21 Directions

Chapter Eleven (Part One)

{Emma POV}

Sometimes, sounds are associated with meanings far more than words, although I suppose words are just sounds strung together. We see this everyday: in movies, for dramatic effects; when people scream, to show frustration; the sound of gut wrenching sobs, to show misery. 

Sometimes, one single sound can change lives, turn worlds upside down, create history: the bang of cannons declaring war, the scratchy sound of pencil against paper, the cheers of a pumped-up crowd, and so much more. 

However, it was none of those sounds that I heard that morning. That morning, the sound that changed five people's lives, if only slightly, was the simple ping! of a new text message. 

***

I stared dejectedly at the lake beside me as I walked, raindrops pouring from the sky. All I saw wherever I looked were trees, trees, and more trees. 

I shivered in the cold, teeth chattering and knees shaking. I was soaked, and with my every step, I was reminded of the fact. My shoes squeaked annoyingly with the water in them, they've been doing that for the past hour.

I clenched my jaw in an attempt to stop my teeth from banging against each other. I glared at the blond-haired boy beside me, equally wet and just as discouraged as me.

"This is all your fault, you know." I huff angrily.

Niall scowled at me, and muttered something I didn't quite catch under his breath. He just trudged on, his stomach growling for the third time in the last twenty minutes. I tried to ignore the hunger gnawing at my mid-section as well.  

How did we end up like this, you ask? 

Well...

***12 Hours Earlier***

I stretched my hand out, reaching for my phone, I could've sworn I heard the sound of a new message. 

Where was it? I shifted my body on the bed, scooting closer to the edge, and reached just a little furth-

"Goddamn it!"

My face crashed into the floor my body followed shortly after. 

Great! This is just a perfect way to start the day.

I mumbled profanities under my breath as I rubbed my head with my hand and staggered up, tangled in blankets. I wobbled for a bit, my two feet wrapped in layers of cloth, but managed to stay upright by leaning on the bed. 

I kicked furiously as the blankets until I got free. Now, where did that sound come from?

I glanced around the room. Then, I saw a light blinking on and off from Jasmine's bedside table. She was still sleeping soundly in her bed. I tiptoed over.

Jasmine's pink IPhone flashed red as it read on the screen:

You have one new message from Connor. 

Hmmmm, I mused. That boy spelled nothing but trouble. We should...

My thoughts trailed off and I ginned maliciously as an epiphany popped into my head. 

"Jasmine! UP AND AT 'EM!" I shouted at her. 

"Wha-?!" She stared up at me, her hair sticking out in different directions. 

I stifled a giggle at her appearance, "I have a plan: Operation MCOP."

Make. Connor. O'Reilly. Pay.

Boy, oh boy, this is going to be fun! 

***

"So Niall, would you mind if we took a wee little detour?" I held my forefinger and thumb up, a millimeter apart from each other.