Another Lonely Night

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth smiled at Darren as he squeezed her hand and smiled. She was relieved that he had agreed.
her.

"I just have to take a shower, Beth. There's another bag in the closet you can use. I'll be right back with you."

She returned his smile as he left to take a shower and moved to pull the bag out of the wardrobe. She put the breakfast things together on the tray and took them downstairs...laying them on the side in the kitchen, she glanced round. It was a nice place. She hoped Darren wouldn't miss it..that he wouldn't regret this.... She pulled herself up sharply... this was no way to be thinking... she quickly returned upstairs to the bedroom to get the empty holdall.

Darren was dressed and ready, his car she'd realised was already packed with his things... they went slowly down the stairs. Both of them silent as Darren locked the door, for what they expected would be the last time.

He took both their jackets and slung them in the back of the car.

"Where to?" he asked her as he started the car.

Beth took a deep breath. This was it;

"... two blocks on then right. It's number 48 , opposite the bus stop."
She tried to remain calm, but her voice shook as she directed him. They both sat in silence as they made the short drive round to her place. Parking the car outside they looked up at the weathered, tatty exterior.. Beth was too nervous to be ashamed of what had not been "home" for a long time.

Wordlessly she looked over at Darren and got slowly out of the car. Darren pulled out the holdall and followed her up the steps as she took out the key and put it in the lock.

Slowly she turned it and the door moved slowly open. In best dramatic situations it should have creaked loudly, but it was silent, as they were as they entered the gloomy hall.

The stairs immediately to the right were steep as Beth began to climb, her breath caught nervously sensing Darren moving close behind. As they topped the stairs she came to a halt. SHe took his hand and motionned to be quiet as she tiptoed past two doors to the door at the far end.

Opening the door, she tensed as the handle rattled and a floor board creaked. They both tensed, then slipped quietly into the room, leaving the door fractionally ajar to avoid repeating the noise, which in reality was barely noticeable.

Darren stood and looked round the room whilst Bethany moved to the far end of it and pulled up the rug and carpet working quickly on a loose floorboard.

The room seemed much more cheerful than the rest of the house. The light chintz curtains let in the sunlight and reflected the pink floral patterns which were abundant throughout the room. A stack of cuddly toys abounded in the corner and a pretty dressing table was placed next to the window. Her bed was neatly made and covered in a frilly bedspread.

"Darren..quick..the holdall"
Her urgent whisper interrupted his observations..
She had pulled out a shoebox and wordlessly held it out to him to put into the bag. Moving quickly round the room she picked up a few personal things.. cds... a couple of videos.... jewelry and makeup... she reached into a drawer and pulled it out... she drew out a tatty notebook and handed that across to Darren...
She opened the wardrobe and selected shoes, belts, another jacket and a thicker coat. Moving to the dressing table again, he noted curiously that she pulled out her toiletries and toothbrush and paste... and again put that into the holdall.

Finally she topped the items with a selection of towels....

She paused...

"Darren.... can you take those to the car for me..?... as long as I have that box and my diaries I can go anywhere... I'll stay and pack my suitcase. That's all I'll need.. I won't be long. You can wait for me out there.. if you want.... I'm almost done."
She smiled, still tense, but hopeful that it would all be straightforward....

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

... My idea of Bethany ....

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany

... Bethany .... full pic..

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren looked around the house as she led him through it, keeping to himself the criticism he was feeling. So this was all her mother had been willing to provide for someone as sweet as Beth? What was wrong with her? Beth deserved so much better. No, he knew what it was. Her mother was spending all her money on alcohol and the so-called men in her life. As to them, they were obviously only around for what they could get and not what they could give.

Beth's room was different, she had so much of herself in there it was hard to believe it was the same house. From the bright curtains, to the sweet stuffies on the bed, everything spoke of a soft-hearted, sweet girl who needed love not abuse. It only made his resolve all the firmer. Whatever they faced in the future, at least they would face it together, and without her mother or 'uncles' to make things bad for her.

He helped her pack quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone, although he could hear her mother snoring loudly in her room, seemingly stuck in an alcoholic stupor. He carried the holdall with her personal items down to the car and then returned to her room. She obviously wasn't used to people helping her, or she wouldn't have thought he would even consider leaving her to carry her heavy suitcase. She looked surprised when he returned, but he put his hand to his lips to silence her before they woke anyone else up in the house, and helped her fasten the rest of her stuff in the case. Then he picked it up and followed her out of the room.

