" FIWMMB"/COMPLETED/TAGLISH

48: ESCAPE

FREEN POV

Johvie: "Freen, thank you so much for taking care of Kisha. You really didn't have to do that, but it means the world to me."

"Stop saying thank you, Johvie! I promised I'd look after you both, remember?  It's just fulfilling my promise."

Johvie's smile faltered.  "But I'm worried, Freen.  What if Nop finds out I'm free?  He might try something, maybe hurt you or Becky!  He's dangerous."

I gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, okay? Our gang will watch over you, and so will Kisha. Don't stress about Nop.  He'll never be free for long."

She forced a smile, but I could see the fear in her eyes.  "Are you okay?  Don't think about it anymore, okay?"

"How's the gang doing?" Johvie asked, trying to change the subject. "I heard you started college.  Did you switch to law?"

I sighed, looking at her sadly. "Not anymore.  I decided to go for fine arts instead.  I'll still look into law later, though."

"What about your grandmother?  Wasn't she hoping you'd study law?"

Becky, who had been placing snacks on the table, spoke up.  "Grandma doesn't know yet.  I think she'll be upset when she finds out."

Johvie's eyes narrowed. "Becky, be careful with Nop.  He won't stop until he gets revenge on us, especially Freen."

Johvie's gaze locked with mine, and I could see the worry in her eyes.  I quickly smiled at her, hoping to reassure Becky.  "Stop it, Johvie!  Let's not talk about that guy.  It's ruining the mood."

Johvie nodded, forcing a smile at Becky before turning back to me, hesitation in her eyes.  I knew she was worried about Becky, and I wouldn't let anything bad happen to her.

"I want to say hello to the gang.  How are Erin and Pnam?"

"They're doing okay.  Pnam's in charge of the warehouse now.  I'm busy with school and don't have much time, but we see each other when I can."

Johvie's voice dropped to a whisper. "I heard you have a new friend in the group."

Becky's expression shifted, and I quickly grabbed her hand, squeezing it tight.  I didn't want her to start worrying again.  Johvie must have noticed my reaction, because she fell silent and didn't ask anything more.

"Can we please stop talking about that guy, Johvie?" Becky pleaded, her voice strained. "He's ruining my mood!"

Johvie smiled at me, but I could feel the tension in the air.  I closed my eyes and bit my lip, knowing Becky was upset again.  "Why?  Is there a problem?"

"Are you hungry?  We can have dinner now.  Maybe we can talk about something else."

Johvie stood up abruptly, her gaze darting between Becky and me.  "What's wrong?  Why did Becky get so upset about that man?"

I pulled Johvie closer, turning to Becky. "Love, stay here.  Johvie and I will prepare dinner, okay?"

Becky nodded, relief flooding her face.

Johvie's voice was urgent.  "So, what's the problem?  Tell me."

"Don't mention that man in front of her."  I said, my voice tight with frustration.

"Say it to me directly, Freen."

"You know, Johvie, a lot changed when you disappeared.  Not everything, but there are people trying to get close to Becky and me."

"Is that the man Becky doesn't like?"

"Uh-huh."

Johvie's eyes widened. "If that's the case, then he likes you.  Becky wouldn't be upset if he didn't."

"You're right.  But..." I sighed, staring at the ceiling. "Looks like I'm going to have a problem with that River."

"Who's River?  And how did he get into the group?"

I grabbed a plate and placed it on the table,  "He's Hades' cousin.  You know Hades, right?"

Johvie nodded, helping me scoop rice into bowls. "That's a problem, Freen.  Maybe he's just like Nop.  I don't know why people like that always seem to find their way into your life."

"You're right.  But what can I do?  I barely paid attention to him, but he still wants to be close to me.  I don't want Becky and I to fight because of him."

Johvie groaned.  "Aissst!  Why are there people like them?  It's so annoying!"

NOP POV

"Fuck!"

I slowly picked up the rock, my heart pounding in my chest.  The police guard had turned his back, oblivious to my presence.  This was my chance.  I swung the rock with all my might, connecting with the back of his head.  He crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

I sprinted, adrenaline coursing through my veins.  I could hear the shouts of other guards approaching, but I didn't slow down.  I had to get out of there.  I spotted an abandoned car and dove under it, my lungs burning.

"You can't catch me!" I hissed, my voice a mixture of defiance and desperation. "I'll only stop when I get my revenge on Freen and Johvie!  I'll kill them all when I escape this fucking place!"

I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart.  I had to think.  The inner wall of the custody center was high.  They couldn't put me in jail yet because I wasn't eighteen.  Johvie and I were in the same situation, but she had been released.  That bitch!  I was sure she had already told Freen everything, about what happened and how I hurt her sister.

"Find that boy! Don't let him escape!"

I heard a guard scream, and I pressed myself deeper under the car.  Their footsteps were getting closer.  I had to get out of here, and fast.


JOHVIE POV

My phone buzzed in my hand, the familiar ringtone piercing the silence of the room.  I saw Nong's name flash on the screen and my heart sank.  Nong was my police friend, and she only called with bad news.

"Hello, Nong...Why did you call?"

"Johvie, we have bad news..." Her voice was tight with worry.

My stomach twisted into knots.  "What happened?"

"Nop escaped from custody.  I assure you, you're his first target.  Be careful, okay?"

I let go of the phone, my shoulders slumping.  "N-no..."  The word came out in a choked whisper.

Kisha, who had been playing with a toy, looked up at me, her brow furrowed with confusion.  "Johvie?"

My attention snapped to her.  I had to get Kisha away from me.  I was sure Nop would come after me, and I couldn't risk her getting hurt.

"Put away your things, Kisha.  We're leaving now."

Kisha's eyes widened.  "Ahh, what happened?"

"Don't ask questions!  We need to get out of here quickly."

She scrambled to gather her belongings, her small face a picture of confusion and fear.

I knew I had to contact Freen.  Our lives were in danger.  How could Nop have escaped?  He was a demon, a monster!  I had to warn Freen, but first, I needed to get Kisha to safety.