Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Anywhere but Here ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

His hand quickly cupped over her mouth, muffling her screams. The last thing he needed were those guys coming to and hearing her screams. After what seemed like an eternity, he managed to wiggle the bullet out. Her breathing was hard and it wasn't long before her eyes rolled back and she stopped moving. Thankfully, she passed out. Taking some of his shirt, he tore off part of it and began making strips. Pulling her dress down slightly, he began wrapping her wound up to keep the blood from flowing. The cold woke her. She felt like she had needles in her throat and it didn't help that her shoulder felt like someone had ripped the skin clean off for kicks. Sai was curled up on the floor, shaking and shivering in his sleep. He hadn't wanted to sleep at all, but eventually sleep took hold of him. He was tired, cold, and starving, not having eaten anything in a day and a half. Sleep was actually rather peaceful compared to the alternative.

She looked at him and slowly moved to him. Her hand ran over his cheek and she lightly shook him. "Let's go home...Sai?"

Sai opened his eyes slowly. "We can't go,” he yawned. "They'll be waiting."

"What...what do we do?"

"I would say that you can go home and be safe, but after this, they will be gunning for you to. I am sorry that you were dragged into this."

"What...is this exactly?" she asked. Even as she asked she moved closer to him for warmth.

He laid back down and let her move with him. "It's just...trouble. Lots of trouble."

"We can with draw our money from out accounts but before that...we can sneak in our apartment and get some clothes and things. The main reason I got that place was if my father found me...it had a back way out into the alley. If we go the back way, we can get our things then our money and get on a train."

"That sounds good. If you want, you can go one place and I can go to another that way you can settle down without worry of this happening again."

"Why would I do that?" She looked at him from where her head rested on his chest. "You're running...and I'm running...why can't we run together?"

"Well, I mean, you've got it good here. If it weren't for me you could stay."

"What the point of staying somewhere when you are all alone?"

Slowly his hand began to stroke her back. "You have a point," he whispered sleepily.

She got as comfortable as she could and closed her eyes.

With her body heat over his, it wasn't long before he too fell back asleep. When the sun came up she woke him and they started the back way home. She peeked from an alley way at a black car with the two men sitting in it parked outside the front of the apartment. She took his hand and pointed to the ladder. He pulled it down and they climbed up to their apartment and opened the window.

"We have to hurry," he yawned. Pulling his shirt off, he grabbed some clothe sto change into while stuffing his briefcase with what clothes he could

She took a quick shower to get all the blood off. Once out, she changed and he re-bandaged her with a first aid kit. She then packed all her clothes, sheets, blankets, pillows, some cooking things. Anything that would fit into her bags, she put them in. She had two suitcases given to her by the bakery ladies.

After packing up they escaped and withdrew their money from the banks before getting tickets for the train. "Where to?" he asked as they looked at the list of possible destinations.

"Anywhere but here," she said looking over his shoulder.

He nodded and bought them two tickets. Within an hour they were seated on a train heading north up to Michigan. "We will have to get some thicker clothes," he muttered, already feeling the temperature drop with every hour they were riding.

She moved closer to him and reached in one of her bags. "While you were getting the money, I stopped at the bakery and the diner. They gave me some food for the trip. Enough for both of use for a few days." She handed him a biscuit and some sausage.

His stomach growled loudly when he smelled the food. He hadn't even realized how hungry he'd been till he saw those. The food practically disappeared in his mouth. Chewing wasn't necessary. "So good," he smiled.

She laughed and handed him more. "I knew it was a smart idea."

He nodded quickly, taking his time with the next bit of food to let it last longer. "Very good idea."

She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. Slowly, she slipped her hand into his. He stared down at her hand in his. It was a small gesture, but it made him smile nonetheless. Squeezing her hand, he relaxed in his seat and once he got his stomach full, he let his head rest against hers. They fell asleep only to wake up after dark. She yawned and stretched but she didn't let go of his hand.

"It's getting colder," he yawned into her hair. No sooner did he say that then someone came down the aisles offering them free blankets. He took one and quickly wrapped them both around in it.

She snuggled into it and into him. "Warm now."

Reaching between them, he found the lever which raised the arm rest so that she could lean against him more comfortably. "Yeah, feels good," he whispered, his arms wrapping around her waist to bring her closer. Her cheeks tinted a bit and she tensed lightly. "You okay?" he asked, feeling her body tense against him.

"Y-yes...I...I'm fine."

He nodded against her, her breath warm on his neck as he shifted back to get more comfortable for another nap. It took her a while for her body to realize he wasn't trying to do anything. When she finally did relax, she allowed herself to mold into him and close her eyes.

"Comfortable?" he mumbled, feeling her body finally relax into his.

"Yeah," she whispered.

He nodded and fell asleep again. She followed after him, holding his hand tightly and breathing softly on his chest.

They woke up again during the second day of their trip as the train pulled into the station. "We're here," he said, gently nudging her awake. She yawned and stood. They grabbed their bags and slowly got off the train. No sooner did they step off the train then the icy blizzard and snow swirled around them, slapping against their coats and freezing them instantly. "We should find a place to stay," he said, his teeth already chattering while they made their way down the street.

