Saving U(S)

Chapter Two

Christen lay in the ICU, surrounded by technology, pale and lifeless.

"It's worse than they thought," Alex told Julie. "The wound was deep, yes, but the knife seemed to be infected with some sort of chemical."

"Do they know what it was?" Julie asked, worriedly.

"Cyanide," Alex said quietly. "It was all over the knife."

Tears sparkled in Julie's eyes.

"I-I'll leave you alone."

Alex exited.

Julie knelt besides Christen's bed, holding back an emotional flood. She hesitated before reaching for her hand. It was cold as ice.

"Oh, God, Chris," Julie whispered. "I'm so sorry..."

She wasn't apologizing for not being there. Julie was apologizing for the deep gashes in her own legs and arms that Christen would soon find out about.

"I'm so sorry," Julie cried, tears running down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry."

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"God damnit! Let go of me!" Tobin Heath screamed as Aston pulled her hands behind her back, duct taping them together.

"Stop struggling!" Aston yelled angrily. "Why do you have to be so difficult!"

"YOU'RE FUCKING KIDNAPPING ME!!"

Aston threw her in the trunk of a black sedan and placed duct tape over her mouth.

"Oh yeah," he grinned coolly, before shutting the door. "I am, aren't I?"

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Hope Solo threw herself against the closet door in desperation to break out.

Fuck!! she tried to scream, but the gag that was placed in her mouth made it come out as a strangled, Mmph!

Her head was probably bleeding by now, she guessed, feeling the harsh sting at her forehead as sweat poured down her face.

Hope collapsed on the ground, tears of frustration streaming down.

If only Kelley were here, she thought, sadly. God, I made the stupidest mistake.

*Flashback*

"You did what?" Kelley screamed.

"I know, I know! I was just angry."

Hope shook her head.

"What do I do, Kels?" She moaned.

"You have to tell both of them."

"But I can't!" Hope cried. "It'll ruin our friendship!"

"Well, you've already done that," Kelley muttered.

"What?!"

"You know Hope? I don't wan to be a part of this. You deal with it on your own."

Kelley got up and stormed out, leaving Hope there, confused.

*End of Flashback*

Hope closed her eyes, sighing.

I'm never getting out of here, she cried silently. I'll just be stuck in here forever.

A strange comfort of peace washed over Hope, as she laid there crying quietly. It was almost as if she was giving up... and she was okay with that.

Maybe I'll just rest, she told herself. Nobody's going to find me anyway. Just a few minutes...