"… My name is…" I watched him as hesitation and fear crept onto his face. Slowly I placed the palm of my hand against his lingering jawline. "I won't hurt you." I whispered suddenly so sure that the words I spoke were the truth. "My name is Layne." As he spoke the words I watched a strange mixture of relief and joy flash through his eyes. "Layne…" I tested his name out loud, letting the sounds roll of my tongue. I liked the way it felt. As he smiled at me his eyes lit up. It was almost like a silent opaque part of my soul reached out to him. I trembled slightly as I pulled my back away from the wall and ever so slightly leaned towards him. This time he did not cringe away from me, this time it was I who hesitated. I held my breath… savoring the feeling being near him gave me. I closed my eyes and leaned in, longing for the feeling of his lips. Suddenly I heard the distant crunch of gravel. The grumbled sounds of men's voices pulled me away from the spell Layne's eyes had but on me. I pulled back realizing that if we were caught we'd be dead. I stood swaying slightly as blood rushed to my head. "This way!" he whispered as he motioned towards a drain pipe I hadn't bothered to notice. I made a small mental note to kick myself for that later. I watched in slight amazement as Layne shimmied up the drain pipe with stealthy ease. I sighed internally as I watched his feet disappear over the building roof. What was I getting myself into? Taking in a deep breath I grabbed the pipe with both hands and attempted to pull myself up. Embarrassingly enough it was too slick and I just slide down again. I looked up quickly and was glad to see no sign that anyone (Layne) had seen my failure. I had to think fast, I could hear the voices getting louder from the end of the alley. I looked right but the walls just stretched on out of sight, there was no way to out run them, I had to climb up. Without warning I stripped of the ragged tee-shirt that hung loosely over my shoulders. Sliding it between the back of the pipe and the wall I pulled on it testing the strength. Placing my feet in front of me I quickly scrambled up the wall, sliding my tee-shirt as I went. Relief filled me when I could see the top of the building and Layne…. Layne! My hold on the tee-shirt faltered as the thought of him seeing me shirtless unlatched my grip. I felt the cloth between my hands start to tear before I heard it. String by string the reality that I was going to die became increasingly clear to me. I dove pushing my weight towards the building. All I could hear was the adrenalin pumping and my heart thumping in my ears as I grappled for the building. Just as I thought I had missed the ledge, I felt the cold jagged roof top under my fingers. Clinging to the building I held my breath. Rocks and debris fell down around me gently scraping my face. I tried not to think of the startling plummet beneath my feet, or the aching that crept into my fingers as I prayed silently for an answer. "Shit!" I swore under my breath as the weight became too much. One finger slipped off….two fingers…. Three fingers hanging… I felt my right hand drop next to me. I was trying desperately not to scream as I hang by one hand from the edge of a building. The scream froze in my throat as my worst fear was confirmed. One finger…. Two…. I closed my eyes tight knowing the end would come… three… I silently let my body relax as I started to slip. I felt the air rushing beneath me, it was clean and inviting. I almost smiled. Slow memories of my life began to flicker like a movie behind my eyes. Dad… Mom… Ali…. Layne…. His beautiful smile, and loving eyes. It was such a terrible waste. I never would really get to kiss him. It was almost like I could feel his soul clinging to me… wait! Clinging to me? I opened my eyes just in time to feel the reassurance of Layne's strong hand around my arm. Gasping I braced myself to hit the building, but with one swift yank Layne sent me flying over the edge onto the roof top. Toppling into his arms, our bodies hit the roof top in unison. The soft thud muffled my cry as I buried my face in his shoulder. Shaking violently I felt the safety I needed so desperately within the barrier of his consoling arms. After a while the shaking stopped and so did the tears. We sat silent as I listened to the footsteps approaching. Terrified I held my breath…. Waiting, hoping, praying… the sound of gravel and men's voice drifted over the roof top. "Yeah she sure is pretty just like her mo.….. What the hell?" his voice trailed off for a brief second then exploded in anger. "WHERE DID SHE GO? FIND HER NOW! SHE COULDN'T HAVE JUST WALKED AWAY! YOU DID GIVE HER THE DRUGS RIGHT? WHY ARE YOU STILL STANDING HERE? MOVE!" scuffling of feet departing in both directions broke the silence between me and Layne. He scooted gently to the other side of the building. I followed him cautious that my movements could give away my hiding spot to the men below me. I watched speechless as Layne lowered himself down the wall. He landed on the ground with the grace of a dancer and no more sound then a bird. Looking up at me he rendered me breathless with just one moment when we locked eyes. I saw my reflection in those dazzling brown eyes. Holding his hands up to me he motioned for me to jump. I looked at him hesitant. How much did I even know this guy? Did I really trust him? "Layne I…. I…." was I really going to jump into this adventure with a man I barely knew? Jump or stay? The thoughts circled in my head. I closed my eyes and made a decision. Unsure if I would regret it in the future. Slowly I…