Fear began to kick in again, my stomach turned. Where was I going to go? I had nothing with me except for a few coins I had left from my dinner the previous day. I stared up into the grey blue sky. Ideas filled my head. Maybe I should go home or to a friend’s house? Could I go to London and get a job? My head was being bombarded with decisions to make, but I couldn’t make them.
The smell of breakfast was drifting down the street. I could almost taste it. Pining for something to eat, I rummaged through my pocket. In the bottom corner of my pocket was a sweet my friend had given me. It was disgusting. But it was all I had, so I ate it.
Suddenly out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something. There was a white sheet of paper flapping around in the opposite corner. My inquisitive nature made me move, for the first time since the previous evening. Slowly I got up and crept over to the corner. Something moved. I jumped in fear. My heart was racing. I cautiously peered round to my left, only to see the shadow of a passer-by. Startled I returned nervously to finding out what the white paper was. Bending down to pick up the paper I realised it was a bus timetable. As I scanned through the timetable I noticed one of the buses went near my dads. I knew he would never do a thing to hurt me.
I will always remember the day my dad left, I was so angry. My mum had answered his phone to a women who she later found out he was having an affair with. I’ve never really talked to him about it as his departure was very quick and heated and we haven’t had much contact. He sends me a card and small gift every birthday and Christmas but since he left 4 years ago I I’ve only seen him about 6 times. However I bet that’s something to do with my mum been so frosty and awkward with him.
Excitement overwhelmed me; for the first time I knew where I was going and thought I knew how I could get there. Quickly I reached into my pocket. I pulled out the few coins, and counted them. There wasn’t enough. I was shattered. The first plan I’d had, had already failed.
Eager for inspiration I wearily looked up and down the street. The road was getting busier now and people were starting to arrive at the bus stop. Worry struck me as I wondered what would happen if any one realised I was a runaway. The rattling of a bus stopped my thoughts. A double decker bus pulled up at the stop. On the front in amongst all the debris and muck it said ’54 Brackstone bus station’. My dad lived in Brackstone, I wondered if the bus driver would let me on, with only the coins I had. People on their way to work piled on the bus; it must have been like a stampede for the driver. Everyone was on; the driver looked at me blankly, he didn’t look very friendly, I didn’t dare ask, I could tell he wasn’t about to let me have a cheap ride. I didn’t move. He gave me one last blank look before swiftly shutting the doors and driving off.
Then it struck me, I could try and get a lift from someone. I could just about remember my dad’s address and decided it was worth a try. Looking around I realised there was only a slim chance of me getting lift on the road I was on. I found the energy to amble down the streets towards the much busier ring road. When I got there I was daunted, I never imagined it would be that busy. Not knowing what to do or whether it was a very good idea. I walked up and down a few times before I stopped at the curb and stood gormlessly looking into the road. I must have looked like a lost puppy. Several drivers gave me strange looks while others seemed to not even notice me. I knew I had to make some sort of signal, so I began to wave. I felt foolish and very vulnerable but I couldn’t go back home. I needed to get to my dads. Some drivers just thought I was a silly kid waving at them for no reason and either waved back or showed me a rude gesture. I began to wonder if any one was going to stop.
A few minutes later a red Ford pulled over. The driver wound the window down and I peered in. He was a stocky fellow must have been about 40 maybe 50. He had long grey hair with a stubble beard. I was terrified. He asked me what I wanted. I took one long look at him and decided he looked a bit shifty and I couldn’t trust him. So I quickly told him it didn’t matter and to carry on with his journey. I couldn’t believe how scared of him I was.
Traffic started to ease now and my arm was getting tired. I looked behind me at the houses and wondered what was going on back at my mum’s house. I was nearly crying just thinking about going back. Anger boiled inside at what had happened. I wondered if they had called the police. Would I soon be seeing my face on trees and lamp posts, exposed to the world? Just the mere thought motivated me to try once again to flag down a lift.
That time I was more successful after only a couple of minutes a blue Honda pulled up beside me. As I peered into the car I was relieved to see a very friendly looking man. He looked in his thirties, medium build, short brown hair and smiling at me. I told him where I wanted to go and that I hadn’t had enough money for the bus. He seemed to understand and very kindly offered me a lift. I got into the car and put my seat belt on. As I looked round the car I noticed on the dash board a picture. It was of a boy who looked about 9 and a girl who looked around 3. Instantly I realised he must be a dad himself so felt very safe.
As we drove down off the ring road he began to ask me questions. I didn’t want to tell him what had happened or that I had runaway. So I cautiously gave simple answers. I decided to divert the conversation from me to him. I asked him about the photo.
He said they didn’t live with him because they weren’t allowed. I wondered what he meant by that but didn’t dare ask. After 3 or 4 questions I began to notice he wouldn’t give me straight answers. He seemed to skate round questions and change the subject or just ignore me. I began to feel a sense of unease around him. A very awkward silence followed. Looking around the car I noticed a plastic bag on the back seat. I couldn’t work out what it was, it didn’t look like shopping. I didn’t want to ask in case he thought I was been nosey but it was really intriguing. I leant backwards to try and get a closer look. I couldn’t see properly but there seemed to be some sort of white powder. I didn’t know what to make of it and I felt uncomfortable. I tried to make conversation again, but it didn’t develop. The driver seemed shifty and slightly on edge. I began to question my safety. Was this guy who I thought he was? Unexpected something caught my eye on the road. It was only a bird but that was when I realised. It wasn’t the way to my dads.
