Kids in the Dark

Chapter 25

Adam's P.O.V

I was leaning up against the stone gray wall, the phone cool against my ear. I counted the rings, and as each one passed my heartbeat sped up. I prayed that Theo picked up because if he didn't I wouldn't get another chance. I turned to face the phone box, drumming my fingers on the metal casing.

Finally, after the 7th ring, the call was answered.

"Hello?" My mood picked up at the sound of his voice.

"Theo." My voice flooded with relief.

"Adam?" He asked, voice full of disbelief.

"Hey, handsome," I said, smiling as I spoke.

"What? How?" Theo stammered, but he soon seemed to understand. "You used your call for me?"

"Yes, but none of that matters. What's been going on? Are you alright?" I asked, eager for news.

"Everything's fine," Theo said flatly. I instantly knew something was wrong.

"Theo?"

"No, honestly, I've just been more stressed what with trying to stay hidden, and worrying about you." I thought of things I could have said to put his mind at ease, but nothing that came to mind was true. All of a sudden, all of the thoughts I had been thinking over the past few weeks came crashing down on me.

"Theo I-" But my throat tightened and I felt the signs of a panic attack coming on. By breath hitched in my throat and wave of nausea washed over me.

"Ssh, Adam, calm down," Theo said catching on to my quickening breath. "It's going to be okay, just take a deep breath." I followed his instructions, focusing on the sound of his voice. "Don't you go blaming yourself for this mess beautiful," Theo said in a smooth calm voice. "None of this was your fault." I wanted to believe him, but my brain was still buzzing.

 "Theo?" I said in a small voice.

"Yes beautiful?"

"I'm scared." This was something I hadn't wanted to admit, but as I did my eyes began to well up. I was potentially facing 16 to 24 year behind bars depending on which way the trial went, my own family had refused to visit me, and many of the people in the prison yard made targets out of new meat like me.

"Adam, don't be. You know how to box. They may be bigger, but you're smarter and faster. I know for a fact, that if any of them messed with you one right hook would have them out cold on the floor. I've seen you take down guys 5 times to your size." I wanted to laugh but it was too late, warm tears began to roll down down my cheeks.

"I can't do this," I said weakly my voice shaking. I turned to face the wall, pressing my head against the wall, letting the tears continue to stream down my face.

"You've done this before."

"Yeah. For like 3 months, Theo. I'm potentially looking at 24 years." I said a hint of anger leaking into my voice. "This time it's different. It was always the 4 of us. You, me Ryder and Jace." I couldn't take it anymore, and a sob escaped my lips.

"No baby, don't cry." Theo hushed me, calming my nerves. "Be strong, and go and make a name for yourself, establish a reputation," Theo instructed. I whipped away the tears, nodding at his words.

"When will we see each other again?" I asked missing the sight of Theo's muddy green eyes.

"I don't know," Theo said just as a guard walked in, holding up 5 fingers.

"Theo, what's it like out there for you?" I asked wanted to distract myself by changing the topic.

"It's mostly fine, but the voices, they've been getting louder," Theo replied in a defeated voice.

"You haven't, you know, started again have you?" I asked hoping his wrists were still intact, but he didn't answer. "Theo, you promised to stay clean," I said my heart breaking at the news.

"Adam, I'm so sorry. I tried. I really did." He said. "I'll try to stop Okay."

"Does Ryder know?" I asked, guessing the answer.

"No."

"Then tell him, Let him help you." I pleaded, not wanting him to continue harming himself. I glanced back up at the guard who nodded at me. "Theo, I have to go," I said.

"Goodbye." his voice sounded disappointed.

"I love you," I said smiling as I uttered the words.

"I love you too." He replied and I hung up the phone. The guard stepped forwards and escorted me back to the cell. 

It's here. Chapter 25. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think - Flo.