Hunted

Act14; Gape

Amelia had never personally seen the interior of the renowned, Dulcet's Dalliance Academia.

She'd heard rumors of the elite educational facility many times before, mostly in bitter terms back at her school, and had seen pictures of it in magazines and read articles of it on the news, but never drove through the dirt path that led to the school's golden barred gates. She never smelt the moist grass that seemed well-trimmed even through the dimness of the street lamps every odd-meter. She never saw how clean the parking lot seemed even in the darkness.

Noah motioned for her to get off first, and she did, balancing herself after a sudden bout of vertigo. She wasn't used to riding on two wheels. She took off her helmet gently, the visor raised ever since they entered the gates, and waited for Noah to take the keys out of the ignition.

He looked back at her, placing the chain in his pants' pocket. He looked confused with a hint of urgency. "Um. I didn't think this through. Are you sure you really want to do this? It's not too late for me to bring you to the cops and have them help you out with whoever's threatening you."

She blinked, excusing the fact that he was a fast talker, though slow enough that she understood what he said. Did she tell him about someone threatening her? She couldn't remember, but then again, there was that episode of her crying all over him. Maybe that was when. She shook her head, thinking about how to phrase her words in a way he wouldn't misunderstand.

You agreed to help me. Man up and go through with your word.

Nah. That sounded forceful and rude.

Please. This is the only way I could make sure my family's safe. Whoever threatened me MUST know there isn't a body. I need to lay low as long as I can!

Nah. That seemed desperate and panicky.

No. I'll stay here. It's what I need to do for me and my family.

Good. That sounded enough. Clear and concise. But what if he'd force what he wanted on her, to bring her to the police? Then she'll remind him of the time and that it's a school night. Yeah. That should do it. If he concedes, then she'd have an entire day to figure things out at the very least.

"Fine." She jerked attention when he suddenly spoke, hiding her frown. Did she think too long? Or was he that quick to answer? "Just. Don't cause too much of a scene, please?"

Why was he the one looking desperate and panicky? Meh. She shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. She nodded and stayed quiet.

He sighed through his nose, then took the lead.

The parking lot had a section for four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled bikes, both motor and not. They were separated by white lines painted on the cement ground, yet they passed a couple bikes parked wherever near the fence, chains with big padlocks keeping then in place.

She mentally scoffed. If DDA claimed to be such a fantastical school, why the need to ward off thievery if they were such a paradise? She internally shook the thought away. She was going to lay homage in that very school that she already decided was hypocritical since freshmen year. She should try to think positively.

Not think of the possibility that whoever threatened her might find out she wasn't dead and start targeting her family.

Not think of the possibility that she might get caught in the premises and someone might recognize her and tell the media.

Not think of the possibility that she might not be able to stay at the only place she had a chance to stay hidden.

Not think of the possibility that they might find out she officially attended Diamonds High, her safe house's most revered rival.