"Well Sawyer, you ain't bad with a mop and toilet brush!" Phil's laughter seemed to echo the entire building. I jumped back in surprise and cracked a weak smile. "Thank you sir." I squeaked, though it came out more a question, rather a statement. He didn't really seem to notice. He never notices much... I began to push my cleaning cart around him, when he smacked his hand down on my shoulder and pulled me back in surprise. "I just want to... apologize, for what I pulled back on the range last week. I guess not all of us are gun experts." He said sheepishly. I stared up at him, waiting for the sarcastic glare to be shot at me, but it never came. He raised his eye brows, awaiting my response. Phil has never even tried to apologize to me, let alone speak to me at all. Unless he wants something done of course. 

"Oh, no worries. I just want to say thank you fo-" Phil put up his hand to stop me. I gave him a quizzical look. Had I done something wrong? "A simple 'Its okay, boss' would have worked." He said bitterly as he turned and walked through the range doors. I sighed. He really had no interest in me...after all, I was just the cleaning boy. 

You wouldn't believe how much I would give, just go back and be that useless cleaning boy...

I checked my watch. 

9:00pm

Finally closing time. I heaved the cleaning cart into its designated closet, grateful for the day to be over with. 

That was when she came into my life.

The bell above the entrance door chimed. "We're closed. Come back tomorrow." I called, not bothering to look over my shoulder at the late straggler. The person cleared their throat. I began to grow frustrated, "We'll be open- oh..." my jaw hung. A flustered brunette nervously twined her hands together. "Could you tell me where the nearest gas station is? My car just ran out completely, and I need to walk there and-"

I got lost in her features. Her grey eyes flickered across my face, her warm russet hair was messily pulled back into a knot upon her head, strands hanging out in multiple places, and her frail lips moved quickly. It was only when they stopped that I tuned back into reality. 

"Gas? Yeah, just about a mile and a half down the road." I managed to get out. I watched as her shoulders dropped into a slouch, and she protruded a sigh. "Thanks," She nodded in my direction. As she made her way out of the parking lot, something told me to follow. 

"Wait!" I called as I frantically burst from the doors of the range. She turned on her heels to a stop. What was I supposed to say? Did I even have anything to say? Her shoulders raised back up agan, and I could see the hope in her eyes, pleading for something... but what? We stared into each others eyes, hers screaming for something, mine thinking. "Have a good night." I called. Her shoulders drooped once more, and her eyes turned down to her feet. "Thank you. You too." She responded softly, and continued to shuffle down the street. 

I wish I could have left it at that.

But of course, I didn't. 

I quickly ran inside, grabbed my keys, and jumped into my beat up Ford. I didn't take my eyes off of her once. I couldn't lose her, not then anyways. It didn't take me thirty seconds to catch up to her and pull over.As I did so, She gave the truck a quizzical look, most likely not being able to see me through the window's tint. I tried to make the windows roll down faster than they were going...I needed to see her face again. 

"Do you need a ride?" I asked, my voice cracking mid sentence. I felt the redness creeping up my neck. Thank goodness it was nearly dark...She smiled and happily swung her self into the cab. "I thought you'd never ask!" She laughed, closing the door. Her bubbly laughter was infectious, and I couldn't help but break out in a nervous grin. She cracked her neck and leaned her head back. "You have no idea how happy I am. I might have died from all that walking" She breathed a sigh of relief. I shrugged and nodded. My hands were trembling on the steering wheel. What was I supposed to say? 

"What's your name?" She asked turning towards me. 

"I'm Sawyer." I managed, resisting to take my eyes off the road, for I knew if I did, I wouldn't be able to turn them back. 

"Sawyer..." She pondered for a moment. "I'm Faith." Her voice seemed to paint the air a thousand shades of beautiful colors. We drove in silence the rest of the way there, besides Faith's soft humming to the radio. When I pulled up in front of the gas station, she nimbly hopped out of the truck and pranced up to the shop. This girl didn't have an unhappy feeling in her body, did she? 

My phone screen lit up with a text from my sister. 

Where are you? We've been here for 45 minutes waiting on you!

I had completely forgotten about having dinner with my family that night. 

Had to take a friend home. Not feeling too well either. Don't think I'll be making it

I pressed send and leaned my head back. I knew I should be with my family, considering I haven't seen them in months, after moving in with a friend. 

The car door opened, startling me from my daze. Faith leaned into the truck, her face red. "Everything alright?" I asked cautiously. She muttered something, then looked up at me. I cocked my head questioningly. "I forgot my wallet in my car..." She groaned, pressing her fingers to her forehead. 

This was my chance.

"No problem. I've got it." I said, opening my door and stepping down. Faith's sandals frantically clicked their way over to me. When she turned the corner, she began to shake her head and say something, but I put my hand up to stop her. "Calm down, it's fine." I assured her. She reluctantly followed me into the store. 

---

That night, I left Faith's presence with multiple things.

No cash, Her number, And a lot of hope.

Little did we know, that those would be the things that would kill us both.