Burn (Book 2)

Chapter Twenty-Two

SOUTH CAROLINA. SOUTH CAROLINA. I'M leaving today, around five o'clock in the morning, when it's still dark out. I stand in front of my bed which has my suitcase on it, unzipped and filled with clothes for the weekend. It's currently 4:15 in the morning. I keep my eyes trained on the card Andre has given me, pinching my lips together hesitantly as I debate on whether or not to accept Andre's offer. But I have this urge I should accept it. I have this feeling that he's telling the truth, that I can't get in without him then... 

 I groan through a yawn as I stare at the two tickets Martha had gotten me, one was supposed to be for me and the other was supposed to be for Tallmadge. But now that Andre had informed me of his offer, I'm now actually considering about going with Andre. Even after what he's done to me. I swallow thickly, letting out a shuddering breath as I flop down on the edge of the bed and pull out my phone. I glance at Andre's number on the card, chewing on my lower lip, my thumb hovering over the number 7, shaking a little. 

 But Tallmadge... 

 But Andre...

 I groan again and run a hand through my auburn hair, puffing out a breath of frustration before quickly dialing Andre's number. I can't risk it. I'm sorry Ben... 

  "Hello?" Andre's voice grumbles. His voice is husky and quiet. He must have just woken up.

 I shiver at his voice, closing my eyes as I say, "I accept." A pause. "I accept your offer, Andre." 

 I hear bedsheets ruffling on the other end of the line. I can feel Andre's smirk as he sits up in his bed. 

 "Excellent," he says, his voice thick with sleep. "When do you leave, Hamilton?" 

 I swallow as I mumble, "Today. LaGuardia Airport. It's the closest to Manhattan." 

 "Good," Andre chirps. "I'll meet you there in five." 

 I hear the beep as he hangs up. I stare at my phone blankly in my hand. I grimace as I click my phone off, resting my elbows on my knees and my face in my hands. I close my eyes gently, trying to find calming breaths. 

 "I'm really doing this," I whisper to myself, running both hands through my auburn hair, puffing out a breath, my nerves rising by the second, making my skin tingle and my fingers twitch. I swallow, staring at my closed bedroom door with wide eyes. "I'm really doing this..." 

 I hear a soft knock on my bedroom door, causing me to yelp and jump a little where I'm seated on the edge of my bed. I glance at the clock again for a quick second before turning my head towards the door. I frown, confused. Is Tallmadge here already? My heart stops. Tallmadge...how am I going to explain to Tallmadge that Andre is going with me and not him? 

I groan with frustration and annoyance as I tug at my hair, biting my lip before snapping, "Come in!" 

 I brace myself for Tallmadge's appearance to come through the door but let out a sigh of relief when it's only George poking his head through the cracked doorframe. He smiles softly, looking exhausted, as he enters, closing the door behind him. He tilts his head down to one shoulder, raising an eyebrow. 

 "Morning, son," George says. He frowns. "You alright?" 

 "Yeah," I say, my voice croaky as I stand up from the bed, scratching the back of my aching neck. "I'm just...nervous..." 

 George smiles a little, nodding with agreement. "I understand. It's normal to be nervous, Alexander." 

 "I mean," I let out an awkward laugh, "I've never been on a plane before, Dad. I...I'm like...really freaking out right now..." A pause. "Plus, I haven't seen John in...I don't know how long it's been since he left...but...I'm terrified."