Promises | ✔️

Chapter 6: Wrong Place, Wrong Time

I woke up the next morning to knocking on my door. I groggily got out of bed and made my way to the door. "Coming!" I yelled. I opened it and was greeted by none other than Henry. "Henry! Hi!"

"My mommy and I made muffins. Here!" He handed me a brown bag. Just then, Marian walked out of their apartment.

"Hi, Naya. I'm sorry. I told him to wait while I used the bathroom, but he came out anyway." She came up behind him. I then realized I had just gotten out of bed and didn't even see what I looked like. I didn't even brush my teeth.

"I actually just woke up. So I should go freshen up, but thank you so much for these. I need to find a way to repay you for all you've done for me." I told her.

"It's fine, dear. Really." She gave me a warm, motherly smile.

We ended the conversation shortly afterward since I needed to get ready, and Marian and Henry were going out.

Today, I decided to go to the park I had seen when I first arrived. I was working at night, so I had the day to myself. I even brought a book along with me, even though I had read it multiple times. I couldn't afford any new books.

As I was walking down the street, I heard some yelling. Next to me was an old, abandoned building with broken windows. I saw two guys walk to the door, and I quickly hid behind the wall. I realized one of the guys was actually scar guy from the bar! I noticed they were wearing the matching black leather jackets like that night. When they turned inside, I saw the back of the jackets. There was a snake and in big words, it said "Scarlet Vipers." This must be the gang Ryder was telling me about. Is the green-eyed man here? Only one way to find out.

A few seconds after the guys went in, I followed behind cautiously. I entered and saw stairs and beams of steel. It looked like a factory. To the right of me, there were stairs that led up. The two guys walked straight and turned left. I decided to go up the steps. It led me to a large loft-like area with a railing that overlooked the downstairs. I crept over to the edge, hiding behind a couple of boxes. I looked down and saw a group of 6 or 7 guys standing in a half-circle. I recognized three of the guys from the bar. In the middle, was a man sitting in a chair. I couldn't make much of him, but the guy looked tired and badly beaten up. Someone was standing in front of him, so I could only see the back of his jacket. The other guys were talking to each other or yelling at the guy in the chair.

"TELL ME WHERE IT IS!" The guy who had his back to me yelled.

"I DON'T KNOW!" The guy in the chair yelled back.

The weak man was slapped, and I winced as I saw blood sputter out from his mouth. The man circled around the guy in the chair and went behind him. He grabbed his throat and pulled his head back. "YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" He let go of the guy's neck, sending him forward in the chair. The man walked to the side, looking up and closing his eyes while pinching the bridge of his nose. I instantly recognized who it was. And it was just at that moment, he also opened his eyes and caught direct sight of me. If he was angry now, I didn't want to know what his reaction would be now that he had seen me.

"GET RID OF HIM!" He yelled at the men around him, and a few of them went to the man. He stormed out of the room, and I ran down the stairs.

I thought I had made it and reached for the door but was instantly grabbed by the shoulder. He pushed me to the wall, one hand holding my left arm and the other hand gripping my neck. The look on his face was murderous.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?" He yelled at me. Our faces were so close, I could feel his warm, minty breath. I looked at him, the fear very evident in my eyes. My parents had always told me never to show your opponent your fear, even if you are scared. Another one of their promises I had broken. I guess he saw the terror in my eyes, and he let go of me, still standing very close to me. "WHAT? CAN YOU NOT TALK ALL OF A SUDDEN?"