[CANCELLED] Caught By What? (ONE)

Chapter Twenty

Not a single sound or word was heard in the apartment, just an uncomfortable silence. None of the three knew what to say.

Bryce slowly removed his hands from the side of the table and fully turned to look at the lantern and laptop that stood in his doorway. He doesn't have much of a face on him, more neutral if anything but deep down he was panicking. He had just yelled at what seems like nothing. Out of embarrassment or fear, the soda pottle began to pick at the side of his label, not knowing what to do.

T: [Okay, what was that about? Bryce, who were you yelling at?]

Texty finally spoke up. It was obvious that they'd ask that, anyone would, but how does he respond? He knew that he wouldn't be able to answer. The soda bottle's face shifted to a slight frown as he continued to fidget with his label. Airy closed the door and walked up with the laptop. Texty would repeat what they ask.

T: [Who were you yelling at?]

B: "I- Well, you see-..uhm.."

Bryce couldn't speak. Only stutters and cut off sentences were heard. He knew that he wouldn't be able to weasel his way out of this and he'd just have to suck it up and explain to the best of his ability.

B: "F**k..Okay, listen. What happened was when you replied to the message I sent you, I tried to relax myself after that..outburst but I... I saw Liam.."

T: [You...saw him?]

While the Text-To-Speech that Texty uses doesn't convey any tones or emotions, it was clear that they seemed..skeptical about the bottle's explanation.

B: "It wasn't exactly..him but it was at the same time. The voice and shape matched but the appearance and personality didn't."

While a lot of weird things have happened to the trio, neither text box nor lantern are convinced that it was real. They opened the door at the exact moment Bryce stood up at the table, yet no-one else was there, leaving them to one conclusion.

Ai: "I don't think you should..work on this for a while.."

T: [Agreed.]

What? Do they know what they're saying? This is a joke! After everything that they've done already? All they need to do is figure out the rest of the code but they want to do this?

B: "You're..kidding right? Hah..ha.. You guys are some real pranksters! You can't be serious. This is a joke, right..?"

T: [No, no it isn't. Look at what it's done to you, Bryce. You're stressed, you're upset, you're not getting proper sleep, you literally know what happened last night and now you're imaging things. I think it's clear that you need a break.]

The soda bottle stared at the typed words in disbelief, making sure he knew what he heard. They're serious.

B: "I've already told you that I'm not taking a break because I'm risking-"

T: [You're not risking your chances at helping him! He's fine! Bryce, I've tried to bring some light into this situation but it doesn't seem to be helping so let me be clear. Liam is an adult man that is capable of protecting himself, even in the scenario that he dies, he's not stupid enough to lose those f***ing notes. We all know, you especially, that he'd cling to those things as if they were his own kids. Why can't you understand that? I know why you're worried, there's multiple reasons, but you need to stop for a while. This sh*t is unhealthy for you. I'm locking us out of the database until you're better, got it?]

B: "What!? No! Texty, you can't do that.."

Ai: "They can and..they will.."

With that being said, the text box had managed to block the sites usage. Both of those two agreed on this idea..both of them.. But how is that fair? How the hell is that fair? Do they just not..not care for Liam? Just because he's an adult doesn't mean he's okay... Right?

Bryce doesn't want to believe what he's been told. He really doesn't. He NEEDS to find Liam. He NEEDS to know if he's okay. He NEEDS to let him know how important Liam is to himself.

Ai: "Bryce..?"

The lantern's calls for the soda bottle can't get through to him. The only thing getting to him is that...that f***ing backpack. How did he get so..attached to him? WHY did he let himself get so attached to him in the first place!? He barely knows the guy and yet he's like the best thing that's ever happened to Bryce. His smile just lights up the whole room. His laugh could cheer you up. His sweet voice being melodious. His shorter figure making him adorable. He could go on and on about this backpack. Why'd he ever want to forget him?

Because he doesn't have a chance? He's not up to Liam's standards, is he? What about him would make Liam like him? What good is in him? He's a sh*tty person with a sh*tty personality, isn't he? What's there to love about that? How can anyone put up with him? Why would Liam put up with that? Why does Texty and Airy put up with that? He's just not a good person.

Those questions are ringing in his head. That f***ing voice. His voice too. It..hurts to hear him say that but he knows it's the truth. There's no denying it.

T: [Airy. What do we do? He's not responding and his breathing is getting heavier and quick.]

Ai: "I..don't know what to do.. I've never dealt with this..stuff before.."

While the outside voices are tuned out, the inside voices get louder. He's just mocking the soda bottle at this point. He's not visible but Bryce knows that he's there. No longer picking at his label, Bryce fully grabs the side of it subconsciously. Eyes darting around the apartment, not even remembering his surroundings. He doesn't even recognise this was his own home nor the people right in front of him. His voice is only getting louder. It's the only thing the soda bottle can hear.

Why would he like you?

B: "Stop.."

T: [Bryce..? Stop what?]

He still can't hear them. They aren't important.

Would finding him even help? Maybe he's better off without you in his life.

B: "No.. That's..not true.."

The comcerns of the text box and lantern grew as they became aware of the mumbling coming from Bryce as his grip tightened on his label. Why couldn't they get through to him? What is he talking about? How would they snap him out of this..trance? Huh... Snap.. He would do that, wouldn't he? He's not good at keeping his temper and now is only the best time to show it when he struck a nerve.

Just face it, he's just like Stella. Glad to be rid of you.

B: "DON'T SPEAK OF HER!"

Out of shock and rage of the mention of his very own sister, Bryce's hand immediately ripped away from his side as he nearly fell back against the nightstand, barely catching himself on the side of it and the windowsill. The sudden shout had startled the two others in the room. He still didn't fully register them. The soda bottle slowly let his grasp on the nightstand and windowsill go as he slumped against said stand. He brought both hands near to his chest and got a glimpse of something in one of them. It was red on one side and white on the other. His label. He ended up tearing a good portion of it off, leaving a good mark on his side. Bryce just stared at it with teary eyes. He didn't give a f**k if they saw him cry now.

Not anymore.