Chapter 7

• BLAIR'S POV CONTINUES
• All day, Ashley and I would hunt scrap wristwatches and clocks, and sneak back into the garage at sundown.
• This routine had gone on for a week, and although I was getting quite used to the early mornings and hunting routine, I couldn't deny how exhausting it was.
• I admired Ashley’s strength and couldn't believe that a girl as young as she was, was out here trying to put her life together in this manner.
• It was another day of scrap hunting for us, and thanks to Ashley, I was getting used to the streets of Vegas.
• I didn't have to worry about getting lost, or a random stranger finding me and returning me to my father's mansion. That was my greatest fear.
• If I was ever returned to father, there was no telling what he would do to me this time. Moreso, with Brian's absence at the mansion, I might need another toothbrush to scrub the walls, before mother lets me out of her sight.
• “You can go in that direction, I'd go this way,” Ashley said, as soon as we got to a cross road in town.
• “Here's ten dollars, in case you need to buy some scrap from anyone willing to sell them off,” she said, handing me the money.
• I followed the street she pointed and looked out for scraps, but it only got lonelier as I walked down the path. I couldn't help get scared as my journey continued.
• It was almost noon and I was at this point very sure I was lost. I was also starving and was lucky to find a hot dog cart by the street.
• “Hello?” I called, as I crossed over to the cart.
• There was no response and it didn't look like there was anyone vending the cart.
• “Hello?” I called again, but didn't get any response.
• My hopes of satisfying my hunger was slowly crashing, when a young man quickly ran past me, forcefully grabbing the ten dollars I had in my hands.
• I immediately ran after him, but he was very fast.
• “Hey! Give that back!” I yelled, as I relentlessly chased him.
• He ran through the nooks and crannies of the streets and through every building and I was having a hard time keeping up.
• I followed him in-between two tall buildings and felt a hand around my arm, quickly pulling me into the dark.
• I didn't get a chance to scream before I felt a hand over my mouth. I was frozen with fear.
• “Sheeesh,” my captor said, as he slowly turned me around.
• I heaved a sigh of relief as I recognized him. It was Brian.
• “How did you find me?” I queried.
• “So this is what you're doing now? Running after thieves?” He threw questions back at me.
• “He has my money,” I said, intending to continue my chase.
• “Let's go,” Brian said, holding my hand firmly.
• “Let me go!” I protested. “I have to get my money back,” I said, going in the direction of the thief.
• “Blair, I do not handle drama well,” he said, showing his exasperation, “let's go,” he added, in a very authoritative tone.
• “I’m not going anywhere with a stranger,” I said, my voice equally authoritative.
• “Yet you're on the streets of Vegas, running after one,” he snapped at me.
• I immediately folded up, afraid at the tone of his voice.
• He took a deep breath and held my hand calmly, after a moment of dreadful silence.
• “Blair, I beg you, let's go,” he said calmly, “I promise, whatever we have to discuss, we will, just not out here,” he said.
• I was trying to be tough, so I didn't give in to his calm request.
• “I still have to retrieve Ashley’s ten dollars, she works so hard for her money, I can't be the reason…”
• “That's ok, I'd take care of that,” Brian said.
• I reluctantly followed him and we were soon at the cross road where Ashley and I parted.
• “Blair!” She called. I ran to her with a tight hug.
• “I've been out here waiting for you for hours now,” she said, as she held me tightly too.
• “I'm so sorry, Ash, some jerk stole the money,” I began to explain.
• “That's okay,” Brian immediately cut in, “you can have this,” he said, handing her ten, hundred dollar bills.
• Ashley and I were filled with shock and Ashley wouldn't accept it from him.
• “I understand you've been taking care of her in the past week, and I'm very grateful,” he said, still holding out the money to her.
• “You are a brave and kind girl,” he said, his tone soft and sweet, “please reach out to me if you need anything,” she said, handing her a paper with his phone number on it.
• Ashley looked at me, expressing her fear. I nodded slightly, giving her an affirmation.
• She reached out with shaky hands, receiving the thousand dollars from Brian, as well as his number.
• “Thank you very much Ashley,” Brian said, “for everything,” he added.
• Ashley nodded affirmatively, being dumbstruck by the amount of money Brian had given her.
• As Brian heldy hand, gently pulling me away from her, tears welled up at base and edges of my eyes.
• In the last week, I had grown pretty fond of Ashley and it broke my heart to be living her out in the streets, especially knowing her routine for every day.
• I quietly followed Brian home, with tears streaming down my eyes.
• “Freshen up, I'd fix something to eat,” Brian said, as soon as we got to the apartment.
• “Let's not forget you're still a stranger to me,” I said, in the most sarcastic tone I could possibly pull up.
• He took a deep breath, sitting on the couch, beside me.