No Where to Run (The Story of Alexis Rose)

by Raven K. Asher

  “How are you feeling, Lucy?” I ask and the laughter quickly dies down as all eyes turn to her. She still looks pale but she’s pretty much acting like her normal self.

  “I’m feeling much better. The vaccine they gave me at the hospital has helped a lot. In fact within an hour of getting it I was feeling better. They said it may take up to three days for me to feel completely back to normal.”

  “Are there any side effects to the vaccine?” Katie asks.

  “Not that I’m aware of. They never told me of any, at least. They just requested that I return to the hospital for an evaluation in three days.” Lucy answers. I thought that was very odd, normally when doctors give you any kind of medication or vaccine it comes with information on what the side effects generally were. A million different thoughts on how odd it was swarm through my head.

  I am about to voice my suspicion on the whole matter but my mind turns to mush as Lucca steps up to our table. I gasp, placing my hand tightly to my chest as it constricts with too much emotion, and my stomach curdles with nerves. I thought I could handle this but seeing him in front of me changes everything I feel. Even though we had been apart so long, somewhere deep in my heart I haven’t let him go. I’m still madly in love with him, and that scares me more than anything.

  He gives a shy smile to everyone then bites nervously on his bottom lip, which is completely unlike him. Normally he’s energetic, outgoing and a jokester like Kale.

  He quickly pulls out a note pad and pen from his pockets. “What will it be today, guys?”

  “We will all have the blueberry pancake special.” Kane announces, as he gestures around the table. Thank God we had agreed in the car what we all going to order. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to even talk.

  “Ok. What would you like for drinks?” He glances to me then looks back to Kane.

  “I’ll have orange juice.” Katie and Kale reply at the same moment, Katie lets out a small giggle.

  “I’ll take a coffee.” Lucy states.

  “I’ll take coffee, also.” Kane adds, with a yawn.

  Everyone turns to me and I open my mouth to reply, but no sound comes out. I blush with embarrassment and lower my head. I can’t believe what a fool I’m making of myself. I glance back up at Lucca beneath my lashes and watch closely as different emotions run across his face. He smiles down at me again and I feel like melting. I really missed him smiling like that at me.

  “Warm milk, with a spoonful of sugar, like always, correct?” He asks in a low voice.

  I look back into his deep blue eyes and smile as I nod yes, blushing more because I can’t believe he actually remembers my favorite drink. Everyone always thought it was weird, but it was kind of like a comfort drink for me. He smiles back and shakes his long dark hair away from his deep blue eyes. It’s much longer than it had ever been. It isn’t too long coming just below his ears, but it looks good on him. It has that just out of bed look and I feel myself wanting to run my fingers through it. I shake my head to rid myself of those silly thoughts. I had no idea if he even still liked me. I watch as he nods himself while writing the order on his note pad, like he had come to some grand conclusion, he looks back quickly to me then walks off to fill our order.

  “Wow that was intense.” Kale suddenly blurts out and Lucy smacks his arm. He silently mouths “what?” and I nod my agreement as I look back to where Lucca had disappeared.

  “You need to talk to him, Lexi. You can see how much he misses you in his eyes.” Lucy says quietly as she leans around Kale to see me better. I bow my head and nod again. I know I have to talk to him. I just don’t know what to even say or how to even say what needs to be said.

  “I know I’m just scared he’s going to be mad at me for leaving things the way I have for so long.” I state honestly as I look back to her. That was one of my biggest fears. That he would hate me and I knew my heart would break if he did.

  “I’m pretty sure he’s not going to be mad at you, Lex. Anyone can see that he still loves you.” Katie states softly from across the table.

  When our food arrives I eat quietly, lost in my thoughts. While the others joke and talk about things they did over the summer. I shake my head and try my hardest to join into their conversations. Soon, I’m laughing along with them. I’m completely stuffed when we finish. I lean back in my seat and take in each of my friend’s happy faces. It feels good to be out and doing the normal things I use to do with my friends.