The case was relatively heavy and he was no goliath. He staggered slightly, as he swapped to the other hand and accidentally knocked over a lamp in the hall. He tried to catch it, but that just made it fall harder. A male voice cried out from the nearby room.

"Who's there...? What the fuck time is this to be makin' noise? Beth? That you?"

There was a drunken staggering sound from inside the room and Darren glanced in horror at Beth who was halfway down the stairs. "GO!" He yelled.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth sat on the floor trying to secure the case having closed the all-but-empty wardrobe. Pitiful she thought.. she had tried not to watch Darren pack all his things, but noticed that he had nice clothes, lots of possession. She cast a look round the room. No... She wasn't leaving anything... this wasn't home.. even in her bedroom she wasn't safe, but she was glad that Darren didn't realise that..

She jumped and turned her face breaking into a relieved grin as Darren slipped back into the room. He put his hand to his mouth, just in time to stop her crying out. He crossed the room and took the case from her, fastening it relatively easily he glanced at her and she nodded. Yes.. she had everything.

He took the case and they both slipped out to the landing...
The stairs were steep and they both struggled to stop the case banging against the wall .. Darren moved carefully in front of Beth... moving slowly and carefully until he got to the bottom... then it happened.. Darren moved the case between his hands and CRASSHH... a lamp in the hall shattered onto the floor.

Beth froze as she heard the voice call out.

"Who's there...? What the fuck time is this to be makin' noise? Beth? That you?"

She heard the familiar drunken staggering sound from inside the room and looked down at Darren from her vantage point just halfway down the stairs.

She heard Darren yell for her to go... but she knew he couldnt run with the case.. she froze momentarily.. trying to decide.. should she tell him to drop the case and they could both run for it.. or.... should she stay...

Too late she heard the door open and managed to whisper a quick.. "Hide.. then get out of here... I'll distract him... " Before the big man advanced out onto the landing and Beth turned pretending to be climbing the stairs..

She shuddered, but put on her most charming smile.
"I'm sorry I woke you Uncle Dan, " she spoke softly, knowing the "uncle" term would please the lecherous sod.
"It was an accident..."

She stopped then as he eyed her. He was drunk, but not too drunk to notice she wore the same clothes and had been out all night... She forced herself to continue slowly up the stairs..standing at the top step ..pausing intending to pretend to need the bathroom, knowing it would be easier then to double back as he went back to sleep..

".. nite.." she said with a forced casual air, turning towards the bathroom door.. hoping that he would just return to her dear mother still snoring in the room... and let her pass without further comment....

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren stood there at the top of the stairs as Beth pushed past him on the way to the bathroom and to distracting her 'uncle'. He felt the familiar coldness of cowardly helplessness steal over him as he stood in indecision with the suitcase in his hand. He had to do something, but what?

"I'm sorry I woke you uncle... It was an accident..." That was Beth, being her normal, self-assured self. Even when terrified as she must be she knew what to do. Not like him. "Nite..."

She cast a frantic glance towards him, signalling him to get out of there, to take her case and wait for her to join him. Still he couldn't move.

"Hey, sugar..." her uncle's drunken leer continued to fill his voice. "How 'bout you come give uncle some honey while your momma's asleep...?"

Something snapped deep inside Darren. Some memory slotted suddenly into place, some boyfriend of his aunt had taunted him the same way after his aunt had passed out one time: right before he had raped him viciously. Darren didn't see anything but the red mist as he moved, purely on instinct, with the force and speed of someone no longer thinking.

"No! YOU LEAVE HER ALONE YOU BASTARD!" he screamed as he sped into the room, the case suddenly almost light to his adrenaline-filled mind.

He spun in a wide arc. If it wasn't for the man being drunk, he would have easily dodged Darren's first blow, but in the half-awake stupor, he couldn't do anything but stare in mute surprise. The whirling suitcase connected with his head on an upswing, and carried him back into the wall. The noise brought a shriek from Beth's mother as she woke to se her lover collpasing on top of her. One more spin brought the case crashing down between the man's legs, almost bursting open in its ferocity. Then, seeing the scene before him, Darren panicked. What had he done? Had he killed him? The woman was alive, and struggling to escape from where she was pinned, but the guy wasn't moving.

"SHIT!" he cursed in trembling terror, "Shit! Run!"