"We've saved up enough to get a hotel for the night!" she called over the wind. "We'll still have enough for a place if we find one! And tomorrow I'll look for a job!"

He pulled her along to the first hotel they came across and got them a room. Of course for some reason the guy behind there thought they were married, so they only got one bed in their room.

"I'll take the floor, like always," she nodded and pulled a pillow off the bed.

"No, take the bed. I'll feel like a jerk if I kick you out of the bed every time."

"I'd feel bad if I took it..." She looked at him. "It's a big bed...I can take one side...and you the other..."

"Um...sure I guess...I mean, if you're comfortable with that."

"I'll be ok..." she said softly. Grabbing some of her things, she took a shower then came out and sat on the bed. With the first aid kit, she started cleaning her wound while wincing.

He took a shower next and then got dressed in his night clothes. When he came out he realized that she was still struggling with cleaning her wound. "Stay still," he said, kneeling in front of her so he could get a look at it. "I've seen this type of gunshot before. The stipling is caused from the gunpowder. That is more likely to affect you than the actual wound in your shoulder."

"The what of what?" she asked tilting her head to the side.

He shook his head slowly. "Something someone taught me once. Forget it." Taking out one of the wipes he wiped the area around her shoulder before bandaging her back up. "There you go."

"Thanks," she whispered and slowly pulled her nightgown over her shoulder.

He nodded and smiled. Going to his end of the bed, he pulled back the covers and slipped in. She reached over and turned the lamp off then went to her side and crawled in. He snuggled into the pillows and covers. This bed was so soft and so big. He felt like it was Heaven, which was saying something of what he was growing accustomed to in this life. It was a nice bed, but compared to what he was once sleeping on, it was nothing. Hayden slowly rolled over and looked at him. Slowly she moved to him and tapped his shoulder.

His eyes opened, a soft groan echoing from his lips. "Huh? What is it?” Slowly, she moved against him and snuggled into his chest. He stared down at her and smiled. His arm wrapped around her and he relaxed. With a soft yawn, she nestled into him and slipped to sleep. In the morning he woke up with her still in his arms. That was kind of nice. Nuzzling her face, he stretched and moaned. "Morning."

She shifted at first then slowly opened her eyes. With a morning moan, she met his eyes. "Oh...morning."

"If you want...we can sleep in today."

She slowly moved to the window and sighed. "I don't think we have much of a choice." She pulled the curtain back for him to see the still raging blizzard. "We paid for a few nights so we are good." Pushing some hair from her face, she crawled back in bed.

He shifted around her as she crawled back in. On a whim he stretched out his arm so that she could come and lay back next to him. With a smile, she moved back into his arms and snuggled.

"Comfy?" he asked, liking the feeling of her so relaxed against him.

"Yeah," she admitted. "I can't remember being this...comfy before."

"I'm glad. This is really...nice. Just being here...in bed with you...during a blizzard."

"Don't say...in bed...say something like...cuddling or holding."

"O-okay. Well, I'm glad that I'm here cuddling with you."

She smiled. "Yeah...it is."

"I wonder how long this blizzard will last. We don't have enough food to last us through today. I will have to go out and get us something later." His arm began to stroke her body, just rubbing her arm and shoulder, gently scratching her back, knowing how good it felt when he got his back scratched, he figured she would like it as well.

"I...um..." She was tense. Flashes of her father came to her. His gentle strokes at first to make her feel comfortable though it never worked...then he would start kissing her...then he... She shook her head. "I don't know..."

"Well, we'll find out later I guess," he whispered, noticing how rigid her body had just gone.

"Um...on the way here...I saw a small diner. We can eat there and I'll apply for a job there..."

"Sounds good. You seem to be really good at um...waitressing....people like you, I think it's because of your smile."

She met his eyes, her body instantly softening. "Really? My smile?"

"Yeah. I told you, you have a nice smile."

She smiled. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

After a moment, she moved off the bed and grabbed some clothes. She went to the bathroom and changed then came out and started putting on her shoes. "I'm starving."

"Oh...right." He'd pouted when she'd gotten up. Getting up, he grabbed his clothes and moved to the bathroom as well so that he could change.

They covered up the best they could and walked out hand in hand, snuggling close as they walked quickly to the diner. When they got in a lady smiled at them. The place was empty.

"I was just about to close down. The storm seems to have kept everyone in their homes. You two have a seat."

They knocked the snow from them then sat down. Looking over the menus, Hayden broke the silence with the lady. "This is called Donna's Diner? Are you Donna?"

"I sure am," she said proudly. "And this is my diner. I just opened only a few months ago but the truckers love the food so business is great."


"You wouldn't happen to be looking for some help would you?" she asked softly.

Donna looked them over. "New to town?" Hayden nodded. "Donna Heart."

"Hayden," she said shaking her hand. Donna smiled. Hayden couldn't help but smile. "It's nice to meet you."


"Like wise. And you are?"

"That's Sai."

