Hidden Motives

Two-Faced

I woke up in a car and heard voices arguing outside. My head felt very heavy so I stayed laying in the back for a couple more minutes. When I finally could move I sat up in the seat. Out the window, I could see what looked like Max and Dylan arguing.

"You killed him!" shouted Dylan.

"He was going to kill her! You should be happy I followed you here! You would've lost her if it wasn't for me!" Max replied, anger visible in his voice.

"I know I was dumb! I shouldn't have left her, but Dad called! He hasn't called in years, I had to answer it!" replied Dylan.

"I thought we made it clear that he means nothing to us! We don't care about him! But you should at least protect the girl your on a date with! You saw her almost get kidnapped twice! What else do you need for proof that she is in danger!" Max blurted.

"Ok, ok. She is in danger. I get it, but I am sure she knows it and wants to feel normal. That's probably why she went along with this! Also since when do you care enough to follow US here on OUR date! You never did this for Adyline! You just fucking killed someone again!!" Dylan complained. His voice was perfectly clear through the metal of the car. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. Max killed the man! And what did Dylan mean by "again"? Is Max a killer?

These thoughts flooded my brain as I heard Max respond, "My apologies that I care about someone trying to kill Adylines sister! No one ever tried to kill Adyline! Of course, it concerns me! I know how reckless you can be! Don't think I have forgotten what you have done! And both people I killed deserved it! You know it! I have blood on my hands, but Zara is still alive! That's what matters!" Suddenly his voice lowered and he said, "I can't watch someone die again. It hurts too much. Why do you think I am so emotionless! Watching mom die while dad killed her did something to me. It made me cold. Zara may not like me, but she doesn't have anyone to protect her. So if you can't do it, I might as well. I care about Adyline and after breaking her heart the least I can do is protect her sister."

This was the first time I heard Max show any emotion other than anger. He seemed sad as he said this. Dylan on the other hand was the one who turned cold. I could see him through the tinted glass just standing there. His arms were crossed and the street lamp was the only thing making him visible.

"What mom did was unforgivable, Dad had to do something. Zara's situation is nothing like mom. I know Zara doesn't deserve it so I will protect her without your help. Mom deserved it." As Dylan said this he walked towards the car. I laid my head back down and pretended to still be unconscious. It was hard to remain calm after what I had just heard, but I had to try my best.

I heard Max shout back "You are insane! That was your mother, and killing someone is unforgivable unless they present an immediate danger! You of all people should know that! There are 6 innocent families grieving the loss of their family members because you had uncontrollable anger!"

"Oh, how the tables have turned. Look who has killed two people and is trying to explain to me what's right versus what's wrong. You know that was a rough patch in my life and that will NEVER happen again. As long as I have Zara everything will be fine. She gives me purpose and she doesn't even know it. I swear as long as she is by my side I will never go back to my ways. She doesn't deserve that." Dylan replied. At this point, he was in the car, but close enough to Max that he could still hear him.

"She doesn't deserve you and Adyline doesn't deserve me. Zara made that clear to me. Don't be selfish. We have problems and secrets that none of them can handle. You can't put them through this" Max whispered, he was aware I was in the back and kept his voice silent.

"What they don't know can't hurt them," Dylan said before closing the door on Max. He then sped off with no other remarks.

In my head, all I could think was, "Dylan is a monster! How could he pretend to be so perfect? He is leading a double life with a troubled past!" I then realized that he was similar to me. We both had secrets, but his were preventable. Max seemed to have more common sense than him. Max really wasn't as bad as I thought. Sure being a murderer was a MAJOR issue for both of them, but I could see that Max had compassion. He saved me that night.

While getting lost in my thoughts I opened my eyes. Dylan noticed this and said, "Your awake! I am so sorry about what happened! It will never happen again!"

I said "Yeah I am awake. Still feeling a little sick though."

"Oh ok, I am taking you home right now so you can rest. We can talk tomorrow and I will explain everything," he replied.

I closed my eyes again and tried not to panic. He was acting as if nothing happened! He was unbelievable! I was scared for my own life even though I knew he wasn't going to hurt me. For the rest of the car ride, I pondered my thoughts before falling back asleep.