The Grabber

Welcome Back

"Well, someone looks bright eyed and bushy tailed." Andrea approached the man who spoke with a yawn.
"Thanks, I'm glad you noticed," she joked. Al chuckled as he patted her shoulder.
"Not a morning person?" Andrea knew it wasn't that early in the morning as she shrugged.
"That, and I just couldn't sleep last night." Al nodded slowly as the two sat on the bleachers for a bit. Andrea sat her suitcase down.
"I think I know why," he said softly. Andrea nodded.
"I mean.. it's not you.. completely."
"It's just what happened," he finished. She nodded again as she looked down. "Well, this time you won't be down there, so you won't have to worry about that."
"Well, that's good," she lightly chuckled. "A change in scenery is usually nice." Al nodded. As he looked around for a moment, he remembered something he had told Andrea.
"Hey, I need you to do something for me," he asked. Andrea looked up to him. "Remember when I told you the whole idea of making your friends believe I was innocent?" Andrea nodded. "I need you to bring them here. Rebecca and James. I know Michael won't be here, but he already knows everything." Andrea looked away as she knew Al still didn't like that her brother knew about him. "And you remember the plan, I'm sure. Just try to play along with whatever I do or say, alright?" Andrea nodded.
"Okay. I'll try my best. Although.." Andrea remembered one minor detail she hadn't mentioned yet. "They're gonna find out that I'm staying with you. They know about me moving and my parents leaving. I asked both of them first if I could stay with them, but both had something going on. They know you're my only other option, so.."
"So they might be harder to convince?" He sighed a bit.
"Maybe? I don't know. I think they'll just be more nervous for me than anything, since.. you know."
"Yeah, I think that's why James was really suspicious of me," he nodded. "I can deal with that. Just as long as they don't think I'm the Grabber, that's all I'm concerned about."
"They should be easy to convince. I hope. I'm sure you're idea will be convincing. I know you're smart and good at acting. I mean, when we first met, I didn't think anything about you being the Grabber, and I was researching you. Of all people, you would think I would be the one to figure it out."
"Well, you did. When it was too late," he looked down. "But as long as you think it'll work, that's all that matters. I'll leave you with them for a while, long enough you can see if they're convinced or not. Then, when they leave, I'll come back and you can tell me what they say."
"Alright, but.. if they aren't convinced, what do we do?" Al tried to think for a moment. As he did, the two started to hear voices from the distance. Andrea looked over to see a few people heading in this direction.
"I don't know," he sighed. "I guess we just hope for the best." He turned to watch as the people passed the baseball cage.
"It's Saturday.." Andrea wondered aloud. "Rebecca always hangs out at the convenience store on Saturdays. I can find her there. Maybe James, too."
"How long will you need to talk with them?"
"I'm not sure... will you be around listening? Maybe hidden? Then you could come out when you feel like it's the right time."
"Well, I've done that before," he shrugged. "That could work."
"You've done it before?" She echoed, confused.
"That was how I heard your plan, and when you told your friends everything that happened." Andrea pursed her lips as she looked away.
"Ah.." was all she could say. This made her wonder, had he stalked her before? If so, had he done it any other time while knowing each other?
"I'll just be here waiting, then. You do whatever, and I'll come out when it's time." Andrea nodded. As Al looked around the area for a place to potentially hide, Andrea gazed at his face for a moment. After a moment, Al noticed and looked at her.
"What?" He asked.
"Do you ever get worried someone will recognize you?" Andrea softly asked as she looked at him. He shook his head.
"No one would be able to," he said nonchalantly. "The only people who have ever seen me in action are the ones I've taken. You and I both know they never make it out to tell anyone." He looked at Andrea. "Except you, but you know not to tell anyone." He gave her a look, making Amdrea remember she had told Michael when she wasn't supposed to. Al knew this as well. That was why he visited that night.
"If it makes you feel any better, he hasn't told anyone anything. When we make promises with each other, we never break them."
"I can't do anything to him even if he did," Al sighed as he looked back to the now empty sidewalk. "I know how that would affect you. I couldn't bear doing that to you. I mean.. if anything happened to my brother, I would never forgive myself. Even if it wasn't my fault."
"You're close with him, too?" Al nodded.
"He's all I have," he shrugged. "Him and you." Andrea smiled a bit. As soon as she did, it faded just as quick.
"Does he know about.. you?"
"God, no," Al scoffed. "It doesn't matter how close we are. This is something I don't want anyone to know. I can't risk anything getting out. Which is why I'm so paranoid you'll say something. You already have once."
"I know, I'm sorry," she apologized. "Do you think he'll ever find out?" Al stayed quiet for a moment as if in thought. Andrea watched his worried expression. He finally spoke in a softer tone, hinted with worry.
"I really hope not."