He couldn't wait to see if Beth was moving or not, he was too scared of what he might have done. He almost tumbled down the stairs as he ran out of the building and towards his car. Fumbling in the lock he finally popped the doors open and threw the case in the back. He clambered into the driver's seat and thrust the key in the ignition, turning round to look for Beth as he shook violently in terror.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth threw one final glance at Darren, hoping he would understand her meaning and get the hell out of there.

"Hey, sugar..." her uncle's drunken leer continued to fill his voice. "How 'bout you come give uncle some honey while your momma's asleep...?"

Beth froze at the bathroom door. She turned pale. It was not as if it was the first time he’d propositioned her, or the first time… she shuddered… but.. after Darren’s decency somehow she felt.. sullied by it all, beyond any humililation she’d felt before…
She looked up at him, hoping the fear and disgust didn’t show in her eyes when she heard Darren’s shout.

"No! YOU LEAVE HER ALONE YOU BASTARD!"

Darren pushed past her, case swinging and she watched in horror as Dan was struck upon the head and smashed against the wall. Beth stood mute and immobile as she heard her mother’s shrieks and saw Darren crash the suitcase between Dan’s legs….

"SHIT! … Shit! Run!"

Darren cried as he almost fell down the stairs in his haste to get out of the house. Beth heard the door swing open and the suitcase bash the frame and turned taking a step forward to where her mother was trapped in the bed, under an immobile Dan. Not sure whether to try to revive her lover, or try to lever him off her, Beth’s mom struggled frantically an unleashed a torrent of abuse at Beth…

Beth stood unflinchingly as her mom shrieked at her.

“You little bitch… out all night whoring … Dan’s been good to you.. you ungrateful little slut... how could you... you’re trash... good for nothing.. now.. get over here.. you better pray your "boyrfriend's" not killed him, or I’ll see you’re both sent away…. For good…. “

Beth stood watching, her face impassive.

“Get over here Bethany!” Screamed her mom.

Beth looked over at the bed and gave a wistful smile.

“Goodbye mom, " She said softly and walked out of the bedroom… leaving the door opened.

Beth could hear her mother’s curses and cries as she walked slowly down the stairs and out the door. She took out the keys and dropped them into the mail box and walked along the road to the car.

She got into the passenger seat beside Darren, her face expressionless and saying nothing to him. They sat for long moments like that.... seemingly numb, shutting off from what she had just witnessed and not even aware of what Darren was going through.

Finally as Darren started the engine, she turned slowly to him and whispered two words very softly, before turning to look out of the passenger window at the house she had left….

“Thank you ..”

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren hit the gas as soon as Beth was sitting down, barely giving her time to fasten her seatbelt. He was shaking, terrified. What had he done? Had he killed her 'uncle'? God, the police would be after him in no time. He had to get away from here. Tyres peeled as he sped around the corner.

It was only sitting nervously in a traffic jam that stopped him, that made him slow down enough to start thinking again. Hopefully, he hadn't killed the man. If he had, then the police would have a description of Beth but not of him. That meant they would need to be out of the city, and the state. But peeling wheels wouldn't do it. That would only draw attention, the last thing they needed. No, he had to be calm and calculated about all this. Maybe then he could get both of them out of the city and somewhere safe.

The entertainment store was just six blocks from here, that had to be the first stop. Even if he could just get a couple of hundred from selling off his videos etc, it was something. Bill would probably phone his parents in the next couple of days, and when that happened, the credit card would be useless. As he sat in the jam he turned to look at beth.

"It...It's ok," he said, reaching out to hold her hand. "I... I don't think I hurt him to bad. We'll be ok."

In reality, he didn't know who he was trying to convince, her or himself.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth sat silent and unflinching as Darren sped away, not even bothering to fasten her seatbelt. She glanced over at Darren he was pale and shaking. Pulling herself out of her self-absorption she glanced over at him the out at the cars, looking at their drivers and passengers who were, like them stuck in a jam and unable to proceed with their lives... their neatly ordered lives no doubt... how many of them were runaways with no plans and all their possessions in the boot of the car?

Her thoughts must have shown on her face for she felt a touch on her hand... the light, comforting touch she was becoming used to, as Darren spoke nervously;

"It...It's ok...... I... I don't think I hurt him too bad. We'll be ok."
Her heart turned in compassion. He was scared witless and was still putting her feelings first.

She took his hand in hers and smiled.
"Darren... he'll live... I saw him remember... he was coming round when I left.... he's had worse before... You hurt him good though... " She smiled sadistically, "I hope you permenantly crushed his balls..."

