Bad Habit

c h a p t e r 20: The Mystery That is Ellicity Edwards

WARNING: Multiple changing perspectives so you can understand how everyone is dealing.

Luke's POV:

Police and forensic investigators flood into the flat. My heart consistently races as I sit on the curb, attempting to remain calm. My eyes burn so badly they feel as if they're being emerged in acid.

If I wasn't so fucking stupid, I would've protected her. She would be okay. But I don't know what happens now; to me- her, her family, the guys, Tess and Ky- I don't know what to do. I'm stuck in my own hole and I can't find a way out of it. I can't shake the thought that Ellicity, the woman I love, could be hurt- let alone, dead.

***

Calum's POV

"All I'm saying, Mickey, is that Leonardo is the leader because he's more of a bad-ass than Raphael will ever be." I say, grabbing a fist-full of Doritos.

"Fuck off! He is definitely as good as Leo!" Michael protests, throwing a chip at me.

"I thought this fight was over when Luke was here and ended it." I roll my eyes.

My phone rings, and I answer; I'm desperate to get out of this meaningless conversation with Michael.

"The one and only Calum Hood speaking." I say, picking myself off of the couch.

"Hey, it's me." I took the phone away from my ear to make sure I processed who was actually calling.

"Since when does Luke Hemmings use his cellphone?" I joke. "You left your jacket by the way. How are you doing with the Ell thing?"

My playfulness disappears within moments. I attempt to swallow the lump in my throat that I didn't know was there until right then.

"I'll be right there." I end the call, staring at the table.

Mikey gives me a strange look for a moment or too. "Who was it?" He asks, unsure as to what is going on.

"Luke."

"And?" He asks, sitting up from his once slouched position.

"Ell is missing." Mikey's face drops but I continue.

"There was blood. Mikey, I think she's hurt." I say, choking on my words.

"Elli? No, that's impossible. I was there just before I got here earlier. Luke is probably being a douche like always." Mikey tries shaking it off, stuffing his mouth with more chips.

"Michael. No one knows where she is. We have to go now, for her. And Luke."

***

Tessa's POV

"Have you tried her cell?" I ask Kyla as I throw the pizza box in the trash.

"Yes, I've been trying for the past hour." Kyla groans, growing more frustrated by the minute.

"Did you try Luke?" I call from my kitchen.

"It's not like he'll answer, but it's worth a try."

I began cleaning the dishes and filling the dishwasher with them. Grabbing a glass from the sink, I hear Kyla yelling on the phone.

I pause for a minute and stop the water.

"I can't believe you let this happen! What the hell were you thinking? You were the only good thing in her life and you tore yourself away from her!"

I run into the living room to see Kyla chuck her phone at the wall and bury her head in a pillow.

"Ky! What the hell!? My parents are going to kill me when they see the wall with a-"