Sorry again for the lack of updates, guys. My life was put on hold recently due to the death of my mother two weeks ago. Today was the first free day I had to update, so I hope you guys enjoy! And keep the comments coming, too!

Chapter Eleven: Saved

It was a long walk to the park, but Katie didn't mind one bit. The further away she walked from home, the more calm she felt.

A rumble of thunder was heard in the distance. Storm clouds were slowly moving in. Perhaps she should turn around and go home before it began to rain. As much as she wanted to go back and keep from getting soaked, her legs continued onward.

She was surprised to realize that there were no cars buzzing by. The streets were empty. From the time she left the house until now, not a car was seen by her eyes.

She was just a mile from the park when she finally heard the motor of a car behind her. Instead of the vehicle zooming past her, it slowed down when it reached her. A honk of the horn startled her enough for her to look back and see who it was.

The car stopped next to her, and the passenger window rolled down.

"Need a ride?"

Katie smiled when she realized who it was.

It was Patrick.

She climbed into his truck and closed the door. Looking at Patrick, she noticed that he had a concerned look on his face.

"What?"

"I was worried sick about you," he softly answered. "I noticed that you called my cell phone. I called your house, and your dad answered. He said that he noticed you walk out, but didn't know where you went. That's when I got into my truck and decided to come out and look for you."

"I had to get out of the house," Katie explained. "I got into a huge argument with my mom."

"I know," Patrick nodded as he began to drive off. "Your dad told me everything. So, where you heading to?"

"The park. I figured it would be the nicest place to kind of unwind and relax."

"I see. You mind if I tag along?"

"Not at all."

"Well then, let's go. A storm's moving in. I don't want to get there a moment too late and end up getting rained on."

"I don't know how much longer I can stay there," Katie explained as she and Patrick sat on the swings. "I mean, I know that my mom cares about me, but the way she's going around it makes me feel as though she doesn't."

"I would invite you to stay with me," Patrick spoke, "but I don't have my own place yet. I'm crashing with my parents for now."

"I understand," Katie dimly smiled. "I don't want to be a bother."

"Katie, you're never a bother," Patrick spoke with empathy, leaning over to place his hand on her shoulder. "You know that if there is anything you need, I'm here. I'm never going to turn my back on you. You're like a sister to me. I could never do that."

A brief silence fell among the two. Katie began swinging, as Patrick just sat there watching her. Finally, he let out a sigh and spoke.

"You know, when I do get my own place, you are more than welcome to stay."

"I know, Patrick," Katie smiled. "I'm welcome to come and go as I please."

"That's not what I mean," Patrick responded. "What I mean is, you can move in with me. I'd much rather you live with me than with your parents. At least you won't have as much strain on your life staying with me."

"Thanks, Patrick," Katie smiled at him as she stopped swinging. "That means a lot."

Katie felt several drops of rain begin to fall on her. Patrick got up and helped her off the swing.

"I guess we should get going before it begins to downpour, huh?"

They got back into the truck just in time before the rain picked up. Katie put on her seat belt and sighed deeply.

"I hate going back to the house," she said. "I wish I had some more time to myself before I go back."

Patrick looked over at her and nodded before he bit his lower lip and dropped his head. His furrowed brows told Katie that he was thinking of something. Finally, he brought his head back up and spoke.

"You know, I've met your parents, but you haven't met mine. If you want to stay out longer, how about I take you back to my house to meet my folks?"

"That sounds nice," Katie took him up on his offer. Patrick nodded at her answer and pulled out of the parking lot. As he took off, Katie couldn't help but ask him one question.

"So, what are your parents like?"

"You'll love them," he chuckled. "Believe me. Just wait and see."