Monday, August 12th

(Cole’s POV)

It’s been days since I left Dr. Leroux’s house in the middle of the night. Considering August is one of the hottest months of the year, it seemed appropriate to travel at night. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out that way. While I had a few hundred bucks to use on a cheap motel room, I found out that check in is at 3pm and check out is 11am so I’ve been enduring some very hot, very long days.
It was after I checked into the first one that I discovered a lot of money in a Manila envelope. It was so discreet that it was only when I pulled the blanket out that I saw it. As grateful as I was for it, finding it increased my guilt of leaving ten fold. Deven was nothing but nice to me, gave me things that every adult should know about yet were very foreign to me. He gave me a simple, black leather wallet and a smartphone. While I was frustrated with it at first it came in very useful on the recent one hundred degree days. I was able to look up homeless shelters that were open nearby and, to my relief, they were all kind and happy to help. I got a shower, some food, water and rest during the time I was there. I left when they closed at eight and continued on my journey south.
While I don’t remember what day I left I do know it’s been at least a week. My journey is going a lot better this time due to the money Deven gave me and my healthier physical state. The only thing that bothers me now is my back and I don’t know why. I duck into a restaurant of sorts and purchase a drink whenever it feels like it’s close to cramping up. The air conditioning, hydration and a heavy dose of both Tylenol and Motrin seems to be working so far. The only thing not working out are my nightmares but that’s another story.
I keep myself alert as I start into the crowded streets of city life. While I’ve tried to avoid the major cities on my journey I have found that sometimes straight through them is the shortest route especially when I’m getting tired as it’s much easier to find a place to lay your head.
My gaze fluctuates between looking at the ground where I’m walking and looking at the crowd to make certain I’m not bumping into any one. I inhale deeply through my nose, a habit I haven’t understood but continue anyway. A particular scent, something I haven’t smelled since leaving Deven, attracts my attention.
I make my way to the wall of the building I’m passing and get out of the way of those walking by. I scan the street across from me, straining my eyes against the setting sun reflecting off the metal and glass buildings that surround me. After several minutes of looking I spot a young female coming out of the alleyway very much in a hurry. She starts crossing the street dangerously in the middle, car horns blaring as she passes by. I hold my hands to my ears as I encounter another reason I avoid the city, the noise. It takes her only a minute to cross the six lanes of bumper to bumper traffic. At least she didn’t get hit. I allow myself to lose her, looking instead to where she came from trying to figure out what she’s so afraid of. I barely stifle my yelp as a pair of feminine arms wrap around my back beneath the pack I’m carrying.
“Please relax. Wrap your arms around me. I promise this isn’t a trick.”
I wrap my arms around her but I can’t help but hesitate to relax as it seems I struggle a lot with being touched.
“What’s going on? Why are you afraid?” I ask as I notice her shaking in my arms.
“Please just hold me. I know it’s a lot to ask but I need you to act like you know me.”
I slide my arms around her trying to mimic the embrace she has me in. I cradle her head against my shoulder as I feel her wet tears against my neck, changing my shock to genuine concern.
“What’s your name?”
“Missy.” She manages to hiccup as she continues trying to hide her terror.
“What’s going on Missy? How can I help you?”
I whisper in her ear. I’m close enough to her neck that I’m certain it looks like I’m kissing her.
“Go in the restaurant with me. Let me treat you to dinner.”
“Which restaurant?” The way she clings to me has drawn me in, I just can’t walk away.
“Behind us.”
I look around me quickly trying to figure out the entrance to the restaurant I’m leaning against. Sudden shouting across the street draws my attention away yet I feel her hands tightening around my shirt.
“I’m sorry I’m not as strong as I seem. I have an old back injury that’s been hurting for several days. I can’t pick you up to take you inside.”
I whisper in her ear in the hopes that the combination of my touch and my pleas will reach her.
“It takes strength to admit that you can’t do something.”
“Let go of me. Let’s go inside.”
I whisper again in the hopes of getting her moving, the shouting coming from the group of six men across the street have caught my attention in a bad way. She lets go of my shirt but grabs my hand instead, pulling me gently inside. I watch the group of men warily from behind the glass doors slowly closing behind us. It becomes obvious how badly they have scared Missy when she wraps herself around me again. This second time I’m not as stiff as the first and easily glide one arm around her, rubbing the middle of her back in slow, rhythmic circles.
“How many?” The hostess asks cheerfully.
“Two.” I have learned quickly the basics of how the world works outside the pack.
“This way.” I nudge Missy gently in an effort to get her moving.
She follows me slowly to the booth but her terror just hasn’t released her yet. I slide in beside her, allowing her to hang on to me as long as she needs. I pet her hair slowly as the hostess sets our menus on the table.
“Your server will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you.”
I nod slightly as I peek over at the menu. To my surprise it’s the same restaurant that Deven treated me to when I first found him. I smile as I rub Missy’s back.
“What would you like to drink?” I ask as she finally pushes herself upright.
“I usually go for tea or cola.” She’s finally coming out of her fright.
“Are you okay with me moving to the other side? I think facing each other makes for nicer conversation.”
She nods easily as I start moving to the outside of the seat. The server stops by the table just as I get myself seated on the other side.
“What can I get the two of you today?”
“An order of your cheese fries, extra ranch and a sweet tea, please. Missy, what would you like?”
“The tea as well.” She nods as the server walks away.
“Thank you for playing along.” Her voice is finally relaxed and very pleasant to hear.
“You’re welcome. While you did startle me I can tell your fear is very real. What’s going on? Who are they?” I ask quietly as the server sets our drinks down.
“Are you ready to order?” She asks.
“I know what I would like. Missy, are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, I’d like your largest boneless ribeye medium with steamed vegetables and a sweet potato. Can I get the honey butter, cinnamon and sugar in it? That was great the first time I had it.” She nods her head as my stomach growls.
“I’d also like to add a side salad, extra ranch.”
“And for you?” She asked Missy.
“The same.” She closes her menu and hands it to her as I do the same.
“I can cover my own. We never talked about limits.” She smiles as she sips her drink.
“No, I said I was treating you to dinner. Even though it seems to be an early one.”
She comments as she looks at the time on her phone. I shake my head.
“I’m not comfortable with that. I might be homeless right now but I’m not without money.”
Her mouth drops open just as I realize what I’ve just said.
“Sorry about the wait.”
The server sets the rolls with honey butter and the cheese fries down in front of us.
“Thank you.” I give her a nod. “Can I get another tea and some ice water?” I ask politely.
“Yes sir. Your salads should be up in a minute. Anything for you, ma’am?”
“Another tea would be lovely.” She smiles politely as the server walks away.
“You don’t smell like a rogue.” She whispers quickly even though the restaurant is scarce enough that we have no one around.