Here's the next chapter of Runaway.
It's short, but it's mostly introducing you to new characters.
Thanks for the feedback. Keep the reviews coming please.

I own Marianne, Jack, and Joseph, who is mentioned.

The following day Heath had still not returned.

"Sometimes, I wonder what goes on in his damn head." Jack shook his head as he and Marianne ate their breakfast.

"You don't think it's my fault?" Marianne asked the older man.

"No. Once in a while Heath Miller disappears for a couple of days." Jack shrugged.

"You don't seem worried." The New York native frowned.

"I guess it's just his way of dealing with things." Jack gave a reassuring smile.

"I'm sure you're right." She sighed.

"Anyway, I have to go into town. Why don't you join me?" Jack suggested.

"That sounds nice." The brunette nodded and smiled.

Until now, Marianne's only foray into Greenwood town was the night that Heath accompanied her to visit Mickie at the Inn. The streets were bustling with people, mostly due to the warm sunshine that had emerged that morning. Jack brought the truck to a stop outside of the Post Office and walked around to the passenger side to open the door for his female passenger. The New York native climbed out of the vehicle and glanced around her.

The street was what you would expect. As well as the Greenwood Inn, there was a barbershop, a butcher, a grocer, baker, a hardware store… Marianne's green eyes fell to the figure of the church on the hill. Her mind drifted back to what Heath had told her the previous day. How cruel and humiliating to suffer like that in front of the whole town. No wonder the redhead had reacted in such a way when he saw Paul and Barbara flaunting their love in public that night at the Inn.

"Come on." Jack said, heading towards the Post Office.

"Good morning Mr Clearwater." The woman behind the counter smiled as he entered. She was tall and slim with blonde hair and she wore glasses, which sat at the end of her nose.

"Same to you Michelle." Jack replied.

"And this must be Marianne?" the woman said as she looked over the top of her glasses.

"Yes, this is Marianne Addison." Jack nodded.

"Michelle Callaway. I'm the post mistress." The blonde smiled and extended a hand to the New York native.

"How's Mark doing?" Jack asked the blonde as she stamped some papers in front of her.

"He's good." Michelle nodded.

"Michelle's husband Mark is the local undertaker." Jack explained to Marianne.

Marianne only nodded. She didn't want to think about anything concerning death right now. Her fears for her father and Heath had not helped her to get to sleep the previous night.

"I've got your mail here." Michelle told Jack, handing him a few envelopes.

"This one's your father's handwriting." He told the brunette, opening the envelope.

The New York native watched as Jack pulled out two letters from the envelope, one for each of them. The older man handed one letter to Marianne, who took a seat on one of the chairs nearby and unfolded the paper, scanning the words carefully.

Dear Marianne,

I hope that this letter finds you well.
Things here are as well as can be. Phillip returned today and asked where you were. I told him that you were in St. Louis and would not be returning until next week. I will think of something to tell him next time he calls here. Do not worry about me, for I am only concerned for your welfare. You are my only daughter, and I would never wish for you to be forced into a marriage with someone like Phillip.
I am sure that Jack will be making you feel at home. I have thought that perhaps I may join you there at some point. I love you and miss you, but I could not be prouder of you.
All my love, Father.

The New York native sighed and folded the paper back up, slipping it into her pocket. Jack patted her on the shoulder and said his goodbyes to Michelle, before exiting the building and heading to the baker's for some bread. Walking into the baker's shop, Marianne was hit by the aroma of freshly baked bread and cakes. All around were colourful displays of baked goods. There were an older couple in front of the counter, so Jack and Marianne stood and waited their turn patiently.

A short woman with dark brown hair and dark features was serving behind the counter, speaking with a distinctly English accent. She let out a sigh of relief as the old couple left the shop with their goods, before turning her attention to her next customers. She smiled when she looked up to see Jack Clearwater with a young brunette woman beside him. "The usual Jack?" she asked him.

"Yes please Layla." He smiled and nodded.

"I'll see if my husband's taken out a new batch." Layla told him, walking over to an open door. "Stu? Have you taken out a new batch yet?" she asked.

"Just two minutes, love." A thick English accent replied.

"That's fine, we'll wait." Jack assured the brunette.

"So, who's this young lady?" Layla asked as she dusted down her apron.

"This is Marianne Addison. She's a friend's daughter who's staying with me for a while." Jack replied.

"Nice to meet you." Layla offered a floury hand to the New York native.

"You too." Marianne smiled.

"You haven't seen Heath by any chance?" Jack asked the smaller woman.

"No, has he run off again?" Layla raised a dark brow.

"Yesterday morning. Just thought he might have hung out with Stu." Jack shrugged.

"Not that I know of." Layla shook her head and gave an apologetic look.

A very tall and broad man emerged from the back with two fresh loaves of bread. He had slicked back dark hair and he was paler than his wife. His face appeared to have a permanent smirk. Layla took the loaves and wrapped them in paper bags for her customer, placing them on the counter and taking the money from Jack. She smiled as she handed him his change and turned to face her husband, which looked difficult, as she was at least a foot shorter than he was.

"Give us a kiss, love." Stu smirked as he pulled his wife closer.

"Not when I've got customers!" the woman exclaimed.

"We'll leave you to it!" Jack chuckled.

"Good day to you Jack." Stu nodded.

"Same to you." Jack nodded as he opened the door for Marianne to exit.

After the journey back to the farm, Marianne was a little disappointed to find that Heath had still not returned. She got the feeling that he thought he had no friends in the town, but she hoped that she could persuade him otherwise. When the redhead eventually returned, she would have to convince him to take her into town again…

What do you think?

Will Heath return soon?
What are your thoughts on the new characters?

Please Review! Vote on my new poll! xxx