It’s fucking Chanse. Granted, he's less annoying than his sister, but still annoying one way or another. I turned around to face him, I expected him to be farther but it turns out the little shit is faster than I thought and is now all up in my face. 

“I don’t know what this is about but-” it's only then when he notices how out of it I look, clearly not ready for what’ll be a tough road ahead. His facial expression softened. It wasn’t as annoying or as prejudiced as it was earlier, but it felt more like the warmth of reassurance. Without the annoying words trying to coerce me into believing that I was going to be alright, just reassurance. I’m not sure if it was his, or if it was just a look in his face. But all in all, I needed that.. Wait. Stop. I literally said I wasn’t going to get close to any of them, they’re supposed to be annoying. I needed to get out of here before he tried to use any more of his perfect little doll face to compel her into believing it’d be alright to lean on any of them. My hands are shaking I- He reaches over and touches my shoulder. “Are you alright?” I look up at him, blinking a few times. I was speechless, I’m not used to this kindness. I want to give in, and tell him what's wrong, but I can’t. I need time to get ready for the road ahead. I’m not ready to open up yet. “Yeah. I’m fine, just tired.” I composed myself a bit, my words coming out in a somewhat steady flow. Chanse didn’t say anything, but he smiled, nodding his head. We didn’t say anything after that. I nodded my head back, and was on my way. 

After walking for a bit I realize that I’ve been wandering mindlessly for 30 minutes. What was weirder is that I don’t remember ever seeing this area. It's a trailer park. After looking around for a bit my foot kicks something. I look down, and my heart stops. It’s a stuffed bunny. It can’t be.. I picked up the bunny, and turned it over. I was right, this was Callie Riders bunny. The juice stain I had to help her scrub out is there. She cried for hours over the stain. What if she’s out there? Would she be around here? I hug the bunny, walking around some more. I go up to one of the trailers, trying to peek in the window. No luck, the windows are boarded. I go over to the door, trying the door to see if it’s locked. To my surprise.. It isn’t.

 I open the door completely, looking inside. There's a few chip bags, and a half drank bottle of water. Someone lives here, and they left recently. Just as I come to the realization I hear footsteps outside. 

I look around trying to find a different exit than the way I came.. Nothing. I look around for somewhere to hide if someone comes in.. Nothing. I decided my best bet was to lay low next to the door and prepare myself for whoever may come in. I crouch by the door, pulling out my pocket knife. What I dreaded happened, and someone came in. It’s a man.. Definitely not Callie Rider. He has red hair that goes to his shoulders, and the front bangs of his hair are tied back. He has a hoodie on with sweatpants.. A bit bland, honestly. Before I can even think of sneaking out of the trailer he’s already acknowledged me and is staring directly down at me. “If you want to be sneaky I should warn you I’m highly aware of my surroundings at all times.” He smiles at me. 

I glance at him while standing up, gripping the pocket knife tighter in my hands. He glances at the pocket knife and then back at me. “Chill, kid, I won’t hurt you.. Yet.” I squint at him, I don’t want to talk to him. I slowly back up towards the door, He looks at the stuffed rabbit before commenting on it, “I feel like you’re a bit too old to have a stuffed animal still but I won’t judge.” I glare at him, it seems I’ll just have to talk my way out. “Your place is a fucking mess.” 

He looks a bit irritated but keeps smiling anyway. “So she speaks! And what is your name?” I glance between him and the door, “You first.” He smiles, “No problem! My name is Koruso Abe, it's your turn now!” I probably should’ve thought of this earlier but he looks way too excited to talk to someone.. 

“My name is Mia” I look away, a white lie is fine, right? He squints at me, “Now we hate a liar! What's your real name?” I look at him, who's ‘we’? I hesitate for a moment “Kate.” I take note to look him in the eyes this time. He seems happy with that, because he smiles at me. 

“What are you doing here, Kate?” I don’t like the vibes from this guy, I need to leave as soon as possible. “I don’t believe I need to tell you that.” I keep my voice steady. He frowns, “Now- we’re all friends here! No need to be so defensive.” I have every need to be defensive, and why does he keep saying ‘we’. I stick my hands into my pockets, “I’m just-.. Wandering.” 

He stares at me, “This is quite the dangerous time to be wandering, especially for your age.. Are you alone?” I bite the inside of my cheek, I really need to leave. “Yep. Just me.. Wandering. “ It wasn’t too far from the truth, I do travel alone.. I’m just not AS alone at home. Anymore, at least. I can tell he looks a bit skeptical. 

“And how long have you been alone and wandering for?” I really need to choose my next words carefully, “I leave for a few weeks at a time, then I go back to a little shed and rest up for a bit.” The school is nowhere close to a shed but he doesn’t need to know that, and I hope he’ll never know that. He smiles, “Well, Kate. Let's meet again. I’m sure we’ll become good friends.” I give him an awkward smile, before stepping out of the trailer. I walk down the trail, heading back to the school. I look down at the stuffed bunny as I’m walking.. I’ll find one of you someday.