Escape

Chapter III: No Way

*Hey guys! Arilioness here! I'm so sorry I haven't been updating! I had no wifi while I was on vacation, and so I should be updating more frequently now! Ciao! This is Seth by the way in case you forgot.*

I fumble around the apartment. Looking and examining the place I would be staying for who knows how long. Every time I turn I notice something that proves just how outside of the loop I am compared to these people. For all I know, they had escaped together. I could just be the guy who sticks around for no apparent reason. I probably am. They all seem to have a indescribable bond, whether or not it's a good or bad one, it's there. The bathroom is really small, and there's only two bedrooms. I don't look in them. One is the girls' I'm assuming, and the other is Jason's I'm assuming. He's obviously the leader. For good reasons. Something tells me he's seen things. Things that none of us can comprehend.

I walk up to a window and look out at the street. Few people walk along it for only the light of street lamps light the way. From the looks of it, this place is on the less wealthy side of town. For every building is in need of repairs and the streets are littered with bottles and cigars. But with Jason and though I know most people would be uncomfortable with it, I enjoy it. It has character. It's not a cement wall with no colors except gray and white. Each street lamp lights the air, which in a sense has an almost haunting beauty. I wonder what it would be like if I went out there. Not for a long time considering how late it is, and not far.

It could be stupid with the kind of crowd that usually comes along with these kinds of places. But it can't be to bad If I don't go too far, right? I look at the broken sidewalks and decide to go for it. I rush to the living room and grab my vest that is draped on the couch. I run my hands through the pockets, and nothing is left in my pockets. Scout probably went through my stuff and decided what was in there was garbage. I put the vest on. It feels good to have it on. Like it's the only thing keeping me centered in this crazy 'adventure' so to speak.

I grip the handle on the door and gently pull it open. I take a few steps forward into the dark hallway. This place really needs help. The numbers on doors were falling off. For example the C1 on the door of 'my' apartment was almost invisible. As I walked down it dust fell from the ceiling and the floor creaked with each step. I soon reached the stairwell and descend the stairs. Doing my best not to fall for the narrow stairs have no rails. I think about each step, noticing every detail. About the colors that had slipped into a void of nothingness in the Imperium facility that I once stayed at.

When my feet hit the last step I smile. Take that annoyingly dangerous stairs. Life can't beat me yet! Everything is so different now. Like I'm seeing things in a new perspective. And who cares if small things make me happy. I'm free and I'm going to make the most of it. I think as I exit the building into the night.

A blast of cold air rushes into my face and my breath becomes cut off. I don't remember it being this cold when I escaped the facility. Either I didn't notice it, or the weather here is really uneven. Probably both. I stuff my hands into my pockets and begin to walk ulong the uneven pavement, not really caring where I was headed. The cold makes my eyes sting, and I look down, examining the rise and fall of each broken piece of cement.

I think of the rest of my life. What will happen? Now that I kind of have a place to stay, I set for that. And Jason said he'd help me look for a job tomorrow. But even after they, do I just live my life. I mean, what will I do besides work? What do I do If imperium comes after me? If I get kicked out of this new group of misfits, what do I do? So many questions run through my head but there's no one who can answer them. What if this is my only day left to live. No stop. enjoy now while it lasts. I tell myself.

I continue walking until I notice I've left the run down part of town and entered the shopping district for there are nice lit up stores all around me with beautiful displays of what they sell. It's even better than I'd imagined. I walk past rows and rows of clothing stores and restaurants, looking at the new fashion trends and dietary fads. I continue to walk down the busy and alive streets until I come across something that catches my eye. Carl's Candies. The sign reads clearly. Without hesitation I run up to the display window and press my face too the glass.

A warm and inviting glow radiates from inside. Inside the window, dozens of mouthwatering treat lie on fancy platters, each as unique and colorful as the rest. Cupcakes, chocolates, toffees, cakes, and more lie within. I look further into the shop to see a man in a white apron slicing fresh and chewy caramel into funsized slivers. Needless to say, my mouth is watering. Quickly, I back away from the window and enter the store.

The door opens and closes with a soft jingle and I'm embraced by and comfortable warmth. If only Ky could see this. A female at the cash register looks up in acknowledgement before returning to her work.

The store is finished with red seamless cedar wood and has a real welcoming interior. There are shelves and shelves of different assortments of chocolates. Bins and bins of caramel and taffy as well as a seemingly never ending supply of cupcakes and cake. That was only the start of it.

I walk around the place, admiring the beauty of the sweets until I bump into someone. Immediately, I jump back, afraid I've angered the poor person however, i'm met with a warm smile. "Hello there boy." A plump, jolly looking man with a dark handlebar mustache grins.

"Um..." I start, not knowing what to say.

"I saw you eyeing the sweet milk chocolate bars." The man starts. I only nod. "I made those with my mother's special recipe. It's been passed down for generations. I added my own secret ingredient though." the man winks.

"Wait! You made all of this?!" I say in excitement. The man chuckles and nods.

"Well they're all my recipes. However my employees make quite a bit of these." He explains. I nod in understanding and pick up one of the chocolate bars.

"They do look delicious." I admit, licking my lips in hunger.

"Well why don't you buy one?" I look at the man ashamed.

"I would. But I don't really have any money." I explain. The man only smiles.

"Well it's on me then." He says. I look at him in shock.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"But, why?" I wonder aloud, confused by the man's generosity. "Don't you want the money?" The man shakes his head and places a hand on my shoulder.

"Nothing's worth more than the sight of someone enjoying my hard work my dear boy." He explains. "Now eat up." I do as he says and unwrap the smooth chocolate before taking a bite. Rich, sweet, flavor melts in my mouth and I can't help but make a noise of delight.

"This is amazing!" I exclaim. The man chuckle in a response.

"I'm glad. You take care of yourself kid. I've got to get back to work." I nod as he walks away.

A couple minutes later I head home, happily munching on my candy bar. So far, this has been the best part of leaving.