Office Intertwined⚝

Chapter 16 - Flee

As they sat together under the moonlit sky, Kass began to share her painful past with Jason.

"I can understand where you're coming from, a pain so bad that you want to laugh it off and pretend it never existed," she spoke softly, her gaze fixed on her heels, which glittered in the moonlight.

Jason's concern grew as he asked, "Did you go through something similar?"

Kass nodded and began recounting her painful experiences. "My parents, especially my mother, were mentally abusive. They made me believe I was worthless. It wasn't just a difficult childhood; they were completely different behind closed doors."

Jason held her hands close to his heart and pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist. She rested her head on his shoulder, seeking solace in his presence.

''I'm not sure I want to remember it all right now.''

 He listened intently as she recalled the dreadful memories, a single tear rolling down her face. Gently wiping away the tear, Jason held her face and whispered words of reassurance,

 "You don't have to carry that pain anymore. Together, we're going to leave our pasts behind and focus on the now and the future. Your happiness means everything to me."

However, Kass's revelation took a darker turn when she mentioned her father, who was actively hunting her. She explained that she had received recent text messages from him, demanding to know her whereabouts. She had deleted the messages and blocked his number, but the unease lingered, following her wherever she went.

Jason's heart raced with concern, but he maintained his calm. 

''When did you get these messages?'' He asked her, gripping her clammy hands.

''Some days before the trip.'' She told him nervously.

"We'll sort everything out when we get back home. You're safe here Kass, and I'll make sure you stay safe. I don't care how I do it, but I promise you."

Jason could not get the niggling feeling of panic out of his mind. He now checked every corner before taking Kass with him. He led her away from the party, wary of every person who came close to them. Locking the cabin door behind him several times, he told Kass,

''Alright, you sleep and I'll stay awake. Nothing will harm you tonight.''

''Jason are you crazy? When will you sleep? I can bet that you won't.''  She insisted.

''I- I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to you.'' He told her, as he pulled her closer for a hug.

''As sweet as it is, you cannot stay awake all night. I will not allow it. All this time I have been sleeping in my hut with the door unlocked. Nothing has happened to me.'' She reassured him.

She forced him to change clothes and they both slid into bed, Kass mostly pulling him in. He was hesitant, wary of every sound that was made around the cabin.

''You need to relax. I know nothing can happen to me whilst you're here.'' She calmed him with her soothing voice. 

He pulled her close to him, her head leaning on his chest. She fell asleep first but Jason stayed awake for most of the night, unable to sleep, filled with worry.

 He didn't want to lose the only person who gave him joy after so long.

The next morning, Kass woke up in an empty bed. Her initial panic subsided when she saw Jason in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

"Hey, sleepyhead," he greeted her with a playful hair ruffle as she got out of bed and got dressed. Jason had prepared a delicious breakfast of pancakes, and they sat down to eat together.

After breakfast, Jason mentioned that he needed to make a few phone calls but assured Kass that he'd be back shortly. She nodded, and Jason left the cabin to make his calls. When he returned, he packed their suitcases.

 Then, there was a sudden knock on the door. Startled, she looked at Jason, who appeared worried.

 He quickly made his way to the windows, checked to see who it was, and then the door. Opening it revealed Tessa and Juliet outside.

Juliet noticed Jason's concerned expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

''We have to leave," Jason replied urgently. Juliet, misunderstanding the situation, chuckled, "I know you guys are having a lot of fun, but we have to really do have to go." Jason's face turned even more serious as he clarified, "No, you don't understand. We have to leave right now, this very moment. Kass is in danger."

 Jason quickly explained everything that Kass had shared with him, leaving Tessa determined to inform all the staff. Tessa and Juliet immediately grasped the gravity of the situation.

Jason rallied everyone to pack as quickly as possible. The urgency in his demeanor left everyone bewildered since he had been unusually kind and relaxed throughout the trip. However, they complied, sensing that something was amiss. Gathering outside the camp gates, they boarded the waiting coach. Kass noticed some commotion outside the gates; Tessa was engaged in a heated argument with a man who was behaving violently and using profanity. 

To Kass's horror, she recognized the man as her father.

Terrified, she hid behind Jason and whispered to him, ''Jason, my dad.. he's here..'' as she pointed him out.

Jason, overwhelmed with panic, ordered everyone to hurry up, his panic evident but trying not to cause a commotion.

Jason pulled Kass up the stairs of the coach, and as she froze on the spot, he yanked her inside and slammed the door shut. Urgently, he instructed the driver to go, and everyone watched in horror as the man chased after the coach, yelling and shouting profanities.

Suddenly, the man doubled back, got into his car, and began speeding along the highway, gaining ground on them. Derek, from the back of the coach, alerted everyone, shouting, "Hey boss, he's onto us!"

As the passengers rushed to the windows, Jason and Juliet explained the situation. Tensions ran high as everyone listened in shock. Jason implored the driver, offering triple the fare, to speed away from the pursuer. Tempted by the money, the driver ignored all laws and pushed the coach to its limits on the highway.

Inside Jason's compartment, Kass, teary-eyed, was surrounded by the office girls, who were trying to comfort her. Jason stormed in and ordered them all to leave, leaving the two of them alone. He informed Kass of his plans and the imminent danger they faced.

"He's following us in his car," Jason revealed. "I've paid the driver triple to get us out of here and lose him. The minute we get home, you're coming with me."Kass was overwhelmed with worry, wondering why her father was after her. She questioned whether her mother was involved and feared for her life. ''What could they possibly want from me..'' She sobbed, her tears flowing freely. Jason pulled her into a comforting embrace and promised, 

"I won't let anything harm you, ever. You know that don't you?"