Run to You Read online

“Oh stop, you look amazing!” I shout back at her. This is already mentally draining me. Is she really this peppy all the damn time, like seriously who acts like that? Could her life really be that perfect?

  “The cab is here, let’s rock this,” Katie smiles and loops her arm through mine.

  She reminds me of the friends I had before my life got complicated. I’m not sure if I’m happy about the reminder or saddened. I had considered Amber and Hailey my two best friends; when they turned on me and started the stupid rumor it killed me. I’ve known them since we were in grade school. After the incident with Cole, they were the first to turn on me. Telling everyone in school I was a slut. That I cheated to win Prom Queen. That my dad stole money from their parents. They turned out to be the exact opposite of friends.

  I guess that old saying is true; you never know who your real friends on until something awful happens and you see how’s left standing by your side.

  Travis

  I don’t know why I agreed to go clubbing tonight. My roommates had begged me and normally I would just tell them to shove it but someone needed to keep an eye on them. I volunteered to be the designated driver, don’t ask me why. I hate clubs, it’s hot and crowded and the girls are always sluts. Last time we went to Rave I had to practically fake a heart attack to get away from a pushy red head. It’s disgusting. It seems like women have no self-respect lately. I am definitely not going to sleep with some girl that has probably hit on every other guy in the club before she arrived at me. Desperation is not attractive.

  “Yo bro you ready to bounce?” Jax, one of my roommates asks.

  “Yeah let’s get this night over with,” I sigh.

  “Man you need to loosen up, Trav. Live a little for a change. Who knows maybe you’ll meet the girl of your dreams tonight,” Brian elbows me.

  I’ve known Brian since high school, he’s been my best friend from day one. He’s one of the only people I trust. Brian and I played football together, we were stoked when we both got accepted to Brighton University. He was the only one who stuck by me after I dropped out two years ago.

  “Yo, Earth to Travis,” Jax waves his hand in front of my face.

  Jax moved in about 6 months ago, I hired him to help me fine tweak the computer system at Retribution. He’s a programmer. We hit it off and decided to let him rent from us, we didn’t need the money but he made a good impression.

  “Yeah, yeah let’s go.” I say.

  The club is already poppin when we arrive. Mobs of scantily clad woman are everywhere. There is a definite advantage for the ladies tonight, the men are highly outnumbered. We weave our way through the crowd and head for the bar. Brian and Jax are fist bumping nearly everyone they pass. Losers. I grab a seat and take a look around. I see a couple of chicks scoping me out but I’m not interested. I know what girls like them are all about and I want nothing to do with it. I’ll admit it’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone, but it doesn’t bother me. Just when I think this night is going to drag on, I catch a glimpse of a beautiful brunette in the crowd.

  She’s absolutely breath taking, not to mention those eyes. I can see them from here they’re so bright blue, like tempting pools of heaven. I’m mesmerized by the way her body sways to the music. It’s like she’s the only one in the room. Everyone around her has disappeared I soak her in. Her hair is wavy and the way her hands are tangled in it makes me wish it were my hands. What the hell is wrong with me? Who am I kidding, this girl is beautiful and there’s no way I deserve her. I don’t usually go for women in the club but I can tell right off she’s not like the others. She has a certain innocence about her, yet it’s more than that. I can’t describe it but I know she’s special. Brian catches me looking. Great.

  “Find someone that caught your attention I see,” he nudges me.

  “Whatever man, knock it off.” I shrug.

  “Hmm…she is a fine looking specimen. Look at those curves, those should be illegal,” he winks.

  “She’s mine.” The words come out all on their own. Brian and Jax burst out laughing. Perfect.

  Who am I kidding; I don’t stand a chance with a girl like that. I saw her friend hand the bar tender a black visa, you only get those when you’re rich. I should know, I have one. Girls like that look for rich men, they seek them out like missiles. She will probably take one look at me and think I’m some mindless college jock with no money and run for the hills.

  Luckily, I like a good chase. Game on.

