20 CHAPTER 20

We've been walking now for what seems like forever. ''just a few more minutes'' Lola says from in front of me leading me to her so called secret place. We finally make it to a rundown building with cardboard covered over the windows and graffiti along the brick walls. She opens a door thats barely hanging on the hinges making me feel weary about the whole area.

''What did this place use to be'' I say, examining my surroundings.

'' I don't know really, I found it walking home one day. I feel secure here. Like it's my home. Almost like nothing can get me in here.'' she says while slightly smiling. I start to look around, finally taking my eyes off of her. A brownish worn out couch in the right corner, a blanket and a few pillows in the middle of the floor.

''Do you sleep here?'' I ask, worried.

''Sometimes... when I need to escape.'' she says before walking away to sit on the couch that I was mentally judging. She pats a spot next to her on the couch motioning for me to sit down next to her. Which I do, quicker than I thought I would.

''Scottie?'' she says, resting her head on my shoulder.

''yes?''

''Thank you.''

''For what'' I say curiously.

''For being alive'' she says softly.

'' I think i should be thanking you for that'' i say, regretting the fact that at one point i didn't want to be alive. Expecting a response, i get nothing but silence. i can feel her heartbeat aganist my chest, her soft hair perfectly flowing down her back. I want so badly to ask about the fresh scars i saw on her wrist, i want so badly to make sure she's ok. Instead i pull her closer to me, holding her until we both drift off to sleep.