Page 64 of Marek

He left me.

He just...left me.

“Why?”

Bonnie steps back, handing me a tissue, so I can wipe my face. She came prepared.

“You and I both know why. Marek is terrified of the way he feels for you. It’s easier for him to disappear than it is to admit he cares and risk falling further.”

No.

I won’t allow it.

I won’t let him run from this.

Not after everything.

He took me from my life, he stole my freedom, and then we created something incredible.

He’s a coward and I won’t let him win.

“Take me to the campgrounds.”

Bonnie blinks. “What? Honey, no. You need to rest...”

“Take me,” I demand. “He isnotrunning.”

Not today.

Not ever.

“Ellie...it’s pouring with rain and...”

“Bonnie, if you won’t take me, I’ll find a way there myself.”

She reaches for my hand, but I pull it away.

“He’s already gone.”

“Nobody can go that far in a short amount of time. Someone there will know where he is, and they’re going to tell me.”

Bonnie presses her lips together, but then exhales. “Oh, dammit. I like your spirit. Okay, I’ll take you.”

I offer her a smile and stand quietly as the nurse has her sign the discharge papers. Then, we leave. I know she doesn’t like the idea of going against what Marek has ordered, nobody does, but he is not going to get away with taking off when things get hard. No, he took the wrong girl if that’s what he wanted.

I know he cares, and for that reason, I’m not letting this go.

We arrive at the campground, and it’s still bustling with people packing up.

I know who to go looking for when it comes to Marek, and that’s Fred.

I find him giving out orders under the main tent.

His eyes widen when he notices me, and I know he’s not expecting me here. With a low growl, he walks over, and before he can so much as speak a single word, I demand, “Where is he?”

“I’m not telling you that,” Fred responds, his voice clipped. “He gave me orders, and I’m not breaking those orders. Leave.”

“I’m not leaving,” I say, leaning in close, “until you tell me where he is.”

---