Violence [Jack Barakat]

9

(Alex's P.OV)

"I'm going to sound like a snitch but I'm only doing this for your safety... You're my best friend, Charlotte." I stared into my friend's eyes with a concerned look.

I told her we needed to talk in private, so I brought her to the forest preserve. It's the only place that no one would come to look for us.

"Ok you're starting to sound weird, Alex. Just get to the point." She said.

"Well," I sighed as I told her all of what the people in the West told me earlier today. She looked confused and a bit frightened, which I could tell wasn't a good sign.

"I also want you to steer clear of Jack... He's the one who dragged you into all of this so he might be using you," I told her. I had rehearsed this part in my head a lot because I was scared that Char would pull out her gun and shoot me if I talked shit about her lover. But it was how I honestly felt so I had the need to tell her.

Just as I had predicted, she got angry. "Steer clear of Jack? How the hell am I supposed to know that you aren't teaming up with those western shitheads and using me. If that's the case then he's going to be the one protecting me from your shady ass. He loves me and he would never, ever hurt me."

"Char, you know I couldn't do anything involving a gang and I only want the best for you. Sure he may love you now, but what do you think his intentions were when he first got you into all this?" I said, trying to convince her.

Her expression changed again, softer now. "Sorry for snapping at you, but I'm sure Jack won't do me any harm. I completely trust him and whatever bad intentions from before are all gone, I promise you, Alex."

I stayed silent and nodded my head, until she began talking again. "By the way, since they were the ones who set up those fakes then we'll have to get back at them by-"
"Stop," I cut her off. "Don't talk to me about your gang stuff, it gives me anxiety. I have to get back to Lisa now because I didn't tell her I left, I don't want her getting worried."

"Of course," Charlotte agreed and I offered to drop her off.

(Charlotte's P.O.V)

I wasn't allowed to go home now, since Jack and I's "vacation" was called off. It's not even the same at the safe house either now. Everybody is treating me different and talking to me less. And it's all because of fucking David Classter. Sure, he's my father but he doesn't deserve that title since he left me and I haven't seen him until only a few days ago.

When I arrived at the safe house, I was relieved to see that Tom had opened the door. He was the only one treating me normally right now besides Jack, and Tom is more of a father to me than David.

"Where'd you go?" Tom tried to start up a conversation upon sensing my mood, which was stressed and sad.

I stared blankly at my father-figure before asking him the question that I've always wanted to know the answer to.
"Why did you guys bring me here?"

A look of guilt casted his face and he looked to the floor.

"It's because of my dad, isn't it. You knew he was alive and I can sense he has something to do with you guys, I just haven't figured out what it is yet."

Tom opened his mouth slightly, which caused me to pay more attention, but he closed it right away.

"Tom, please tell me why this is all happening to me," tears began to form in my eyes, making my vision blurry.

"You'll find out very soon, please don't worry about it." He said quietly before turning his back and going to his bedroom.

Again, I didn't get my answer as to why I was here. Thankfully, the main hall was empty so I was able to run to my bedroom without feeling humiliated by someone watching me.

I opened the door, slipped inside and closed it as I sat against it, letting out all of my tears. I forgot that it wasn't just my own room for a second, until Jack came and sat next to me,  putting his hand on my shoulder.

I stiffened at his touch, and moved a bit farther away from him, which left him looking confused.

"Don't touch me," I half cried, looking up at him with tears still brimming my eyes.

"What happened?" He asked softly, which made me cry even more. This is all his fault and he doesn't even know.

"Why don't you tell me what happened Jack? Why am I here? I put the pieces together, it's because of my dad. You knew about him all along and I have no idea what the hell he has to do with you and why I'm involved. Whenever I ask someone this they tell me to ignore it or that I'll find out soon, but what the hell? This is my life and I deserve to know why this is all happening." I paused for a second as he searched for words.
"You were the one who dragged me into this shit. How do I know that I could even trust you?" I whispered.

"Babe... You can trust me, I love you. And I really don't want to say this, but it doesn't involve your concern. I know that as of now, everyone's avoiding you, but that won't last. You have me. We can get your name out of the media and have this bank shit vanished in a few days. When this is all over, you'll understand."

I just looked at him. His words seemed so sincere, but that's how he would talk to a criminal before either busting them or even killing them. I was too sad to think and analyze any of this, so I crawled back to Jack, wrapped my arms around him and dug my face into his chest.

I do love him, and I don't think that will ever change. I still feel like he's hiding a lot from me, but I want to trust him when he says that I'll find out soon.