Bethany laughs, breaking the tension, releasing her pent up fear - her first step to shaking free of the terrible scene they had just lived through.. together....

Darren puts his hands back on the wheel as the traffic begins to pull away. Beth rests her hand lightly on his thigh..
"Looks lilke you're really stuck with me now..."
She comments lightly.
"So... where to...?"

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Her reassurances helped him past the terror, but not past the shaking. He felt a giggle of embarrassment choke on a tear of dread as confused emotions coursed through him. He'd never fought anyone since he was a kid. His dad had always taught him, if you had to fight it didn't matter if you fought fair, as long as you won... but somehow he never believed he'd have the courage to do what had to be done. Then it just happened. He responded, just like to the bully. And he felt scared about the sudden power he'd had within him. And he felt excited by the prospect that he might not be a coward. And he felt embarrassed that he'd reacted so out of control in front of Beth. And he felt stupid for feeling so overwhelmed.

The lights changed and a car honked behind him, snapping his attention back to the present. Where to now, she wanted to know. Well, the first stop was the store where his friend worked.

"I have some stuff I need to sell quickly," he responded. "Just stuff I won't be needing any more, so we might as well get what money we can for it. I think I can make a quick sale as my friend works at Odysseus - that's just four blocks from here..."

The drive there was over in no time, and he was glad to see Mark working behind the counter. He told Beth he wouldn't be long and headed into the store. Mark smiled a greeting at him, but frowned when he saw the look on Darren's face.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I need to sell my stuff, Mark... now."

Mark cast a glance out the window to where Beth stood, catching some fresh air by the car and then looked back to Darren. He wasn't sure what was going on, presuming just maybe he had gotten her pregnant and was looking for the money for an abortion or something. Well, they'd been friends for a long time, so if he could help him out he would. He called Jacko over to watch the store for a few minutes and followed Darren out to the car, giving Beth a curteous hello. Then Darren popped the trunk and he saw the suitcases alongside his stash of comics, videos and cds. That told him all he needed to know. His friend was running away.

"You sure about this?" he asked.

Darren nodded, looking determined if a little uneasy.

"OK," Mark responded. "I know we got over a grand in the till right now. The boss will have my job for this, but it's yours..."

Darren thanked him as he began to unload the comics.

Mark held up his hand in protest. "Keep them... maybe you'll be able to sell them later..."

"No," said Darren, firmly. "I still got 2000AD #1 in good condition, and lots of other stuff. I'm no taking your money for nothing, Mark. This way, maybe the boss will let you keep your job..."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Darren seemed lost in his own thoughts and Beth was unwilling to interrupt them. A car horn sounded and Darren moved onwards.

"I have some stuff I need to sell quickly," he responded. "Just stuff I won't be needing any more, so we might as well get what money we can for it. I think I can make a quick sale as my friend works at Odysseus - that's just four blocks from here..."
She nodded silently, wanting to tell him not to sell his stuff, but knowing that they would need the money.

As Darren got out of the car, with just a quick smile in her direction, Beth waited in the car, then feeling restless got out of the passenger seat and leaned against the car.

Did this feel right?.. Their futures were now inextricably linked.. for how long she didn't know, but she wasn't alone she realised. She looked over at the shop and saw Darren speaking to another young man and watched them both glance in her direction. She looked away.. she could just imagine what his freind was thinking. Damn.. she thought..she was still in the clothes of yesterday.. she looked crumpled and... well... tarty.. yes.. she could just imagine how it would seem to Darren's decent friend to have a "slut" like her mess up Darren's decent life.

For the first time she allowed her mother's words wash over her... the insults she had thrown at Bethany as she'd walked away... was she worthless? Was she trash... a whore? She shivered and turned as she saw Darren and the friend approaching the car.

She was used to the reaction of Matt's mates and Dan's lecherous glances so she was suprised when Darren's friend greeted her in an aimiable manner. They moved to the back of the car and Beth moved away walking to the front of the vehicle.

He saw their worried expressions and furtive conversation.. and turned away, sighing. She watched as Darren unloaded piles of comics and took them into the shop. She saw the freinds exchange money and looks and words and a handshake.
She sighed again. She'd never had a friend who would help her out like that.

As Darren returned to the car she slipped in beside him.
"Everything ok?" She inquired, unsure what to say and feeling guilty because he had sold his possessions.
She glanced over at him... again feeling uneasy. Darren was still obviously upset about what had happened at the house.

