I state, keeping my voice low as I quickly look over the inhabitants of the bus.

  The driver, the elderly couple in front of us - appearing to be on their honeymoon, practically every other seat taken except maybe a total of five. The only suspicious character being the guy up to the left that smells vaguely like a illegal smoking substance.

  Her eyes immediately pop out of her sockets in surprise, her breath catching as she seems to look me over. This time with careful evaluation.

  Her eyes slowly go back to their normal size, a look like she's finally figured out a really tough math problem filling her face.

  "Seriously?" She quirks her lips to the left. "Because you totally look older." She makes a face. "I feel bad for you when you get in your older years." She absently adds, doing that little quirk she has where she points out something that doesn't necessarily need pointing out.

  I nod in confirmation. "Tell me about it." I dryly mutter to myself. But she hears me anyway.

  She smiles in amusement, gently bonking my left shoulder with her right. "We're not so different you and I." She confidently states, sounding more than pleased.

  I immediately pull my body away from hers, my lungs squeezing a fraction as I look away.

It's just human contact. Nothing more Alex.

She doesn't seem to notice my inner struggle.

  "I mean, we even have our birthdays in the same month!" She practically squeals, placing her feet back up behind the unsuspecting couple as she stares at me.

  "How awesome is that?!" She continues.

  I'm beginning to wonder.

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A/N
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ! (To the bottom)

  Heya!! Omg! Three chapters in a week! I'm on a roll. 😜

  So I didn't realize this tiny detail until this morning, but this book actually only has a few chapters left in it! Oh gee!! 😱 Maybe three or four.

  Don't fret my mighty ducks, (don't ask.) the next book will start off immediately where this one stops. The books are about a big moment in Alex's life; book one being where he left his old home to live with the Brown's, and this one being about him being recaptured (again) before he escapes (again) and travels back to the Brown's. Then the third is....a surprise. 😏

So I've been debating about something and I need Y'alls help! I can either start writing the third book immediately after this one is finished, or I've been wanting to write a book about Alex's days in the infamous hospital you keep hearing about in his mind but it's never really told what transpired there! (The hospital he went to after being rescued from MI6 that he stays in for a month before he's sent to the Brown's.) Remember?

  So I'd like you guys to vote on which one you'd rather read next! The hospital book would tie in with book three, revealing a few things you've yet to know. Same goes with the third. And they each are going to be a emotional roller coaster! Just a warning! (They'll both be a bit heavier than what I've already written....I know, and you thought After The End was bad with all the torturing and stuff. 😂)

Questions:

1.) Would you rather have a Book 0.5, (the hospital book.) or book 3? (Think wisely.)

2.) What'd you think of everything Dare revealed about her life?

3.) Who's excited about the next book?

4.) Anything stick out to you?

  VOTE!! Come on guys, I got 17 votes for one chapter in less than five days around three chapters ago. We can do that again!! PLEASE! ⭐️⭐️

Maggy