OPEN YOUR EYES

Chapter 3: Run - Amy

If I could just get Colin to remember, and even out him and Ephram, then I'd know for sure who I wanted to be with, I assured myself, shifting my shoulders to keep my backpack on, as I tried to keep hold of two, large, full duffel bags while coming down the bus stairs. The spiked heel of my boot caught on the bottom step of the bus stairs, and in a moment's time, I flew forward—and so did my bags. I mentally prepared myself for the pain and instinctively shot my arms forward…only to hit soft human skin, rather than the hard pavement I was anticipating. I slowly lifted my head and jolted back when I saw the face of the person who'd broke my fall.

Ephram.

"Thanks," I said quickly, bending over to pick up my bags.

"Amy…" Ephram began. I couldn't look at him. I couldn't. "Well…let me help you."

His hand accidentally brushed over mine as we both reached for the same bag. Oh, God. Scarlet colored my cheeks at the slightest touch, and I impulsively pulled the hand back. "Sorry," I muttered, finally. I couldn't take it anymore. I stole a quick glance at him, only to find him standing there with my duffel bag in one hand, looking lost and confused.

"Um…" he began, handing me the bag as we started walking into school. "So, what are all these bags for?"

Well, might as well tell him. Stiffly and while staring at my moving feet, I informed him, "I'm going up to see Colin right after dance today, and I figured I might as well spend the night. Saves me extra bus fares."

He was silent. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him kind of fiddling around around with his hands, and there was this kind of tension in the air. I knew he wanted to talk about that kiss, and I wasn't prepared for it. But you have to do it, Amy. You aren't being fair. You have to stop running from everything. But how was I supposed to talk with him about it when I couldn't even figure it out in my head?

"Amy, listen. About—"

Crap. Here's your opportunity to talk to him. Maybe he can help you figure it out. Maybe, finally, you'll stop running away from your problems.

And what did I do?

I made up some stupid excuse about having to go study for a math test. And then I ran.

Running away from the problem again...God, Amy. I was disappointed in myself. Really disappointed.

But as I entered the school building, forcing a smiling face at the principal who greeted me as I came in, I was struck with another thought. Maybe you aren't running from the problem. I had thought Ephram was the problem.

                I was the problem. I was the one who couldn't make up my mind. I was the one who was being untrue to two people at the same time. I was the one who gave Ephram a reason to kiss me. The problem was me.

                And sooner or later, I was going to have to face the problem. Because you can't run from yourself.

                Although, I have to admit, that is exactly what I intended to do.

(A/N: This isn't going to follow the complete storyline, but a lot is going to be the same as the show, which I again, don't own. PLEASE REVIEW!)