Chapter 4: Alex

Karl has started to plan our escape. I go over to his place after a confrontation with dad. He doesn't he that I'm a teen with my own thoughts now! I knock on the door, and his dad, Rob answers. He looks at me in surprise. "Alex. What are you doing here?" "Looking for Karl if that's ok with you." "He's at work today. If you go to the lab, he's there with Dr. Burke." "Ok, thanks Rob." "No problem Alex." Then I head down to the lab to see Karl. He is there, with Juliet. "Alex," she says. "We need to talk, ok?" She takes me into the back lab. "Karl told me everything Alex." "Like how we're running away?" "Yes. Where will you go?" "Away from my dad if anything. I hate the way he treats you." Her eyes soften. "Well, you'll need my help then. Go back to your house, climb through the window, and pack a bag. You're leaving today. Right now." Before I go, I turn and hug her. "Thanks Juliet. You're like a mom to me." She smiles. "Go. Now." I leave the lab, and head back to my house. It sits silently there, because dad isn't here. He's off talking with Richard, and Tom and who else knows what, a out business and recruiting and the issues with pregnancies. Nothing serious. I head to my room, and pack my army bags with sentimental items and clothin that I could use. Then I head to my dads room to leave a note for him saying good bye. But when I step in his room, sadness washes over me. Why? It's because on his dresser there's a picture of me and him that was taken last year, with the two of us smiling like old friends. Karl is in the picture too, an the three of us look like a little family. I tape the note to the picture. It says:

Dear Dad,

I'm sorry that I'm doing this to you. I love you and don't want to do this. But you leave me no choice. By the time you read this, Karl and I will be far away from here. You see dad, I really don't want to hurt you again. But I love Karl, and He loves me. If I die, I'll die happy, because knowing that you and Karl love me is enough for me. If I get pregnant, you can get me off this island. And you will bring me back. I love you very much Daddy, and I'm sorry.

Love, Alex.

Then I leave the house, promising myself I'll never go back to it. I then see the smoke, and my mind clicks instantly. It's a distraction. Chemical fire? Good. More distracting then a regular fire too. Then Karl is running towards me, and we are both running away from safety, from our hometown. We are running for Love. And we will make it!