Chapter 1 - Isa's POV
I didn't really know where I was headed; I just knew I had to get there.
I was behind the wheel of my black Celica; windows down, music loud, and tank full of gas. A rare occurrence, but I had just finished a job, so gas was a feasible expense. After what I had just witnessed, there was no turning back. They knew I saw what happened, due to my inability to walk without tripping.
God, even I wonder how I'd gotten this far in life or learned the things that I know without screwing it up. But I won't complain. I'll take what I can get.
They chased me for a good while before I was able to ditch them in a hotel a few miles from the hideout. Even he was among the group chasing me. I can't believe what an idiot I was to think that he actually gave a damn about me. But considering the lifestyle we lived, I shouldn't be surprised.
I ran with a shady crew, and I knew it. I knew what I was getting myself into from the beginning. I needed an escape and I willingly ran into their domain, receiving the tight grip they had on me, had being the operative word. I was out of there whether they liked it or not. There was no way I would go back willingly. They'd have to find me.
Which lead me to my current predicament. Where to go? I could go back to St. Louis and hide out with Stacy and the group I left there. But Stacy had ties to the crew here; I mean, I did meet them through her, so that was out the window.
I could go stay with my mother in Texas, but I don't want to bring her into this. She'll just start running again. One year in the same place was a big feat for her, and I wouldn't mess that up. I think her new guy, Phil, has a large part to do with that. It's been nice knowing where she is without having to search for her.
There's only one other place that I can think of, and it's been a while since I've even been near that place.
Just thinking about it brings back memories and feelings that I've chosen to suppress. It reminded me so much of my true loneliness and my reasons for running in the first place. But this was a time of desperation. I just had to force myself to get over it all and move on. Because, with the people there, I know I can hide out without anyone noticing. The crew here didn't even know about them, so the prospects were promising.
Still, the main reason I'd separated myself from them was to protect them. As I look out of the window and take in the last sites of the beaches I frequented so often and the overly tanned bodies strolling around, I consider all of my options and what it would mean to go back to a setting of my past life. It's always been set in my mind that that was a last resort. I think back to the scene I left only hours ago and make up my mind.
"Well, here's to last resorts!" I say to myself while shifting gears and picking up speed. "Goodbye Miami, Hello Boston!"