  I take one last glance back to where Lucca disappeared earlier and sigh. I haven’t seen Lucca since he took our order and I take it as a sign that he doesn’t want to see me. I sigh again and push all thoughts of him to the back of my mind. I’ll deal with those feeling later.

  Kale decides to pay our bill and we all try to dispute it, but he says it’s all on him and to consider it a bit of a celebration that Lucy is felling better. The rest of us chip in on the tip though.

  As we are walking towards the car I realize I had forgotten my purse. Shit. I stop midway just as the others reach the car.

  “Hey guys, hold on a second. I’ve got to go back in. I left my purse at the table.” I yell over to them.

  “Do you want me to go with you?” Kale asks as he turns to make his way back to me. I hold up my hand for him to stop.

  “No, I can get it myself. Just don’t go leaving me here. It will only take me a minute.”I reply, and then quickly regret my answer.

  His lips slowly shift into devilish smile. “You better hurry up then, monkey.” He states as he hurries into the car.

  “Don’t even think about it Kale, I will kick your ass.” I point at him with a stern face. He laughs as he opens the driver’s door. I knew he was probably going to mess with me. That was just the way Kale was, always the jokester. There was a few times he would drive around the block just to scare me into thinking that he really had left.

  I rush back into the diner. Thankfully when I reach the booth, where we had been sitting I spot my purse sitting right where I left it. I let out a sigh of relief as I grab it and turn to walk back out to the car.

  I check the inside my purse to make sure everything is accounted for as I’m walking out of the door, you can never be too careful. I’d rather know now if something was missing now, rather than it be a bad surprise later. Thankfully everything is accounted for. I look up to scan for Kales car but can’t spot it. Damn it.

  “Really Kale, you left me?” I yell out as I stomp my feet. I know, childish, but he left me, that punk. I smile and shake my head I should have known it was going to happen. He loved playing his silly little jokes.

  “You’re a complete asshole!” I yell out again as I kick a nearby rock and watch at it skitters across the parking lot.

  “Ouch, I sure hope that wasn’t for me.” My heart stops as I realize those words are spoken by Lucca, who had somehow snuck up beside me. I rub my arms suddenly feeling exposed. I want to run away, but my feet stay put. My eyes shift over his appearance, from his longer dark hair to his worn black shirt, down to his faded ripped jeans and his black boots that match my own. Not much has changed about him, at least from the outside. But he has a broken look to him and I know I’m the cause that he is broken.

  I sigh, looking down at my feet cursing them wordlessly. “No, I don’t think I could ever say that about you, Lucca.” I whisper as I look back to his eyes. My heart picks up speed as I notice that his full attention is on me and I’m shocked again to see so many emotions showing in his eyes, sadness, happiness, concern and love. All the emotions that I’m sure are being shown through my own eyes.

  “I miss you, Pumpkin’.” He says sadly as he looks out into the parking lot. I close my eyes holding back the tears. Only he and my father had ever called me pumpkin’, but that doesn’t surprise me as much as hearing that he misses me does. I had missed him every day since I had pushed him away. I thought it would be better that way, but I was wrong.

  “I miss you too, Sparky.” I let some tears slip as I use my pet
name for him. We had been big movie buffs and would spend weekends curled up in bed together, watching movies. I watch as he looks down to his feet, smiling to himself. Probably remembering the same things I was. He looks back up at me and I can see the unshed tears in his own eyes, and it practically breaks my heart. Then suddenly he holds out his arms for a hug. I don’t even hesitate. I throw myself in to his arms and hold on tight. Taking in a deep breath, I relax. It feels like I finally came home. His body against mine, his touch and his smell is everything familiar. He holds on to me tightly and runs his fingers through my hair. He gently grabs my hair in his hand holding me against him almost as if he never wants to let me go. I feel his body shaking as he sobs into my neck and I begin to cry along with him.

  “I missed you so damn much. It has killed me to stay away from you. Please don’t ask me to do it anymore. I don’t think I can last another day without you right here in my arms.”He pleads as he continues to sob.