He reached out to turn the key in the ignition, but she reached out a hand to stop him.
"Darren..." she began.. awkwardly...
"Darren... I.. want to tell you something... I..."
She stopped again, finding it difficult to continue.

"I..I know you feel bad about what happened with.. Dan.. back at the house..but.. you needn't..."
She took a deep breath again.
"Darren... if you hadn't been there... he'd have... well... he .. he always says that... "come give uncle some honey" .. when he's about to.... "
She stopped again... and turned to Darren, tears in her eyes.

"Hell Darren, he's a bastard. He raped me last Christmas and has been getting off with me at every opportunity since... I'm glad you did what you did.. he had it coming... if you hadn't... he'd have raped me again.. cos.. after meeting you... I'd not have given in without a fight this time..and.. God knows what he'd have done to me... "

She held her head in shame.
"My mom said I was a whore, a slut, trash.. and I guess that's what I am... "
She raised her head looking up at him speaking softly but earnestly;
"Either way I'd get out of there now with or without you and its YOU who has given me the courage to do it.. but.. before you finally decide to be with me.. you need to know just what I am... "
She glanced out of the car to the window where Mark was watching curiously.
"I bet your friend can see it... look at me.. really look at me Darren... ! "
Her voice broke with emotion.
I'm... worthless.... "
She closed her eyes tears running unchecked down her cheeks.

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren was going to respond to her statement that the assault was not a bad thing. He wanted to tell her that, no matter what, to attack someone was wrong. But, then something told him that he didn't think it was wrong, just that it flew in the face of all the negative cowardice messages he constantly ran for himself. He said none of that though, because his thoughts were interrupted by her other statement: that she was a slut. What else could he say to her now, to make her understand it wasn't her fault. There was only one thing he could think of - the one thing that made him realise he wasn't a pervert sometimes.

He sighed. "I'm disappointed, Beth. That you think of me like that I mean."

He looked at her confused face before carrying on.

"Well, if it counts for you, it counts for me doesn't it? When I was 8 I was going down on my aunt... and her lover. When I was 13, I didn't stop the girls at school from groping me. I was just too embarrassed by it to do anything so I let them. So if you're a slut for not being able to stop that bastard mauling you... so am I, ok?"

He doubted she would take that. The situations weren't entirely identical, and if she was anything like him, she'd find a way to argue against it.

"Look, Beth, you think Mark figures you're some kind of slut? He doesn't. I know him, and he's probably one of the few guys who doesn't judge women like that - he's a survivor too... there's more of us out there than you think."

Mark had looked unhappy though, and maybe that was what Beth was reacting to. There was very little he could say about that, other than the truth.

"I reckon he knows I'm running and thinks I'm a fool. He saw the suitcases, and he's got enough of a brain to work it out. But you know what, Beth - he's wrong. I know it, and I'm not gonna be swayed by what anyone says or thinks - not even friends."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

"I'm disappointed, Beth. That you think of me like that I mean."
Beth looked at him as he sighed. Him.. what was he talking about, she had just told him... and now he was..disappointed?

She raised her face to his;

"Well, if it counts for you, it counts for me doesn't it? When I was 8 I was going down on my aunt... and her lover. When I was 13, I didn't stop the girls at school from groping me. I was just too embarrassed by it to do anything so I let them. So if you're a slut for not being able to stop that bastard mauling you... so am I, ok?"

She shook her head... no.. this was about her not him.. but.. maybe there were things she didn't realise about him. She was so used to looking inwardly and then had jumped to the conclusions that Darren was the pure one, hell he was the virgin for God's sake....but.. well .. maybe it didn't work like that... she tried to get her mind round this new way of looking at things... but how would he explain to her that her mom had always told her what she was. It was so difficult to break out of years of programming and perhaps she had begun to act like the names she had been called... ohhh she just didn't know anymore...

"Look, Beth, you think Mark figures you're some kind of slut? He doesn't. I know him, and he's probably one of the few guys who doesn't judge women like that - he's a survivor too... there's more of us out there than you think."

She was beginning to realise that..for the first time. For so many years she had thought that she was the only one this kind of thing happened to. She found it a revelation.

"I reckon he knows I'm running and thinks I'm a fool. He saw the suitcases, and he's got enough of a brain to work it out. But you know what, Beth - he's wrong. I know it, and I'm not gonna be swayed by what anyone says or thinks - not even friends."

What could she say. Darren was determined and his mind made up. He had barely reacted to what she thought was a horrific story, it was a horror that she had been living with for so long... but.. he hadn't even flinched.

