All together they walked outside. Mika felt very relieved that everything had ended. Cherry Loste would hurt no one else now.
-I want to say, thanks, said Mika to Ava. You really saved my life.
Ava grunted.
-Whatever. I would appreciate an apology for sending an innocent to jail more.
-I didn't know you were innocent at the time. Still, sorry. So what are you gonna do now?
-Don't know, said Ava gazing at the desert, I'm definitely not staying in this hellish town, that's for sure. Other than that…
Trishtan smiled and flung his arm over Mika's shoulder casually. As nonchalant as he was, it still startled her.
-Thanks on my behalf too. Good luck on anything you set out to.
Ava nodded and began to walk away.
-One more thing! shouted Mika. No more human sacrifices. Or any kind.
Ava had turned to face her, she now continued her way. Before that, Mika swore she had seen a faint smile on her face.
"Look at that, she is human after all."
They watched Ava leave until she blended in with the horizon.
-Are you sure she'll be ok walking through the desert all by herself?
-Sure, answered Trishtan, I do it all the time. She's not the kind of person you need to worry about, she can come though anything.
Mika rested her head on Trishtan's shoulder. Trishtan turned to look at her.
-And you? What are you going to do? Return to the hotel?
Mika sighed, more in relief than in exasperation.
-I don't know. I really don't want to. Yesterday I called for help, so I don't know.
-I hope you stay here, smiled Trishtan. Maybe then I'd have a chance…
Mika let go of all her inhibitions, it was alright now. She leaned up and kissed him. Trishtan was startled at first, but relaxed into the kiss.
They stayed like that for a while, when noises from a vehicle were heard. Dust rose to the atmosphere making it difficult to see. When it cleared, a big old bus was there.
-What? exclaimed Mika. I thought busses didn't pass from here!
-They don't, muttered Trishtan.
Mika rushed near it. The door opened and she could see the driver.
-How come a bus is passing form here? she asked.
-A got a call from a friend, replied the driver with a smile. He said his son knew someone who was stranded here. Since there's no other way to leave, I came.
Mika smiled inwardly. "Keane."
-Is that person you? asked the driver.
-Yes, replied Mika hyped up, finally a way out!
-Hop on then! he said kindly.
Mika nodded. She then looked back. Trishtan was there looking at her, wearing his usual smile. Except she could read through it, it was fake.
She walked near him.
-I'm really sorry, she said. I…
-Don't be! I'm really happy for you. There's nothing here for you, so it's better you go. Your whole life is out there.
Mika held his hands and looked in his eyes. He looked happy, but he was sorrowful.
-Thanks so much for your understanding, she said.
She put her arms around his waist and hugged him. He hugged her back tightly, as if he was never going to let her go.
-I'll miss you, she said trying to hide the break in her voice and hold her tears back. She was not going to cry!
-I'll always remember you, started Trishtan. I hope you have a happy life.
Mika hugged him tighter before letting go.
-Goodbye, she waved. She walked towards the bus and got on. She looked back one last time.
Trishtan was waving at her and smiling. From where she was standing he looked genuinely happy. She smiled back.
"Thank you for everything."
She then walked inside to get a seat near a window and gaze at the place for one last time.
"I left all my things behind", she thought chuckling, "but I'm not getting near that hotel again. The sooner I leave the best, although there's something I'll miss…"
-Have a safe trip Mika! she heard Trishtan shout. She waved at him, still wearing her brightest smile. She wasn't going to let him see her sad.
The bus started. It was off in the direction of the desert, as there was no road.
"I will build a road here one day, damnit!" she thought as they got further and further away from the town.
It was soon out of sight from Strangetown. Trishtan waved until she was gone for real. His bright smile had now been replaced by a new one, a devious one and a strange glint in his eyes had appeared.
-She may be gone, but I'll teach them all a lesson. No one can stop Cherry Loste….
*******THE END*******