Take me away

Chapter 6 - Whatever happens tonight

Anabeth tensed. She started to stand up but Big Mars' strong hands held her firmly. "2 million. In cash.", he said.
Antonio rubbed his chin as if reflecting on the offer. "1.5 million, my friend. And you'll get the cash tomorrow.", he said.
Big Mars shook his head and spoke again, "you know my dubai client will happily pay 2 million for a gem like her. If it werent for the sake of our friendship Antonio! Fine. Its a deal then. But you can have her when you bring the money tomorrow."
Antonio looked disappointed but otherwise he seemed okay with it as he nodded in approval. "Too much for friendship eh? Fine. Tomorrow it is then.", he said getting up from the polished sofa.
Anabeth straightened her skirt as Big Mars and Antonio shook hands and started for the corridor together.
Ruby came and took her inside.
That night Anabeth sat by the window, staring at the night sky with tears rolling down her eyes. She sobbed. She hugged her knees and cried till her heart ached.
She didnt know what to do. There was no way that she could escape from this place and nothing could stop her transaction from happening tomorrow. Agony overwhelmed her. She clutched her heart and wished for the throbbing pain to subside.
The moon was bright and round. Momentarily, some grey clouds would pass by and hide the moon under their veil. Anabeth wished to be hidden too. Only if the clouds could also hide her. That would make things so much easier, she thought.
Knowing that it was her last night here, she felt suffocated in that room. Her thoughts shifted to Ian and Ruby. How would she live without them in a place only god knows how awful? In here, she didn't feel that bad because their company was all that she needed. She felt safe because she knew she could count on Ian. She had found her own little family in them. And the thought of having to leave them for a dreadful place made her lungs even more dry.
"I need some air.", she muttered to herself and walked out of her room. The cool breeze hit her bare skin and made her shiver. She didn't mind that. The roof was serene. With hands crossed over her chest, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
A strong pair of hands pulled her against the stairway wall. She nearly tumbled but the hands held her firmly. "Ian", she whispered.
The silver ray of the moon reflected on his face, outlining his features and hair. His expression was complex; somewhere between anger and desperation. "We have to get you out of here", he said.
Anabeth was drowned in confusion.
"When ?", she asked.
He looked urgently at her and said, "Now."
"What are you saying Ian?" Nothing that Ian said made any sense to her. No matter how hard she tried to believe him, she knew it was impossible to escape from here without being noticed.
She tried to wriggle free from his grasp but he didnt bulge. "Listen Anabeth! I am taking you out of this place! Right now! Lets go!", he insisted.

Ian pulled her along as he hastily climbed down the stairs. An orange coloured light struck in through the doorway of the corridor illuminating the bottom of the stairs. Ian paused, with anabeth slamming against him. "Shhh", he whispered.

On the floor ahead of him, Ian could see two shadows , bulky and masculine, standing and talking. Shoving Anabeth with his left hand against the wall, he leaned back waiting for them to pass by.

Anabeth was still. He could feel her heart beating fast against his left palm. Wait. What? His reflexes suddenly kicked in and he realized where his hand was. He turned at the speed of light only to find a shocked looking Anabeth gaping at him. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. Quickly, he took his hand away, his cheeks flushed.

"I'm so sorry", he finally managed to say.

"Uh....", thats all that came out from her mouth. She cleared her throat and squeaked out, "Its okay". At normal times that would sound funny to Ian but under the circumstances that they were in, he could do anything but laugh.

Ian looked towards the door again. The shadows were gone. "Okay lets go", he said.

They walked stealthily down the long corridor which was lighted by small orange dim lights. Each door on either side locked. Anabeth still didnt understand the whole concept of hiding and running in this building because she knew the bulky bodyguards would say nothing if they found out she was awake and walking. "Why are we acting like thieves again?", she whispered.

Ian scratched his head for a moment. "It is past midnight and they will know something is wrong when they see us, trust me.", he said.

"Do I have any other option?", she said.

He smiled. Anabeth knew then and there. If there was anyone that she could trust, it was Ian. "So what's your plan?", she asked.

"You'll see. But first, we have to get Ruby"

***

The sun was bright. Ruby could feel the heat on her bare skin but it didn't bother her. She found the soothing touch of the breeze and the dancing sound of the waves delightful. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her mother's voice. "Ruby ! Come here honey! You're gonna get sunburned!". Irritated, she cried out, "Arghh mom!! That's what people do! They come to the beach and get tanned! Not sit under the umbrella like you! No fun!"

"Well honey, you don't wanna look like a fried bacon on your first day of highschool do you?", her mom chided.

"I still have 2 months for that to start.", she reminded, dusting the sand off her arms.

Looking at her mother, she sighed in defeat and headed towards her. Her mother, Patricia Dunham, was a middle-aged woman with caucasian skin and brown curls. Her confident posture and reassuring smile always made Ruby realize why her mother was so successful as a pediatrician. She was so comfortable to look at, so caring and nurturing.

A loud knock on the door brought Ruby back to reality. Her eyes shot open and the grey ceiling came into view. She was in her room, not on a beach she realized. Disappointment took over her. Slowly, she climbed out of her bed and opened the door. "What?", she snapped.

"Hey, whats wrong?", Ian asked.

She rubbed her eyes and said, "oh. It's you. Ian .What time is it? What the hell are you doing here? Is that Anna? God. What's wrong with you two?"

"Shhh. No time to explain. We gotta go!", Ian said.

"What?" Ian pulled her out and started walking before she had any chance to protest.

**

What's up wattpaders! Lots of love and want to let you know that the next chapter will be coming very soon. Do continue reading. Thankyou!