REUNITED ARC: MOTEL

The two girls padded on the upper story of the motel's deck, breathing heavily underneath the dimly lit lights contrasting from the navy sky. There was an awkward, silent tension that played tricks on their conversational skills. Annie nervously followed after Hattie until she stopped in front a colorful door. The air smelled soapy and sour, and the concrete clicked under Hattie's heels and cracked with age. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, Annie naturally followed. Hattie slumped on a firm armchair and sighed with her hands pressed to her temples, Annie awkwardly sat on an unmade bed and gently moved a stray blue tie onto the night stand. "Where's Bo?" Questioned Annie.

"Gone. I kicked him out for a while, I'm still angry. I'm sure he's with Elijah."

Annie felt guilty about the fight despite everything being out of her control.

"Then I guess I'm glad we got outta there, huh."

That was a belittling understatment; The two practically ran back to the motel giggling like they were kids again.

Hattie chuckled and nodded. She oddly began to dig around in her purse, sitting up straight and a dull look plastered on her face. Unexpectedly and unfamiliarily, she pulled out a rugged pack of Malboro Cigarettes and a hot pink lighter. She placed it between her lips and lit it ofter a few tries. Annie eyed her closely, this Hattie-Lynn was very different than the one she said goodbye to in 2011. Hattie matched her gaze, "What, want one?" She childishly tossed a cigarette at Annie, then politely handed her the lighter.

"You smoke now?" Annie laughed.

Hattie didn't say anything, but flashed a toothy grin and laughed along.

After Annie lit the cigarette and the atmosphere became much more relaxed, Hattie stood up and sat down next and Annie on the bed. She rested her head on her shoulder and muttered that she wanted Annie to "tell her everything." "Tell you everything about what?"

"Everything that led up to this, I guess." Hattie checked her nails and figited with her accessories. Her body language told otherwise, but her voiced oozed the same amount of curiosity and willingness as it did when she was a child.

"Maybe I'll tell you later, It's like.. 11 p.m. Hattie."

"When are you gonna tell me? I'd prefer to leave Shawn behind."

Annie stayed silent.

"Come with Bo, Elijah and me to see Reagan. Tomorrow. You could use a break, yeah?"

"Reagan..? Burgoude?"

Hattie nodded. She brushed her cigarette ash on the tattered carpet.

"What would I do about Shawn then?" Annie lifted her shoulder and Hattie picked her head up.

"Tell him your at your mom's for the weekend."

Annie sat, contemplating.

"That idiot doesn't know who he's messing with. Take a break and get away. Distract yourself!" Hattie pushed.

"I'm not running from my problems Hattie."

"You're not running, you'll just deal with them later."