You're Mine

Chapter Sixteen: Going Back To Where It Began

After arguing with another desk attendant, I finally managed to get my flight ticket canceled and refunded. I hate having to argue with people and be rude, but I need that money to pay for my fare for where I'm heading to next. The road trip isn't going to be cheap, and it's not like I couldn't tell her that it's a life or death situation. I gather my things and leave the airport to head toward the nearest bus station. My stomach twisting the whole ride there.

Once my ticket is bought, I sit on a bench to wait. My knee bounces due to my nerves getting worse because of everything that is happening. I want a cigarette or anything that will calm my nerves, but I know I'm out of them and need a clear head. I look around at the few people waiting for the bus also. A little boy clinging to his mother's leg as he tries to hide from everyone with her dress. A few business looking men who keep impatiently looking at their watches. Maybe they have work out of town since they're not getting a taxi? I wonder to myself as I look at them. My eyes move to a young couple who are cozied up to one another on the bench across from me. Are they runaways or traveling together? I find myself thinking as I glance at them. They seem quite happy with each other which makes my chest hurt. I sigh as I lean my head back on the wall behind the bench. All these people in their little worlds, their own bubbles, so happy and content. You then have me who popped it and destroyed everything.

"The bus will be arriving shortly. If anyone has not purchased their ticket, please do so now," The megaphone says echoing throughout the area.

"It's almost time," I get from the bench, "It's almost time and I'm scared as hell," I whisper to myself.

I feel my phone start vibrating in my pocket like crazy. I look and see I'm getting another phone call from Ash. I hang up on him immediately which leads to him calling again. I end the call again with a huff. I unlock my phone and quickly send in the group chat:

Guys, I'm leaving okay. It's something that happened, but I really can't forgive/explain, right now. So I'm thinking about heading home, I think that this will end the showdown that sadly happened today. I'm really sorry. So it's hopefully going to fix some things, and I still love, love you guys, okay. -2WD

I look at my phone until it says sent. I added our old group name two weirdos and a dude to it, hoping they understand the hidden message behind it. I look once more at it before I turn it off and toss it in the closest garbage bin. If they went to my brother, they probably went to other police officers also. I should have thought about that sooner. I can't risk being tracked by them since it will mean that more people could be hurt. I guess it's a good thing I paid in cash, and the bus doesn't go all the way to the destination. I think to myself as I join the line that is filing one after another onto the bus. I go towards the back and sit down next to the window. I place my luggage next to me, so I can hopefully be left alone during the long ride that lies ahead of me.

An hour fades into another as the bus goes to each stop. People come and go as the ride continues on. I've been lucky that it hasn't been too crowded in here, but I also have to remember that many aren't heading to the countryside. I look out the window and watch as the city begins to fade away as we hit the highway. Skyscrapers and tall empires fade to small buildings which fade to nothing. Gazing at the trees begins to lure me to sleep, so I let my eyes close as I drift off.

"Miss? Miss?" I hear a gruff voice say to me as my shoulder is slightly shaken by someone.

"Yes?" I ask as I open my eyes to see it's well into the afternoon by how bright everything is. "Where?" I start to ask as I try to gather my bearings.

"We're at the final stop, your stop ma'am," The bus driver tells me as he stands up straight. "We arrived not long ago. You're lucky I saw you back here, or you would be heading back to the city by now," He explains to me.

"I'm sorry sir, I didn't think I would sleep this long. Thank you for telling me and waking me," I quickly add as I get out of the bus seat.

"You're welcome ma'am," He tells me before he leads me to the front of the bus. He opens the doors and lets me out. "Have a good day now," He tells me with a tip of his hat.

"You too," I tell him with a smile that fades from my face as he drives away. I turn and look around the bus station to see if I can find some way to contact transportation. Almost there, I'm just one more trip away. I think to myself as I begin walking toward the front desk since no phones are around. Once I get a ride settled and ready, I walk into the small shop they have to kill time. The smell of must and pine hits me as I enter. I see they have everything from clothes, toys, food, and supplies. I look at the clothes and see a few things that could be useful. I grab them and continue walking around the store. By the time my taxi arrives, I'm ready for her with my luggage and a few bags. I place them in the trunk and we're soon on our way.

"So what brings you to these parks?" She pulls up to a red light, "I mean this town is small, but you're heading to Hallow Meadows which is even smaller," She tells me as she begins driving again.

"Oh, I'm visiting home for the holidays," I smile at her, "I haven't been back for a while, so I think it will be a nice surprise," I tell her.

She chuckles. "Honey, most people who get out of a small town never come back, but I bet your folks will be ecstatic to have you home," She says before returning a smile.

"I sure hope so," I tell her as I look out the window again. "Guess we'll see when I arrive," I cheerily say.

We soon arrive at a small motel. I pay and thank her for the ride before she drives away. I walk to the motel and get a room. Once inside, I put my luggage down on the bed and begin to get ready. I go to the bathroom where I fix my hair and pin the bun down, so it won't move or get in the way. I then change into a pair of black sweat pants that are fitted at the ankles. I move around in them to be sure they're not too tight or baggy in the wrong places. I then change my undergarments and put on a tee-shirt. I then finish everything with a pair of boots I found at the shop. They're warmer and sturdier than the dressy ones I have with me. I tightly tie them as I sit on the bed.

You can not let your nerves get the best of you. You have what you need, and you're not going to be a coward this time. I think to myself as I open the other bag of things I bought from the store. "Good thing about small towns, they sell these practically everywhere," I mutter to myself as I take them out. The blades glisten despite the dim lighting. Once I'm prepared, with my new toys tucked away in different places, I throw my hoodie on and head out.

It's a bit of a walk, but I soon arrive at the iron gate. I push it open and begin walking up the overgrown path until I can see the house on the hill. It's smaller than I remember and compared to Kara's house, it's tiny. The windows have been broken and there's spray paint all over it. My breath hitches as I read Murder House on the front of it. "Seems a bit too fitting," I mutter to myself as I begin walking towards it. My feet crunching in the snow as I get closer and closer to the end.