~Dedication: Princess_Emma_
**Jessica's POV**
It's been two days since I escaped the airport. I've barely moved from my hidden spot, terrified of who might be out there. My stomach let out a low grumble, signaling that I needed food. I've been slowly eating off of the same pretzel for three days, but it's time for some more.
I stood up, looking around. The coast seemed clear. As I walked out of my hiding place, I kicked a pebble, suddenly remembering something important.
Today's my birthday.
I gasped and facepalmed. How could I forget my own birthday? Well, what a fantastic way to spend my 16th birthday. Yeah, not.
"Happy birthday to me..." I sang quietly to myself, choking on my own tears. I wiped them hastily away, taking a few deep breaths.
"Breathe Jessica, it's going to be okay," I tried to convince myself, but was failing miserably. I composed myself and headed out into the busy New York streets. I took a deep breath and took a right, spotting a McDonald's sign.
I noticed myself in a window. I stopped to admire my reflection. It wasn't that pretty. My hair was in extreme rats nests, make up all over my face, and my clothes covered in dirt. A few passer-by's gave me some awful and distrusted looks. Some were pitiful. Some didn't even notice me.
I sighed and decided not to worry about it. I spotted a street vendor not too far ahead. I would have to steal again, but it's all I can do. I knew Alex and Harry were somewhere in the city, hopefully looking for me.
I dodged a few more people before crouching down, and crawling slowly towards the vendor. Someone in a hurry, tripped on me. The impact was hard, causing me to fall flat on my stomach. I looked to my left and noticed a boy around my age on the ground. He turned around and met my eyes.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, getting up to run away again. I quickly jumped to my feet to follow him.
"Wait!" I hollered. His pace quickened, as did mine. He made a sharp turn into an alley. I followed suit, recognizing this place instantly. It's where've been staying and the only way out, is where we just came in.
"Stop, please," I pleaded to the boy. He was huddled against the wall, hiding his face from me. "I'm Jessica." I announced, hoping my soothing words would help him. He stayed silent for a little bit before mumbling something, but I couldn't tell what it was.
"What was that?" I asked, taking a small step closer. The boy cringed as if he were trying to move farther away from me.
"I'm not going to hurt you," I encouraged. He shook his head fiercely. "I promise?" I tried again, but it came as more of a question rather then a statement.
I waited patiently, for what seemed like ages, for him to calm down. I had eventually sat down cross legged, and watched him. After awhile, he stopped shaking, but kept his head hidden from me. He eventually slid down the wall, in a slouched position, with his head buried in his legs.
"I'm Caleb," he said. I jumped, not expecting that from him.
"Jessica," I responded, sticking my hand out. He stared at it as if it was a foreign object. I pulled it away, putting it behind my back.
"I know, you said that earlier," Caleb said a little defensively. I didn't find his tone offensive, only because I knew he was scared.
"Right," I mumbled.
"You're British," Caleb blurted after a moment of silence.
"Why yes I am," I confirmed.
"I like British accents..." Caleb said. I blushed.