She looked up at him...
"Ok..if you're sure.."
The words were pathetic and inadquate. He could not know he had just thrown her another life line. Hell if she could come to terms with that was a whole flotation system!
She smiled softly at him.
"You know I don't think you're a... slut.." She stammered over the word,
"...and I'm glad you don't think I am."
She said simply. Hoping it would be enough to begin to tell him that he had begun to help her to claw her self-esteem back.

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

He looked at her as she spoke, a slight tear in his eye. Could she know how much her statement meant? To have someone believe in him was incredible. He could only hope that one day he'd be able to do the same for her. He raised a hand nervously to brush her cheek, not knowing if it would seem loving, caring, sexual or what. He did love her, and he did want to make love with her, but fears of everything from rejection, to hurting her to really being the pervert everyone said stopped him doing anything. Besides, he knew she didn't feel the same way.

He smiled softly and thanked her for what she said, then thought about where they could go. The coast maybe? There were resort towns there and they should be able to find work in the theme parks, at least for a short while. The trouble is, that was what it would be - there was only a month or two left in the season. Darren didn't want to have to move on again every month or so. Possibly one of the cities would be better - New York, Albany, Jersey City, Boston. They could easily get lost in the crowd there, but would they find work? He wasn't sure what Beth could offer, but he just had an excellent high-school record. That wouldn't buy his way into almost anything in a city expecting college grads. That just left one more idea. They could hit the road and see what showed up.

"Come on," he said eventually, taking her hand and opening the passenger door. "Lets get out of here. I've no idea where we're going, but it isn't here."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

She returned his smile with relief. She felt so close to him. Closer by the minute. Somehow they seemed to be able to talk, to explain, without hurting each other. It was so strange. She'd never had anyone give a damn about her before. She mentally re-ran the last 24 hours and marvelled at how much they'd been through already.

"Come on, get out of here. I've no idea where we're going, but it isn't here."

"No it isn't.. " She agreed softly.
"Let's just get far away from all this, Darren. Now it's just you and me.. "
She looked up at him trustingly, newly confident that, whatever happened, eventually things would turn out alright.

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

With a smile of decision, Darren started the car and took them out of town. He flicked on the radio, leaving it quiet so as not to disturb them if they wanted to talk, but wanting something to fill the awkward silences that existed when they both wanted to say something and neither had the courage. He hoped Beth wouldn't take it the wrong way and be upset with him.

A few minutes later, the last of the city's landmarks drifted past as they made their way towards I-87. South would take them down the Eastern Seaboard. North would, eventually head towards Canada. There was always West, but that way lay his home state, and while he could easily avoid it, he didn't want to make his homesickness worse.

"So," he said as the roadsigns flagged 87 North and South. "Canada or Florida? The cool countriside, or Disneyworld? What do you reckon, Beth?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth exchanged smiles with Darren as he started the car and drew away. The radio in the background filled the silence between them comfortably. She watched as they left town and moved towards I-87. South.

She watched the familiar sights slide past and was soon travelling through unfamiliar territory. She had not moved round much in her 18 years. Her family had never been big on outings.

"So,Canada or Florida? The cool countriside, or Disneyworld? What do you reckon, Beth?"

He spoke lightly, she paused knowing this was an important decision, although the question had been asked lightly, casually.

She thought.. Disney World sounded fun..she'd love to see it, but this was not a holiday... countryside...mm.. that sounded very attractive.

"Canada sounds perfect, Darren."
She matched his light tone.

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

The feel of the road beneath his wheels was like music to him as they moved along the I-87. It was freedom, excitement and a chance at romance, at the love which had been so long denied him. Beth responded to his question as lightly as he asked it - Canada sounds nice. He smiled as he used the intersection with the I-84 to turn back towards the north.

"Canada it is then, Beth." he said.

He had travelled several miles, making light conversation and listening to the radio's weather and traffic advisories for any trouble, when the thought struck him. His parents liked to holiday in Canada, so they ensured he always had an up-to-date passport, but did Beth? They could cross the Canadian border without, but only if they were going for a day. He glanced at her in concern and explained the situation, asking if she had a passport or not. If not, that would make things a little more difficult... though still not impossible.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany(Beth)

"Canada it is then, Beth." he said.

