The Alliance

Chapter 17

I woke up confused and groggy, trying to remember what happened, and what lead to me. I sit up quickly when I realize I talked to Hayden, last night. And I met Olvia's boyfriend-high.

"Oh god," I put my hands on my forehead, but wince when my biceps start to ache, and I lift up my sleeve. I see bruises on my biceps and one on my elbow from banging it on the locker multiple times.

I slightly move them and wince again. Ignoring the pain, I check my hoodie for my phone, and when I don't feel it, I pat around my bed and feel it underneath my pillow.

I see a few texts from Alisha, and one from an unknown number sent yesterday sent sometime during the last period.

Skipping out today, aren't we?

Then another one was sent around 5:30

Saw you sleeping yesterday. Wanted to take you, but you looked so peaceful all splayed out...fuck

My skin pricks and I immediately look over my shoulder in my room and turn the light on. I open the closet and look under my bed, thankfully not finding anything.

I screenshot it and do something I would never do. But after this month and a half, I'd like to think I've become less scared. I'm not scared of some coward who can't even tell me their name.

But why is my thumb hovering over their number?

I shake my head, pressing it and holding it to my ear pacing my room.

I hear it ringing and my heart pumps until I hear a voice.

I'm sorry, this number is-

"Ugh," I chuck my phone on my bed, breathing deeply. I don't know what I expected.

I sent the screenshots to the group chat since I'm not sure what else to do, but then decide last minute not to. Who knows what they'll say. And then my parents could find out, and then the police will be involved. It's too much.

Since it's only Saturday, I go back to sleep for a bit, and wake up a few hours later, wishing I could sleep forever.

I try to convince myself to have a shower when my phone buzzes again, and it's from another unknown number.

You ok?

I frown. Although this isn't as creepy as the other one, I wait another minute or so to see if they're going to say something else, as a joke. But when they finally say something else, my heart leaps out of my chest.

It's Hayden

Hayen? Hayden is fucking texting me?

How'd you get my number?

Stole Ali's phone, He replies

I hate that I think it's sweet that he has a nickname for his sister.

I'm fine...? I answer his first question. Is he trying to reconnect? Is he trying to be friends or something?

Your dad was pissed, He clarifies, and I deflate, remembering how mad he was. As I think about what I should tell him, my biceps scream in pain.

I inhale and exhale. If I say I'm fine, he might think I'm pissed at him for bringing me home. I don't want him to think that.

He'll get over it, I say instead.

Will you?

Damn him, asking me questions I can't answer.

It wasn't that bad, I reason.