  “I’m so sorry, Lucca. I don’t think I can tell you enough how sorry I am for pushing you away. I have missed you every minute of everyday......... I still love you, Lucca.” I confess.

  He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes. “I love you too, baby girl. I never stopped.” He whispers and then slowly leans down to kiss me, his eyes darting from my lips to my eyes as if asking permission. I smile and he takes that as his queue to crush his lips to mine. His kiss is filled with so much raw emotion. I run my tongue alone his bottom lip. I taste his tears. I gasp as he does the same to my lips, and then he abruptly deepens our kiss. It feels so good, he tastes even better, and it leaves me wanting more.

  I hear a horn honking in the background but try to ignore it, unfortunately Lucca doesn’t. He pulls back panting and smiling while wiping his tears from his face. My legs are like jelly and I find myself panting just as hard as he is. I hold onto him as he looks over my shoulder.

  “About time you two made up!” yells a voice. I wipe away my own tears as I turn my head back to see Kale hanging out the driver’s side window of his car.

  I blush with embarrassment and flip him off as he laughs out. “Really monkey, where’s your manners. You’re supposed to be a lady.” Kale gasps dramatically, holding his hand to his chest as if I wounded him.

  I can’t help but laugh. Lucca is laughing too, as he spins me around so he can hold my back to his front. He rests his chin against my shoulder and nuzzles my neck.

  “Do you love birds want to hang out with us, or are you going to find a room to do the nasty. Because I’m all about the nasty” Kale squeaks as Lucy pokes him in the ribs, he grunts, then continues, “but we would still like you guys to hang out with us for a bit.”

  “Yeah, we will come with you guys. I’ll follow you in my car.”Lucca says over my shoulder. He spins me back around to face him again “If that’s ok with you, that is?” He wipes his thumbs over my cheeks, wiping away any remaining tears.

  “Yeah, I haven’t spent much time with them.” I agree with a nod. “But we will have some us time later.” I state with a wink and a smirk.

  He kisses me quickly then grabs my hand and pulls me along toward his car. We hurry to get in before Kale drives off without us. I stop as we reach his sleek black 1970’s style Trans Am. I run my hand along the hood as I make my way around to the passenger side. I look back to Lucca who is watching me closely. He bought the car off my father back when we had first started dating. I climb into my seat and rub my hand over the soft leather seats and smile as the memories it triggers flood my mind.

  “What are you thinking about, pumpkin’?” Lucca asks me with a knowing grin as I buckle my seatbelt.

  “Judging by that grin on your face, you know exactly what I’m thinking about.” I state and he lets out a sexy growl.

  “I’m tempted to take you home, instead of going out with everyone else. But we have a lot of talking to do before that happens.” He pauses while I nod in agreement then continues. “Do you have any idea where we are going?”

  “Not a clue.” I knew we were going to hang out after we ate at The Diner but we never got to discuss where or what we were going to do.

  He reaches over the center console and holds his hand out. I slowly slip my hand into his and lace our fingers. I smile, I am beyond happy that things seem to be changing for the better.

  ****

  I’m completely surprised as we pull into the long driveway leading to my own house. Turns out that Kale, Kane, and Duncan had already been planning to get everyone together. Dad had made a huge game room in our barn for us kids to all hang out. It had everything a teen could ever want a pool table, fuse ball table, huge flat screen TV, along with every gaming system and a ton of games, most of which an avid gamer would kill for. There’s also two large leather couches near the TV. We had all spent so much time in that room growing up. Our house had been the place to be during the summer or on weekends.

  I take in the room as I walk around the pool table. It had been so long since I had stepped foot in here. Lucca silently wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me close to him. I’m so close I can feel the heat from his body and it instantly relaxes me. I let out a small happy sigh.

  “Who’s up for a game of pool?” Duncan shouts, carrying in two cases of pop past us.

