The Callahan Archives (In The Shadows)

eighteen.

It was dark but I managed to grab onto a window sill, and thank the gods the window was open.

I pulled myself in a waited for a moment. The room was packed full of junk, maybe a storage room? The door was blocked by something large and metal. Which meant I have to jump back down to get out.

"Fuck." I mumble to myself.

There was some yelling and another gunshot, then a man whimpering in pain. Cam must've shot one of them. I heard metal handcuffs clicking and the chatter of other people on the roof taking the 2 of them away.

I then jumped down from the window and landed harshly on a cement doorstep that led into the alleyway, and crumpled on the ground. I'll admit, I did kinda hurt my ankle, but I'm sure I can walk on it. I stood and brushed myself off.

Cam came running around the corner and halted as soon as she saw me.

"Arrow?" She breathed as she ran up to me. "Oh, you're okay, thank god." She threw her arms around me and hugged me, and I managed a small smile as I patted her on the back.

"I'm fine really.." I said after she let go of my abdomen.

"Are you sure? This building isn't small.." She looked me up and down again and it made me feel something.

"Yes I'm sure, why do you care so much anyways." I chuckled lightly and rolled my ankle around for a moment. She paused, furrowing her brows.

"Because I like you?? Am I not aloud to care about people?" Anger rose in her voice as she said this like it was obvious. "First, you take your sweet time getting here, and then refuse my help when I'm just worried about you! What's with you today!?" She spat. I don't know if she realized what she said firstly, but I chose to ignore it.

"I don't want to do this right now." I huffed as I walked closer to her, pushing her towards the wall of the building.

"At least you're alive right?" I said getting angrier with her previous statement, as she backed into the wall checking over her shoulder before looking back to me with tears brimming in her eyes. I paused to for a moment. "You shouldn't care for me." I finally choked out. "I'll see you." I backed away from her and out of the alley way.

It doesn't matter if I feel the same way. I don't deserve love from anyone, I never have. Not my family, not Soren, and not Cam. I'd only end up hurting her.

[•••]

Cam

I slowly slid down the wall as he walked stiffly out of the alleyway.

Was I wrong to care about him? I don't know.. but I know that this all started from something I didn't even mean to say. Salty tears streamed down my face.

I remember the nights of tears after Gavin would yell at me. Obviously I did something wrong but.. what? Right? I don't know what I did..

I hated that this was reminding me of Gavin. I don't miss him, I hope he fucking rots from the inside out.

I wiped a tear from my face. Now I have to cover up the fact that I was just crying. Why was I even crying anyways, all that stuff is in the past. It's not a big deal.. Arrows probably just having a bad day or something.

I got up shakily and opened my phone camera, checking my reddened eyes, and dewey face. I look a bit flush, but I don't think anyone will notice. I took a deep breath and walked out of the alleyway.

Clove was waiting for me in the car after she helped lock up the criminals and made sure everyone got home safely. I hope she isn't upset with me for having to do all the work.

"Is everything okay? Arrow left before you.. and you guys are always together.. so," Clove eased into the topic, afraid she might upset me.

"He blew up on me. I don't know what's going on with him." Is all I said. Clove sighed and turned away from me. The rest of the ride was silent.

Once we got back to the Agency I got in my car and went straight home.

I didn't get much sleep that night.

[•••]

Arrow

Walking up to my apartment door took a lot more work than I expected. I was exhausted and I left my ankle untreated. But as I walked up I felt a buzz from my phone in my pocket. I only ever get messages from Soren so I checked it immediately, hoping to hear that he's finally able to go home.

I opened it, and the text message read; 'Happy belated birthday Lloyd! Lianna told me about your little meet up and Ive been so busy with work I've almost forgot your special day! Your present is a few weeks late, but it's currently at Sector 7 storage unit 5, if you will accept it. Love, Mom.'

I sighed. Didn't expect to hear from her so soon. Lianna must've given her my number.

I made my way back down the stairs, keys in hand and drove to storage unit 5. I had an idea of what it was, and if I knew my mom, she will never let me pay for anything.

I acquired the keys from the person who rents the storage units out and unlocked it.

In the storage unit sat a standard type bike. All black, and brand new. I chuckled to myself and sent my mom a quick thank you text.

I then pulled the motorcycle out of the storage unit, got on it and got it started.

I rode it out of there and back to my apartment, taking it for a test ride. I parked in a parking garage as I looked up where to store motorcycles in my area.

Just as I put my phone back in my pocket I was startled by a large truck, barrelling at me at high speeds, rushing through this empty wasteland of a parking garage.

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