"I see. So you are looking for a job? Both of you?" Hayden nodded. "Well I could use a waitress and Bob over in the lumber yard is always looking for help so you might want to try there, Sai. You kids got a place to stay?"

"We are staying at the hotel around the corner."

"We'll you can't stay there for forever. You know what? I think I can help you two out. Come on, follow me." She started to the back and Hayden looked at Donna as if to ask if it was ok. "Well come on, I won't bite. I promise."

Sai didn't trust people, but this Donna Person seemed alright. He nodded and shifted from his seat, the two of them stood and followed in behind her.

They were led up some stairs and Donna unlocked a door and let them in. She followed behind them. Instantly Hayden started coughing from all the dust. When she covered her mouth to filter the air, she looked around. She was standing in a living room.

"The people that owned this place before me use to rent this apartment out but no one ever really wanted to live on top of a diner. All they hear during the day is pots and pans. The space isn't even being used but the heat runs up here as well as the water and electricity. If you two can pay for the water and electricity you use, you can stay here."

"This...is so kind..." Hayden said with her hand over her mouth. It was a big room and when she walked around, she smiled. The kitchen was pretty big and so was the bathroom.

"They previous owners said they kept everything up to date so you don't have to worry about rusted pipes or fall through the floors. But you have to do all the cleaning yourself."

"We don't have a bed or anything."

"Talk to Bob. His kids just moved out and went off to college and he's be trying to find something to do with their beds and things so he can make his wife a sewing room and such. I'm sure he'll give you some furniture for a small price."

Hayden turned to her. "You are being so nice... I can't help but ask why..."

Donna smirked. "When I was fourteen I ran away from home and came here. I sure wished I had someone like me to help out. Bob was pretty much the only person that cared enough to give me a place to sleep for a while. Now look at me. I got myself a diner." She nodded with pride. "Anyway, you keep your business to yourself and I won't call the cops about you and your lover here running away. I know what it's like to want to be anywhere but home."

She handed Sai the key. "You guys going to take it?"

Hayden looked at Sai.

"Your offer is very kind. Thank you," he said softly, reaching out and taking the key from her. He was reluctant to accept. Not because he held anything against this woman. She seemed nice, and that was the reason for his hesitation. If anyone should find him here, he didn't want her getting into any trouble because of him.

Hayden jumped up and down. "This is so great!"

Donna smiled. "Well get on downstairs and let’s get something in your bellies. I'll set some cleaning stuff up here for you guys to get started if you want. And you will start working first thing in the morning."

Hayden nodded quickly. Donna walked with them down the stairs and they ordered something which she cooked and served on her own.

Sai was quiet for a long time after they ate. His mind was full of things, namely questions and fears. This place was nice. If the work was good, they might could stay here, but then what? After they ate, he bundled back up in his coat so that he could go to the motel to get their clothes and things from their room. "I'll be back," he told Hayden while she got the cleaning supplies.

She took his hand. "Here, take my coat too." She draped it around him then tied her scarf around his neck with a smile. "Hurry back."

"I'll try," he grinned, waddling out into the blizzard in four different layers of clothes.

She watched from the window a bit while Donna smiled and wiped the counters. After a few minutes, she went upstairs and looked at the dusty and cobweb place. Smiling, she covered her mouth and nose with a cloth tied around her head and started scrubbing everything from the floors to the walls to the windows and counters.

It took nearly an hour for him to get back to Donna's even though it was only a relatively short walk there. The blizzard had gotten worse and he was walking in snow that came up to his waist. Carrying his bags and hers was not as easy as he had predicted either. Once he got back there, he shuddered and knocked all the snow off of him. "God it's cold out there!" He practically melted upon getting back inside. His hair was actually frozen! Frozen! He didn't know that was possible.

Donna placed a warm towel on his head with a laugh."Yeah, our town is famous for it's blizzards. Your wife is up there cleaning and scrubbing. I hear her running back and forth. I'm going to close up but that key also goes to the door in the back of the apartment that leads to some stairs outside so you two can come and go. I'm trusting you not to eat my food. Though if you do...make yourself a tab," she winked. She turned out the lights and walked out, locking the door behind her.

"My...wife?" he asked after she was gone. Shaking his head, he started upstairs with their bags. "Hey, how are things- Wow, this room looks really good."

She looked up and wiped her forehead. Everything had been scrubbed down and in only an hour, she had cleaned everything completely. "You should see the bathroom! It's amazing! The tub is so big!"

"It looks great...but I'm going to have to go out and get us some furniture," he sighed, not wanting to have to go back out in that weather.

"We will both go," she said. She looked through her bag and pulled out a blanket. She wrapped it around both of them and snuggled close. "We'll stay warm this way!"

"Yeah it will," he smiled, his lips brushing her cheek as he turned to her. "Ready to brave the weather?"

Her fingers lightly touched the spot he kissed where her skin now burned. "What?" She shook her head. "I mean yes!"

The two of them started downstairs and then made it outside. They walked for ten minutes before he stopped and looked around. "Uh...did she tell you where this guy lived.?"

"She said he worked at the lumber yard...and there is smoke coming from over there. I guess that's it."