  Everyone agrees to a game, except for me and Lucca. I have a few plans of my own. I grab Lucca’s hand and pull him out into the area where the horse stalls are located, so we can talk for a few minutes in private.

  He on the other hand, must have other ideas because he swings me around and crushes his lips against mine. He pours his heart and soul into the kiss, so I do the same. Slowly he backs us up until my back is pushed against the wall of one of the stalls. His kisses become more demanding and his hands skim just under my shirt. I moan softly at his touch and he deepens the kiss. I place my hands on his chest and start to push him away a bit. We were going way too fast, we needed to talk first. He reluctantly slows and pulls away, but keeps his hands on my skin. His lips are swollen and his eyes are still dark with need. I take a deep breath and smile. He smiles back, shaking his head and closing his eyes. When he reopens them I can see that he is more in control of himself.

  “I know we are going to fast pumpkin’, but I’ve been dreaming of this for months now.” He runs his hands through his hair and groans. “I’m sorry pumpkin’ I’ll slow down. I know we really need to talk all of this out first.” He sighs and tilts his forehead against mine, our breaths mix together.

  “Yes.” I pant out. “We defiantly need to talk, but I do love kissing you.” I reach for his face and rub my knuckles against the rough stubble on his chin. Even with a five o’clock shadow he looks good. He leans his face into my hand and closes his eyes, letting out a small sigh. He reopens his eyes slowly and grins, before pulling away slightly. I grab onto his hand, and then slide down the wall so I can sit on the floor. He moves to the wall beside me and does the same. Both of us have our legs spread out before us.

  “Where do we start?” I whisper unsure, as I squeeze his hand lightly.

  “I don’t know.” He replies with a deep sigh as he runs his free hand through his hair and stares off into the distance.

  I pause for a few moments, and then grab his chin to turn his face toward mine like he had done so many times before to me. Looking deep into his eyes I decide to start off by apologizing. “I guess I should start by saying how sorry I am that I pushed you away. I didn’t do it to hurt you. It was never my intention to hurt you in any way.”

  “That’s a good start.” He laughs quietly looking down at our hands, and gives mine a gentle squeeze. “But I know why you pushed me away, and I also understand why you kept me away for so long.” I open my mouth to say something, but he continues on. “I know you’re scared to let anyone in, even now.” He pauses and looks deep into my eyes. “You loved your dad and you tragically lost him. It was completely out of your control.” He pauses once again, before continuing. “I also think that you’re af
raid that since you love me that you might lose me too.” He looks away as he confesses this.

  Tears were rapidly building in my eyes. He was right. I was afraid. He knew me better than anyone else and he even figured that out before I ever could.

  “Your right, Lucca, I am afraid.” I whisper. “I didn’t even realize that till just now.”

  He turns his face back to mine, his eyes look weary. “I know pumpkin’, I don’t want you to be afraid. I’ll be by your side, no matter what. Even if we don’t work out, I’ll always be around. That’s a promise I can make. Just don’t push me away again. I need you as much as you need me.” He stands and grabs both my hands in his, tangling our fingers, he pulls me to my feet. As soon as I’m up I put a bit of distance between us, my head bowed. I still have one last thing to get out.

  “You know, I thought for sure that you were going to hate me for pushing you away.” I look up wanting to see his reaction. “I know I broke your heart because mine had broken as well. I really hope that we can get back to where we were in our relationship.” My eyes start to tear up again as I continue. “I don’t think I could last another day without you.”

  “I could never hate you pumpkin’, no matter what, there is not a thing you could do to make me hate you.” He says sternly, and then adds. “I don’t want to live another day without you by my side either.” With a smile he grabs my hips in his strong hands and pulls me closer. As I look deep into his eyes I am stunned to see so much love for me showing in them. I only hope that my eyes mirror the same emotions as his. I love him so much and I want to stay by his side forever. Before I can say another word his lips are crashing into mine. I gasp with surprise and he takes the kiss deeper, our tongues dancing together. My hands swiftly made their way to his chest.