  Chloe

  Once we arrive at the club I instantly regret my choice of being Miss Susie Sunshine. I should have just told her no, or even a no thank you. As my new friend drags me through the club doors, the sound of some stupid Hip Hop song echoes through the room. There are bodies of people everywhere, bumping and grinding into each other. I feel Katie beside me start swaying her hips into me, attempting to coax me into moving with her.

  “Wow there is a crazy amount of people in here,” she shouts to me over the music. “Let’s get some drinks.”

  “Uh-I’m only 19.” I say as she pulls me toward the bar.

  “Oh don’t even worry about it, watch and learn bestie,” she replies with a smile.

  We grab some empty seats at the bar, as I watch Katie I quickly figure out how she is going to get us drinks. She leans over the bar, pushing her cleavage up as she dips her head toward the bartender. The burly man behind the counter is clearly not looking at her face as she speaks softly into his ear. She runs her pink painted index finger down the stubble on his cheek and bats her eye lashes.

  A few minutes later some sort of fruity mixed drink is placed in front of us and Katie hands the man a black credit card.

  “Keep a tab and keep them coming would you sweetie,” she oozes as she takes a sip and smiles at me. This girl is going to get me in some serious trouble.

  “I have a feeling this isn’t the first time you’ve done that,” I say.

  “Oh trust me, I’m the best kind of friend a girl can have,” she smiles, “Now come dance with me.”

  I am dragged yet again, this time to the dance floor. I haven’t danced in years, I used to do ballet. I love to dance, but now it just feels awkward to me. Before I can protest and retreat my hips find their rhythm all on their own. I guess dancing is like riding a bike, you never forget. I am lost in the music before I have time to process anything else. My eyes are closed and my hands are in my hair as my body moves along with Katie’s.

  People are watching us but for the first time in years I don’t care. There is only me, Katie and the intoxicating rhythm of Beyonce’s Flawless leading my body. Not normally my style but my body doesn’t seem to care.

  My mind is so focused on the music that for once I am actually having fun. The songs ends and Katie tugs on my arm and motions back toward the bar. We return to our seats, I sip my drink and can immediately taste the vodka so this must be a Strawberry Daiquiri. I don’t notice the man who is sitting down next to me until he taps my shoulder.

  “Well hello there darlin, come here often?” The man asks with a sexy smirk.

  “Really? Come here often…that’s the best you got? I mean really, that doesn’t actually work on anyone does it?” I ask, feeling annoyed. I will admit he is a good looking guy. Strong facial features, no facial hair. Gorgeous green eyes and messy brown hair. His squared jaw curves into a bigger smile.

  “Ouch, she wounds me,” He replies, clutching his chest.

  His response makes me laugh, I’m not sure if I honestly find it that funny or if the Vodka has already started to sink in. Either way, I am giggling somewhat uncontrollably like a school girl.

  “That’s the best sound I’ve heard in a long time, it’s adorable.”

  Okay there is the annoyance again, what the hell is that supposed to mean. My laugh is adorable? What am I a child or a freaking puppy? I turn back around in my chair to face Katie.

  “Ouch again.” He laughs. “You know I actually enjoy a challenge,” he whispers into my ear sendi
ng chills down my neck.

  I refuse to turn around and acknowledge him, instead I sip my drink and focus on Katie. Who might I add, is staring at the hunk behind me.

  “I think he likes you, you’re so lucky. He’s so hot,” she says quietly to me and winks at the stranger.

  “Yeah, not interested,” I say loud enough for him to hear me.

  Katie frowned, “Boyfriend back home?” She asks.

  “Uh-no, no boyfriend. Just not my type.” I say with a smile.

  “Oh my gosh he has hot friends,” Katie squeals with excitement. She gets up and spins my chair around so we are now both facing the hot stranger and his new comer friends.

  “Hi! I’m Katie and my rude friend here is my new roommate, Chloe,” she says with a huge smile.

  Hot stranger smiles back, “Well hello there Katie, and Chloe. I’m Travis and these are my boys; Jax and Brian.”

