Blue Birds

Chapter 17 - Target

Day 50

I walked past the library maybe two or three times just to check if Andrew has shown up early. I kept trying to come up with excuses to pass the library. I walked to the Lounge, the Academic Hall, the Music Center, and the Grocery Store. Twice.

Each time the library was empty. Maybe two or three girl reading books or studying.

I couldn't wait to see Andrew. I missed him so much. He knew what I was going through, and he understands me. He would never keep a secret from me.

I walked slowly past the library while sweeping my eyes across its carpeted floors. Checking for any clues or notes, or even my Andrew waiting to see me.

I stopped and stared into the room with confusion. The library was empty. The few girls, and Stacy at the front counter were gone.

I pushed the glass doors open and walked inside. Pure silence swallowed the room. Not peaceful silence, painful silence. Two sets of the lights were off, only two ceiling lights and a lamp on the counter were on. I checked the cock behind me.

"Five forty-five. Andrew should be here in fifteen minutes." The smiled and sat on the couch. I sat in the spot we first spoke.

"Comfortable, are we?" A male voice called from near the front of the library as I heard the glass doors lock.

"A little. Do you recognize this spot?" I smiled and sat up and searched for the voice, but no one was visible.

"Of course." The voice came again.

"I missed you so much Andrew." I stood and searched the room.

Finally, a tall boy stepped out from behind a book case. He was taller and stronger than Andrew. He had dirty blonde hair and icy blue eyes. His face was smirking, but not an Andrew smirk, and evil smirk.

"You're not-" I started to say.

"I'm not Andrew? Yeah, I know. I also know what's been going on between you two." He looked down then back up at me. Chuckling at his own slyness.

"What's been going on?" I backed up slowly.

"Oh don't play dumb with me-well, us." Three more guys stepped out with him.

"I....I-" I stuttered. My nerves built up and I started to shake, I tried not to let my fear show.

"You've got a target on your back. A big red target leading right to where all of us live. Andrew shouldn't be hanging out with someone like you." He looked at me with disgust.

I instantly felt helpless. I was outnumbered. I backed into a bookcase and looked around in panic.

"That's not true!" I stammered out.

"You sure? How about a little history lesson. No one who's ever gone after Romenoff has died a slow and painful death." He put his hands on the bookcase behind me so that one arm was on each side of my face. Trapping me.

Tears welled in my eyes. He hit smiled and stared into my soul.

"As soon as mommy and daddy are dead, he'll come after you. Right here to these two buildings. He'll do anything to get you, then put location will be known, and we'll all suffer. He spoke through his teeth.

Tears streamed down my face. I squeezed my eyes shut not to look at his terrible grin. I curled my lips in as his words stabbed me like knives.

"Aww, don't cry little Lucy," he held my chin softly, "just face it." He gripped my chin hard, hard enough to leave a bruise.