They exchanged smiles and Beth settled down to enjoy the journey. Listening to the radio, chatting with Darren. Somehow it felt like a holiday, not that she had had many of them. She had been promised a trip for her 18th, but as usual something had happened and the trip had been cancelled... something happened.. she sighed.. yeah... the money that had been set aside had been spent ... on alcohol and drugs.. her mother was getting worse... more and more dependent and hostile when in need of a fix.. she had gotten out of there just in time. She smiled as she thought of her box, the one she'd hidden. In there were her papers, passport, cash book and a stack of cash. It was her lifeline. She had kept it hidden together for such an event, such an escape....

She glanced over at Darren.. no not "such an" escape.. she could never have predicted running away with someone.. with someone..?.. were they together? ... they were together..now.. but were they "together"?... She dismissed the thought... it would work it's way out naturally.... either way, they needed each other right now and that was what counted. Her idea of escape had been but a fantasy before she met Darren, with no plan formulated... and here she was... on her way to freedom.

Beth smiled, and looked over at Darren. She was so lucky to have him. Her glance was grateful, and had she but known it loving... she leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek, before sitting back in her seat again. She had used to be spontaneous and affectionate as a child, but had learned very quickly that reaching out in that way led to rejection at best and.. abuse at worst.

She glanced over at Darren. Would he react? Would that simple gesture ruin the easy companionship they had been sharing over the miles that passed? Would she regret that she had momentarily returned to the happy carefree little girl she'd once been so long ago, before she learned to weigh her actions carefully and hold back her loving impulses..? It had been a small gesture that could even go unnoticed, but for Beth it was a milestone, the first time she had reached out to Darren.

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren smiled at Beth's kiss, reminding himself quickly that all it was was a thank you, but a thank you like he had never felt before. It made his heart leap. He cast his gaze briefly in her direction and gave her a smile, laying his hand on her thigh to give her a quick squeeze.

"We're going to make it, Beth," he said softly.

The road rolled below them as the miles put safety between them both and their home. Yet as they progressed along the road, another nagging doubt came to his mind. Would they be able to find work in Canada? They were American citizens, not Canadians, and he wasn't in the least bit sure they could work without some kind of permit. They could vacation there, maybe give themselves some time to think about what they were going to do, but any more than that he was unsure.

His stomach rumbled, reminding him they had been driving over 2 hours now, and it was past noon. A little up the road, he could see a services sign, which would give them time to rest and catch their breath.

"Beth," he said, "I hope you don't mind, I need something to eat? Is it ok if we stop?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth watched Darren anxiously as he looked over at her and smiled. The smile warm with companionship and understanding. She let out a breath and beamed in return. His hand on her thigh felt warm and reassuring. His words matched the gesture;

"We're going to make it, Beth,"
His soft voice was accompanied by a quick squeeze, before he moved his hand away. She nodded agreeing with him. They would make it.. and perhaps they would indeed make it "together"?

Miles passed once more. They commented about the road, the traffic, the radio, but finally Darren turned to her saying;

"Beth, I hope you don't mind, I need something to eat? Is it ok if we stop?"

"Sure - I feel hungry too and... "
Beth looked down at her clothes.
"I'd love to change. In the rush and... everything... I'm still wearing the stuff I had on yesterday...."

The reality of actually going to Canada began to hit Beth.

"What shall we do when we get to Canada..?... Lie low for a while before coming back to the States or.... maybe we could get jobs...?"

Her mind began to run over the possibilities, only now realising some of the difficulties Darren had identified miles ago.

She looked out of the window as Darren pulled the car off the freeway.

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

As he parked the car he turned to look straight into her eyes. There was no easy way to allay the fears they were both experiencing now, and so all he could do was speak what was on his mind bluntly.

"Beth, I don't even know if we can get a job in Canada... I mean we can cross the border to visit, but I'm guessing you need some kind of work permit to work there. Unless we end up in some small town somewhere, where nobody gives a damn about the government, but I'm not sure where to begin looking. For now, I say we go there and relax, think about what to do next. Like I say, I got a credit card, I can pay for a hotel room for a couple of weeks off that - and if they let me pay in advance, my parents won't have a chance to cancel it. We can always see if theres some kind of work we can do once we're there, but we might have to come back to the US."

He took a breath, watching her face to try and work out if this was scaring her or if she was all right. Seeing the nervousness still on her face he gave her a smile.

