Deadlock

XXXIII

The old lady Van Garrette left the room to Nikki and I. She knew I need to talk to my best friend and it was so cool that she understood.

“Sooo, mind if you tell me everything?” I asked her.

“Well, early this morning, Vaughn Harrison came into my house and lied something about you.” 

“What do you mean lied?” 

“He told me that you’re in the hospital and that you’re in a critical condition that’s why I need to come with him.” Nikki said annoyed. 

“So the blonde guy deceived you?” I questioned as if I didn’t know better, she was already pissed off. “But you know; I like it because you’re here and that we could be swimming later. It’d be so much fun.” I added.

“So, are you really sleeping here with Rob tonight?” Nikki asked worried.

“Ahm, no way. Don’t worry Nik, I’ll take care of it.” I winked at her. But seriously, I didn’t have any idea on what to do. But that would be later, right now? I have to enjoy the place.

I changed my clothes into my swimwear and so did Nikki. We went out of the room and we searched for a way to the beach. The place was just huge so we were not really sure which way we should go. But the lady Van Garrette saw us from nowhere and she brought us to the beach. The unusual thing was that there were no signs of the jerk and his friends.

“Ahm, where are... the guys?” I asked trying not to sound like I care.

“Rob and the boys are in the forest, near the mountains. I don’t know what’s really in there but every time those guys come here, they just go straight to the forest. Those kids are really secretive.” The old lady said. It was not that it caught my attention, because I didn’t really care, but I wonder what they go to the mountains for. “But don’t you worry Emily because those guys have been coming here since they were ten, so they know everything about this place.” She added. I was not a bit worried!

“Ahm…” I didn't really know how to call her.

“Grandma.” She finished.

“Grandma, Nikki and I are just going for a swim.” I told her. She nodded and left.

Nikki and I ran through the white sand shore and into the water. And yes, we already put sand blocks because that was like first aid? Anyway the weather was great. It was almost the same from when I was at my island. Except that this was more fun because I get to share this with my best friend. 

♥♥♥

It was almost dark but the guys were still out. They hadn’t even called. “Hey, the house is still quiet.” I whispered to Nikki.

“It’s because the guys aren’t back yet and your grandma is already worried.” Nikki answered.

“I thought she said those guys already know everything about this place. Why would she be that worried?” I questioned.

“It’s because there’s a storm coming. And it’s almost dark outside, nobody knows where they are.” 

“Ohhh.” Wow, I have nothing else to say. Those guys…

Minutes later and there was still no signs of the boys. Rob’s grandmother was all worried because it started raining outside. The wind was also getting stronger and there were a little flash of lightning and a boom of thunder. Marie Van Garrette, Rob’s grandmother whose name I just learned a while ago when I saw her painting of a younger version of her with her name, was so worried that she called a team of rescuers from the city to come in the island and search for her beloved grandson and his friends. So basically, aside from the natural lightning in the sky, there were also flicker of lights from the helicopter whose pilot was very brave. Because who would fly in the sky where you could be hit by a lighting anytime right? They are indeed heroes. And I, as her granddaughter-in-law and the fiancée of the lost boy, had to calm her down.

“Don’t worry… grandma. They’ll be okay. They’re big boys and they can take care of themselves. You said that they know enough about this island right? So they can’t be lost.” I said.

“Oh no Emily. It’s not them being lost that I’m scared about. It’s because of Rob, he’s the one I’m worried the most.” She told me.

“Because he’s your grandson…”

“No, it’s not because he’s my grandson, it’s because out of those four guys Rob is…”

But before she could finish her statement, the big door opened and revealed the lost boys. But darn, I wished they’ve appeared later because this old lady hadn’t finished what she was saying yet. I wanted to hear it. I wanted to know why she was so worried about Rob. I wanted to know what was on Rob Van Garrette that the other three didn’t have, aside from being a total ass. But no, they had to appear on that second where she could’ve already spilled everything. Why did fate dislike me? I didn’t remember being cruel to anyone.

The guys were dripping wet and they were panting. They were probably running to the mansion. When they were finally inside, they were all smirking, except for the jerk. He was pale, it might be because of the cold. A female servant gave them towels hurriedly and Marie rushed into her grandson and she checked him like a little kiddo. Well it was funny.

“I’m okay grandma.” Rob said embarrassed.

“Thank god. I was really worried for you, you know.” His grandma said relieved.

“Jake are you okay?” I heard Nikki asked from behind. She did what?

“Yeah I’m okay.” Jake answered. What is going on in here? Since when do they talk?

“Why are you guys panting? Were you chased by a tiger?” I asked stupidly.

“Noo, sorry to disappoint you.” Answered by the jerk. I decided to just zip my mouth before he could get really pissed.

“It’s because we had a really cool run from the mountains up to here Emily, so that’s why we were panting.” Vaughn stated trying to save me from embarrassment. I tried to give him a small smile but it seemed like it didn’t get through him. 

“That was really cool.” Nate added. And they were all laughing.

“Okay so go dry yourselves up.” Rob’s grandma said.

The guys went into their rooms and dried themselves. Rob’s grandmother went into the kitchen to prepare our dinner. So there was only Nikki and me left. 

“’Jake are you okay?’ What was that all about Nikki? I thought we decided to not talk to him anymore.” I told her disappointed.

“Emily, Jake and I are okay. I decided to talk to him again because we’re going to do that eventually right?”

“No, because I’m not going to be his friend gain.”

“Forever?” Nikki asked.

… I didn’t know what to say. Because forever not talking to Jake was not fair.

“But he lied to us Nik.”

“Emily, I think Jake is the right person to explain his reasons to you, but right now? I just want you to give him a chance. Talk to him Em.” She advised. But how was I going to do that? It had been more than a month since I stopped talking to him so I was not really sure how to approach him. “I’ll help you okay?” Nikki added. She might’ve read my thoughts.

“I don’t know.” I was still reluctant. If I talk to him, I might… cry.

“Listen, just think about it okay? Whenever you’re ready, I’m always here. We could both go talk to him and clear everything with him.“ Nikki said.

“Young mistress Emily and Miss Nikki, dinner is ready.” A female servant informed us.

“Okay, I would just go call my mother first. She doesn’t know what’s going on. She might be worried for you too because I told her what Vaughn told me.” Nikki said.

“Just call Aunt Sally here.”

“I don’t have my phone, I left it at home when I was all panicky and that jerk was secretly laughing behind my back.” Nikki said annoyed.

“Okay, I’ll go ahead first.” I told her.