Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Anywhere but Here ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: destiny dreamer 
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.23.2010 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 255 | Status: Completed
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.23.2010 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 255 | Status: Completed
It was cold. The snow was falling so hard while she sat on the bench at the train station. She had holes in her clothes but that was all her clothes. Including the four dresses she had in the small bag sitting next to her on the bench. She blew hot air in her hands. They ached with the cold but it was better being home. Slowly her eyes drifted up to the large clock in the window behind her. It was after four in the morning but it was the only time she could leave. Right after he finished and right before she was forced to get up for school. She looked at her legs and tried really hard to make her skirt longer. There were bruises she couldn't cover up. The wind blew and she closed her eyes as she shook with the cold air. She didn't have any money for a ticket and she wasn't sure if she would even run. Would he come after her? Her eyes widened in fear of that. She prayed that wouldn't happen. Coughing in her hand she pushed her long straight hair from her face. In three hours he would wake up and find her not there...she prayed she would decided to be long gone before then even if it meant she had to run in the scary woods outside of town. Anything was better, any place was better...anywhere but here.
He didn't want to think of what he was leaving behind. However, that was exactly why he was leaving. He didn't want to worry about that now. He had finally figured out the right time to leave. He'd had help, and everything but they were gone now. He knew they were. They would be found out, and they would disappear as everyone else did. He sighed and fixed his thick gloves. His nice clothes kept him warm, but he still wasn't accustomed to this level of cold. He needed to be inside where it was nice and warm. Where he wasn't freezing his but off, but he didn't know what else to do. This was his only chance.
"I need a ticket," he said to the man behind the plate.
"It will be seven fifty."
Opening up a briefcase, he pulled out a bill and handed it to him. The man glanced at him, but didn't say anything as he took the ticket. Putting it inside his coat, he pulled it tightly around him and waited for the train which he could hear in the distance.
The train pulled up and she felt like crying. People were boarding...she was still sitting. "Are you coming, Miss?" the conductor asked.
"No...I...I don't have a ticket..." she said softly.
He nodded and called everyone else on.
Sai got into his seat in the private coach and rested, waiting for the trail to pull away and get away from this place. It couldn't move fast enough for his liking. He just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Hayden looked at the clock again. It was now or never... Standing, she got on the train only to be grabbed roughly by the arm. She winced and cried out. "No ticket, no boarding," the conductor snapped.
"What's going on?" Sai asked. "When are drinks going to be served?"
"Right after I throw her off," he said and drug her off the train.
"Why would you throw her off?"
"No ticket," he said as he closed the door. Hayden slipped on son ice and hit the ground, scraping her head as she fell.
He frowned and stared through the glass at her. "That's...not how you treat a girl."
"That's the law."
Hayen forced herself to sit up. Pouting, she wiped her cold tears and touched her forehead. There was a bit of blood. How would she explain that to her dad? Reaching in her bag, she pulled out one of the only shirts she had with her and tore a piece of it. She pressed it to her head and stood as the breaks on the train were lifted.
"Fine. Then I'll pay for her ticket." He had enough cash to last him. A few extra dollars wouldn't matter. Opening up his briefcase, he handed the man money and pointed to the door. "Now help her in."
The man sighed and opened the door. He held out his hand. "Come on in." She met his eyes. Slowly she slipped her hand in his and he helped her up. She walked in, waiting to be pushed back out but he just told her to sit.
Taking her bag, she sat down and looked out the window. Her eyes closed and she took a deep breath. It was over now...right?
"Now that this mess has been settled can I have my drink?" he asked with an irritated tone. Really, common people were just so infuriating.
Hayden held her bag close and over her lap to hide the bruises. The train took off and drinks were passed out. She stared out the window. Hours passed and someone said it was after seven. Her father would be up by now. Her hands shook at the thought of it.
"You...what's your name?" Sai asked with a tired yawn as he examined her. "You've been on the train for hours and you still haven't thanked me."
"Um...for what?" she asked in a near whisper.
"Paying for your ticket," he said as if that was obvious.
"Oh...I didn't know... I'm sorry...and...thank you."
"That's better," he smiled. "You don't look like you have much money, so I guess it's my pleasure to do it. Now what's your name?"
"Hayden."
"Hayden. My name is Sai. Where are you going?"
"Um...where ever the train stops I suppose..."
"I see. Then you've got a while. Might as well rest up. It won't stop till we hit California. We've got three days on the track. At least that’s what the pamphlet says." He smiled at her before getting up and stretching. He was going to his private area so that he could sleep. He wasn't accustomed to being up this early, and sleep sounded wonderful.
