Then in All Knowing

Pim:1

Just like I promised, I’m waiting by the corner streetlight. Biting my tongue to keep from shaking from a sickening mixture of winter and nerves. I’ve checked my cell phone about eight times now. Almost ten minutes late, still no calls. What if they’ve noticed I’m gone? They might’ve gone into the kitchen for a drink and looked in my room coming back up. It’s happened before, of course it could happen again. My anxiety hits my stomach hard. I lay down with my back on the pavement to keep from vomiting. 2

That’s when I hear the sound of your car approach.3

I jump into the front seat and throw my bags in the back. You don’t bother to kiss me or say anything sweet. I understand. We’ve got plenty of time for that later. The second we leave Maple Leaf I can breathe again. I know you’re feeling it too. Your smirk is proof enough. But the air is still too heavy. Are we allowed to do this? I can see them waking up to both of us gone. Imagining their tears makes my heart wrench. You must know what I’m thinking since you’re pulling over. You unbuckle your seat belt and pull me into a hug. Sorry I’m shaking so much. 4

“It’s okay now.” 5

I can feel you awkwardly try to rub my back through the strap. Never very good at comforting, were you? Oddly enough it helps. “Where are we going?” I ask.6

“Neverland.”7

“What are you? Peter Pan?”8

“Even better. I’m Michael Jackson.”9

“Let me out.”10

Your laugh forces me to smile. “Get a little rest, okay? It might take a while.” You don’t need to tell me twice. As soon as you start the car again, I’m already halfway asleep.11

---------------------------------------------------12

Kevin:13

“Wake up Pim. We’re here.”14

She moans softly and turns away from me. Such a faker. “There’s a bed waiting for you if you get up,” I whisper in her ear. She opens one eye and takes in the surroundings. Sorry it’s not Neverland, but it’s the best I can do for now. “Carry,” she orders me with her arms raised. “You’re such a princess.” Being the gentleman that I am, I fling her over my shoulders like a sack of potatoes and carry her up to our room. Receiving a few odd glances from the man at the front desk. She’s laughing the entire time. 15

I drop her on the bed and lay down next to the luggage. Pretending to be exhausted. “Kevin, the walls are purple,” she says. 16

“I know.”17

“Where are we?”18

“Motel.”19

“It’s ugly.”20

I laugh. “And cheap, thankfully.” Few places had vacancies tonight, which makes me worry. Pim and I need a real place to stay. Some place where they wouldn’t think to look for us. Well, look for her at least. Glancing up I see she’s already kicked off her shoes and snuggled under the covers. “Not waiting for me?” 21

“Hurry up before I fall asleep.”22

I take my time just to spite her. Locking the door, turning out the lights, removing my shoes. I slide into the stiff bed and hold her close. Letting my chin rest on her head. “This feels nice,” Pim giggles snuggling closer. “I remember when we first tried this.”23

“Pim.”24

“And we thought heard someone come downstairs. Scared the shit-“25

“Pim! I’m tired. Just go to sleep, okay?”26

I don’t want to hear any stories about the past. If only she could understand why. But it doesn’t matter. She’s with me now and I’ll be the one to protect her. I’ll make her forget everything so we’ll never have to be apart. 27