Taylor sat on the bench at the bus station, anxiously awaiting her departure. A road accident had delayed her bus, so she was stuck here for a while.
"I take it you weren't going to say goodbye." Jeff sat down next to her. "Where are you going?"
Taylor didn't acknowledge his presence in any way. She didn't do anything at all.
"Taylor, why are you leaving?" He persisted.
"I have to leave, okay?" She finally let out. "I can't stay here."
Jeff didn't understand. "But why not just move out? Why do you need to leave Cameron?"
"I want anonymity. I want to go someplace then can never find me."
"Stay," he insisted. "I'll take care of you."
"And spend my life feeling like a charity case? I don't think so."
It was then she noticed the tears forming in the corners of Jeff's eyes.
"Please don't go," he whispered as the first tear rolled down his face. "I don't want to live without you."
She leaned over and hugged him tightly. He grabbed her back and nearly squeezed the life out of her.
"Let's go home," he stood and held out his hand.
Taylor hesitated. What if he ended up like the rest? Sure, he seemed nice now, but she barely knew him. He could be the same as her family.
Don't be silly, she scolded herself. Jeff's not like that.
She grabbed Jeff's hand and let him gently pull her to her feet. They met in a tight embrace.
Finally pulling apart, Jeff simply said, "let's go."