7 Minutes

Art Piece by: Nyze (twitter: nyze_corner)

Art Piece Link: https://twitter.com/nyze_corner/status/1500349516947419144

A shot of bullet ringing through the quiet night and any other sound heard was just the water hitting the rocks down below. The rotation of light from the lighthouse. No one knows where it came from. No one but me, because I asked them to do it. Because I asked them to help me not make that choice. 7 minutes. That's all I need. Just 7 minutes.

Minute One

Ray and April knew it would someday come. The loyalty test. Ever since Mr. K and Garrett told them the story of how every member became a part of Chang Gang, it's been in the back of their minds. Ray having connections. April being a social butterfly. Maybe their test is the one they've feared the most happening. Who would it be? For April, would it be Ramee or Lucas or maybe even Ray? The people closest to her. For Ray, would it be Randy or Yu No or maybe even April? If Ramee and Randy, and they shoot, would that be considered as them betraying the gang internally? If Lucas, April would never be able to forgive herself forced under, especially after all they've been through. If they were pitted against each other, would they shoot? Even when the boys say they have their backs, the girls know they have each other and that if something happens that they're in it together. 

"You can have the G-Wagon, April." Ray broke the silence as they both were deep in thought. 

"No Ray, I know what you're thinking. I'm not letting you go through this alone. We'll be okay together. We can just run, leave." But they both knew that if they ran, under the gang leader's orders, everyone would look for them. Be it Chang Gang themselves, or Street Team, or even Hydra. 

"You know we can't do that April, if I don't do it, or if you don't, they might shoot us. We'll be okay." Ray gives April assurance with a small smile. 

"You should sleep, you're looking a little...cathartic." They laughed. 

"Ha ha, very funny, get some rest too, I'll see you tomorrow." Ray nods and waits for her to go inside before texting Claire.

Minute Two

Hey Claire, when you're free come meet me at the fishing spot. I need to talk to you.

Ray sat in front of the water and waited. In a few days, she knew what was coming for her, she felt it every time they looked at her. A few minutes have passed and all she could think about is what to say or how to say what she was about to ask Claire. Although not close, she was still one of the people she first met when she came into the city, even helping her pick her outfit before meeting her twin brother. 

"Looking a little gloomy today Ray, what's up? I brought Oakley, I hope you don't mind." she sat next to her. 

"No problem at all. Claire, I'm about to ask you for a really big favor and I don't know how to word it." Ray says as she contemplates what to say next. 

"What's wrong?" Claire asks worriedly.

"In 2 days time or maybe any time this week or maybe even tonight, I need you to make a race at night. Doesn't matter which map, as long as it's not near the lighthouse. Make sure that Tommy joins and take his phone if you have to. And if he tries to call me about the race, tell him I'm busy grinding or something, anything." Claire looks at her with a questionable look. 

"Ray, I don't like the sound of this. You have to tell me what's going on." Ray looks at Claire with tears in her eyes. Although she has talked to April about what she felt, she still has built up feelings inside of her.