Deception [slowly being edited]

8

THE HOSPITAL IS smaller than I expected, no more than one floor. Rory takes the key from the ignition, silencing the engine.

"Abbi," I look up, seeing Rory stare at me through the mirror. "There are going to be people in here that you know to be dead." He catches me off guard.

"What?" He smirks at my confusion.

"No one is supposed to know about this place," Jason listens intently to his words. "Fugitives come here to hide after faking their deaths. There are only few people who know about it."

"Then how do you know about it?" He chuckles, shaking his head.

"You ask too many questions." He opens his door, stepping out without answering my question. I roll my eyes, frustrated with his stubbornness.

I watch through my window, his every movement. Every step he takes, one by one. It is as if with every second that goes by, he becomes more and more captivating. Something about him takes my breath away.

"Abbi," Jason interrupts my thoughts. "Are you coming?" I swallow hard, nodding. When my feet reach the pavement, my legs have a difficult time keeping me up, making me stumble. Jason laughs. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." I say, frustrated. He saunters to the door, walking in. I follow slowly behind. It is surprisingly warm out of the wind. I take of my jacket, tying it tightly around my waist. I spot Rory out of the corner of my eye. He's speaking to an older man. People swarm the room, all laughing and drinking. It makes me uncomfortable. I take my hair down, trying to cover my face, moving over by Rory, staying close by his side. I lightly touch his arm, wanting to get closer, wanting to get away from all of the people towering over me. He looks down at me, but he doesn't move his arm away. He smiles.

"Mr. Hawkins, this is Abigail McCull." The man's eyes open in recognition.

"We were just talking about you." I fake a smile, tying to be flattered.

"She's a bit shy at first, but once she starts talking, you can't get her to stop." They both laugh, but I hold my breath as Rory's hand brushes against mine. Our fingers entwine. I turn to the man.

"I'm sorry. Who are you?" He chuckles.

"Brendan Hawkins, but you can call me...whatever you want." I laugh. "I'm in charge here, but feel free to make yourselves at home." I wrap my free hand around Rory's arm, falling into him. "She seems a bit attached to you." Brendan faces Rory, chuckling.

"Literally," they laugh more. I've never seen him get along so well with someone before, I've never seen him get along with anyone. He looks down at me, still smiling. He moves the hair out of my face. I breathe deeply. "It doesn't bother me." I can feel my cheeks turn red, heat radiating from them. I glance quickly to the right. Then I freeze. I can no longer breathe. My insides collapse.

"Is she okay?" Brendan looks at me with worry. Rory leans down toward me.

"Abbi?" I'm unable to look at him. My eyes slowly go back to the right. My body is too stiff to move. My mind has not deceived me. I see him. He stands there. He sees me.

"Abigail," I hear him say. He begins to walk over to me. My muscles thaw, letting my body spring back away from him. I fall to the floor, letting my breath out. I cough. He gets closer, making me cringe. Rory turns to him, confused.