The Runaway by J.M. Hurley (online e book reading .txt) 📕

Chapter 1

“Please fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, we’re beginning to land.” Doreen’s high pitched, peppy voice rang out over the speakers, pulling me out of my slumber and making me jump.

“Have a nice nap?” Zane asked from beside me and I gave him a nod.

“Yes…You’re quite a comfy pillow,” I replied as I re adjusted my seat belt.

“Well, I have to say that’s the first time I’ve been told that,” he said as he ran his fingers lightly through my light blonde hair to untangle it.

“Thanks,” I said as I bent over to give him a kiss on the cheek. Before my lips even touched his skin someone behind us broke into a coughing fit, I sighed and leaned back into my seat. “You okay mom?” I called back and I heard Sierra trying to hold back her laughter, unsuccessfully.

“Oh yes dear, I’m fine,” she replied, a smug tone to her voice.

“Sorry,” I whispered to Zane and he let out a quiet chuckle.

“It’s fine Summer, I’m just glad to have you alive and well,” he replied and I looked up at his brilliant blue eyes.

“Oh yeah? Well I’m just happy to have you, period,” I challenged and he flashed me one of his blindingly white smiles.

“But you always had me,” he said as leaned in and gave the tip of my nose a quick kiss.

“Aw aren’t you two just so adorable?” Stephanie called from across the aisle way, “Quick Lance, toss me that paper bag, I think I’m going to hurl!” Lance pretended to be deeply concerned as he tossed her the bag and she pretended to vomit into it.

“Oh stop!” Sierra said as she reached forward and ripped the bag out of Stephanie’s small hands. “They are cute and you know it!” she insisted as she gave me a wink.

“Oh yes, I agree,” my mom chimed in, “I think they’re quite

an adorable couple.” I blushed a deep pink as my friends all burst out into laughter and I pulled out a magazine to hide the embarrassment on my face. Really mom?

I thought sarcastically, Why don’t you just team up with Stephanie and you can both make fun of me together?

I slumped forward in my chair and Zane put a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry, she’s just kidding around,” he whispered as he pulled the magazine down so that I was looking into those beautiful blue eyes that I love so much.

“I know, I just forgot what it was like to live with my mom,” I whispered back and he let a soft chuckle escape his lips.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen, your flight has now landed. Welcome to Venice, Italy.” Doreen’s loud, high pitched voice rang out over the speakers and I let out a squeal of excitement.

“We’re actually here!” I whisper screamed to Zane and he gave me a big smile, one that showed off his adorable dimples.

“Excited?” he asked and I gave him an eager nod.

“You bet I am! This is actually the first time I’ve left the U.S.,” I said with a big smile as he got up and took our luggage from one of the male attendants.

“Well it’s bound to be an adventure,” Zane replied as he tossed one of my bags over his shoulder.

“Want me to help?” I asked and he shook his head.

“It’s okay, I’ve got it.” I smiled proudly as my mother gave me a wink and smile.

As we filed off of the plane I bit my tongue to keep from yelping out in excitement. Sierra linked her thin arm through mine and bent over to whisper, “I heard the scenery here is stunning.” I gave her an eager nod and we happily took to sprinting down the jet’s steps. Once we reached the bottom we both let out gasp of shock. “It’s gorgeous,” I heard Sierra whisper as I looked at our surroundings. The sun was just setting on the horizon, giving the water around us a glistening effect. Buildings lined up to the dozens; everywhere you looked there was a canal. The boats in them were stunning too, each holding their own unique design and carving. There were people all over, in the streets, in the canals, and on the balconies of their homes. Many of them cast smiles in my direction, some even waved.

“Like it?” Zane asked from behind me and I nodded my head vigorously.

“Alright, take a picture it’ll last longer,” Stephanie called from behind us as Lance hurried out behind her, both of their many luggage bags in his arms.

“So where do we go from here?” I asked, ignoring Stephanie’s rude comment and turning to face my mother.

“Well, we’ll need to take a taxi to the hotel we’re staying at,” Linda replied and Stephanie let out an exasperated sigh.

“Hotel? Taxi? How down grade can we go?” she sulked and Lance patted her shoulder lovingly.

“It’s okay, maybe it’ll be one of those 5 star hotels, the ones that have a penthouse for each person,” he said and Stephanie’s eyes lit up at the idea.

“Well let’s go,” she replied as she turned and began walking towards the street.

“Wait Steph, where are you going?” Zane asked and she turned back around, eyes blazing with annoyance.

“What have I told you about calling me ‘Steph’? And, what the hell are you a moron or what? I’m going to catch a taxi for us, keep up Zane!” she said as she scowled at him, Zane’s smile widened and Sierra let giggles escape her lips.