She nodded and sat back in her seat, still watching out the window.
Once in his private cabin, he opened up the briefcase and looked at the contents. It was stuff full of money. Money which he had stolen from his father. Counting and recounting the amount had the total being just a little under what he had expected. Even so, it should last...it would have to last. Undoing his tie and coat he set them down, wishing that he had someone to pack his bags for him, but he had to leave and it was either take money or clothes. Bundling the items up beneath his head, he closed his eyes and used his jacket as a pillow.
It took a few hours, but by mid afternoon, Hayden let herself sleep.
"Hey, kid, scram," the conductor said with a nod to the back, nudging her with his hand. "Some people want these seats."
"S-sorry," she said softly and stood. She went to one of the bars and held onto it.
"You can't just stand there," he groaned. "Look, the kid that paid for you has a private box. Go bother him and stay out of paying customers way. Got it?"
"Um...right..." She walked down the small walk way and looked for an empty seat so she wouldn't be forced to go into any box.
Unfortunately, despite the early morning ride, they had made a stop to pick up more passengers in the following city and had several more scheduled stops so most of the seats were either taken or reserved for people who had bought in advance. She bit her lip. She didn't know what to do.
"What are you doing still standing here?" the conductor asked. "Look girl, I don't have time for this. Either do as I say or I'll just throw you out at our next stop."
"I...I don't mind. I'll get off on the next stop," she nodded.
"Fine. I'll contact the authorities to pick you up there," he sighed.
"Because I'm standing?!"
"No, because clearly you're a runaway," he explained.
She looked away and nodded. So...there really was no escape. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed a poll and looked out the window again, quickly wiping her tears. He wanted to tell her not to cry, that surely it couldn't be that bad, but he had learned long ago not to get into these kinds of affairs. Going to the front of the car, he got on the phone with the local authorities to pick her up at the next stop. Her hands shook the closer and closer they got to the stop. When the train finally stopped, her tears had thickened but she hadn't made a sound.
Sai groaned when the train came to a stop. He was rudely shaken awake by the swaying of the crude machine. Getting up, he stuck his head out and looked down the halls. Where was the conductor? Slipping out of his room, he grabbed his briefcase and walked back to where he had been. He couldn't find the conductor, but he did see the girl from before. What was her name? "Hayden? You're crying. Why?"
She opened her mouth to speak but then stopped when she saw the cops. Fixing her bag on her shoulder, she wiped her eyes again and started to them.
As soon as he saw the cops he winced and looked away. "Uh...you know them?" he asked, seeing how chummy she was by going straight toward them.
"No..." she said softly. Why would she know the cops?
"Then why are you going to them?"
"Because...they are here to take me back...because the conductor said I have no choice," she said. Walking from him she pushed past the people.
Reaching out, he grabbed her hand. "Hide," he said simply and pulled her with him.
"But...it's a train...where...where would I hide?"
He pulled her into his private compartment and shut the door. "In here," he smiled.
"Why...are you hiding me?"
He hesitated. That was a good question. Why was he doing that? "I guess because you look like you could use help."
She slid to the floor. "Thank you...again... I promise that once I am off the train you will never have to worry with me again."
He smirked and nodded. Taking his coat and tie, he draped it around her, taking his cap, he put it on her as well. "Try not to talk in case they come in."
The coat was so warm and it covered her whole body like a blanket when she pulled her legs to herself. Fixing the hat on her head, she snuggled into the coat and played with the tie.
Sure enough a few minutes later the cops came in looking for her. Sai looked at them and smiled. "Yes?"
"We're looking for a young girl..."
"Well clearly that's not the case. It's just me and my brother here," he said with a nod.
The cops looked between the two of them and moved on to the next car.
She looked up at him and pulled the coat tighter around her. Once he was certain they were gone, he leaned back and used his briefcase as a rudimentary pillow of sorts. "See? Worked out well."
"Um...yeah..."
"Let me guess, you're not accustomed to lying."
"No..."
"So why are you running away?"
She hesitantly lifted the jacket over her legs. He looked over at her curiously. Slowly she lifted part of her skirt to show him a hand print on her thigh.
"Oh...." He had seen those marks on people before. "Rape." She pulled her skirt back down and covered herself with the jacket again. "Brother? Father? Friend?"
"My...dad..."
He rolled back over to look at her. "Wow...that's really awful. I'm sorry."
"Me too..." she whispered.
