Martin Zack Marshall harbors a profound secret, one so dark it could unravel his entire existence. In fact, he's burdened with several secrets, but this particular one has the power to obliterate everything he's worked for.
Now, in his final year o...
"you don't have to do this" Alex begged holding Zack's arm as Zack held a suitcase by him.
"Lexie, this is for your safety," Zack said confidently.
"fuck my safety!" Alex exclaimed in an attempt to pull Zack closer. "Zachy I'm safer with you" Alex begged. "this will all blow over" Alex pleaded.
Helen had escaped prison and found Zack, she had sent threatening letters to all four of them. She wanted money and Zack. Of course, they all ignored it, until Helen turned up at Rian's house with a knife and prepared to kill.
Zack pulled his arm away as he moved away from Alex "I'll let you know when I land" Zack mumbled as he walked away without a final look back.
Alex sobbed as he tried to reach for Zack, Jack and Rian both holding Alex back saying their goodbyes quietly. "Lex you'll still talk, you'll still be together" Jack whispered.
That was three months ago, and Alex hadn't heard anything from Zack since he left, he moved across the pond to the United Kingdom.
Jack was sitting on the floor of Alex's basement scrolling through his phone, as he came across an Instagram all too familiar to him. Clicking the profile he scrolled through some photos. Jack sighed as he looked at the most recent photo.
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posted May 26th 2023: Save the date, December 14th 2023.
Jack lets out a gasp as he throws his phone at Rian. "What was that for?" Rian mumbled as he picked up the phone.
"Look at this," Jack exclaimed, pointing to the screen. Rian squinted at the Instagram profile and read the posts. His eyes widened in surprise as he understood the significance."He's getting married?" Rian asked, shocked.
Jack nodded, a mixture of emotions crossing his face. "December 14th, 2023. He didn't even tell us."
Alex, who had been sitting quietly, looked up with a mix of hope and confusion. "Who's getting married? What are you guys talking about?"
Jack handed the phone to Alex, who stared at the screen in disbelief. "Zack," Jack explained. "He's getting married on December 14th."
"But... he didn't say anything. Why didn't he tell us?" Alex's voice trembled with a mix of hurt and longing.
Rian sighed, looking at the screen. "Maybe he thought it would be safer for us not to know, given the threats from Helen. But it doesn't make it any easier for any of us."
The three friends sat in the basement, processing the unexpected news. The joyous occasion was marred by the lingering uncertainty about Zack's safety and the unanswered questions surrounding Helen's threats. As the Save the Date post lingered on the screen, the friends couldn't help but wonder about the challenges and choices Zack had faced during his time away.
"Should we reach out to him?" Alex finally asked, breaking the heavy silence and tears falling down his face.
Rian wrapped his arm around Alex pulling him closer. His face was emotionless but he could only feel anger at the thought of Zack marrying the one person who betrayed Zack. "there's got to be a better explanation!" Jack exclaimed confidentially.
"h-he left for her!" Alex cried as tears rolled down his cheeks as he started sobbing in Rian's arms.
"I don't think it's as straight forward as that" Rian mumbled comforting Alex. "he's gay and in love with you Lex" Rian whispered. "I think he's being held hostage and forced into it" Rian said.
"there's no other posts about the engagement or wedding" Jack added determination in his voice. "also it's on your birthday Lex, I think this is a cry for help"