“Stephanie, we’re in Italy,” I said as I bit my lip to hold back my laughter.

“Wow, no freaking way!” she said sarcastically and my smile widened.

“Yes, freaking way, and since we’re in Italy, we take water taxies, they don’t use cars here.”

Stephanie’s jaw dropped, “Excuse me? I’m not climbing into some filthy boat just to get to the hotel, and no cars? What kind of place doesn’t have cars?!” she exclaimed and Lance grabbed her hands and steered her back, towards the rest of us.

“They use cars, just not a lot, the water canals are used a lot more, waiting for a land taxi would take hours,” Lance said as he waved his hand and a large, bright yellow boat steered itself in our direction.

“I can’t get on that” Stephanie stated as her eyes clouded with fear.

“Wait! You’re a guardian and you’re afraid of water?” I asked and she flashed her angry eyes up at me.

“The term ‘guardian’ doesn’t mean I’m a God! Yes! I’m afraid of water!” she snapped at me, she tried to make her voice sound annoyed but I could hear the distinct fear in her voice.

“It’ll be fine, I won’t let go of you till you’re on land
again,” Lance promised as he pulled her into his embrace.

“How many are boarding?” the driver called and my mom turned around and pointed her finger at each of us, her lips whispering as she counted.

“That’ll be six, one way!” she called back then motioned for us to follow her as she hopped down into the boat. Sierra, Zane and I all carefully jumped down into the large yellow boat and took a seat next to my mother, waiting for Lance and Stephanie to follow.

“I’m coming,” she announced as she stretched her foot tentatively over the boats ledge then pulled it back quickly. “Lance, you get in first, that way you can help me in.” Lance gave her a quick nod then jumped in and held out his arms.

“Just step in carefully, I’ll catch you if you fall,” he said as he gave her a reassuring smile, her face paled.

“Okay, I’m going to- AH!” the heel of her Jimmy Cho’s slipped on the slick siding of the boat and she toppled head first into the murky canal water. Everyone nearby gasped, some held back laughter, others showed looks of concern as Zane and Lance rushed over and reached down the side of the boat. Stephanie’s head broke the surface and she began shrieking and flailing her arms wildly.

“EW! Help me! Oh my god, oh my god, I’m going to die! Help me!” she screamed as she continued to wave her arms around herself.

“Grab my arms, it’s going to be okay,” Lance called down to her as he stretched his arms till they were within her reach. The murky green-brown water around her made slopping sounds as small waves slapped against the boat. She reached up her thin arms and grasped both of Lance’s hands. Zane reached over farther and wrapped his arms around her waist, hoisting her up and over the ledge.

Stephanie looked like she could breathe fire. Her normally perfectly styled hair was wet and clinging to her forehead, her mascara and eye liner were running down her face and her one of kind dress was soaked. “You know-” Zane began but she held up a manicured finger.

“Don’t talk to me.” She stomped over and sat down away from the rest of us, wringing her hair out and wiping blindly at the black circles under her eyes. I let out a sigh and grabbed my purse, swinging it over my shoulder as I walked over and sat down next to her.

“These should help with that,” I said as I put a makeup removing pad in her hand.

“Thanks,” she said as she began vigorously rubbing under her
eyes.

“Want a sweatshirt, you look pretty cold?” she looked up at me with her sad, vulnerable ocean blue eyes.

“Just because I’m wet and cold doesn’t mean I’m going to start wearing your clothes, I think I’ve had enough humiliation for one day,” she said and her normal, superior smile returned.

“Feeling better?” Lance asked as he tentatively approached us.

“No, I just fell into sewage water, of course I’m not feeling better,” she snapped and Lance recoiled.

“I’m really sorry that-”

“Would you shut-up and come sit next to me?” she said and Lance smiled.

“I’d love to,” he replied and I got up to leave them with some alone time.

“How is she?” Zane asked as I plopped down next to him.

“Well, she’s…Stephanie,” I said and he laughed and gave my forehead a kiss.

“It was nice of you to go talk to her,” he whispered into my ear and I giggled nervously as my mother’s gaze zeroed in on us.

“Well, I figured if I’d fell into that water, I’d want someone to take out my anger on,” I said and Sierra giggled next to me.

“Well that, my friends, is what you call karma,” she said and the three of us burst into laughter.

“Do you like Italy?” Sierra asked after we’d gotten a hold on our laughter.

“Yes, it’s so beautiful here!” I exclaimed as I looked around at the scenery once more.

“I can think of prettier things,” Zane said and Sierra let out a snort.