So I have a constant stream of story ideas running through my head. This one, I just had to write. I wish it could be longer but I think it's still a pretty good start. I have some goals set, to update Holding on to Hope, update with at least 2 new chapters of Our Songs, more warm ups and start a new story. I'm done babbling for now, enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I admit, I own nothing here except the story plot and new characters.

The only sounds to be heard were their hard breathing and the slap of a pair old sneakers against the cold wet ground. Their hair was tangled, wet and dirty. The bitter, cool wind kept slapping it in their faces. They only stopped once, and when they did they thought for sure he was gonna get them. Lacey was barefoot as she didn't have anytime to put on shoes. She stepped on a piece of glass so Amber had to remove it. In the end Amber gave her shoes which were much too big and Lacey almost tripped multiple times.

The rain had ceased, at least for a little bit. Amber felt a little relief wash over her after that but was quickly cut short when her mother's frightened words rang through her head again. Don't stop running! Don't stop running! Don't stop running! She could then remember her mother slamming the door behind them and her screams as her father ran out afterwards, slurring his cruel words. Her mother collapsed sobbing at the door, beaten and broken. Blood smeared over her face and clothing, hair mattered and bald spots from where he had ripped it out were bleeding, purple bruises engulfing her body, she layed and wished for two things. The unbearable pain to stop and her daughters to be safe.

They had been running for at least a hour and the adrenaline rush was quickly fading. Amber knew he wouldn't have come this far after them, he was so drunk he could barely stand so it was still a wonder to how he chased them down. But when Lacey reminded her he could come back in the car, adrenaline kicked in again and they kept running. Rain was now falling down softly and it was a cool comfort to their sore, sweaty bodies. Although it made Lacey sad, she thought it looked like the sky was crying.

Now they were in a neighborhood, a nice one too. Restaurants and stores lined the empty streets as people still hid inside from the storm. Only a few cars sped by, splashing murky water from puddles everywhere.

"Amber, can we stop?" Lacey panted, struggling to keep up with her old sister.

"No, besides there's apartments coming up. We'll just hide there tonight."

"He's not gonna get us!" The girl whined.

"No! You heard mama!" Amber snapped, her mothers words running again and again through her mind. Don't stop running! Don't stop running! Don't stop running!

A singled clap of thunder suddenly shook the air and the two jumped. Blinding streaks of lightening shocked the dark sky and rain suddenly came down in sheets.

"Shit." Amber muttered.

"Amber! That's a potty word!"

"Well too bad!" Amber growled, and then grabbed her younger sisters arm. "Faster Lace, faster."

The pair made it to the apartments and raced up the metal stairs, Lacey's too big shoes creating a wet slapping noise. One floor. Two floors. Three floors. Only one more floor. The thunder still growled and the rain came down even harder. Both girls were soaked and exhausted. Neither was gonna be able to take another step. Their hair was still soaked and it hung matted on their shoulders, causing more water to leak into their torn, grimy shirts. The girls finally collapsed, Lacey in Amber's arms, against one of the doors. A bang echoed throughout and for a minute Amber was worried about the owners coming. But as soon as her eyelids flicked closed, she fell under a deep spell of sleep.

Inside, Olivia froze, her mouth still mashed together with her partners.

"El?"

"Yeah?" He asked, wishing they could keep going. The only place they could do this was her or his house, their relationship still a secret to the world.

"What was that?" She pulled apart and he sighed.

"Nothing Liv."

"Bullshit, someones at your door." She protested.

"Olivia…" He sighed, running his hands over his face. His wedding ring free hands. She shot him a look that read "shut up and trust me" and made her way to the door. She unlocked the bottom lock and the dead bolt and a large gasp escaped her lips.

"Elliot." She whispered. He he raced over and he too gasped.

In front of their feet were two soaking, dirty sleeping girls.

Olivia bent down and gently shook the pair. Amber's eyes slowly darted open, her breath quickening, grip tightening on her sister who merely stirred.

"Sweetheart are you okay? My names Olivia, I'm a police officer."

"The p-police?" She whimpered, cuddling Lacey even closer.

"We're not gonna hurt you guys. We just want to help." Elliot said, also bending down. "Come on inside, this is my house."

"You two live together?" Amber questioned, sitting up now. The dynamic duo blushed.

"Nah, we're partners." Olivia smiled, a deep crimson still flushed across her cheeks. "Come inside."

"No. We're fine." She let a big yawn escape and wished she kept sleeping. That's all she wanted. Sure she was soaked, hungry and had just been through hell but, she had Lacey and was safe now. She could sleep.

"Hon, you guys aren't fine. I've seen this before, and it's not fine." Olivia said softly, heart already aching for these girls.

"I just wanna sleep!" Amber protested, scooting away.

"Sweetie, we need to help you guys." Elliot said, and before she could object again he picked her and Lacey up. Amber tried to fight but was too tired. She just rested her sleepy eyes and slept for what felt like forever. Which was all she wanted to do.

So how bout 5 reviews before a new chapter? Good I think so, and gives me time to write a new chapter. By the way, story alerts/author alerts and all that jazz are nice but don't count. Feel free to do those too though :) Wanna hear some mad Spanish skills? El lapiz es de China. The pencil is from China. Oh yeah, major skills, right there XD