Woah, another chapter! So soon Miranda? I'm impressed!

Yes, yes, I know, I've had problems with updating regularly, but then again, I've never really had a schedule. And to be honest you guys, I don't like schedules or deadlines. It just adds stress. :P And, being in the 12th grade, a lot of things pop up. But anyway, schedules are still needed so what I'm gonna TRYYYY to do is post every weekend (either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). I know what you're thinking. Miranda, it's Thursday! I know, but I'm not going to be here this weekend. I'm going on a four day music trip to New York (OMG) and I'm sooooo excited! But yeah….. read the chapter.

An hour or so later, I'd gathered a small pile of essentials on my bed. After counting inventory and reconsidering countless times, I finalized my pile. It in was a toothbrush and toothpaste, hair/body soap, deodorant, undies, a second bra (upgraded in size, woot), socks, one pair of jeans 2 t-shirts, and a long-sleeved shirt. When we left, I would wear a sweater with a long sleeved shirt and t-shirt underneath (it was October and it was getting colder), and a pair of jeans with fleece tights underneath. I shoved it all in the bag Derek had brought me, and put it underneath the bed, just in case.

Just then, Derek entered the room carrying a small duffel bag, presumably with his belongings and shoved it next to mine. We looked at each other before heading downstairs. I followed him outside towards the barn, almost reminiscing. Derek looked at me. "I like this place. I know that sounds weird but I do. There's one thing that bothers me though and that's one of the main reasons I think we should leave." He looked around suspiciously. "Something that I've been thinking about is that there are all these animals here and they don't react to me."

I looked back at the barn. To be honest, I'd been wondering the same thing. I remember stories Derek had told me about dogs and cats reacting to his scent even while he was simply walking down the street. But here, surrounded by animals, for some reason he was completely ignored. And although this had bothered me, I'd never delved into it, I didn't see the point. And maybe Derek was over reacting, but I could see why he was worried. And besides, we did still need to join Tori and Simon, no matter how wonderful it was here.

"Yeah," I said and turned to him. "Can I just… take one last look around, I guess?"

He looked at me sympathetically. "Sure. I'll be inside planning our escape."

I nodded as he turned around, scouting the property, looking for the best, quietest way out. But, I couldn't help but frown at the word escape. It didn't feel like an escape at all. More like running away from something good.

I started walking closer to the barn. The farther I went, the more it stunk, but I'd gotten used to it by now. Inside, I said bye to the animals that lived there and moved on to the stable in the back. I found Charcoal where I'd left her, and saddled her up, riding her towards the fields of golden corn. I turned her towards the sun was just beginning to set, and the sky turned into an orange haze, the sun was a fiery orb. Threads of light mingled with the rolling clouds, dying the sky red. I laid on Charcoals neck, making a fist in her mane and I stayed there. I don't know for how long, but the dinner bell had rung, and I stayed outside. I don't exactly know for how long, but by the time I looked up again, the day was forgotten, the last few tendrils of sunlight slowly leaving the sky. I turned around when I heard footsteps crunching in the autumn leaves.

"You didn't get dinner," Derek said handing me a sandwich.

I smiled and took it. "Thanks." I turned back around, reminiscing at the darkening sky. "I'm sorry. I'm just out of it."

Derek leaned against Charcoal, but she moved to the side, making him stumble. I smiled at him. He smirked. "I can tell. You don't want to leave?"

I looked down. "Of course not. But we need to."

"Yeah. We do." He looked at me and smiled. "Come on. We need our rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

"You're right. I guess we'd better get to bed then."

He nodded but we didn't move, just continued simply looking at each other. For a moment, I thought I saw a flash of emotion in his eyes, but he shook his head and turned away before I could confirm it.

I got off my horse then, and took her back into the stable. When I turned around, I didn't see Derek, I'd thought he was following me. Rushing back inside, I found him lounging on the bed, his hands fisting his hair.

"You ok?"

He turned to me. "Yeah. Just… I don't know." He shifted over. "Climb in."

And once I did, I was out like a light.