I knew what he was thinking without him having to say it aloud. So that he could go his own way again.
My chest tightened, but I ignored the feeling and gave him a small smile. "Okay, I'll hurry up."
I quickly ate the food he had brought and took my medicine. I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower, changing into the new clothes Tanner had bought for me the previous night. As I looked into the mirror, I couldn't help but notice how much better I looked.
When I came out, I wrapped Jaimie in a blanket, trying not to disturb his sleep. I grabbed my bag, which contained the essentials and the little money I had made from begging the previous night. Tanner seemed ready to go as well. He had changed into a fresh set of clothes and looked much better, although the mustache really needed a good trim, he still looked good.
We left the motel, and he handed some cash to the receptionist, my payment for the room. I had forgotten all about the amount I owed.
"Thanks," I muttered, even though he had already started walking ahead of me. Maybe he was an angel, after all.
"We're taking the bus," Tanner informed me, breaking the silence as we walked past the people on the road. Not a single person spared us a glance, and I realized that we probably looked like a young couple with their child. I held Jaime tightly, burying his little head into my chest as we walked.
"We're on the run again," I whispered to my baby, his eyes already open. "But this time, we're on our way to a better place. And no matter what happens, I'll always protect you."
"He understands you, you know," Tanner interjected, casting a quick glance our way. "Children have their own way of understanding."
I nodded. The thought that Jaimie might understand me filled my heart with warmth. I wondered how Tanner knew so much about kids, but I didn't ask. He took care of all the bus tickets while I tried to keep a low profile and avoid any security cameras.
Finally, we boarded the bus, and Tanner sat down close to me. I shielded my face from the other passengers, closing my eyes and praying silently to God to keep me and my baby safe. I was grateful for the guardian angel He had sent and hoped that my husband and the police wouldn't find us.
Despite having slept well the night before, the motion of the bus made me feel drowsy. I couldn't resist the urge to close my eyes and rest my head on the shoulder of Tanner, beside me.
He stiffened.
"Sorry," I apologized quickly, raising my head.
Silence fell between us, but then he used his hand to gently hold the side of my face and gestured for me to put my head back. I smiled gratefully; feeling comforted, and rested my head back on his shoulder.
Exhausted, I sighed and let myself drift off to sleep.
Hours later, as I slowly woke up, my head still resting on Tanner's shoulder, I turned my head to see him holding my son, Jaimie. The sight of my baby smiling up at him filled me with happiness and relief.
"I had to take him or he would have fallen from your arms while you slept," Tanner said, not taking his eyes off the baby.
I thanked him profusely, but he shrugged it off with his usual reluctance. That was just like him, always keeping to himself and emitting only a few sentences when he felt he needed to talk. I wished I could do something for him in return. Unfortunately, he pushed me away whenever I wanna get close to him.
After a long and tiring bus ride from the motel, we finally arrived at the address I was giving. It was a cottage that nestled among glove of trees, with a lush garden that has become overgrown with wildflowers and tangled vines. The shutters were hanging crookedly on the windows, and there was a small porch with a wooden swing and an old rocking chair. Although, the small cottage really did look like it had been vacated for years, I could see the promising beauty it held and the charm it eluded. with a little care, it would be a dream home. Just the thought filled me with happiness and peace.
"It's so beautiful," I whispered as I walked closer to the house, holding Jaimie tightly in my arms.
"Yeah, it is," Tanner said, his face still expressionless as he paid the taxi driver and brought my luggage down from the car. He insisted on carrying it for me, even though it was just the portable bag I had run away with. To my surprise, he had also added the stiffs he bought last night and this morning to the bag.
As we entered the house, I thanked him again for coming with me and for his financial help. But he groaned and told me not to say thank you all the time. I got the impression that he was amused, but I wasn't sure.
Inside, the cottage was just as beautiful as the outside, with dusty household items arranged in the sitting room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a store, an attic, and a cellar. I was thrilled to find out about the attic and cellar, and thanked my ex-neighbor, Mrs. Doria, for giving me this breathtaking accommodation.