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The homeless guy from the night before stumbles around a broken beer bottle. My teeth chatter when I realize how cold it is. My breath puffs out in front of me and I have to keep sniffling to get rid of my runny nose.
“I’ve got to figure something else out for tonight.” I mumble to myself. No way in hell can I sleep out here for this long. If I weren’t so exhausted, I probably would’ve decided to sleep somewhere else anyway. This might not be completely dangerous, but a girl like me, sleeping outside at night, in The Grove, is never a good option. Ever.
I push my second sweatshirt over the sweatshirt I have on, attempting to warm up my frozen joints. Standing up, I pull the hood over my head and start walking.
Now that I’ve suffered a night in this cold, the decision to go to Florida sounds more appealing than ever. I nod my head as I figure out my destination. It’s going to be difficult, and it’ll definitely take me a while. But any place is better than here.
Though, my first stop is definitely food.
I don’t know how I plan to get something to eat, but maybe if I go and ask someone to use the bathroom at one of the local diners, I can pass an empty table that has leftover food on its plate. I’ll swipe it up, pocket it, and eat it on my way out of town.
Perfect.
I start walking south, my achy bones starting to warm up as I keep moving. This isn’t so bad, if I keep walking all day, I actually might make it pretty far, I think.
About ten minutes into my walk, I hear the distant sound of a truck that I know so well. I’m about to run off into the trees when it screeches to a stop in front of me.
“Fuck.” I whisper.
The window rolls down, and Easton gives me a bored stare. Logan sits in the passenger seat, looking pissed and worried.
I see the faint outline of Jackson in the back, but I barely spare him a glance.
“Get in the car, Cara.” Easton barks at me.
I adjust my backpack, giving him a scowl. “No. I’m done with that fucking place.”
“Your mom’s been a fucking pest all night. Called the cops and everything. She was pounding on every house in the park.” Logan says over Easton’s shoulder.
My eyes go wide. “What? Why?”
“’Cause that boyfriend said you were talkin’ about endin’ your own life. Is he true?” Logan looks pissed. At me.
I scrunch up my face. “No! I’m just tired of their shit. I’m tired of both of their shit.”
Easton shakes his head. ‘Doesn’t matter. Cops are lookin’ for you. Just get in the car now before they pick your ass up and send you to psych.”
My shoulders slump. I know he’s right. I could try and run. Outrun and hide from every cop I see. But how far am I going to get as a minor? I’m going to run into problems left and right.
I just don’t want to deal with Jed anymore.
“Let’s move.” Easton waves his hand at me, impatient. I frown at him. I never asked for them to pick me up.
Honestly, I’m surprised they even came. I don’t talk with them much anymore. Since they hit sixteen, it’s like they don’t have time for me. They don’t have time for anyone anymore. They all seem… untouchable.
Feeling like I’m left with no choice, I nod my head and walk towards Easton’s truck. Immediately upon opening the back door, I see Jackson sitting there, glaring at me.
I swallow down my nerves. Jackson makes me nervous. He always has. His green eyes bore into me, scanning my body. For what, injuries?
When he’s satisfied, his gaze goes back to his phone and pretends I don’t exist.
Whatever.
Before I even fully have the door closed, Easton takes off. My back slams across the seat. I sigh, righting myself as I place my backpack between my feet.
Fuck, it’s hot in here.
Easton has the heat blazing, and the two sweatshirts I have on make me feel claustrophobic. I peel the first hoodie off. Then the second one. Ugh, finally. Much better.
