The Bookstore

(27) Born to Punch

Jack

We all huddled together around a table in the bookstore, our faces serious and determined. Maps, sketches and hastily scribbled notes were spread out before us.

"We'll go in tonight, when the bookstore is closed. We'll all wear black to blend in with the darkness. I'll handle the heavy lifting." I say.

"We need to be careful. Anna is cunning, and she'll be expecting something." Lily answers.

Despite our nerves, we were united in our goal. The plan was risky, but we had no choice. 

As night fell, we all gathered again, each dressed in black from head to toe. The mood was tense, but there was a shared sense of determination.

My broad shoulders and tall frame were imposing. I'm not being cocky, I'm just stating the truth, and maybe that will help us. My black clothes made me look even more formidable. Those were things Lily told me, so I believe her. I checked the tools we might need, ready for any obstacle. Lily adjusted her jacket, her eyes steely with resolve. She exchanged a nod with Sophie, who was trying to hide her anxiety but it was too clear to see.

We approached the bookstore quietly, slipping through the shadows. I used a crowbar to gently pry open a back window, allowing us to enter without making a sound.

One by one, we climbed through the window, landing softly on the floor inside. The bookstore was eerily silent, the only light coming from the street lamps outside. We moved cautiously, communicating with hand signals. I led the way, my eyes scanning for any sign of danger. 

We reached the hidden door Lily told us about, that led to the secret room. I used my strength to force it open, and then we slipped inside. The room was dimly lit and filled with shelves of old books. The air was thick with dust. We moved quietly, every sound magnified in the silence.

As we approached the back of the room, the lights suddenly flickered on, revealing Anna and her accomplices waiting for us. The door slammed shut behind us, locking us in.

"Did you really think it would be that easy?" She smirked, stepping forward.

We all were momentarily stunned, realizing we had walked into a trap. I clenched my fists, ready for a fight.

The room erupted into chaos as Anna's accomplices lunged at us. I swung my crowbar, knocking one of them back, while Lily and Sophie tried to fend off another. Fists flew and bodies collided. The sound of grunts and shouts filled the air. Tyler dodged a blow and kicked back, while I used my strength to overpower my opponent. Despite the odds, we fought fiercely. We couldn't let Anna win.

In the midst of the struggle, the enchanted book flew into the air, slipping from someone's grasp. It hovered for a moment before dropping to the floor in the middle of the room.

Eyes widened as we all lunged for the book. Hands reached out, grabbing and pulling. The room was a frenzy of movement. The book skidded across the floor as it was knocked from one person to another. Each time it seemed within reach, someone else would snatch it away.

I managed to grab the book, holding it tightly. But Anna and one of her accomplices were on me in an instant, trying to wrest it from my grip.

"You're not getting this!" I grunted, pulling back with all my strength.

The struggle was intense. My muscles strained as I fought to keep the book. Lily and Sophie tried to help, but they were quickly pulled into the fray. Despite the pain and exhaustion, we refused to give up. The book was too important.

Anna, seeing the tide turning against her, grabbed a heavy object and swung it at me, aiming for my head. I dodged, but the blow glanced off my shoulder, making me stumble.

I winced in pain but didn't let go of the book. I swung back with my free hand, knocking Anna back. For a brief moment, there was a lull in the fight as everyone caught their breath.

I, with the book still in my grip, took a deep breath and lunged for the door. My friends followed, pushing past Anna's accomplices.

We pushed through the narrow corridor, Anna's angry shouts echoing behind us. I led the way, my focus on getting us out safely. We moved as quickly as we could, the book clutched tightly in my hand.

We burst out of the secret room and into the main area of the bookstore. I used the crowbar to force the door open, and we stumbled out into the night air.

We took a moment to catch our breath, our hearts pounding. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the chaos inside. Despite the fear and exhaustion, there was a sense of unity. We had the book, and we had each other. That sounded too cheesy for me.

We moved quickly, putting distance between ourselves and the bookstore. We needed to regroup and plan our next move. My first thought was to call the police. They could catch her quickly if we don't stay here thinking for 20 hours.

"We did it. We got the book." I say, still a bit breathless.

"But we need to be careful. Anna won't give up easily." Lily says.

Despite the danger, we were determined to see this through. We knew the fight was far from over, but we were ready for whatever came next.

I believe I was the best fighting, though. I was born for that moment and y'all know it.