The Badboy Got Out Of Wattpad

52. Cottage Escape

My heart aches as I take into account the image of my phone's lock screen. It's the picture of me with a rose in my hair, the same picture which Erden took of me on that wonderful picnic day. And all this, will soon be only a memory.

I still can't believe it.

Pushing to the side my thoughts, I unlock my phone and dial Brandon's number. I'm pretty sure that he is the only one who knows where Erden is. I've been stressing out, unaware of where he has disappeared because of me. I knew I was going to regret everything I told him at the party. I told him so many hurtful things when I will lose his soon. I didn't realise that he would take everything seriously. I told him to stay away from me, when I will probably not be able to live after he will be gone.

I facepalm myself, sighing.

Great Hazel!

I snap back to reality when I register Brandon's snickering voice. "Hello, Hazel. What a surprise."

Ignoring his teases, I ask directly. "Where is Erden?"

He hums.

"He didn't come to literature class today, and he is not at home since the morning. I called him several times, but his phone is off. Is he okay?" Fear resonates in my voice.

"Um... He told me that he went to rest somewhere since you told him to stay away from you." He fakes out a cough.

"What?!" I rub my face. God, I was right. "Brandon, you know where he is! Tell me now!"

There is a moment of silence. "Is it that urgent?"

"Brandon!" I groan.

"Okay, okay!" He creaks, defeatedly. "He went to my parents' cottage, which is in the middle of the small Highland woods."

My eyes widen. What the hell is wrong with that guy?

"He wanted me to tell you that he is gone forever so that you miss him and want him back." He giggles like a naughty kid. My eyes flutter closed on hearing this stupidity. "Never expected Erden to be so childish. What did you do to him, sis-in-law?"

Heat creeps up my cheeks slightly, guilty but kind of flattered. I was about to reply to him when I perceive a female voice in the background. "Babe, where do I put this?"

I nearly jump in my bed on recognizing whose voice it is. "Is that Ariel?! And she just called you babe?!"

"Eelooo, I can't hear you well!" Brandon immediately pretends. "Elooo. I'm cutting! Bye!"

And he eventually ends the call. I roll my eyes. That one kiss they exchanged during Truth or Dare really enchanted them. Not having enough energy to care about Ariel, I rapidly send Lia a text to inform her that I found where is Erden.

I crucially need to reach him. We can't waste time.

After packing my bag with fresh clothes and essential items, I'm ready for this mission. It's already 4 p.m. by now. Counting the time to drive there and to look for him, it will be almost night. Most likely, I will have to stay there.

"I won't be here tonight for dinner." I declare as I step in the kitchen, proceeding to the fridge to take a bottle of cold water.

Both Leon and my mom look at me suspiciously. I've interrupted the conversation they were having while they were drinking some tea. I knew I will have to face my parents, but today I'm strong-willed enough.

"Where are you going?" My mom asks, eyeing at my backpack. I remain silent and take out the bottle from the fridge, deliberating on what to say. But then I realise something precious. No lies will bring tranquility to anyone. With that positive thought, I intake a breath of courage and let out. "I want to be frank with both of you." My eyes flicker between my mom and Leon, which make them squint at me. "I urgently need to see Erden. Lia will drive me."