  Katie walks over to Brian and drapes her arm over his shoulder. After a few seconds of whispering they walk toward the dance floor together. Jax takes the arm of some slutty looking redhead and follows, great, now I am alone with hot stranger now known as Travis. Who is now smiling at me with his sparkling white teeth.

  “Saw you dancing earlier, you really now how to move your body,” Travis says.

  “Yeah, look I’m really sorry but I’m just not interested in you. You’re not my type and I don’t even really want to be here, so if you’ll excuse me I think I’ll head out.” I say as I get up, and attempt to move past him to the door. Travis stands up and catches my arm, panic instantly runs through my mind. I hadn’t noticed how big he was until now, he’s a least 6’1 and I can tell he spends a lot of time at the gym the way his muscles are strained against his white tee shirt is very intimidating.

  “Whoa, hey there, hang on a minute. I was just trying to make conversation with you, I didn’t say we had to get married and have tons of babies,” he laughs and lets go of my arm. Relief engulfs me, but I still feel like I need to get away from him.

  “Look I’m sure you’re a real nice guy and probably an outstanding citizen who saves puppies and damsels in distress. But to be honest I just got dragged here by a girl I just met today and I don’t want to date anyone. So don’t take it personally but you don’t want to know me okay, It’s not you, you just don’t, so…thank you for the compliments and all but I’m leaving.”

  I don’t turn around as I race past him, I don’t want to take a chance on meeting those memorizing eyes again. I stop and tell Katie I am heading back. She gives me a sad face for a second until Brian’s lips touch her neck and then she doesn’t seem to care anymore. I rush inside the dorm room and slip into my pajamas. After eating some Top Ramen I plop onto my bed and drift off to sleep.

  Travis

  It takes every ounce of self-control I have not to run out that door after her. Chloe, even her name is exquisite. She certainly thought she had me pegged, I should be angry but instead I’m intrigued. I need to know more, I need to know everything about her.

  “Hey, mind if I cut in?” I ask her roommate Katie.

  “Uh-okay, sure,” she says reluctantly releasing her hold on Brian. I catch a look of disappointment as he passes me.

  “Sorry about that, I just wanted to ask you some questions about your friend,” I say making sure I’m not leading her on. She laughs. She’s not bad looking; blonde hair, perky breasts, tiny waist. But she’s not the one that’s caught my attention.

  “I actually just met her today,” she chuckles. “I can tell you she doesn’t have a boyfriend.”

  “Well that’s a start,” I smile. “What else?”

  “Umm…well she likes to run, she said something about going for a run every morning before class.”

  Perfect, now I have my in. Sure I feel a bit like a stalker but this is the first girl that has captured my interest in years, nobody has talked to me like that since…well since, Samantha.

  “Thanks darlin, now if you wouldn’t mind telling me what building you’re in, I’ll hand you back over to my friend.” I didn’t even have to beg, she just handed over all the intel on her friend. She clearly would not last long during an interrogation. Mental note, don’t ever trust this girl with a secret.

  Chloe

  I wake up screaming again, I thought the nightmares had disappeared but apparently not. When I open my eyes and look around, the room is dark and Katie is missing. She couldn’t still be at the club, could she? I glance at the clock on my phone, 1:45am. Hmm…strange, I can’t exactly call and check on her. I don’t even have her number. I’m sure she’s fine, she’s an adult, and she probably went home with that Brian guy.

  I lay back down and close my eyes, I hate nightmares. It’s always the same one, it’s dark and I’m being chased. I don’t have to guess who the man chasing me is, it’s the same person every time. I can still remember his hateful laugh, I can remember the way his hands felt and the musky scent of his cologne. I mentally force the thoughts to go away and attempt to drift back to sleep.

  The next week flies by, people have been trickling in and the campus is filling up. I’ve been running every day. Katie has established a pattern of her own, she frequents the club every night and sleeps til noon. I’m happy she has been so preoccupied that she hasn’t bothered to become besties anymore.

