Somewhere only we know

When Gabby looked at all the missed calls on her phone, she almost freaked. Had it been a week? That long with Jared?

She winced hard. Not sure how to face her parents. It was amazing the cops hadn't found her.

Still, she didn't really feel guilty. She liked it here, with Jared (who of course had a good laugh when she showed him all the missed phone calls.) They were going to have to do something about it.

But first came a kiss and then something perfect on an autumn day. Of course, it was more than a cuddle. He made her smile more as if she didn't care if they got caught.

Finally, in the middle of the cold afternoon, she lifted herself up under the warm quilt she shared with Jared.

"WAIT." She blinked.

How long had they gone without eating, showering, fresh clothes? She took a deep breath, trying to let it sink in. She hadn't been to class at the Uni. Did Jared even have his job at the sandwich place?

She tensed. He told her not to worry. He'd called in with the flu days ago.

It wasn't long until they warmed up together under a hot shower, soaping each other as if it were a good start  to make ii sacred daily. Even so, she shivered after it was over. Possibly weak yet still strong with the belief this couldn't be lust.

No, it felt like a relief. Not having to worry all the time if she'd wanted too much from Arlo. It was a comfort to be with Jared, even if she didn't know him very well. She'd heard a baby crying a few times. Each time she'd said a little prayer hoping the kid in the other room wasn't his.

He'd mentioned he lived with his brother and his girlfriend who had a baby. She believed him. Yet, deep down she did wonder if they were wicked soulmates who found each other by chance on the harvest moon.

In the back of her mind, she wondered if they could be wed by Halloween. A smile came to her. She hoped his answer would be yes.