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homerfreak2011

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“Yes…” Julia quickly snatched them from his hand, stuffing them into her jacket pocket. He took her suitcase from her, but didn’t run from her like some petty thief.

“Let me help you.” He didn’t seem bothered by the weight of the suitcase and helped her make it across the intersection by the time traffic had a green light. They paused at the corner and Julia took a good look at the guy. He was young… very young… but not younger than her. He had dark brown hair that slightly curly. His eyes were a deep blue, and instantly projected a sweet personality. His chin revealed a light stubble, possibly a five o’clock shadow. He was taller than she, looked to be about 6’1”, 6’2”, but he looked down at her not intimidating, but sympathetically. She could instantly tell that he was really just trying to help. “I’m Ben.” His voice was deep, and to her surprise, lacked the Brooklyn accent she had heard so often lately. He had more of a sweet southern drawl. His words wrapped her with comfort, lulling her into a sense of security. “Where are you headed? I’ll walk you.” She guessed she had a strange look on her face, because that was basically him saying ‘I know your lost. Let me help’.

“I… I don’t know,” She stuttered out. He cocked his head, giving her a strange look.

“You don’t know?”

“I’ve… um…” He shook his head, putting his hand up.

“Come with me, okay?” She nodded. For some reason, she trusted this stranger. In truth, she didn’t know him from Adam, and for all she knew, he was taking her somewhere to rape and kill her, but she followed anyway. Besides, he still had her suitcase.

“I’m Julia, by the way.” He gave her a sweet smile.

After turning down about 7 different sidewalks, he pointed to a building. “My apartment’s in there.” He turned back to Julia. “Will you come in?” She nodded. She didn’t know why she nodded, but she nodded anyway.

Inside, the new stranger called Ben set her suitcase down at the doorframe, motioning her into the living room. There was a small couch, a TV, a coffee table, and a counter separating it from the ‘kitchen’. A small apartment, to say the least.

“Have a seat. Make yourself at home.” He knew. This stranger knew that she was a runaway. She could tell by his actions… his tone of voice… and now he was… he was… going to help her? She stared at him in disbelief as she took a seat on his couch and watched him get into the fridge. He came back with two Cokes. “This okay?” Julia nodded, politely taking one. “I’m glad… cause it’s all I’ve got.” Julia smiled and took a drink. “There’s a queen size bed in the bedroom,” He pointed to a door right off the living room. “You can sleep in there. I’ll sleep on the couch.” She hadn’t even asked… and it was like he had already moved her in. “You got anybody lookin’ for ya?” Julia shook her head. Ben’s softness in his voice comforted her. It made her trust him more than she trusted some of her best friends.

“Why…?” He sighed and took a seat next to her. “Why are you doing this?”

“You look like a sweet girl… I’d hate for you to be out there on the streets with the murderers and rapists.”

“So… I’m supposed to just trust you? To just stay here with a stranger?”

“The bedroom door has a lock. My brother lost the key ages ago. If that’s not enough, I mean, you don’t have to stay.” He sounded a little hurt, and more than a little offended, but she couldn’t help her worry.

“It’s just strange that you’re so eager to help…” He gave her a sly smile and leaned over her. She took a deep breath, leaning back, her heart now racing and her trust for him breaking in half.

“You just gotta have faith that there are still a few good guys out there.” He snatched the remote off the end table on the other side of her and got back on his side of the couch. She let out her breath, feeling extremely stupid. Maybe he WAS really a good guy. He gave her another one of those sweet smiles. “I’m not gonna hurt you, okay? Quit worrying already.” She looked toward the window, avoiding his eyes and trying to hide the embarrassment in her cheeks. “What do you want for supper?”

* * * * * * * * * *

Hours had passed. Her and Ben were still awake at 4 a.m., laughing and carrying on like two people that had known each other their whole lives. Julia put down her 4^th Coke, recovering from a laugh, and turned back to Ben. “I really appreciate this.” He smiled.

“Don’t mention it. Like I said, I just wanted to help.” He poked the tip of her nose with his fingertip. “You can’t hate everybody. You know that, right?” She nodded, looking at the floor. “Then loosen up.” She shook her head, smiling, and looked back up at Ben.

“How old are you anyway?”

“19.”

“And you have this apartment?!” Julia’s jaw dropped in disbelief. Granted, it was small, but for a 19-year-old to even be out of his parents’ house was an accomplishment back home. Back home. Her first hint of homesickness punched her in the stomach, making her hold her stomach to keep from vomiting. Ben instantly reacted to her expression change.

