Revive (Book Two)

Chapter Twenty-Two: Ties

Chapter Twenty-Two: Ties

I watched in horror as a young girl's face I'd come to memorize well, stared at me in horror as she was crushed by a vile, horrific man. Blood pooled at their hips, and tears streamed down her cheeks as he ripped her open, physically and emotionally.

A gentle hand wrapped itself around my wrist, having me jolt my arm back fairly quick. As my memories faded and my vision came back to reality, I was faced with a worried expression.

"Sorry," I hushed out with a heavy voice, then ran my fingers through my hair. "Sorry," I repeated.

"Don't be," She softly spoke, a reassuring smile on her face. "I'm just making sure you don't slip too far from reality," She placed her hand that was once on my skin, to the side of her face, while her elbow propped on the dining room table in front of us held her head up.

"Was it that obvious?" I gave an uncertain chuckle.

Aria smirked, nodding her head. "Do you want to talk about it?"

My mouth open to speak, was interrupted by my phone ringing in my pocket. Usually I had it on vibrate, especially when she was around but my mind was distracted, and my head was spiraling. I took it out of my pocket, to see a number with no name attached. From easy memorization, I knew it was Vivian Grace.

I screened the call. "Definitely not," I said, answering her earlier question and put the phone on the table.

"Who was that?" She observed me, which had me uncomfortable.

"No one," I reassured.

My phone rang again, this time vibrating violently on the table, I glanced at it and saw it wasn't Vivian, but no caller ID.

Looking back to Aria, I saw the sour look on her face.

I offered a smile and touched her soft hand that was still supporting her head. "There's nothing to worry about," I persuaded.

She let a heavy breath out but nodded her head. "So back to my earlier-"

"-Can I take your car?" I blurted out, distracted. I silently chuckled. "For a little bit."

Her shocked look stared hard into my soul. She frowned. "Why?"

Because I don't want to talk about anything right now....

I was way too distracted to form basic thoughts, and she was starting to catch on very fast.

"I was going to change your tires," I gazed with a compelling smile. "They were at the warehouse that night, and I don't want any traces to you."

She bit her lip while staring at me, and I felt exposed. I didn't lie to her directly, which was exactly what she was looking for.

I don't want traces to you.

But I took care of that the exact same night everything happened. I cleaned that mess, and it was as if she was never there at all. Even her footprints were taken care of.

I took my keys out of my pocket and tossed them towards her, on the dining room table. "Take my truck," I offered.

Her eyes lit up with excitement, as I knew they would. There was something about driving a large vehicle that she liked. Especially when it came to my belongings.

"Okay," She grinned.

I held my hand out, which she graciously gave me her dainty keys. "Be nice to it," I warned with a wink before I made my way towards the door. With a smoke already in my mouth and the door wide open, I called out, "Keep the doors locked."