SUMMER LOVE

XXII - Guns, money and blood

*Theodor*

One of the men grabs Amanda's arm and threatens me in a rough voice.

'Give us the money and we give you the girl.'

My heart just stops beating for a while, I think. I look at Amanda and she is trying to hide the fear but I can tell that she is panicking. My first impulse is to start beating them up, but then I realise that I have no chance against three armed men, and I also didn't want to put Amanda at risk. So I just decide to play their game.

'Ok, ok, I can give you what you want.' – My voice trembling. 'But I don't have it here.'

'Then go get it. Or else...' – He held Amanda tighter and she moaned.

'Hey, if you kill her, you don't get the money. And besides being accused of armed robbery, you'd also be accused of murder. Is that what you want?' I looked at the man that was holding her. He was by far the biggest one.

'You know what we want kid.'

'Yes. So let's make a deal. You give me my girlfriend and I give you the money.'

'That's what I said! Are you fucking kidding me? Do you think we're playing costumes?!'

Yes, Theodor. Looks like the nerves are getting the best from you.

'I just have to call my mom. Can I at least grab my phone?' None of them answered.

'Theodor, don't do it!' – Amanda yelled. The man pulled out a knife and ran it down her cheek. She started bleeding.

'If you hurt her...'

The shorter one gave me his phone. 'And don't even think about calling the police.'

I typed my mom's number. Amanda was still looking terrified. 'She's not answering.'

My heart was racing and my head was pounding. Damn it, on Amanda's birthday. After a lot of waiting, my mom answered.

'Yes, Theodor... I'm working so please be quick.'

'Huh, mom... I'm at the mall and...' – I was going to tell her the whole story but one the guys told me not to. '... I need money.'

'I've already given you your allowance, Theodor.'

'Mom, please just put half a million on my account. It's urgent. I'll tell you later.'

She was speaking about the consequences of getting into trouble when the guy took the phone away from me and ended the call.

'You have one hour. Get the money and then go to your place, don't tell anyone about this. We'll meet you there and we bring the girl.'

When he ends, a black van just stops by and they enter it, dragging Amanda. Then it takes off, leaving tire tracks on the ground.

'Don't worry, Amanda. I'll get it.' – I yelled for her to hear me.

After this, I hurry myself to the bank to get the money. I had to save Amanda.

*Amanda*

They drag me inside this old black van and then hurry to tie my hands and put tape on my mouth.

'So, is your boyfriend going to save you?' The guy was totally poking me. I couldn't answer obviously.

'He isn't and you know why? Because he is a stupid rich jerk.' – The thinner one told me. And I don't know if it was because my face was bleeding or if it was because of what he'd just said, but the other ones stared sniggering. I could hear them.

'He better get the money, or you're done.'

'You're right, bud. Or maybe... we could keep her. She is pretty even with her face bleeding.' The bigger guy ran his hand through my hair. The van was speeding so he almost fell to the side.

And this is why you hate your birthday, Amanda.

*Theodor*

(1 hour later)

I have the money. I'm on my couch right now and Sammy noticed something's wrong because he won't get away from me. It's almost like he knows I'm in trouble. My hands are sweating and all I can't think about is Amanda.

I see the same car stopping at my door. I get up and hurry myself out of the house. I walk towards the car and wait for Amanda to come.

C'mon, c'mon.

The back doors open and two guys come, one of them holding Amanda. She screams my name when she sees me. One of the guys gestures for me to put the case with the money in front of Amanda.

'The girl first.' – I enjoin. He releases her reluctantly and tells her to go inside the house. She obeys.

'Now, the money...'

I then put the case in front of them and walk away with my hands behind my neck. The guy opens the case and confirms if the money is all inside. He nods to the bigger guy and he pulls out a gun.

And when I notice, I'm on the floor, a shot in my left leg. They get into the van and get off. Amanda runs towards me.

'Theodor, oh my god...' – She was speechless and still shaking. '...Your leg...'

It hurt pretty badly. There was blood all over the grass on my front yard.

'You need to go the hospital. C'mon, I'll drive.' – Amanda said. She helped me get up and before she could bring me to my car I said 'I guess now you have all the reasons not to like your birthday.'

She smiled and I smiled back at her. Then she gave me a big hug. 'It feels good to be with you.'