Locked in chains

Chapter 3

As I woke up this morning, there wasn't a single sound in the house and a sense of calm prevailed. I could hear the birds outside my window singing their morning chant. it could only mean one thing; the guys have left the building! I quickly pick up my phone and check the time. It's already 1 pm, and I've already missed a good part of the day. I dialed Emma's number right away without waiting a moment longer.

RING.... RING.... RING...

"Hello?"

"Emma!"

"Tell me you're finally on vacation!" She quickly replies.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"2 p.m. at Nilo's?"

"Ten-four."

I hang up and then get out of bed to walk over to the curtains and open them all at once. The light filled the room and illuminated the once-dark space. I ran to the bathroom to fix my hair and makeup. Once done, I go to my wardrobe to choose a beautiful red dress that reaches just above my knees. I added an oversized white blazer with transparent heels to finish the look. The final touches are some necklaces, earrings, and gold rings. I take a quick look in my mirror and run downstairs. I reach for my keys in the pot at the entrance, grab my purse, and head for one of the cars outside.

On my way to Nilo's, I think back to how my friendship with Emma has grown over the years. She has known me since we were 5 years old and we've gone to school together, back when my parents were still alive. We were always together, she often came to sleep over at my place, and I at hers. She knows me better than anyone. When my parents died, I had to leave school to join the gang. My brother wasn't too happy about it, but it didn't stop me from doing it. I wanted to avenge my parents' death and the only way I could accomplish that was with Marcus' help. He promised me that he would try to catch the murderer and bring the person to me. I made it clear that I wanted to be the one to make him pay. He told me that he's still looking, but there still hasn't been any news... Let me tell you, when we find this person, karma will take care of him. His karma will come in the form of me, believe me.

I park and head for the entrance of the bar. Inside, I see Emma sitting at a table in the back. I go over to her, and she jumps up onto me, giving me a big hug. "I missed you so much, L," she says with a smile.

"It feels like it has been a decade since we last saw each other," I add with a smile too.

"So, what's new? You must have lots of things to tell me after a month without seeing each other" She brings her hands together and places them under her chin, as she looks at me attentively.

"Actually..." I start.

"Yes! Tell me you finally kissed Kyle!" she says with a big smile.

"What? No. Kyle's only a friend Em."

"I'm pretty sure that he feels more than friendship for you," she says with a malicious smile.

"Don't worry about him, he knows that I don't see him that way."

"If you say so, maybe Cole then..."

"Don't even start!" I say laughing, "What I was going to say, is that Lucas started seeing a girl, but nothing too serious for now."

"Ooh, Lucas seriously?" she says, as shocked as I am.

"I know, it's so strange for me too." Lucas is not the kind of guy who wants something serious, and with our lives, we don't have time for that type of relationship either. We can't take the risk of putting them in danger, so some of us try to not date people outside of this world, it's easier that way. Even then, we're constantly worried about them and their safety.

"She must be special if he's talking about her to you."

"We'll see, I haven't even seen her yet and I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't last," I reply.

"Is she coming tonight? " She asks.

"How do you know about tonight? Yes, he invited her to the party, but he wants to introduce me to her another time when it's quieter. I'll probably end up in my room anyway."

"Don't you dare! And what about Enzo?

Of course, she's going to ask about him. I know she has a little crush on Mr. Enzo, so let's end with some good news. "He's doing well, he even asked about you, Em. "

"Oh really?" She says with a big smile, "Speaking of him..."

"Yes?"

"He texted me last night after your mission and invited me to your party tonight." She says excitedly.

"He knows what's good for him," I say, winking at her, "Come and get ready at my place then?"

"Let's do it!"

We pay for our drinks and walk towards our cars to go to my place. When we arrive, it's already 6 pm, we sit on the couch and talk more about all the recent gossip and news in Emma's life and mine.

"How's living with the guys going?" asks Emma.

"It's going well... Let's just say it's more complicated as we get older."

"How so?"

"They still treat me like I'm a kid sometimes, and they forget that I'm 20 years old now and that I can handle my things."

"They've seen you grow up, you're like their little sister, it's normal L. Give them time, it'll pass" she comforts me.

"You and Enzo, what's going on? Is he finally making a move?"

"I think so, well I hope so."

"After 6 years it's about time!" I say laughing.

8:00 p.m.

We're getting ready for the party in the bathroom at the same time that the guys come in, making a lot of noise.

"I think they're here," says Emma.

"Congrats, Sherlock!" We laugh and continue to finish our makeup. I apply the final touch of lipstick and I'm ready for tonight. The color's perfect with the dress I'm wearing, it's black, tight, and has a nice neckline. The guys walk past the bathroom and stop to look us up and down.

"You girls look beautiful!" says Kyle.

"Agreed" adds Lucas.

"You took the words right out of my mouth Kyle," says Enzo looking right at Emma. He's a real charmer and I can see that Emma's not immune to his charms. Every time, she blushes and smiles shyly at him, and anyone can see that they like each other. Story to follow for those two.

I then look at the guys one by one, and when I meet Cole's gaze with his black irises, I notice that he's also looking me straight in the eyes. He immediately looked away and so did I.

"Well guys, we should go get ready too before it starts," says Kyle.

"Yeah, you're right," agrees Lucas.

"See you later girls," adds Enzo.

Looks like the party's going to be full of surprises tonight.