He sighed and stretched out. "Well, forget about it. We're going to California. The place of dreams."
"My dad said that if I ever ran away, I wouldn't get far without spreading my legs for money. I'm hoping to find a job in the factory. I hear they hire girls."
"I...really wouldn't know much about that. Working...or jobs. Why wouldn't people hire girls?"
"Well, I don't have a college education and I'm only fifteen so I wouldn't get hired much of anywhere...but some kids from back home say that factories will hire anyone. I'm going to save up for a place to stay and some food."
"Right... A place to stay. How much do those cost?"
"I...don't know..." she said honestly. "So it might take me a while to save that money..."
"Yeah...." He hadn't considered that. Working. Could he work? Would he have to? How long could his money last? What would he do?
"May...may I sleep on the floor?"
"Huh? Oh..." He smirked and got up. Going to the seat she had been sitting on, he pulled it out further to reveal a sleeper bed. "Here. Take this."
"Thank you," she said and laid on it. "Oh...um...your coat," she said and handed it to him.
"Eh keep it till we get to California. Your dress doesn't cover much. Do you...have anything else to wear?"
"Not really..." she said. She put the coat back around her and snuggled in.
He watched her with a small smile. She looked comfortable, which only slightly made up for the fact that he was so uncomfortable. Kicking off his shoes, he shifted on his briefcase and sighed. Three days. Then he would be there. He would worry about those things later. They both slept way into the morning and when she woke she was still wrapped in his jacket, his smell lingering on her.
He moaned when he woke up. "Jeeves, get me something to eat," he muttered in his sleepiness.
Jeeves? Was that her now?
When he didn't smell fresh food being brought in, he sat up and looked around. "Oh...right," he sighed. He didn't have his help anymore. He would have to procure his own food. "Umm...where does food come from?"
She shrugged. How would she know? This was her first train ride.
He frowned and got up. Looking down the hall, he found the conductor and asked about food. Apparently there was a dining car where people could go and order for a price.
"Good. Uh...you hungry?" he asked her.
"Yes...are they giving out peanuts? My friend Silvia said they give out peanuts when you ride for a while."
"Uh...possibly, but I was talking about an actual meal."
"But...I don't have any money. I'll just take the peanuts," she nodded.
"It's okay. I'll pay for you. You can't survive three days on just peanuts. That's barbaric."
"I've done worse," she shrugged. She stood and tried to make herself presentable. "I will pay you back if you want."
"Okay. I will hold you to it." Reaching around her, he pulled out a small booklet from his coat and wrote down the amount that she would owe him.
She ran her hand through her hair and tightened her scarf. Once that had been settled, he fixed his own clothes and started for the dining car. Once there, they had their seats and he ordered himself a steak and lobster. She however ordered only a sandwich.
"Simple tastes," he grinned.
"I don't want to owe you more than I'm able to make at the factory," she said as she nibbled on her sandwich.
"Do they not have much money to give out?" He cut into his steak and sighed at its taste. Next he tore into his lobster, his mouth watering at its succulent taste.
"I don't know. I've never worked before. But I rather not take my chances."
"That is smart, I guess. Money is important to hold onto."
"After I get off the train, I will find a shelter to sleep in while I save," she smiled. "Everything there is free!"
"Free? Free is good. What is a shelter? Is it some kind of hotel?"
"It's were homeless and poor people go for a place to sleep and food," she said. "That's what I read."
"Oh, that doesn't sound nearly as pleasant as I thought it would be."
She shrugged. It sounded great to her. After finishing her sandwich, she sat and waited for him.
After finishing up half of what he ordered, he sat back and sighed. "That was most excellent. I don't think my cooks could have done much better."
She watched as a man brought a check. He looked at it and nodded. He had brought cash from his briefcase and he set a hundred dollars onto the table to cover their meal. She looked at the price of her sandwich and wrote it down then slipped it in her pocket.
"Wanna walk around to the observation car?"
"I suppose."
Trying to get through the car was easier said than done. He sighed and took her hand, "Come on." He cleared his throat and began to push through the people until they got to the observation car so that they could watch the scenery fly by them. She watched things whip by and smiled as the country came in view. "This your first time away from the city?"
"I've never gone past my school. My father's a cop so he doesn't allow me to diddle around town."
He froze as he heard that. "Your...father is a cop?"
"Yeah...it's why no one believed me...why I ran away..."
"I see.... I'm not really all that close with cops. They abuse their power far too much."
She nodded. "Yeah...I know..."
