Fighting the Truth

The Plan... Not as Planned.

Chapter Sixteen: The Plan... Not as Planned.

BRODIE’S P.O.V

We were in the middle of nowhere and it was night-time, Tom took a look at the map. “Tom, we’re lost... it’s your fault.”  Kira yelled and Tom flipped him off and stood by the car while talking to Nicholas, everyone was angry... it was upsetting.

“How you coping kid?” Arlee sat next to me, her brown eyes were friendly and gentle.

I shrugged, “All a new experience...”

She scoffed, “This is nothing... compared to what we are use to.” She folded her arms. “You’re tired, go back in the car and get some rest.” She pushed me back into Tom’s car, and I fell asleep in an instant.

~~

I rose, and looked at the morning sun... I noticed one car gone and get out of the car. “Who’s missing?”

Tom looked up, “Kira and Nicholas went to do something...” He muttered and looked at the map, “I’m terrible at this! Look at it... tell me where we are!” He shoved the map at my face and I stare at it, I’m terrible at reading maps.

I gave up after two seconds and retreated to Tom’s car, “Don’t we have to keep moving?” Elliot (Kent) stood up and talked to Arlee, who sat back in her car. Elliot approached Tom and whispered something that made Tom push me back into the car and started to drive.

I looked down, and stared at the white car next to us driven by Kent. “Brodie? Are you holding up?” I nodded, I had to remain strong for my friends.

~~

We parked out-front at a small convenient store in the middle of nowhere; Kent did a U turn and drove back in the direction we arrived. Arlee drove ahead, “Hey...” Tom entered the store and an aged man was behind the desk, “Can you tell me where we are?” The male looked at Tom and nodded.

“Son, if you kept going straight behind me... you’d be at Brisbane in two hours.” Tom nodded stiffly, “That good enough help?” Tom nodded and left. “Nice serving you.”

Tom piled back into the car, “Let’s get moving.” I sat in the passenger this time.

Tom smirked, “Remember the good old days Brodie? When we WEREN’T on the run?” I was surprised he brought up such a subject right now...” Tom nodded, “Like the time when you wanted to date J.J... but you were too fridget.” I looked out the window, slightly embarrassed.

~~

Finally after a long trip of reminiscing, we arrived in Brisbane... Arlee’s car nowhere to be seen. “Say, where’s Andy?” I asked.

Tom glanced at me, “He’s trying to get the police off our asses.”  I nodded, slightly understanding.

We stop by Arlee’s car after a while of searching and walk into the hotel, it was slightly down and I spot a familiar face. “Arlee!” I rush to the blonde and she hugs me, “What’s going on?”

She shrugged, “Nothing... just waited for you guys... got youse a room.” She pushed us to a room, “Get some sleep.”

~~

I struggled to sleep, I seriously couldn’t take all these events... J.J... I miss her, I really do. I look across the room and Tom was soundly asleep, I get up and walk around the town. I paced around, what is going on? What can I do to really help? What would my father say? What would J.J say? But one thing I know is, that all I can do is be there for my friends. I remember my phone and reach into my pockets, but then remember that I left it in Tom’s car.

I walk to the car and open the car and grab my phone and see seventy new messages, Jesus! I flick through them all, several from the real Elliot... some from J.J... and a million from Dad. I gulped and refused to go through his messages, and updated Elliot with the recent news.

“Brodie?” Tom appeared by my side, “What’s up?”

I sighed, “We are going to have to stay here for another two months...”

Tom widened his eyes, “What why?!”

I looked down, “Because, the police always drop a case after two months of lack of information.” I knew this through Dad.

Tom nodded regrettably, “Alright...”

I patted his shoulder, “Let’s get back inside...” and hopefully rest...

ELLIOT’S P.O.V

I was scribbling like mad, trying my best to make the perfect plan. Taint was peeking over my shoulder every now and then, it didn’t bother me at all... he was giving me advice and reviews honestly. I went through all the notes and mistakes that could occur, and the counters that I could create. I pieced Brodie’s, Kira’s and Kent’s updated information to create several plans...

Several plans were scrapped, I bit my lip and began typing madly at the laptop... I was beyond stressed, I was freaking out to the brink of insanity.

I had to return in three weeks, and all the information began to piece together like a jigsaw puzzle. “Elliot!” Mum called me from the kitchen, “Lunch!” I close my laptop and stumble to the kitchen. I steal the sandwich and rush back to my room, and start going through the papers...

I paced around the room and my phone was vibrated against my laptop, I attack it and look at Kira’s new message. I grin at the sight of new information and begin typing at the computer again, I had the perfect plan now.

I stood up and walk out of the house, “Mum! I’m going for a drive.” I hope into Mum’s car, which she lent me for a while. And drive off, I stop by my old high school and watch all the kids pile into the school... my heart raced.

Well, this is going to be eventful... Taint sat in the passenger seat, he was slowly disappearing now... Elliot, you’ve always been my friend.

I start to drive slightly slower, “Yeah? Same for you.” Taint smirked, Hm... I won’t be around for much longer. I stopped driving, “Why?” Because, Heaven finally wants to accept me. I continue to drive, “This is all sudden.” Just like the sudden change of events. I had to agree.

Taint sunk into the seat, Elliot? I turn my head to him. You were my only friend.