Hidden From the World{Darren}

Clair's jaw drops at his declaration, but there's something about the look in her eyes that makes Rowan think twice. He can tell what's in her eyes. It's recognition. She's thought about running away before, too, or maybe she even has. Rowan has made it out the door, the window, whatever before, but he could never make it past that. He knew he would have to get over that, for when he said soon, he meant tonight.

"I- I....where are you going? why? WHO is going with you?"

Biting his lip, Rowan pulled back a bit from Clair, cutting off their dance. He wasn't sure if he should tell her even a drop of information. He wasn't even sure if he should have told her he was running away. But I don't want her to worry...

It was true; he didn't want Clair to worry. Telling her he was running away was best for both of them, but maybe not giving her the details would be best for her. Plus, he had a feeling that telling her he was running off with Nee in the middle of the night didn't seem like the best of ideas. Telling her why would be the hardest part. She would never understand like Nee did.

Maybe she wouldn't ever understand fully like Nee, but not telling her would hurt her. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, conflicted. Do what you think is right.

"Why? Well..." Be honest. Tell her what you told Nee. "I just want to leave it all behind, leave my family behind. I love my family and all, but they don't care about me anymore. They're causing me to hurt myself. I've turn to drinking, over-dosing..." he trailed off. "Anyways, the point is, I want to leave here. I'm not sure how long I'll be gone. I mean, it could even be permanent.

Let's see.. what else? Oh yes, with who? Um... honestly, Nee. And where? The forest I suppose. And I know you didn't ask, but we're leaving tomorrow night."

He lied about the last part. He didn't want her to follow him. He figured he and Nee would be enough after a day that Clair couldn't catch up.

Rowan searched the sky for the moon, and came up empty. That was a good sign. It was either hidden behind clouds or it was a new moon. He knew he had to leave now, but not without doing his other now or never. He knew it would be wrong, but he had a feeling he would never see Clair again. Besides, other than the napkin with answers, she wouldn't have anything to remember him by.

Leaning towards Clair, he took in a deep breath. It wouldn't mean anything; kisses like these never did. His kisses with Nee always meant something, but like he had told her months ago, he had done things like tell girls he loved them when he didn't actually mean it. This would just be a kiss to say goodbye. It was kiss to say I'll probably never see you again. That was all it would ever be. He could only hope that Clair knew that as well.

He leaned closer, closed his eyes, and pressed his lips against hers. "Stay safe," he whispered. He knew it was a mistake using the same line he had told Nee, but he didn't want to tell her he would miss her. Truthfully, he probably wouldn't because they barely knew each other. Also, if she was going to follow him, she would need to stay safe. He leaned forward one last time and pressed his lips against Clair's forehead. With that last touch, he sprinted home.