"Of course, there is something I want to show you, up on the border... but you'll have to wait to see what that is."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

Beth leaned to the back seat to retrieve her jacket as Darren spoke;

"Beth, I don't even know if we can get a job in Canada... I mean we can cross the border to visit, but I'm guessing you need some kind of work permit to work there. Unless we end up in some small town somewhere, where nobody gives a damn about the government, but I'm not sure where to begin looking. For now, I say we go there and relax, think about what to do next. Like I say, I got a credit card, I can pay for a hotel room for a couple of weeks off that - and if they let me pay in advance, my parents won't have a chance to cancel it. We can always see if theres some kind of work we can do once we're there, but we might have to come back to the US."

She considered his words. These were problems she'd not even thought about.

His smile was teasing as he stated;
"Of course, there is something I want to show you, up on the border... but you'll have to wait to see what that is."

She laughed;
"You're teasing me Darren!"
She giggled again.
"We're not supposed to have any secrets now... ok!"
She pouted prettily... pretending to be annoyed with him, but totallly unconvincing as she began to chuckle again.

"Darren.." she started, her voice again serious, " We don't have to go to Canada, why don't we stay this side of the border. One place is as good as another to us anyhow.... and...
She looked at him considering...

"I don't know if it would be possible, .."
She said nervously,
"..but why can't we find a little place and rent it. We can easily pay at least a month up front without arousing suspicion and hopefully by the time the rent is due again, we should have jobs."

Darren returned the smile she threw at him. In many ways her ideas were naive or simplistic. Despite her apparent maturity, Beth really had very little idea of the real word. She just had a dream of them living in their own little place and then landing jobs.

It was unlikely to follow like that, but, they needed a starting point.

She got out of the car and walked to the boot.

"I need a change of clothes,"

She informed Darren, sure that her idea would not be workable. Things could not be that easy, deep down she knew that...

 

[BadForm]

Darren Andrews

Darren walked with her into the rest stop, telling her he would grab a table at the cafe as she went to the ladies to change. He took a table for two and sat to wait, looking through the menu. A couple of sodas, diet he thought as he remembered how slender she was, was probably what she normally drank, were produced to order. Then he sat in thought.

She was right. Canada was a nonsensical idea, though the border was where he wanted to take her. He remembered a holiday he had had there and wanted to show her the place. Besides, if they were going to seek work then the Canadian border was as good a place as any.

He looked down the menu, salivating at the descriptions of the steaks and other meat dishes. Some were a little expensive, but there was no point in saving the credit card. He would only have it for a short time anyway. Would that be what Beth wanted to eat though? He didn't even know if she was a vegetarian, so he couldn't order until she came back.

A thought struck him. Across the aisle was the gift store, with appended flower shop. Maybe it would be too stupid to do this, but he wanted to. He called the waitress back and asked her to save his seat while he bought something for his companion. She complained a bit at first, but when he left his wallet for security, she accepted. Darren ran over and checked out the flowers. He wanted something to show he loved her, but not something that would die before they could get it in water. Then he saw it. A rose, sculpted of bronze and painted and perfumed. It was perfect. He took out his credit card and bought it, then dashed back to the cafe, slightly out of breath.

"For... you..." he panted, handing it to Beth as he saw her enter behind him.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Bethany (Beth)

She walked breezily across to the cafe. She had a light denim skirt on now. It came down to just above the knee. Her bare legs and feet were stuck in light blue sandals. Her top was white and lacey, casual and pretty. Her hair had been brushed, but she had not reapplied the makeup he had seen her wear yesterday, in fact her hair was damp, her pale skin glowing and freshly washed. She carried the light bag she had gathered her change of clothes in and slung it over her shoulder letting it swing as she walked. She looked fresh and wholesome.

She stood looking for the table Darren would be sat at. To her suprise, he was stood just in front of her as she entered the cafe. As he turned his face looked flushed and he seemed breathless.

"For... you..." he spoke softly and handed her a package.

She looked at him in wordless surprise.
"For me..?" She asked, amazed.
Darren nodded smiling shyly.
Still stood beside him, Beth peeled of the fine tissue surrounding the object and gasped as she saw the rose. It was so beautiful, smelt heavenly and ... he had bought it .. for her....

She raised a glowing face to him, moved by the gift.

"Ohhhh.. Darren..." She exclaimed softly... His name but a husky breath....
"It's so ... beautiful.... "

Again she could not put into words that it was the first time someone had bought her such an exquisite gift, and coming from him it meant so much more....

"Thank you.." She spoke the inadequate words... "I'll treasure it.."

Following Darren she sat at the table, carefully repacking the priceless package.