Chapter Two - On The Run



Clover’s POV

I stopped at the crossroad. Up until now, I knew I was headed in the right direction but this road offered three options, and I didn’t know which one to choose. One of them would lead me back to my girls and the other two, probably, would lead me further away. I sighed as I considered my options, needing to make a decision soon.

For the past twenty minutes I’d only heard silence, I’d not seen nor heard a single car pass. Thankfully, there were tall bushes and trees stretching the length of the road so it was easy for me to remain hidden, not that there was anything to hide from, yet. I’m sure it wouldn’t be long before I heard the sirens, which is why I had to move quickly but carefully.

My aching body was still screaming in pain but I did my best to ignore it. Letting the pain take over was weak, as was crying. She hated people crying, and I grew to hate it in time. The girls learnt and understood quickly, they became stronger people once I’d taught them everything mother taught me.

Sometimes her methods seemed a little strange but I soon realised that what she was doing was for the best. Of course I had to end Hayley’s life, mother was right. I was ashamed that Hayley’s story got to me and that I had even considered sparing her, going against everything we believed in. That wasn’t who I was, I wasn’t a weak person. Since that day I’ve never second guessed what I do.

Slumping to the damp ground, I allowed myself a few minutes rest and think. Getting back alone was going to be difficult. Getting close enough to the girl was going to be almost impossible but I had faith that I could do it.

The only I would have is finding Rose and Poppy, if their so called families had taken them back in then I wouldn’t know where they are. I wanted to go to Rose first but I knew that was more than likely impossible, I would have to get Lily. I knew where Lily was, her family would have welcomed her back with open arms. Once I get back, I would collect everything we needed, get Lily and she would take me to Rose and Poppy.

We would need to somehow get out of the country; there was no way the authorities would allow us to live our lives and not try to interfere. The girls were counting on me and I would find a way of getting us to France, to my grandmother’s old farm house. We could be happy there, finally a family again.

I pushed myself up carefully, trying not to use my tender arm. It must be close to half an hour since I escaped, surely the police would have realised now? Can’t say I was surprised at the lack sirens in the area though, the police force was hardly efficient.

Gritting my teeth, I started to consider my options. Right, left or straight ahead. The safest option was to go right, that would mean I wouldn’t have to cross the road and potentially be seen if someone was to pass. In my experience the safest option isn’t always right though. With that in mind I moved cautiously towards the bush, listening for any noise.

When I was confident that nothing was coming, I found a gap in the dark green bush and peered up and down the road, making double sure that I was completely alone. I gave it a minute and stepped into the dirty road, crossing it quickly, and hiding again behind the bush on the opposite side. The sky had clouded over, offering additional cover as I started walking again, quickening my pace with every step.

Approximately ten minutes later, while I was making my way along what seemed like an endless road, I heard what I had been expecting for the past forty minutes, sirens. What I didn’t know was if they were only just going to the accident or if they were coming away from it, looking for me.

I needed to keep moving but I also needed to stay out of view. Crouching down low, I shuffled along as fast as I could. The bushes were fuller at the bottom from the fallen leaves so I would have better cover being lower. I didn’t have long before they would reach where I was so I needed to find somewhere to hide out until they passed.

Luckily for me there was a forest not too far ahead. The sirens were getting louder though, I wasn’t sure if I could make it before they arrived. My heart started beating faster. My choices were to hide here and risk being seen or make a fun for the forest, but risk not making it in time. The options weren’t ideal but I decided the second one gave me the best chance of making it back to the girls.

Taking a deep breath, I launched myself forward, running so fast that the muscles in my thighs started burning almost immediately. I was in the open with absolutely nothing to disguise me now. The sound of the sirens seemed to increase with every step I took.

My foot slipped on the damp muddy ground, I managed to correct myself before I fell and carried on towards the dark forest. I was breathing loudly, my lungs burning with the lack of oxygen. The pain in my head and arm seemed to be a background pain now; my legs and chest ached as they worked overtime.

I finally reached the edge of the forest just as the police car seemed too almost be on top of me. Throwing myself to the floor, I rolled onto the filthy moss and fallen branches. I looked up, terrified that they would have seen me. Scanning the area, I held my breath, not wanting to make even the quietest sound.

My heart was beating so hard it felt like it was going to break through my chest. My entire body felt battered and bruised, and all I wanted to do was clean myself and sleep but I had a long way to go before I could do either.

I laid on the ground still as the police cars screamed past, they came from the right of the crossroads and went the way I’d been walking. They were only just going to the scene of the accident. Forty minutes had past and they had only just heard about it. No wonder I was able to do my job for so long.

Approximately five minutes later I decided it was time to move again. Very soon they would notice that I was missing, that didn’t give me much of a head start. Thankfully the forest stretched on as far as I could see so I would have sufficient cover for now.

Walking a little way into the forest, making sure I could just about see the road, I thought of how happy the girls would be once I got back to them. I just hoped they were being looked after to the highest standard their families were of until I got back to take over.

The road seemed never ending and I still hadn’t seen one road sign, I still had no idea if I was even heading in the right direction.

‘Useless.’

I shook my head, clenching my teeth together. I was not useless, I managed to escape and evade the police. Their cars had been past many times and not one of them had even slowed to look in the forest that was hiding me. I’m not useless.

My legs seemed to move faster without my control. Sweat ran down my face and dripped onto the floor. I wanted to lie down, to catch my breath but I couldn’t so I pushed myself forwards. I ignored the physical pain and focused solely on being in Rose’s arms again.

Slowly the forest thinned and I saw two small cottages and a farm house. Stopping abruptly, I hid behind a collection of bramble bushes. Standing outside one of the cottages was a young woman, and an elderly man and woman holding a black suitcase.

I shuffled closer and watched from behind the grey stone wall. The girl was reassuring her parents, or who I assumed were her parents, that everything would be fine; they should have a nice time and not worry about her or the house.

It felt like everything was coming together, I needed a place to hide and she would be alone for at least the night. My body was crawling with germs and covered in dirt but I tried not to think about how disgusted she would be at the sight of me. Soon enough I would be having a hot shower, washing away every germ.

The girl’s parents closing their car door regained my attention. I watched eagerly as they drove off into the distance. I waited until the girl went back inside and closed the door, not wanting to confront her out here in case she made a scene. After giving it a few minutes, I crept up to the green cottage door and knocked.

I was getting nervous as I waited for her to answer. There were voices coming from along the road. My breathing quickened as I looked around. If I was seen, even if they didn’t recognise me, they certainly would soon. I didn’t want anyone to know I’d been here.

Finally, just as the voices seemed impossibly close, the door opened. “Hello?” the girl said politely, frowning and looking slightly concerned.

Before she had chance to scream for help I clamped my hand over her mouth and pushed her inside, kicking the door shut.

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Done! Die, die, stupid chapter! This has taken me AGES. I could not write for some reason :(

Hope you liked it, or just didn't think it sucks as much as it does! Seriously printing this chapter off and burning it!

*sigh* anyway it's DONE!

Thanks to iThinkimInTrouble for the banner on the side :)

Anyway, please comment, vote and all that other cool stuff!

<3