Sitting down on one of the benches, he sighed and relaxed. "You know you'll have to hide. Every cop in the states will be looking for you."
"Yeah, I know...but California is big and my dad doesn't have jurisdiction over there."
"Doesn't matter when he calls the department there and has them secure a file on you for missing persons. That doesn't carry over jurisdiction."
She sighed and sat down. Could she find no upside?
He might not know a lot about work or these shelter...but he knew about the legal system far better than most kids his age. He knew all the legal loop holes possible. "Just make certain to apply for work under a false name."
"Yeah, I will."
He didn't want to think of what he was leaving behind. However, that was exactly why he was leaving. He didn't want to worry about that now. He had finally figured out the right time to leave. He'd had help, and everything but they were gone now. He knew they were. They would be found out, and they would disappear as everyone else did. He sighed and fixed his thick gloves. His nice clothes kept him warm, but he still wasn't accustomed to this level of cold. He needed to be inside where it was nice and warm. Where he wasn't freezing his but off, but he didn't know what else to do. This was his only chance.
"I need a ticket," he said to the man behind the plate.
"It will be seven fifty."
Opening up a briefcase, he pulled out a bill and handed it to him. The man glanced at him, but didn't say anything as he took the ticket. Putting it inside his coat, he pulled it tightly around him and waited for the train which he could hear in the distance.
The train pulled up and she felt like crying. People were boarding...she was still sitting. "Are you coming, Miss?" the conductor asked.
"No...I...I don't have a ticket..." she said softly.
He nodded and called everyone else on.
Sai got into his seat in the private coach and rested, waiting for the trail to pull away and get away from this place. It couldn't move fast enough for his liking. He just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Hayden looked at the clock again. It was now or never... Standing, she got on the train only to be grabbed roughly by the arm. She winced and cried out. "No ticket, no boarding," the conductor snapped.
"What's going on?" Sai asked. "When are drinks going to be served?"
"Right after I throw her off," he said and drug her off the train.
"Why would you throw her off?"
"No ticket," he said as he closed the door. Hayden slipped on son ice and hit the ground, scraping her head as she fell.
He frowned and stared through the glass at her. "That's...not how you treat a girl."
"That's the law."
Hayen forced herself to sit up. Pouting, she wiped her cold tears and touched her forehead. There was a bit of blood. How would she explain that to her dad? Reaching in her bag, she pulled out one of the only shirts she had with her and tore a piece of it. She pressed it to her head and stood as the breaks on the train were lifted.
"Fine. Then I'll pay for her ticket." He had enough cash to last him. A few extra dollars wouldn't matter. Opening up his briefcase, he handed the man money and pointed to the door. "Now help her in."
The man sighed and opened the door. He held out his hand. "Come on in." She met his eyes. Slowly she slipped her hand in his and he helped her up. She walked in, waiting to be pushed back out but he just told her to sit.
Taking her bag, she sat down and looked out the window. Her eyes closed and she took a deep breath. It was over now...right?
"Now that this mess has been settled can I have my drink?" he asked with an irritated tone. Really, common people were just so infuriating.
Hayden held her bag close and over her lap to hide the bruises. The train took off and drinks were passed out. She stared out the window. Hours passed and someone said it was after seven. Her father would be up by now. Her hands shook at the thought of it.
"You...what's your name?" Sai asked with a tired yawn as he examined her. "You've been on the train for hours and you still haven't thanked me."
"Um...for what?" she asked in a near whisper.
"Paying for your ticket," he said as if that was obvious.
"Oh...I didn't know... I'm sorry...and...thank you."
"That's better," he smiled. "You don't look like you have much money, so I guess it's my pleasure to do it. Now what's your name?"
"Hayden."
"Hayden. My name is Sai. Where are you going?"
"Um...where ever the train stops I suppose..."
"I see. Then you've got a while. Might as well rest up. It won't stop till we hit California. We've got three days on the track. At least that’s what the pamphlet says." He smiled at her before getting up and stretching. He was going to his private area so that he could sleep. He wasn't accustomed to being up this early, and sleep sounded wonderful.
She nodded and sat back in her seat, still watching out the window.
Once in his private cabin, he opened up the briefcase and looked at the contents. It was stuff full of money. Money which he had stolen from his father. Counting and recounting the amount had the total being just a little under what he had expected. Even so, it should last...it would have to last. Undoing his tie and coat he set them down, wishing that he had someone to pack his bags for him, but he had to leave and it was either take money or clothes. Bundling the items up beneath his head, he closed his eyes and used his jacket as a pillow.
