nothing lasts forever

The alliance north

The next day, Abi moved through her classes in a fog, the news of her mother's kidnapping overshadowing everything else. Her friends, Alena, Maya, and Josie, tried to keep her spirits up, but even their best efforts couldn't pierce the cloud of anxiety that loomed over her. Every glance at her phone was a reminder of the distance between her and the answers she desperately needed.

By mid-afternoon, Abi found herself alone in the project room. Her friends had gone out to buy materials for their architecture project, leaving her to manage things with Alex and his friends. The boys were already there, discussing plans and layouts, their voices a low hum that barely registered in Abi's consciousness.

Georgiy glanced up from his notes, his sharp brown eyes catching the strain etched on Abi's face. "Abi, you okay?" he asked, his voice cutting through her haze

Abi looked up, startled. "I... I'm fine," she lied, forcing a weak smile.

Georgiy wasn't convinced. He exchanged a look with Lucas and Ethan, then moved closer to Abi. "You don't look fine," he said softly, his tone gentle but insistent. "What's going on?"

Abi hesitated, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of her notebook. She could feel the weight of their gazes on her, Alex's especially, though he remained silent. The worry in their eyes was genuine, and the tension between them momentarily dissipated in the face of her obvious distress.

"It's my mom," Abi finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's been kidnapped. Last known location was northern Canada."

The room fell silent, the magnitude of her words sinking in. Alex's expression softened, and he took a step closer. "Abi, I'm so sorry," he said, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Lucas and Ethan shared a look of alarm, while Georgiy's hand gently squeezed her shoulder. "We'll help in any way we can," Georgiy said earnestly. "Have you contacted any help?"

Abi nodded, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "My brother's already on it. He's flying to Canada tonight. But I feel so helpless here."

Alex exchanged a glance with his friends, then pulled out his phone. "We can call my parents," he suggested. "They have connections that might be able to help."

Ethan nodded in agreement. "My parents too. They know people in law enforcement. We can't just sit here and do nothing."

Abi's heart swelled with gratitude, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you," she murmured, overwhelmed by their support.

As Alex and Ethan made the calls, Lucas and Georgiy stayed by Abi's side, offering words of comfort. The romantic tension that had flickered between her and Georgiy earlier was now overshadowed by a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. They weren't just classmates working on a project anymore; they were a team united by a common goal.

Alex ended his call and looked at Abi, determination shining in his eyes. "My parents are contacting our family in the area. We'll get through this, Abi. lets find your mother."

Ethan nodded, his expression equally resolute. "Same here. We're with you all the way."

Abi felt a surge of hope, bolstered by the unwavering support of her friends and former adversaries. Together, they would navigate this uncharted territory, drawing on every resource available to bring her mother home safely. And as they faced the unknown challenges ahead, Abi knew she wasn't alone.

The urgency of the situation brought Alex's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Quigley, and Ethan's parents to Saint Andrews College by early evening. They arrived with Alex's younger brother, Max, and Lucas's older sister, Maria, in tow. The group quickly devised a plan: a road trip to northern Canada to search for Abi's mother.

Maria, an eighteen-year-old with a fierce sense of determination, volunteered her seven-seater Tesla for the journey. Abi, Alex, Max, Georgiy, Ethan, and Lucas piled into the car, while Alex's parents and Ethan's parents took the Quigley family car, leading the way.

As they set off, the sky darkened, stars beginning to prick through the deepening twilight. The Tesla hummed quietly, the soft glow of its interior lights providing a cocoon of calm amidst the tension.

Maria glanced at Abi in the rearview mirror. "We'll find her, Abi. We're all in this together."

Abi nodded, her gratitude unspoken but deeply felt. She glanced sideways at Alex, who sat beside her, his expression resolute. Despite everything, he was here, helping her through this nightmare.

Hours later, they arrived at the Quigley family's house, a sprawling property on the edge of a dense forest. The house was a haven, warm and welcoming against the cold night. Everyone quickly settled in, exhaustion beginning to take its toll.

Abi found herself in a cozy guest room, the weight of the day pressing heavily on her shoulders. She was about to turn in for the night when a soft knock at the door drew her attention. Alex stepped inside, his presence a comforting yet complicated mix of familiarity and unresolved tension.

"Hey," he said quietly, closing the door behind him. "I just wanted to check on you."

Abi managed a small smile. "Thanks, Alex. It's been... overwhelming."

He moved closer, sitting on the edge of her bed. "I can't imagine what you're going through, but I'm here. We're all here for you."

The sincerity in his voice melted some of the barriers Abi had built around her heart. She reached out, taking his hand in hers. "It means a lot, having you here," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. Alex leaned in, his forehead resting gently against hers. The closeness was intoxicating, a solace in the midst of chaos.

Without thinking, Abi closed the gap, her lips finding his in a kiss that was both desperate and tender. Alex responded, the kiss deepening as emotions long buried rose to the surface.

For a moment, it felt perfect, like a stolen piece of happiness amidst the turmoil. But then Alex pulled away, his expression conflicted.

"Abi," he began, his voice pained. "I can't. I'm in love with Katherine."

Abi felt her heart shatter at his words. "But, Alex..." she started, but he shook his head, stepping back.

"I'm sorry. This was a mistake," he said, his voice breaking. "I didn't mean to lead you on."

He turned and walked out, leaving Abi alone in the dimly lit room. She sat there, her heart aching with the weight of rejection and the fear for her mother's safety. Tears slipped silently down her cheeks as the reality of the night crashed over her.

The journey to find her mother had only just begun, and already, it was fraught with heartbreak and confusion. Yet, despite the pain, Abi knew she had to stay strong. For her mother. For herself. And perhaps, even for the friends who had become an unexpected lifeline in the darkest of times.