My Drug-In Editing

World Turning Circles Running 'round My Brain

^ From 'King of Pain' - The Police

Sure enough, Erik handed me my phone back at the end of our last period. Walking as far away from him as I could get, I unlock it. I had 5 missed calls from Ben. All of the voicemails said the same thing. First, he cursed me for not picking up, quickly followed by an apology for cursing me. Then, a statement about how much he loves me. The last voicemail was slightly different, adding in "I don't know these people and I can't tell what they're thinking. If I don't see you tonight, just know I'll find a way to you soon." Tears pricked my eyes. Ben couldn't tell what the strange people he was with were thinking. I have seen Ben tell me a stranger's life story, that were later confirmed to be true. It was impressive how well he could read people. If he couldn't tell what these people were thinking, he didn't have his usual edge of insight over them, which means he could be in serious danger.

"Evie," a hand was placed on my shoulder, drawing me out of my thoughts. I had spaced out in the middle of a hallway. Turning around, I see it was Tommi. "I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now, but we really need to talk." I nod, hearing the serious tone in his voice. I follow him out to the parking lot. We agree that I'll follow him to his house in my car. Well, it's Ben's car, but he put his keys in my bag earlier.
After arriving at Tommi's house, I sit and wait in the car. Tommi approaches with an uneasy expression.
"Evie, a lot is happening very fast. If you want to help Ben, I need you to trust me." I nod and get out of the car, following him into his house.
"So, where's Ben?" I ask as soon as Tommi sits down in his room.
"We're still trying to work that out." Tommi sighs.
" 'We'?" I ask to clarify.
"Yes, 'we'. Ben, Liam, Cassie, and I have been working together to figure out this whole 'ID' situation." He explains this a little too calmly.
"What the HELL?!" I scream, "why would my boyfriend and my 2 best friends not tell me about this? And now, you, of all people, are telling me after its too late?!" I was furious, but Tommi seemed calm, like he was expected that reaction.
"Ben said you'd respond like that..." He trails off. Then, his face hardens with determination. He felt the need to explain something to me, no matter how angry I got, so he just continues. "Principle Martin has gotten himself involved with some 'trafficking' ring over the last month or so in order to supplement his income. The leader of this ring happens to be one of Erik's older brothers, Nathan.
"Nathan Beck?" I hummed. The name sounded familiar.
"Yeah, he graduated like 3 years ago. Anyways, that's why the principal lets Erik do whatever. Erik is respected/ feared by his peers and he needs to be in good standing with all of the Becks."
"What about the money?" I ask, remembering the note on Principal Martin's desk.
"Everyone gets paid for their involvement in an exchange. The principal tells Erik and his posse to get a person into Nathan's hands without anyone knowing. Nathan pays the principal directly as the 'supplier' and Mr. Martin distributes that pay to those who did the dirty work. They allow the principal to keep most of the money as a form of insurance in case someone gets caught." I thought about his words. This was a very in depth and involved arrangement. How have they been getting away with this?

"What's going to happen to Ben?" I ask, scared. I don't think I could stand to go without him. The only think that could maybe calm me down now, was his hugs and kisses.

"Don't worry we're gonna get him out. Hopefully before he's too badly beaten or sold." I feel sick. Ben might be getting killed for their amusement. Who knows what Erik has told them, or maybe Erik's going to do something himself.

Feeling sicker and sicker with each breath I take, I come to realize that I may not get another hit anytime soon. I'm already suffering from withdrawal and I don't have my drug to calm me. Before long, the world goes dark and I feel myself fall. Falling into darkness, letting it swallow me whole.

A/N: Woah, getting dramatic here. This must be one of the longer parts, probably because I needed to explain what's been going on without Evie knowing, until now. Comment what you think will happen next! I really like reading your predictions.

Please comment asking question's if you are confused. I will try to answer them unless it conflicts with any future reveals in this story.

Also, it's really weird when characters end up having the same last name as people you know XD I didn't realize this until this part. There's this kid in a couple of my classes named Robert Beck, so when coming up with a name for Nathan's character, the only name for a while that came to mind was Robert. Woohoo I am still somehow able to face both Robert and my friend Nathan without letting the story affect our conversations. Anyways, let me know what you think.

💖Kat_DG