UNFORTUNATE

Chapter 6

"Yeah, well, seeing 'unfortunately, I have to kill you' isn't exactly what I had in mind either. And as if that wasn't enough, I just so happen to meet youonmy eighteenth birthday!"

The tension in the air grew even more. In this moment, she wanted nothing more than to punch him. Or push him down the stairs. Either way would be hugely satisfying. Screw him and his stupid lovely face. It meant nothing when his personality was s**t.

What made her the angriest, was that there was still no reason that any of this was happening. He purposely avoided answering the questions thrown at him.

"Let's go," said Dylan, breaking her from her thoughts. "And make sure you get some shoes on this time. I'm not carrying you everywhere."

Him having a girlfriend hurt her more than it should have. They only just met after all, and they couldn't stand each other. Still, the way he had looked at her in that room last night suggested just the briefest amount of attraction.

No, he's a criminal, you cannot fall in love with him.

Strands of red were entwined in his dark brown hair, the sun bringing them to light. A small part of her wondered what it would feel like to run her hands through it. Wondered if it was as soft as it appeared.

It was okay to fantasize about him, she tried to make herself believe that. They were supposed to be soulmates. Not that that meant anything. Some people didn't end up marrying their soulmate in this world. Either because their soulmate died, or they found someone else before that they loved more than anything in the world.

"Are you coming or what?" Dylan's face swam into her vision. He was inches away, that ever-present scowl taking over his features.

She couldn't help but think about how calm he looked when he was sleeping. It was a stark contrast from the young man standing before her now.

"Yes, I'm coming." She frowned right back at him.

"Well, then get your ass in gear. I will not hesitate to pick you up and carry you."

Shoving past him, she stomped to the rundown vehicle. He threw the backpack in the back seat when he got in beside her. The car groaned to life, hissing as it travelled down the street. Many people watched from their living room windows, curious to see what all the noise was. Leanna wanted to hide her face in shame. Being inside the vehicle made it ten times worse.

Dylan appeared to contemplate conversation, his mouth opening every so often, but he never said a word. They drove back out of the city, this time passing by the motel as they sped down the highway. Looking out the window, she let her mind wander to pass the time. Music began to fill the car. A slow melody blared from the speakers, making her imagination run wild.

"Your parents are still alive." Dylan finally said after half an hour of quiet. "Are they okay? I don't know. Alive? Yes."

Hundreds of questions passed through Leanna's head. There was still so much she wanted to know. None he had answers for. And if he did, she doubted he would answer them without expecting a favour in return.

Silence settled over them again, both refusing to start a conversation. The sensation of his body against hers entered her mind. Try as she may to lock the thought out, it pounded on the walls of her mind until it broke through. Giving in, she let her mind wander over to a part she tried to avoid. Closing her eyes, she rested her head against the warm window. Miles flew by behind her eyes. Years passed by, and she found herself thinking of a future with Dylan. A different universe where they met under normal circumstances. Where they got to know each other in a normal way.

Half the day wasted away, him driving in silence, and her dreaming of what the perfect life would be. Lips being used for reasons other than insulting each other. The stupid tattoos gaining meaning, instead of being cruel jokes. Running her hands through his hair. Hearing a genuine laugh escape his lips. They hadn't so much as smiled at each other since meeting.

Leanna's heart began to ache, yearning for a life that would never be. No one ever said soulmates always ended up together. Nowadays, most didn't. Some of her parents' friends didn't marry their soulmate. They chose to get the tattoos removed instead of having a constant reminder of only one possible future.