  I have also traded in my pink comforter for a black and white floral pattern. There are still specs of hot pink here and there but it’s not nearly as bright. I’ve given up my Susie Sunshine routine already and decided to just be myself, well mostly myself. I am still keeping my inner demons in check, but that’s mainly for my own benefit rather than anyone else’s. School starts tomorrow and I’m nervous but excited. I can’t wait to get my Law degree and start helping people, people like myself who didn’t get any.

  I am on another of my morning runs and almost back to my dorm when I get that creepy feeling again, like someone is watching me. I know there are more people around now, but it still feels strange. It’s the third time this week I’ve felt like this and it makes me uneasy. I decide to pick up the pace and get back sooner rather than later. As I’m rounding the corner of my building, I turn around to glance behind me and run smack dab into a wall…oh wait, not a wall it’s much much worse.

  “Well fancy running into you,” Travis smiles his pearly whites at me.

  “Ha ha, very funny…I’m sorry. I should’ve watched where I was going, excuse me.” I reply rolling my eyes as I brush past him.

  “You know, one of these days you’re going to be running to me, not away from me,” Travis says with a confident smirk.

  I sigh, “Spare me the cheesy pickup lines, and keep dreaming,” I reply as I shut the door behind me. He didn’t attempt to get in the door, I just heard him laugh as he walked away. Once safely inside my room, it appeared a tornado had ran through it. Clothes were being flung from Katie’s closet and dresser into mass piles on the floor.

  “Ugh! I have nothing to wear!” She huffs.

  “Um…well what do you call all these stacks of clothes then?” I chuckle.

  “Not funny Chloe, this is serious. The first day of school is the most important first impression you will ever make. I mean there could be sorority reps walking around, or my soon to husband…I have to be prepared for my future.” She replies with her head still in the closet.

  “Of course, very serious situation here. What ever should we do? I know, let’s go to that mal I saw downtown!” I’m joking, but as soon as the words leave my mouth and I see Katie’s smile light up her face; I know she thought I was serious.

  “Yes! Oh my gosh that would be perfect and amazing and oh my gosh you’re the best!” She shouts and throws her arms around me.

  “Okay,” I sigh. “Let me take a quick shower and get cleaned up and we’ll go.” Damn me and my stupid sarcasm.

  The drive to the mall is pretty monotonous, Katie rambles on and on about the various guys she met and how Travis has been asking about me. I mostly ignore her
, except the few times I felt her comments warranted a response. The mall is surprisingly empty for a Sunday afternoon. You would think it would be packed with college kids like ourselves doing last minute wardrobe prep. After we grab a quick bite to eat at Subway, we turn the corner toward Macy’s and Katie squeals.

  “Oh my gosh, look there’s Brian and Travis. Let’s go say Hi!” She hooks her arm through mine and drags me behind her as she shouts at them to get their attention.

  “Hello ladies,” Brian says, looking directly at Katie.

  “How awesome is it that you guys are here at this exact moment? It must be fate, you have to shop with us now. I mean what would fate say?” Katie bats her eyelashes.

  “Well who are we to mess with fate, right Travis?” Brian smiles and nudges Travis with his elbow. Travis winks at me.

  “I prefer to choose my own destiny thank you. You guys go ahead, I’ll find you later,” I say as I turn to away from them. I do not want to spend my Sunday with them.

  “Running from me again blue eyes,” Travis says from behind me.

  Ugh, this guy. Really? Whatever, I don’t care. I’m just going to keep walking, I’m not going to let him get to me.

  “What are you so scared of?” Travis shouts, causing me to stop my retreat.

  I turn around to find him staring at me, a look of humor in his eyes. Brian and Katie have already headed off in the opposite direction. I stand there frozen for a moment, staring into those sexy green eyes. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have him around, after all I have been feeling like I’m being watched lately. Shaking my head, I walk back toward him like a puppy with my tail between my legs. He smiles as I approach.

  “Don’t even say it. If you are going to be following me around I have some ground rules.” I state with my arms crossed.

  “Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” he smiles

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Never mind, it doesn’t matter. Rule #1 keep your hands to yourself. Rule #2 I’m not interested in whatever you have to offer so no more cheesy pick-up lines. And Rule #3 don’t get on my nerves.”