A:N/// hey sorry for the late update, once again. Ngl I've been seriously contemplating just giving up all my stories, but decided to just finish them, even if they take a while. So, thanks for supporting, and enjoy the update! :)

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"So.... Why are you following me?"

"I'm just going somewhere in the same direction."

"Sure you are."

I tried to ignore the footsteps that followed my own, but it was starting to annoy me. I had nowhere to go, and was leading him to God knows where.

We circled around the block before I realized that I didn't hear a thing.

I stopped and peeked behind me.

He was just standing there, with a look on his face. A look that seemed smug. Like he knew exactly what I was doing.

"You don't know where to go, do you?" He let out a small laugh and I rolled my eyes.

"I do! Just waiting for you to get tired and back off!"

He laughed again and pointed behind him. "We could just go back to my house? My mom seems like she would be willing to let you. You don't seem like a bad guy."

I let out a sigh as I weighed my options.

Obviously, going back with him sounded more comfortable, but the idea of being interrogated by his mother on the other hand...

"We won't ask you anymore questions." He promised, like he could hear my thoughts.

"Why do you care where I go?" I asked, turning away.

"It's not just me. My mom and brother both feel sort of bad for you. To sleep on the streets in THIS city? Besides, you were worried about my brother's safety. You're kind of a good person...."

I scoffed. "Kind of?"

He smiled and I rolled my eyes.

"I just can't. I'll find someplace to stay, so don't worry about me. But if you are that worried, just leave me a phone number." I offered.

He hesitated, but complied. He felt around his pockets and found an old receipt.

He gestured me to follow him into an old shop, and I surprising listened, though I did feel nervous by doing so.

We walked in and a bell announced our arrival.

Rome seemed to know the clerk, since they began to chatter away like a couple of brothers before asking for a pen to borrow.

I could feel the clerk's gaze on me as Rome scribbled down his number.

As soon as he was done, he gave the pen back and handed me the receipt.

"Call me, if you're in any trouble.  Promise?"

I nodded but he raised his pinkie, a goofy smile at his lips.

Unamused, I copied him. We linked pinkies and I walked out.

"Don't forget!" He shouted, but I paid him no mind.

I hadn't realized how late it had gotten as the sky turned a darker blue.

I enjoyed the soft night breeze as I searched for a place to stay for the night.

Rome's offer was too generous to take, but it was sounding real reasonable right now.

Even though I didn't want to admit it, I wasn't sure how I was going to survive like this. With no money or items, I felt bare and hopeless. This lifestyle couldn't continue. I knew I had to start somewhere, but I wasn't sure where.

So I get a job? Where do I live? How can I avoid being found? I hesitated before pulling out both slips of papers from my pocket.

Greyson and Rome had bother offered their help. I could suck it up and call a number, but I didn't want to be pitied or provided for.

I gazed at the stars, sighing at the lack of them. I felt a tightness in my chest and burning sensation from my nose and eyes.

I cried silently.

Breathing in this moment and letting my brain rest was something I forgot I needed.

Breathe.

Just breathe.

I wiped the snot on my sleeve as I softly sniffled.

"I just want to go home." I mumbled, my throat dry.

I plucked grass from the ground, attempting to soothe myself, but it wasn't really working. I grew frustrated as I tried to see any solution that I could fulfill on my own, but it was useless.

Even though I didn't want to, I needed to rely on someone. No matter how badly I wanted to distrust them. I needed help.

More than ever.

I tried to sleep. I really did. But the bitter cold and fear of being vulnerable didn't let me. I did sleep for a good 25 minutes before waking up on pure instinct.

My toes had gone numb from the prickling cold, and my nose was leaking like a hose. I was pretty miserable. I shivered as another gust of wind blew in my direction.

I hesitated before sticking my fumbling hand into my pockets. I found the old receipt with Rome's number and considered calling him. Really, I would be stupid not to....

I hung my head as I thought it over. I had rejected his offer mere hours before... But I had promised him I would call if I was in trouble, and hypothermia was sounding like a real problem right about now.

Or maybe I was being dramatic.

Regardless, I decided to not be an idiot.

I stood up and looked around for a payphone. When I successfully spotted one, I almost skipped over, hoping it would warm up my body.

I dialed the number and waited. It was the dead of night, so who knew if he would even pick up. I waited nervously until the ringing stopped.

"Hello?" A groggy voice asked, almost making me smile.

"......Hey. It's uh.... The guy who said he would call you if I needed help?" I awkwardly mumbled.

"Oh! Do you need help? Tell me where you are I'll come pick you up!" He chirped, a total 180 from his previous voice. I held back a laugh and felt a warm feeling spread through my chest.

"I'm near a park, and a run down convenient store?" I answered, hoping that would be enough information.

"It's not too far from where we last spoke."

"Ok, I know where you are. I'm coming right now. Don't go anywhere!" He ordered before the call ended.

I let out a heavy sigh as I sat on the curb. Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous. I felt like I could trust him and his family. He seemed like an innocent guy. But I couldn't be too sure. I had to be ready, just in case. I would leave on my own terms, and not theirs.

I saw headlights and felt my heart speed up. Even though I knew it was probably Rome, I still was weary. I squinted my eyes and looked through the windshield, confirming it was indeed Rome.

I sighed with relief and waited for him to stop. He rolled down the window with an eager smile.

"Hop in!" He encouraged, waiting for me.

I slowly did so, side-eyeing him the entire time.

"My Mom got your sleeping arrangements set up. I hope you don't mind, but you'll be sleeping in my room. She thought it was the most appropriate since we are the closest in age. I hope you don't snore." He rambled, his tone excited. I couldn't help the small smile on my lips.

I could tell he didn't have much friends growing up. But neither did I.

I rested my head, super comfortable in the warm car. "She might be asleep when we get back, so we're gonna have to be really quiet, okay? She has work in the morning."

I nodded, a pang of guilt gnawing at me. I didn't want to be just another mouth to feed. I would have to look for a job, as fast as possible.

"And stay as long as you need to." He finished. I looked down at my feet and fought the large smile and tears.

"I-I'm really sorry. I know I'm making things harder for you guys." I said with a shaky voice.

He said nothing, and I felt even more guilt.

But his hands met my shoulders. "You aren't. We are helping someone in need. Needing help isn't a bad thing. Pretending you don't is. So, rely on us. We don't mind."

I paused, realizing that he car had stopped. We were in the driveway. Be unbuckled his seat belt and ran over to my side, helping me out.

"Just relax. We'll help you get back on your feet."

I said nothing, and followed him into the house, ready to restart my life in this new town, with this new family.

Maybe I could finally live without looking back.