Haily looked into her moms darkened room. The sun had yet to rise and her mother would not be up for another two hours. The fan was the only noise to be heard. Things between them had not been the same since her father died. Not that it was great when he had been alive but he managed to keep the peace. Her backpack hung on one shoulder bursting at the seems with everything she had packed. As quietly as she could she closed her moms door and headed for the living room. It seemed like every step was echoing throughout the house. It did not take long till she was closing the front door. The morning seemed much darker than normal and the wind was chilling her to the bone despite the layers she had on. This day had been coming for awhile now but she still did not feel ready. Soon the street lights would turn off and the sun would rise but for the first time in her life Haily felt like things were going to get better

What she did not know as she walked down the street was that someone was watching from afar and soon everything would change. Haily thought about the friends she was leaving behind and the one she would soon be seeing. Leaves were blowing down the street as she slowly made her way to her destination. Her goal was to get to her friends house before her mom got up and started looking for her. She knew that once they happened it would be harder to stay out in the open. Many of the cars that passed slowed down to glance at her but Haily did not pay them any attention. She knew that she needed to focus on getting to her destination before the police showed up. Once she got closer she would start to be a bit more cautious but for now it was not an issue. Looking at the map she had printed out she knew that her turn was coming up at the next stop sign. Not having her phone was a new experience for Haily but at the same time she knew it was a way for her to be tracked. Her only hope was that her friend would be awake when she arrived cause she was not sure how the mom would react. Aubrey had said Her mom was ok with her staying there but Haily was not sure. Every step that brought her closer to her friend gave her more confidence about actually getting away with it. The traffic was going full steam as she finally got to her friends block. Looking down the block her heart sank. There was no car in the driveway. Haily had not anticipated that no one would be home when she got there.

“Hey over here.” A voice called from the house. To Hailys surprise her friend was standing on the porch in a pair of shorts and a tank top. Her heart leaped in excitement. She had made it and her friend try to her surprise she was waiting for her. Haily walked over to her friend and collapsed onto the ground. The walk had taken more out of her than she had realized. It was still not hot yet but she was covered in sweat. She had not eaten since the night before or drank anything for that matter. Hailys friend ran over to check on her.

“Are you ok, I told you this was not a good idea.” She said helping her to her feet. Slowly the two of the made there way into the house. Aubrey opened the back door and then led Haily inside. It took all of her strength to get Haily to her bedroom and put her into her bed.

“Are you sure your parents are ok with this? You know the police will be here soon looking for me.” Haily said in a weak voice. So many thought were going through her head but at the moment none of them were sticking. She knew that she needed rest and to eat before she could think clearly.

“Yes I’m sure together we will figure this out I promise.” Aubrey says and as she pulled off Hailys shoes. She then covered her with a sheet and left the room shutting off the light.