CHAPTER 2

They heard a shot behind them and that broke their spell. Both were startled and embarrassed at their stance but didn't say a word. They continued on their way until they came into a clearing and found an abandoned building. The barely legible sign read, " Red Lion." Miles told her that they should be meeting everyone else here. They walked around and entered through the back exit. Glasses, utensils, tables, and plates were scattered everywhere.

"Hello? Danny? Rachel? Aaron? Nora? Anyone?"

"Guess no one's here yet." Miles said.

"What is this place?" Charlie asked looking around at the place.

"This used to be a famous bar. Not so famous anymore as you can see." He chuckled to himself and got lost in his own thoughts.

Charlie looked at him confused and let the matter drop. She scoured the place until she found some imperishable canned foods in a cupboard. She noticed a staircase and slowly walked up the creaking wooden steps. She found what used to be remains of an old bathroom and another door she hadn't opened yet. She reached out towards the doorknob and began to turn it. Miles suddenly appeared and moved her hand away.

"What the hell Miles?" She responded to him angered.

"You can't just go scavenging all on your own. You don't know what's in there."

"Let's find out shall we?" She replied sarcastically.

Miles rolled his eyes at her and turned the doorknob. He pushed the door and it opened with a squeak. It was a well-preserved room with only minimal damage to a few of its contents. A queen-sized bed, articles of clothing, a desk, a chair, some books and magazines left on the floor, and a closet. Miles walked in and Charlie followed suit. He beckoned to open the closet and once he did, his eyes were full of wonder.

"You have got to be kiddin' me."

Charlie walked up behind him to see what he was gawking it. There were all kinds of liquor at their disposal. All just waiting to be drank, but had no consumers until now.

"This, right here, is the good stuff", Miles happily said, as he began picking up the bottles of Blue Sapphire Vodka.

Charlie grinned at him endearingly and walked herself down stairs. She was feeling rather apprehensive because she didn't know when or why the rest of them hadn't shown up yet. Charlie sat there with her eyebrows knitted in anxiousness and decided this was all out of her hands. All she could do was hope. Hope that she'll get to see her family again.

Knowing that the bottles of liquor would keep Miles busy for some time, she recalled seeing a creek nearby and she most definitely needed a wash and most importantly a change of clothing. Her clothes were smeared with dirt and tattered along the sides. She remembered seeing clothes upstairs, so she ran up to find Miles already settled in the bed with bottles all around him, asleep. His legs were parted a bit and his shirt had risen up considerably. Charlie eyed his sleeping form and her gaze drifted lower to his treasure-trail and settled on his crotch. There was a slight bulge in his washed out black denim jeans and she involuntarily licked her lips. She inaudibly gasped and quickly retrieved the clothing and ran down as fast as she could.

What the hell is wrong with you? He's…he's your- He's MILES!

She internally chastised herself and made her way to the creek. The sun was still high in the sky, but was gradually losing its shine. Charlie walked for another two minutes until she heard the ripple of water. Stepping on broken branches and multicolored rocks, she spotted the scenic creek. It was secluded, and perfect. Charlie inspected the area thoroughly before placing her things on a fairly large rock. She scanned the area again and swiftly peeled out of her clothes. Or rather what was left of it. The water was cold, but ideal for this humid weather. Charlie closed her eyes and fully submerged herself into the cool water. Images of long legs, sweaty muscled arms, and dark hair were swirling around in her head. She opened her eyes and the only person she saw was…him. Miles. He was smiling at her, but there was something different about it. It wasn't a smile per se, more of a smirk. His eyes were dark and he looked hungry.

Charlie rose back to the top and breathed in the clammy air. She looked around to find everything was as she had left it. While searching the contents of the bathroom earlier, she had found an unopened packet of scented soap. She had brought it along with her because she knew she didn't have the luxury of finding such things. Charlie reached over and tore the packet open. It smelled of lavender. The sweet fragrance enveloped her senses and draped itself around her like a warm blanket. She lathered the soap all over her body and got it in a bit of her hair too. The packet was re-sealable so she put it back in. After she had washed herself completely, she walked onto the pebbly ground and grabbed a frayed piece of clothing and dried herself. Looking at the clothes she managed to grab, she was quite disappointed to find that they were too small to fit her. Not all though. Charlie found a pair of blue jeans that hugged at all the right places and to her dismay, the only shirt that was able to fit was a white, deep V-neck. She gathered her things and made her way back to the bar.

Charlie crept back in quietly and closed the door behind her. Miles was still nowhere in sight and was probably still knocked out in the bedroom. To be sure, she went up to check any way. She approached the doorway and peered in. Miles wasn't there. Panic began to plant root and she ran downstairs.

"Miles! Miles!" she yelled as terror took over her voice.

"Miles!"

"Quit your yappin' I'm right he-"

She turned around with such quickness to find Miles intently looking at her. His mouth was gaping open and he didn't finish his sentence. His eyes raked over her body and his mouth went dry. Charlie's hair was dripping wet and was soaking the front of her shirt. Where the water had seeped through, the material became translucent. Mile's eyes darted to the now transparent spot on her shirt where he could make out her nipple, which now was straining against her white top. There was suddenly a shift in the air and his clothes started feeling tight. He closed his mouth and swallowed. He smelled something sweet and he was positive it was radiating from Charlie.

"I…I, uh, was gonna…When did you change your clothes?"

"I found some old clothes in the bedroom, so I, uh, decided to change. Oh and there's a creek nearby… I'm sure you noticed, cuz, you're you after all." She let out a nervous laugh and stared at the ground. Miles registered the words and images of Charlie nude in the water made its appearance. He flinched at the imagery and stormed out of the wailing old building.

What the hell is wrong with him?

She contemplated if she should go after him or not, and she ended up running after him. Miles cursed at himself in all the languages he knew. What the fuck is wrong with you? She's just a kid. Your DEAD brother's kid for crying out loud! Jesus…If I couldn't make her life any worse, here I am, the pervy old guy, who she considers a father figure…well she's not going to think that after she finds out what kind of disgusting man you really are. Look at yourself. An image of Charlie bounced around in his head. You're repulsive, revolting, sickening and much, much more. The Charlie he created in his mind was clearly appalled by Miles whole being. You should just kill yourse-.

His thoughts were interrupted when a hand touched his shoulder. He turned around to see Charlie looking up at him with concern. He cringed at the touch and took a step back. He looked everywhere else, but her. Charlie took a step forward and tried to get him to look at her.

"Hey look at me. Look at me Miles!"

Miles finally met her gaze and his heart swelled up.

This is the girl who came to him asking for his help, and didn't even know who he was but put her faith in him completely. This is the girl who accepted him wholeheartedly, even after finding out what kind of person he really was. This is the girl that he came to care for. This is the girl who slowly but surely became a part of his lonely life. This is the girl who he wanted to protect from every evil, harm and danger without a blink of an eye. This is the girl, who became a woman in front of his eyes. The woman he became fond of. This woman is Charlie. His Charlie.

She stared up at him with confusion, sadness, and affection. Miles realized that the evil, harm and danger he was trying to protect her from, was staring back at her with tear filled eyes. He was the monster.