Locked in chains

Chapter 22

2 days later,

When we left the motel this morning, we decided to stay on the road instead of stopping again. We alternated driving because we wanted to be in California in no time, and I didn't complain about that. The conversation in the car was nonexistent, and the little sleep we all had didn't help. I haven't talked to them since the night of my anxiety attack, and that was ok with me. I think they know they have to give me time to digest what has been said and process everything that just happened. 

Hours passed and we finally arrived at our destination. I can't wait to be back in my room, my stuff, and of course to see Emma. As soon as we parked the car, I started running to my room, letting the guys bring the bags into the house. They don't seem to mind, and even if they do, I'll still go. I try not to think about last night, don't get me wrong it was amazing but so many things could happen if my brother knew about us. He might already know it. Also, I'm not ready to face what happened between us, I don't want to deal with my feelings about this "situation," and the best solution for now is to stay away. At least for now. We have way bigger problems than who's with who.

9:00 pm

Lucas came to warn me that they were going to put their plan, to overthrow Marcus, into action in a few days. We need to act like nothing's happening and behave like everything's normal before the big day. So here they are, organizing a party for tonight because what could be more "normal" than throwing a party? It's supposed to start in 3 hours, but unfortunately, I won't be able to leave my room in case someone sees me and says something. We can't lose the advantage and take the chance that Marcus finds out. Knowing that many people from our circle will be here tonight, I better keep it on the low.

Emma called me just a few minutes ago, and she decided to come over tomorrow to spend the day with me. At least I'll have some company, and she can help me understand the whole situation with Cole, if it's even worth fighting for or if it's doom in advance. I need my best friend.

I found a cigarette in my drawer and thought it couldn't hurt if I went on the roof to smoke it. Old habit. People should be here soon, and I like to watch them arrive without them knowing. It's a bit creepy, I know, but I can't help it. When people don't know they're being watched, that's usually when the most interesting things happen. The sunset is settling and giving a beautiful view from up here. All sorts of colours appear before me, the blue of the sky mixed with some yellow and orange. The lights from the street start to light up the city. Parents playing in parks with their kids. Cars parking in a driveway. All kinds of stuff. 

People are arriving in their luxury cars, one after the other. Doing their runaway show with their dress, suits, and new shoes or jewelry.  Everyone's ready to start the night as if it was their last. Pathetic. They're all here, putting on a show and pretending they like you, but in reality, at the first opportunity, they'll stab you in the back. I don't trust these people. I turn my head to where Cole's room is, hoping to see him climb up on the roof as well. Even though I've been avoiding him since the night we had together. A part of me wants to be near him, but I don't want to be disappointed.

"Leila?"

My heart starts to race at the sound of my name, thinking that he finally decided to join me, but I quickly realize that the owner of this voice is none other than Kyle.

"I'm here"

He rushes up through the window and sits beside me.

"I figured you'd be hiding here," he says.

"As usual."

"Don't give me an attitude, princessa!"

"Sorry, I'm not in the mood for anything right now."