Code: 16B

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Seven

    She did look the same the last time I remembered her, tall, and looking absolutely normal, unlike the last time I saw her. The only change that seemed noticeable is her hair appeared of have extensions and cornrows. Still, I still couldn’t hold back my exclamation, “Violet!” I stood up and wrapped my arms around her without even thinking.

    “Great to see you too.” She said as she reluctantly hugged me back. Then, she quickly pushed me off of her. “Please keep it under control, we are at the mall, remember?” she said with a brief laugh.

    “Sorry. I’m just happy to see you.” I mumbled as I took several deep breaths.

    “I’m happy to see you too, and…” she tried to continue, but Amber’s voice came from behind me.

    “Amanda, are you coming or what?” and when she sees Violet standing in front of me, her tone and expression changed. Her annoyed expression quickly turned to something friendly. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. I’m Amber, Amanda’s sister.” She said as she held out a hand towards her.

    “I’m Violet, I’m a friend of Amanda’s.” Violet said as she shook Amber’s hand. Then, Violet’s brown eyes shifted from Amber, to me. “Amanda, you want to hang out later?” she asked, and when I look at her, her eyes showed nothing but seriousness.

    “Sure, but I got to ask for permission.” I said, already feeling like a complete idiot when I meet Amber’s gaze.

    And before I could do anything about it, Amber took me by surprise. “Go ahead, I’m sure mom and dad will be glad that you’re out with people.” Amber said with a smile that showed relief.

    “If she wants to, my car is in the parking lot, we could go and catch a movie.” Violet said, and it was weird that she was talking only to Amber.

    “I’m coming.” I said without even thinking.

    I could hear Amber laughing. “Okay, I’ll see you at home.” She said as she grabbed her shopping bag, gave me a brief hug, and walked away.

    “Walk with me.” Violet muttered as she carefully placed her hand on my shoulder, urging me to walk with her, like she said.

    I reluctantly walked in the general direction she pushed me to, and she followed behind me. “What’s going on? What are you doing here?” I asked, suddenly curious as to why she would be back in Houston.

    She sighed. “It’s a long story, and I don’t think it should be appropriate to tell you in the mall. That’s why we’re going to the van so I can tell you.”

    “Oh.” I mumbled as we continued to walk through the mall, towards the parking lot, and eventually we got to that familiar white van that I easily remembered.

    She opened the back door, and I was surprised to see Garrett (still looking the same as the last time I saw him) sitting in the van. “Amanda, how have you been?” he said as he snatched me in a hug that could’ve suffocated me.

    “Pretty good.” I said after getting a lungful of air.

    “Babe, move over so we could talk.” Violet said with a serious note in her voice, and Garrett immediately did what he was told.

    I climbed in, and Violet followed me in before she closed the door behind her.

    “Where’s Abigail?” I asked when I noticed that she’s not here to remind me that she looks exactly like me down to a T.

    “She’s on assignment, at least that’s what she told us about a month ago. She calls us every few weeks.” Garrett said as he shrugged his shoulders.

    “Why did you bring me here?” I asked almost hesitantly, my eyes darting between Garrett and Violet, wondering which one is going to give me an explanation. Garrett looked at Violet when my eyes met his, and when I looked at her I could tell that she is going to be the one to spill the beans. Thanks to the criminal justice class at Wunsche, and my gaining experience to be a lawyer.

    She took a deep breath. “It’s Cyrus.” She finally mumbled.

    Instantly, for some unknown reason, I thought of the worst. “Oh God, please tell me he’s okay.” I could already feel the tears beginning to spill just thinking that someone would harm him.

    “Amanda, he’s fine…physically that is.” Garrett said with a voice of calm, and his gaze went back to Violet.

    “Well, he hasn’t been himself throughout the last few months,” Violet began, her tone showing the worry that she’s been hiding, “and we—as the only people who’ve known him since our boss put him with our group—have never seem him act so…distant. Or distracted would be a better word for his behavior.”

    “So…why did you find me?” I asked, still unsure where she’s going with it.

    “This is probably going to go against the promise that he made us swear to fulfill, but we need you to get him out of his slump. Maybe get things back to the way things were supposed to be, you know, before the whole Victor mess…” She said with earnest in her words.

    I tried my best not to shiver after she mentioned the same person who tried to kill me, and my best friend. I had to shake my head, and remind myself that he’s already dead. He won’t come back to harm either one of us.

    I stared at them incredulously. Are they seriously asking me to talk to the one person who’s basically saved my life and then left me to die (metaphorically that is)? I should say no, my mind is even saying no, but my heart is saying yes. But still, I had to ask, “If I agree to do it, what did you guys have in mind?”

    “Good thing I came prepared.” Violet said, her face and her tone showed something mischievous as she explained the plan in full detail. For a while as she kept telling me what I would do (if I were to agree to partake in her scheme), my mind and my heart were at war. Both of them debating if I should go to Cyrus, or just have Violet take me home right now.

    But then, I realized if I refused, chose not to go. I would regret it when I go to sleep tonight, and wake up the next morning. Just thinking of it has sent a pain through my chest, unbeknownst to Violet and Garrett.

    “So, what do you think? Will you help us?” Violet said after what seemed like five minutes describing the entire plan to me.

    I looked at her for a moment, and after thinking it through, I closed my eyes, and mumbled, “Yes.”