Yet Another Cinderella Story (ON HOLD- AGAIN)

Chapter 16: Irrating Butterflies

*Ali's POV*

"Where is she?!" An urgent voice called loudly from behind the closed door.

I stiffened, immediately recognizing his voice. The room suddenly felt too small, panic flooded my brain. My eyes frantically searched the dimly lit room before locking onto the bathroom door.

No one will think I am stupid enough to hide in there.

The voices outside of the door got closer, speaking in speedy hushed tones. I rushed over toward bathroom door, my ankle throbbing in protest.

I closed the door as quietly as possible and clicked the lock. I looked everywhere, there was a window between the toilet and sink but I can hardly do a push up; let alone a pull up. The bathroom was relatively large and had a small closet for toilet paper, but the shelves were too close together for me to fit in. I frowned, I stupidly stumbled toward the tub in defeat; I had no better options.

"I've got to see her." The same voice from earlier spoke out. The definite squeak of the door sounded before a growl.

"Where is she?" Maverick asked, his voice cold. "You said she was here."

"Maverick, she is in here some where, her ankle is hurt. She can't go far." Another voice called soothingly.

I placed myself behind the curtain and slowly sat down.  I listened intently to the scene unfolding.

"I need her." Maverick's voice grew soft.

"I know, let's look for her, it shouldn't be hard though," the man replied.

My heart sped up as they started to shuffle throughout the room. I heard the closet door squeak open then close again. They slowly inched closer and closer, moving nearby objects as they went.

Suddenly, the doorknob rattled loudly and the door shook. I mentally cursed myself for locking the door, it's so obvious. I'm done for. I hate myself for not thinking of a fake escape plan until now.

"Dude, why is this door locked?" Maverick asked with a sigh.

"It's shouldn't be," I practically heard the frown in his voice. His footsteps echoed in my head as he came closer, pounding like a drum.

The doorknob rattled again, only harsher this time.

"Cinderella?" Maverick's soft voice cooed.

I bit my tongue, my instincts telling me to respond. The guys already know I am in here but I have to try to stall for time.

The door knob rattled again followed by a loud knock.

"Cinderella, please open up."

I stare blankly at the window.

If only I could just slide through the window, I would be free for sure. I thought bitterly to myself. The door rattles again slightly, as if a reminder that they were still out there.

With a newfound sense of determination, I stood up and went toward the window. The window was in the middle of the toilet and sink, slightly closer to the toilet, and about a foot tall and a foot wide. I pulled the window up and gently put my bad ankle on the closed toilet seat. I took a deep breath before pulling my other foot up. I hissed out in pain as the weight was put onto my ankle and grabbed the window seal for support.

The door rattled loudly, the sound echoing in the room.

"Ali, what are you doing in there?" Maverick practically growls out. "What's wrong?"

I stayed silent and pulled my knee up on the top of the tank, the lid rattling with my weight. I clench my teeth trying to pull myself over the window seal. I pushed with my good ankle still on the lid and the majority of my upper body finally made it out the window, my other leg wobbling uselessly on the inside.