It took a few hours, but by mid afternoon, Hayden let herself sleep.
"Hey, kid, scram," the conductor said with a nod to the back, nudging her with his hand. "Some people want these seats."
"S-sorry," she said softly and stood. She went to one of the bars and held onto it.
"You can't just stand there," he groaned. "Look, the kid that paid for you has a private box. Go bother him and stay out of paying customers way. Got it?"
"Um...right..." She walked down the small walk way and looked for an empty seat so she wouldn't be forced to go into any box.
Unfortunately, despite the early morning ride, they had made a stop to pick up more passengers in the following city and had several more scheduled stops so most of the seats were either taken or reserved for people who had bought in advance. She bit her lip. She didn't know what to do.
"What are you doing still standing here?" the conductor asked. "Look girl, I don't have time for this. Either do as I say or I'll just throw you out at our next stop."
"I...I don't mind. I'll get off on the next stop," she nodded.
"Fine. I'll contact the authorities to pick you up there," he sighed.
"Because I'm standing?!"
"No, because clearly you're a runaway," he explained.
She looked away and nodded. So...there really was no escape. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed a poll and looked out the window again, quickly wiping her tears. He wanted to tell her not to cry, that surely it couldn't be that bad, but he had learned long ago not to get into these kinds of affairs. Going to the front of the car, he got on the phone with the local authorities to pick her up at the next stop. Her hands shook the closer and closer they got to the stop. When the train finally stopped, her tears had thickened but she hadn't made a sound.
Sai groaned when the train came to a stop. He was rudely shaken awake by the swaying of the crude machine. Getting up, he stuck his head out and looked down the halls. Where was the conductor? Slipping out of his room, he grabbed his briefcase and walked back to where he had been. He couldn't find the conductor, but he did see the girl from before. What was her name? "Hayden? You're crying. Why?"
She opened her mouth to speak but then stopped when she saw the cops. Fixing her bag on her shoulder, she wiped her eyes again and started to them.
As soon as he saw the cops he winced and looked away. "Uh...you know them?" he asked, seeing how chummy she was by going straight toward them.
"No..." she said softly. Why would she know the cops?
"Then why are you going to them?"
"Because...they are here to take me back...because the conductor said I have no choice," she said. Walking from him she pushed past the people.
Reaching out, he grabbed her hand. "Hide," he said simply and pulled her with him.
"But...it's a train...where...where would I hide?"
He pulled her into his private compartment and shut the door. "In here," he smiled.
"Why...are you hiding me?"
He hesitated. That was a good question. Why was he doing that? "I guess because you look like you could use help."
She slid to the floor. "Thank you...again... I promise that once I am off the train you will never have to worry with me again."
He smirked and nodded. Taking his coat and tie, he draped it around her, taking his cap, he put it on her as well. "Try not to talk in case they come in."
The coat was so warm and it covered her whole body like a blanket when she pulled her legs to herself. Fixing the hat on her head, she snuggled into the coat and played with the tie.
Sure enough a few minutes later the cops came in looking for her. Sai looked at them and smiled. "Yes?"
"We're looking for a young girl..."
"Well clearly that's not the case. It's just me and my brother here," he said with a nod.
The cops looked between the two of them and moved on to the next car.
She looked up at him and pulled the coat tighter around her. Once he was certain they were gone, he leaned back and used his briefcase as a rudimentary pillow of sorts. "See? Worked out well."
"Um...yeah..."
"Let me guess, you're not accustomed to lying."
"No..."
"So why are you running away?"
She hesitantly lifted the jacket over her legs. He looked over at her curiously. Slowly she lifted part of her skirt to show him a hand print on her thigh.
"Oh...." He had seen those marks on people before. "Rape." She pulled her skirt back down and covered herself with the jacket again. "Brother? Father? Friend?"
"My...dad..."
He rolled back over to look at her. "Wow...that's really awful. I'm sorry."
"Me too..." she whispered.
He sighed and stretched out. "Well, forget about it. We're going to California. The place of dreams."
"My dad said that if I ever ran away, I wouldn't get far without spreading my legs for money. I'm hoping to find a job in the factory. I hear they hire girls."
"I...really wouldn't know much about that. Working...or jobs. Why wouldn't people hire girls?"
"Well, I don't have a college education and I'm only fifteen so I wouldn't get hired much of anywhere...but some kids from back home say that factories will hire anyone. I'm going to save up for a place to stay and some food."
"Right... A place to stay. How much do those cost?"
