Cold Hearts - Mark Tuan fanfic

25 - Not Again

"Aunt Mary," you're talking in the phone with her one night. She called you to check up on you.

"Yes, sweetie. What is it?"

"I think I need to sell the house."

"What? Why?"

"Well, with me going to New York after graduation, I don't think I can take care of it. Besides, I would be needing the money." She still thinks you're going to school after graduation. 

"If that's what you like, honey. But, it's your mom's. Are you sure?"

Of course it pains you to let go of the house. But, you're not coming back. Nobody would be using it after you're gone.

"Yes."

"I'll look into it."

Tomorrow is your graduation, Aunt Mary promises to be there. You prepare the speech you're gonna give during the ceremony before going to sleep. You also pack your bags, you cry again as you near the time you're going to part from Mark...from everything you love. You stare at the ring on your finger and cry some more. 

____

"Elysa Thorne," the school head calls your name and you walk up the stage to receive your diploma. Aunt Mary is in tears as she claps her hands proudly. Mark is beaming and giving you two thumbs up. Your friends are also on their feet, cheering for you. 

After everybody has taken their turn on stage, the principal calls you back on stage to give a speech as the President. 

"My fellow graduates, parents, friends, teachers and guests, I am honored to be standing in front of all of you today. It sure has been a long yet exciting journey for all of us. Many things have happened these past years, but all memorable. We will always look back to those times. Our experiences here should teach us how to face the future ahead of us. Whatever we decide to do then, it's our choice. We have to tread on without regrets. As we enter the world of adulthood, how scary it may seem, we have to hold our heads up high. The small things we do today, can be a big step for us ahead. It's been real guys. Congratulations to all of us."

Everybody is on their feet and clapping. You will surely miss high school. 

"Party at my house tonight," JB shouts over the crowd, gaining even louder cheers. 

"You were great, baby." Mark hugs you tight. His mom pulls you in her arms, too. 

"I'm so proud of you, sweetie," Aunt Mary is still in tears. 

After the picture taking, your Aunt leaves you with your friends. Phoebe pulls you in one side. 

"So, are you gonna tell him today?" 

"I don't know. Maybe."

"You have to."

"Great job, miss president." Peniel takes your hand and twirls you around. 

"Thanks, Peniel. So, are you coming to JB's party tonight?"

"Of course, it's our last day together. I'd be flying to Korea in two days."

Just then, Mark comes with his angry look. "Go get your own girl, Peniel," pulling you in his arms. 

Peniel puts up both hands in the air and disappears. 

"My parents are inviting you for dinner tonight." He says. "We can go to JB's after dinner."

Oh Shit. Maybe you can just tell him tomorrow. 

"Sure. Let me go home and change first."

"Want me to pick you up?"

"That's fine. I'll just drive to your house. Seven alright?"

He takes you to your car and kisses you before you drive home. 

____

You spot three black SUV's in front of your house and wonder what the evil man is doing here again. The men standing outside don't look familiar, though. 

"Ms. Thorne," the voice sounds different, but you seem to have heard it somewhere. He's on the couch, his back on you so you can't see his face. "I finally found you."

He stands up and turns around. Your eyes grow bigger and your heart stops for a second. What is he doing here? And how did he find you?

"Mr. Averin." 

"How have you been, little girl?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh...you sneaky little fox. I've been looking all over for you."

"What do you want?"

"Where's my money?"

"What? I don't have it. My da...Thorne got it."

"You lying bastard..." he slaps you real hard, making you fall to the floor.

"What did I do?" Shit! What is this again?

"You can't trick me like that, missy." He kicks you on the stomach and you bowl over. 

"Fuck. What did I do?" You ask again. 

"You get my money and you steal back the stuff...you thought I wouldn't know it's you."

"What? I didn't." 

"Shut up!" He pulls you to your feet, and slaps you yet again. 

"I swear it's not me. I was just sent to deliver it." You can't stop sobbing now. It's getting harder to breathe, the nervousness and the pain from his kick cause you to hyperventilate. 

 "Where's Thorne? Tell me where he is." He throws you on the couch.

"I don't know. I only have his number. I'm not even sure if he's still using it." You frantically search your call log and hope the number he used to call you last time is still there. Luckily, it is. You hand the man your phone and he presses call. 

The other line must have answered as Mr. Averin shouts. "I have your daughter, asshole." He then puts the speaker on. 

"What the heck did you do again?" You yell at the phone. 

"Lysa?" He sounds surprised.

"You prick! Just give them what they want." Even though it's hard to breathe, you still manage to shout. 

"Thorne. You heard her. Give us back our money." The man says.

"Averin! I'll give you your dough. Just let her go. Lysa, I'm sorry."

"Damn it. Where are you anyway?" He should be the one in here, being tortured for what he's done..not you.

"I'll give you the details, Thorne. I expect you to deliver in six hours."

"Shit. Give me more time."

"Six hours or she's dead." 

Maybe death wouldn't be too bad. You're life is ruined anyway. 

"Take her," Averin commands his men. They put a blind fold on you and tie your hands behind. Before they throw you in the car, you receive another blow on your stomach, knocking the air out of you.