“Are you okay?” He put one hand on her shoulder, the other on her waist, and helped her lay down on the couch, kneeling down next to it. Ben stroked the hair off of her face. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m…” She shook her head.

“You’re what?” His sweet voice coaxed the words out of her mouth.

“Homesick. I guess that’s what it is anyway…” He put a warm hand gently on her stomach.

“Maybe you’re just tired. How about we call it a night?” She nodded and let him lead her to his room. For a boy’s room, it was relatively clean, aside from little piles of dirty clothes and pieces of paper. He pulled his sheets back and helped her slide in, taking off her shoes for her as she did so. “Sweet dreams, okay?” She nodded. He hesitated, but kissed her forehead before leaving her alone in the room. He closed the door silently behind him.

And now she was scared. A strange place, a strange bedroom, darkness… Those factors combined with the continuous sirens and voices from outside the 7^th story window gave her the chills. She sat straight up. “Ben… Ben!” The door flung open and Ben rushed to her side.

“What? What is it?” He sat down on the bed next to her, tucking a loose strand of her black hair behind her ear.

“I’m… I’m scared.” It hurt her to say those words… She hadn’t said them for years, and now, NOW, she was scared. Where was that scared when she ran away? Why didn’t it keep her home? Why? Ben laughed softly and took her hand.

“Scared of what?”

“This is just… different.” His eyes went soft and he smiled sweetly.

“Don’t be scared, okay?” He rubbed her fingers with his fingertips. “Nothing’s gonna get you. Nobody’s gonna get you here…” She looked up into his deep blue eyes for comfort.

“The sirens… do they ever stop?” He shook his head sadly.

“One of the downfalls of living in a city. I’ve learned to deal with it. Now, just lay back down…” He put his hand gently on her shoulder, guiding her back to the warmth of his bed. “…and go to sleep. Okay?” She bit her lip, wanting to ask him, but fearing he would see her as a child and report her. Fuck it.

“Ben…?”

“Yeah?” His response wasn’t one of those ‘I don’t care what you say, but I’ll act like I do’ responses. He cared. He really cared.

“Would you sit with me for a little while?”

“Like, until you fall asleep?” She felt her cheeks redden again. He made it sound pathetic. But hell, it was.

“I’m right here, okay?” He squeezed her hand. She held it a little tighter and closed her eyes.

* * * * * * * * * *

When she awoke, Ben’s red-lighted alarm clock flashed ‘1:57’. Had she really slept in that late? She stretched, but realized her hand wasn’t loose. She looked up to see Ben, still sitting next to her, but now asleep. He was still holding her hand. She lifted the covers and looked herself over. Her jeans were still on and zipped, she was still in her coat, and her bra… If he had done anything, would he really go to that much trouble to put her back to the way she was before? She let go of his hand, trying to prevent disturbing him, but it immediately backfired on her because as soon as she let go, his eyes opened. He yawned, opening and closing his mouth a few times afterward. His fists rubbed the sleep settled in the corners of his eyes. He didn’t once look at her.

“Morning,” She uttered quietly. Ben jumped slightly, but looked down at her.

“Well, morning to you too, sunshine. Sleep well?” She nodded. He smiled. “I’m glad. I was kinda worried about you. You tossed and turned all night.”

“You could’ve left… I didn’t mean for you to just sit there all night…”

“Well, I didn’t want you to wake up and be alone. I didn’t want you to freak out on me or anything.” He stretched his arms out.

“Thank you for staying…” He nodded and put an arm on top of her head, using her as a prop. “Hey!” She playfully knocked it off. He smiled.

“Oh, and in answer to your question last night, I have this apartment cause I busted my ass to get away from home. I had saved up cash all through high school so I could just leave.” She nodded and leaned her forehead against his side. His arm gently wrapped around her shoulders. “How old are you anyway? You asked me, but I never asked you.”

“16.” She was embarrassed by the number. 16-year-old runaway. “Why?” He shrugged.

“Woulda believed 18 more.” He shot her a joking smile. “You hungry? It’s about… well, past lunchtime. I can fix us something if you’ll eat.”

“I’ll eat.” He stood, stretching once again, and motioned for her to follow him. She did, yawning as her bare feet pattered against the hard floors of the living room and kitchen.

“Mac and cheese alright?” He held up a blue box. She nodded.

“Sure.” She walked around the counter, leaned up, and kissed his cheek as he poured the box of macaroni into the pot of water. “Thank you for letting me stay here last night… and thank you for being one of the good guys left.”