Targeted and Defended

                                    

                                          
After a while I stopped struggling. I realised that either way they knew where I would be because of that stupid tracker thing. Besides, Ryan is probably right. Despite the inevitable questions and invasion of privacy, I would be better of and more safe at the care home. Even if I won't be happy there. But could I ever be truly happy anywhere?
                          
Ryan seemed to loosen his grip on me once he realised I was no longer planning on running away again. Eventually, we began marching over to Lyra and Jody, who were standing by a car in a car park. Jody was leaning against the front of the car, staring down at her phone, and Lyra was leaning against the side, head in hands.
                          
"There they are!" Jody yelled as she looked up from her phone. Her face instantly forming a smile, lighting up like she was told it was Christmas. Never knew I was that important to her.
                          
Lyra also looked up at me. She seemed to be half angry, half relieved. Just like Ryan. 
                          
"Marie Riley I am so glad you are ok. But trust me, you will not go unpunished for this little show you've put on! We will take you back home and you can unpack your things, have a shower and change your clothes. Then, I expect to see you in the office for a long, hard discussion about your actions"
                          
"Woah go easy!" Jody randomly blurted, standing in between Lyra and I. "Can't you see she's had it? Clearly there's something deeper going on here, not just another messed up care kid who decided to run away!"
                          
After everything I put her through, Jody is still standing up for me. And against Lyra of all people.
                          
"Jody I don't think..." Lyra tried to speak, but was quickly interrupted by Jody again.
                          
"No! The scratches on her body and smears of dirt on her face prove that the past 24 hours have been far from easy!"
                          
"I understand that..."
                          
"No you don't! Not at all! Look, I've only knows her for a few months, but I do know her. More than you anyway. And if she ran away, she will have had a bloody good reason to!"
                          
I was stunned. Jody and I have never really been close friends, but now she's standing up to Lyra as if her life depended on it. Maybe she wants something from me? I hope not. I have nothing left to give.
                          
"Right, very well. Marie, we'll take you home. You to Jody. Ryan, you are more than welcome to join us. Actually I would prefer it if you came. It seems like Marie needs you right now"
                          
As she said this, I realised that I was half leaning on Ryan. He had his arm wrapped tightly around my shoulder and I was facing him slightly, leaning into his chest a little. 
                          
"Right, let's go"
                          
We all awkwardly got into the car. Jody got in the front passenger seat next to Lyra. I felt a bit bad, considering she just stuck up for me then we both forced her to be awkward next to Lyra for the duration of the journey. But Ryan practically forced me into the seat next to him, I didn't have much choice. And right now, if I argue, I think I'll just make things worse for myself.
                          
The drive was silent. Ryan kept trying to hold my hand and check if I'm ok, but I just stayed as still as possible and stared out of the window. It's not that I'm not happy to see him, but I feel like a massive failure right now. I'm ashamed of myself and all the destruction I've caused.
                          
About half an hour into the journey Ryan and Jody's phones both went off at the same time. Must be a message on the group chat. Jody got her phone from the dip between the two front seats and switched it on.
                          
"Oh no" she exclaimed.
                          
"What is it?" Ryan asked worriedly.
                          
"Look at the group chat" she demanded.