Music to My Ears

Chapter 24 No Where to Run

He's gone. Why? Could Kenny seriously have him? Did Levi skip town? Which wouldn't make much sense, his car was found in his garage after the police inspected his home.

Thoughts ran though my head at a million miles an hour while I stared up at the ceiling of Erwin's guest bedroom. Rain thrashed at the widow like nails falling on glass. I'm sure this was going to be the last rainfall we had until the snow started to fall. My muscles felt paralyzed by the weight of all these wondering thoughts of Levi. I knew Kenny took him. It was the only explanation. It had to be. All I could hope now was that he would be okay and that the police would find them as soon as possible. Yet, that Nile guy was hardly doing anything for this investigation. I hated that douche, he barely lifted a finger when it came to finding Kenny. I hated all of this. First dad, mom, and now Levi.

At this point, my heart and sanity could hardly take the stress of losing someone I care for again, let alone seeing them hurt. People I care for more than I care for myself.

"Rebel?" Erwin knocked on the other side of the wooden white doors and slowly let himself in. I sat up, crisscrossing my legs as my dark eyes met with his light ones. "Oh, you're not asleep yet."

"No," I shook my head. "I'm not tired yet."

"Are you warm enough? It's cold tonight."

"I'm warm enough."

"Did you eat enough dinner?"

"I'm full."

"We have leftovers if you want more food."

"Dude, stop trying to coddle me." I lightly chuckled.

"I just want to help you. I know you're very stressed."

"Nothing I can't handle. I'm a tough ass bitch." I grinned. He laughed, shaking his head.

"I believe it." He smiled. We grew quiet, like we were just waiting for one of us to bring up the elephant in the room.

"So...have they found anything on Levi or Kenny?" I mumbled, tracing my fingers on the blue pattern of the quilt I sat on.

"I'm afraid not." He sighed, his hands tucked in his pockets as he leaned on the doorway. "You know as much I do."

"Which isn't lot." I copied his sigh, then pressed my lips together.

"Don't give up hope." He offered, yet it was firm. Like he knew I could obtain hope, but I just wasn't trying. He was there to nudge me when my spirits were down, like a kick in the butt when I got too melancholy. I looked up at him and smiled.

"I won't. Don't worry."

"Good." He returned half a smile as he pushed off the wall. "Goodnight."

"Night." I watched him as he grabbed the crystal doorknob just as he was about to leave, but I stopped him. "Erwin?"

"Hm?" He peered over his broad shoulders at me, a yellow eyebrow raised.

"Um...thanks. For taking care of me. And coddling me. You've been like...father figure to me. When my mom gets out of the hospital, I'm so setting you two up."

A faint dusting of pink glowed over Erwin sharp cheeks, but quickly faded away. However, he smiled and walked over, his hands in his pockets. "You don't have to say that. I know how much your father meant to you."

"Yeah, but I think he's glad I've got someone watching over me while he's gone." I weakly smiled, the thought of my dad's own warm smile making the back of my throat burn with tears. "Even though he's not here, I think he's sent some pretty awesome guys my way to keep me safe. It's like he set aside the money for the Academy because he knew how great you and Levi are."