If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. Runaway
(RP for logan_maxwell)
Four months. As Daniel drew the "X" through the number on the calendar it only served to re-enforce the feeling that had been building within him for the better part of the last week. It wasn't that the was really anything wrong with his foster parents, they were nice enough to him, and it wasn't like they punished him unless he had done something really bad.
"Daniel, get a move on, you're going to be late for school." Colin McDowell's voice carried up the stairs. He had to make a decision. Pulling the drawer of his desk open, in preparation to putting the calendar inside, he caught sight of the latest letter from his grandfather. If he'd been hesitant before, his grandfather's words were enough to push him over the edge, his decision was made it was all down to where and when.
"Daniel, this is the last time I'm calling you, the next time I'm coming up there with the belt." Folding the letter in half, he tucked it in his pant's pocket. He couldn't take much, it would raise suspicions, but, what was safe to take? He glanced around the room, his book on Egypt, the picture of his parents, his diary, what else? He shoved the few items he'd decided on in his back-pack as he heard the foot-steps on the stairs. Too late, now he'd pay the price.
"I warned you, Daniel." As Colin McDowell entered the room, he slapped the wide leather belt across his palm with enough force that it made the boy jump, even before he felt the sting of it.
"One of these days you'll learn, boy." Colin let four more smacks make contact before deciding enough was enough.
"Now, grab your back-pack, go wash your face, and get to school. You're to come straight home afterward, there'll be a list of chores for you to do before dinner. Do you hear me?"
"Yes, sir." Daniel wiped his face with his sleeve before moving to comply, whatever doubts he'd had gone. Maybe he hadn't succeeded the first time he'd tried to leave, but, he had to try. The best way to get a head start was to be there for attendance, he'd figured that much out, maybe, if he slipped away during the confusion of recess, or lunch that would be the best time.
******
Recess proved to be the perfect time, especially when two of the fifth graders decided to get into a fight. With the diversion occupying those on the playground Daniel snuck back into his classroom long enough to grab his back-pack. He was pulling it on as he slipped out of one of the side doors, and with the sound of the fight still coming from the playground his escape to the streets went without notice.
It was nearing dusk by the time the McDowells placed the call to the police to report the disappearance of their foster son. As the calls were made to the school staff, it was determined that the last time anyone could remember seeing the 8 year old was sometime around eleven that morning. Six hours, the boy had been missing for close to six hours and no one had any idea where to even start looking for him.
******
Daniel had learned from his first attempt at running away, and while he didn't have much money, he'd managed to squirrel away close to $20, enough to keep him in bus fares and something to eat. So far luck seemed to be on his side and after rummaging in his back-pack he had a New York City map in hand. His goal for the day was to get out of the City, and of course, making sure he avoided the police. He gave a final glance at the map before folding it and sliding it into his pocket. Okay...now where to go?
Four months. As Daniel drew the "X" through the number on the calendar it only served to re-enforce the feeling that had been building within him for the better part of the last week. It wasn't that the was really anything wrong with his foster parents, they were nice enough to him, and it wasn't like they punished him unless he had done something really bad.
"Daniel, get a move on, you're going to be late for school." Colin McDowell's voice carried up the stairs. He had to make a decision. Pulling the drawer of his desk open, in preparation to putting the calendar inside, he caught sight of the latest letter from his grandfather. If he'd been hesitant before, his grandfather's words were enough to push him over the edge, his decision was made it was all down to where and when.
"Daniel, this is the last time I'm calling you, the next time I'm coming up there with the belt." Folding the letter in half, he tucked it in his pant's pocket. He couldn't take much, it would raise suspicions, but, what was safe to take? He glanced around the room, his book on Egypt, the picture of his parents, his diary, what else? He shoved the few items he'd decided on in his back-pack as he heard the foot-steps on the stairs. Too late, now he'd pay the price.
"I warned you, Daniel." As Colin McDowell entered the room, he slapped the wide leather belt across his palm with enough force that it made the boy jump, even before he felt the sting of it.
"One of these days you'll learn, boy." Colin let four more smacks make contact before deciding enough was enough.
"Now, grab your back-pack, go wash your face, and get to school. You're to come straight home afterward, there'll be a list of chores for you to do before dinner. Do you hear me?"
"Yes, sir." Daniel wiped his face with his sleeve before moving to comply, whatever doubts he'd had gone. Maybe he hadn't succeeded the first time he'd tried to leave, but, he had to try. The best way to get a head start was to be there for attendance, he'd figured that much out, maybe, if he slipped away during the confusion of recess, or lunch that would be the best time.
******
Recess proved to be the perfect time, especially when two of the fifth graders decided to get into a fight. With the diversion occupying those on the playground Daniel snuck back into his classroom long enough to grab his back-pack. He was pulling it on as he slipped out of one of the side doors, and with the sound of the fight still coming from the playground his escape to the streets went without notice.
It was nearing dusk by the time the McDowells placed the call to the police to report the disappearance of their foster son. As the calls were made to the school staff, it was determined that the last time anyone could remember seeing the 8 year old was sometime around eleven that morning. Six hours, the boy had been missing for close to six hours and no one had any idea where to even start looking for him.
******
Daniel had learned from his first attempt at running away, and while he didn't have much money, he'd managed to squirrel away close to $20, enough to keep him in bus fares and something to eat. So far luck seemed to be on his side and after rummaging in his back-pack he had a New York City map in hand. His goal for the day was to get out of the City, and of course, making sure he avoided the police. He gave a final glance at the map before folding it and sliding it into his pocket. Okay...now where to go?