After Hours

Chapter 32.

Ember's POV.

   Keeping this secret of Grayson getting to go home and me staying is slowly killing me. Grayson seems to suspect something, but I can't tell him. All he's going to think is he's going to get another shower then he leaves me.

   Forever.

   Eva still hasn't eaten or spoken. I'm afraid she might die, but there's nothing I can do. Each day, each hour trapped in this cell is making me go insane. Grayson is the only thing I have left and when he leaves I'm sure I'll die.

  "Wanna get some more food?" Grayson asks me, bringing me from my thoughts.

  "Sure," I say.

   I yell for Cameron and in an instant he comes. I hand the food to Grayson and Cameron pulls me to him.

  "Tomorrow we'll let him go," he whispers in my ear.

   I don't answer, but nod to show I understand. He casts a glance at Grayson and pulls me from the room.

  "Are you following through with this?" Cameron asks.

  "Yes," I say, putting my hands on my hips and stop suddenly.

   My gun! I still have my gun! I could easily shoot Cameron now and all this would be over! I casually smile and Cameron nods.

  "Good," he says and turns around.

   Now's my chance. I take out my gun and wrap my arm around Cameron's neck. I held he gun to his neck and put my finger on the trigger.

  "I'm tired playing in your sick game," I say through my teeth. "I'm ending this here and now."

  "Don't!" Cameron says, a worried expression on his face. "Shoot me and you'll die with the world. You and Grayson," he says, holding up his hands.

   I take my finger off the trigger but don't release my grip around his neck. "How do I know you're not lying?" I hiss.

  "Trust me," Cameron says. "This is not a good idea. I give this world life. And if I die, the world dies. And all who's still trapped here."

   I release my arm from around his neck and he holds out his hand. "Give me the gun," he says.

  "No way," I say.

   He raises his eyebrows and nods. "Fine."

   He shoves me back into the room and slams the door. I walk over to Grayson, shoving the gun in my pocket before he can see it.

  "What was that about?" he asks innocently.

  "Oh, that? Nothing," I lie, sitting down next to him. "I was just making sure Cameron knew when to bring us more food."

   He nods and hands me a slice of bread. I watch him, silently. How his boy made my life better. How when I was stuck at the ticket taker stand, he went out of his way to be nice to me. How one small smile on his lips could make my day a million times better. I realize I need o do this before I never can again.

   I lean over and kiss him on the lips. Holding my breath, eyes shut, almost as if nothing can touch us if we hold this kiss. I finally release and he looks at me with surprised eyes.

  "What was that for?" he asks.

  "Do I have to have a reason?" I ask, smiling.

   Grayson smiles back. He continues eating and I cast a glance over at Eva. She catches my eye, but quickly looks back down at her hands. I walk over to her and sit down next to her.

  "I'm going to get you out, ok?" I say.

   She looks up at me and I notice tears in her blue eyes. "Don't bother. I'm dead. I'm already dead. Nothing else for me to live for."

  "How could you say that?" I ask. "Just think about your family back at home. How much they miss you. How much they want you back with them. How they would do anything to see your beautiful smile again," I say.

  "How can I go back to them without Vanessa?" she asks. "Vanessa was my best and only friend at times. I can't go back to them without her," she says.

   I nod. "I understand. But you might be all they have left of her. Yes, you are your own person. But you are so much like Vanessa. Strong, funny, smart, beautiful. Imagine what their world would be like without either of you," I try to tell her.

   She looks at me. "If I could go back, how would I? You have no power to get me back," she says.

  "I know. But I know who can," I say.

   Later that night, cradled in Grayson's arms, I open my eyes. I gently remove Grayson's arms from around me and go to the door. I knock on it three times.

  "There's no way he's gonna hear this," I say.

   But he does. Cameron walks in and frowns. "What?" he asks.

  "I need you to let Eva go too. Please. Along with Grayson," I plead.

  "Why would I do that?" he asks. 

  "I'm all you need to survive, right? In addition to keeping me with you, you stop kidnapping people who work here, and you let Eva go with Grayson," I say.

   Cameron seems to comprehend my proposal, then shakes his head. "Sorry. I need more than one soul to survive," he says.

  "Please. If you love me, you will let his happen. I have a big heart. I have a compassion for things. I'll be enough for you," I say, hoping he'll listen.

  "Fine," he says and obviously the conversation is over.

   I go back into the room and a feeling of sadness rushes over me. This is my last time with Grayson. Tomorrow at daybreak he gets to go home. This is a very bittersweet moment. I cradle myself back in his arms plant a soft kiss on his lips. I lay my head down on his chest and close my eyes, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

  "I love you," I whisper.

Thanks for reading!

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