Nothing But Trouble(Aris Jones x Reader)

11) Panic Brings Memories

We all decided to have a bonfire that night. At least, that was what we were assuming. It was hard to properly tell.

I know it would be smart of me to stay around the others, but I slipped away with my flashlight. It had been so long since I'd written anything.

Carefully walking through the crowd I made my way to my tent. Once it was completely zipped I threw my blanket around me and pulled out my pen and journal.

Dear Journal,
A lot has happened that I can't quite explain yet. More specifically there are a lot of feelings I can't explain yet. Do you remember the boy I wrote about? Obviously you do. Well, the boy I assumed was nothing but trouble ended up being someone I deeply care about. I would go as far as to say I adore him. As we've been planning our escape everything has been a mess. Despite all the bad I keep figuring out that I feel safe around him. He makes me feel protected. He makes me feel seen. I've never felt something like this before. It feels both incredible and nerve-racking.

I think I'm in lo

I was cut off as I heard screaming and running. I could hear people slamming down on the ice and shrieks of pain and panic. That wasn't the true bad part though.

Echoing through the air was the sound of Shades. Now that I think about it I hadn't heard the usual sound of those doors closing. Those usual ear-splitting screech I always complain about hadn't gone through the air.

I had two choices. I could hide here like a coward or I could leave and help anyone who needs it.

It didn't take a second thought for me to run out of my tent. My friends were out there. I couldn't wait around and wonder if they were okay.

I was sprinting across the ice with my flashlight. Then, there was another horrifying thought. Flora had suggested getting Aris stung. No matter how sweet she was there was no guarantee she wouldn't take this as an opportunity.

As everyone was running there was the sound of a Shade right above me. Its mechanical wings could be heard clicking.

Just the sound paralyzed me with fear. I couldn't even turn my head to look it. Every muscle in my body was frozen. I couldn't even feel my chest move or hear the blood rushing through me ears. I couldn't hear my frantic heartbeat or see the desperation of people still running for their lives. All I could see, hear, or even feel was that day.

Minnie! Minnie! I'm going to die! Minnie!
Y/N, where are you?!
They're growing Minnie! The veins are growing!
Please keep screaming Y/N! I'll find you!
Minnie, I don't think I can.
Y/N, hold on!
Goodbye Minnie. Thank you for everything...

"Y/N! Come on!"Aris yelled, pulling me back to reality. I could hardly get my legs to move, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me with him. I didn't ask where, and I didn't ask about a plan. There was no way we could even have one.

"In here,"He directed, pulling up the jail roof. I dropped in to see about a dozen other girls. Some were quietly crying, some were cowering in fear, and some were just stiff. Nobody looked like they were truly holding it together, but what maniac would ever be able to?

"Come on. Just sit,"Aris whispered.

I didn't. Instead, I looked at who was here. The only true girls I cared about were Sonya, Harriet, and even Flora. Where was Minnie?

Another scream ran though the air, but I recognized this one.

Y/N, my leg! Help me get my leg out! They're right next to me!
I've got you Minnie! Hang on!

"Minnie. I have to save Minnie,"I uttered to myself. I reached up to pull myself up when someone pulled my back down.

"Y/N, no. It's not safe,"He whispered.

"I need to Aris."

"No. Don't go yet. Just wait until it dies down,"He pleaded.

"I can't. I need to save Minnie."

"Trust her. You always tell me to trust you. Trust Minnie,"He begged.

It's going to be okay Y/N. We'll get you back in time. Just keep hanging on.

"I can't leave her Aris. I'll come back to you. I swear."

"What if you freeze?"He asked with tears filling his eyes.

"Then, I wouldn't get to save my friend. I've got this,"I promised.

We all heard Minnie scream again, and I knew I was running out of time. Seeing that he still wasn't any more convinced almost made me want to stay, but I knew I wasn't going to do that. I leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek. Before he could say anything more I pulled the roof up, slammed it close, and ran.

I headed towards where I had heard her scream and found her crying and clutching her leg. She had been injured.

"Minnie. I've got you,"I assured her. I threw her arm around my shoulder, and pulled her up. She whimpered in pain, but I didn't quit. From around us several girls had found shelter. We were so close from getting to ours.

"It's just a few more feet. You can make it. Just keep holding onto me,"I encouraged. She only groaned in pain. If there wasn't ice around us I would just carry her bridal style, but there was. This was going to be enough.

Eventually, I thought I was going to collapse from exhaustion. It wasn't just from carrying Minnie. I was almost mentally checked out because of all the emotions and memories that were brought back. I couldn't let that prevent me from saving her.

When I thought I was just going to fall on the ice and never get up we had reached the jail. Tugging on the bars I jumped down with her in my arms.

"What happened?"Flora asked panicked.

"I think she broke her leg. She couldn't walk on it,"I explained, panting.

"I don't think I can do anything yet but look at it. What about you Y/N? Are you okay?"She asked gently.

"I'm not hurt,"I answered.

She looked at me, and I knew why. She wasn't just asking if I was physically fine. Despite what had happened she had still been my friend. She had taken care of me during the changing. If she hadn't held me down who knows what would have happened. That day she got some deep scratches. They didn't scar, but they definitely hurt. Flora was still my friend so yes. She absolutely cared about me, but I couldn't answer truthfully yet. Not when I didn't even know and not with all these people around. To add to the list there was still so much happening. It was likely that some of us would die today. We could lose so many Icers in a few measly hours.

"You made it,"Aris whispered, hugging me. I didn't hesitate to hug back. There was nothing else to do. If I didn't my mind might just go back to wondering if we'll make it to the morning.