"I...don't know..." she said honestly. "So it might take me a while to save that money..."
"Yeah...." He hadn't considered that. Working. Could he work? Would he have to? How long could his money last? What would he do?
"May...may I sleep on the floor?"
"Huh? Oh..." He smirked and got up. Going to the seat she had been sitting on, he pulled it out further to reveal a sleeper bed. "Here. Take this."
"Thank you," she said and laid on it. "Oh...um...your coat," she said and handed it to him.
"Eh keep it till we get to California. Your dress doesn't cover much. Do you...have anything else to wear?"
"Not really..." she said. She put the coat back around her and snuggled in.
He watched her with a small smile. She looked comfortable, which only slightly made up for the fact that he was so uncomfortable. Kicking off his shoes, he shifted on his briefcase and sighed. Three days. Then he would be there. He would worry about those things later. They both slept way into the morning and when she woke she was still wrapped in his jacket, his smell lingering on her.
He moaned when he woke up. "Jeeves, get me something to eat," he muttered in his sleepiness.
Jeeves? Was that her now?
When he didn't smell fresh food being brought in, he sat up and looked around. "Oh...right," he sighed. He didn't have his help anymore. He would have to procure his own food. "Umm...where does food come from?"
She shrugged. How would she know? This was her first train ride.
He frowned and got up. Looking down the hall, he found the conductor and asked about food. Apparently there was a dining car where people could go and order for a price.
"Good. Uh...you hungry?" he asked her.
"Yes...are they giving out peanuts? My friend Silvia said they give out peanuts when you ride for a while."
"Uh...possibly, but I was talking about an actual meal."
"But...I don't have any money. I'll just take the peanuts," she nodded.
"It's okay. I'll pay for you. You can't survive three days on just peanuts. That's barbaric."
"I've done worse," she shrugged. She stood and tried to make herself presentable. "I will pay you back if you want."
"Okay. I will hold you to it." Reaching around her, he pulled out a small booklet from his coat and wrote down the amount that she would owe him.
She ran her hand through her hair and tightened her scarf. Once that had been settled, he fixed his own clothes and started for the dining car. Once there, they had their seats and he ordered himself a steak and lobster. She however ordered only a sandwich.
"Simple tastes," he grinned.
"I don't want to owe you more than I'm able to make at the factory," she said as she nibbled on her sandwich.
"Do they not have much money to give out?" He cut into his steak and sighed at its taste. Next he tore into his lobster, his mouth watering at its succulent taste.
"I don't know. I've never worked before. But I rather not take my chances."
"That is smart, I guess. Money is important to hold onto."
"After I get off the train, I will find a shelter to sleep in while I save," she smiled. "Everything there is free!"
"Free? Free is good. What is a shelter? Is it some kind of hotel?"
"It's were homeless and poor people go for a place to sleep and food," she said. "That's what I read."
"Oh, that doesn't sound nearly as pleasant as I thought it would be."
She shrugged. It sounded great to her. After finishing her sandwich, she sat and waited for him.
After finishing up half of what he ordered, he sat back and sighed. "That was most excellent. I don't think my cooks could have done much better."
She watched as a man brought a check. He looked at it and nodded. He had brought cash from his briefcase and he set a hundred dollars onto the table to cover their meal. She looked at the price of her sandwich and wrote it down then slipped it in her pocket.
"Wanna walk around to the observation car?"
"I suppose."
Trying to get through the car was easier said than done. He sighed and took her hand, "Come on." He cleared his throat and began to push through the people until they got to the observation car so that they could watch the scenery fly by them. She watched things whip by and smiled as the country came in view. "This your first time away from the city?"
"I've never gone past my school. My father's a cop so he doesn't allow me to diddle around town."
He froze as he heard that. "Your...father is a cop?"
"Yeah...it's why no one believed me...why I ran away..."
"I see.... I'm not really all that close with cops. They abuse their power far too much."
She nodded. "Yeah...I know..."
Sitting down on one of the benches, he sighed and relaxed. "You know you'll have to hide. Every cop in the states will be looking for you."
"Yeah, I know...but California is big and my dad doesn't have jurisdiction over there."
"Doesn't matter when he calls the department there and has them secure a file on you for missing persons. That doesn't carry over jurisdiction."
She sighed and sat down. Could she find no upside?
He might not know a lot about work or these shelter...but he knew about the legal system far better than most kids his age. He knew all the legal loop holes possible. "Just make certain to apply for work under a false name."
"Yeah, I will."