Trapped

You deserve to know (Part 2)

A/N: Okay, so the picture above is Miles Teller, who plays Dean Pearson in the story. I know this chapter is mainly about Stella and Jonah but if you read on Dean will come up and I just want you to know what he looks like. Happy Reading! Xx
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Previously on Trapped...

"Now, one last question." Uh oh. I thought I was ready, but I don't know how to explain this without losing the possibility of a friendship with her. Do I lie and play it safe or tell the truth and risk it? "Why am I the only girl?" She squeaks. I decide to go with option two. She deserves the truth.
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Stella's POV

Even though on the inside I feel vulnerable waiting for Jonah's answer, my voice comes out strong and clear. Just goes to show my curiosity. Or determination. Or desperation. I don't even know anymore. As soon as I ask the question, Jonah's face falls slightly, then he furrows his eyebrows, as if he's thinking about what he should say. "Don't lie," I growl, jumping to conclusions. "I wasn't going to, I promised I would tell you the truth, I'm just trying to think of a way to explain this, because it isn't easy." I understand him immediately, and tell him to take his time. As I wait for him to speak up, I pick at my nails, which have way too much dirt beneath them for my liking. Right when I start to get impatient and seriously consider leaving it for another day. Jonah clears his throat, and I shuffle forward, anticipating his explanation.

" In my first year here, there were about four girls. I didn't know their past, hadn't heard their stories, but I knew them well enough to know that they didn't deserve what they got in Opal County. There were the girls, and there were the guys, about eight of them, and then just me and Dean. The guys were about ten years older than us, and were referred to as the Opal County Eight. Original right? They have had good ideas as crooks but overall, not too much brainpower for the things that count." I can't help but giggle at his words. " Back to the story," he says, "Saying these guys were crooks would be generous. They craved power, they were determined to be in charge, to make the jail their own. It wasn't necessary, but for them to do that, in their head they thought the only logical way was to get rid of all the girls." "Well, what happened, did Linkin transfer the girls or something?" I ask, utterly confused. "No, Stella, I wish. The guys, they did horrible things. Things I can't even begin to describe. Everything bad you could think of, they did." My mind runs wild with all the terrible things the girls could have gone through. I stifle a sob at the thought. "No," is all I can muster. "Yes. They did everything possible and got away with it, not a gram of weight on their shoulders, not a shred of guilt. But that's not even the worst bit. When they were done with their bad deeds, they started to kill them off, one by one. " By now, the blood pumping through my veins was laced with fury. "When they made their first kill, Linkin thought nothing of it, said it was a one off thing. Second time, Linkin was too distracted with his sister's leukaemia, so he let that one go too. Third time, Linkin had been in one of his drinking phases and didn't even recall one iota of the murder. It wasn't until the fourth and final murder that Linkin was focused, sober and productive. He did something about it all right. He sentenced each one of the eight an extra 15 years of jail and transferred them to Chicago, far away from here. From then on, Linkin implemented the rule that no girls would ever step foot into this jail again, and no girl ever did, until you." I'm stunned. I understand completely why Jonah was scared to tell me. He didn't want me to be scared of him, fearful that he would...do something to me. Then something hits me again. "That still doesn't explain why Linkin let me in." "See that's the thing, Stella. None of us guys could figure out why Linkin was suddenly ready to let you in, let alone a girl. But when you told me what he did to you, or rather tried to do to you, it clicked. You reminded him of his dead sister, and he didn't want to let you slip through his fingers. He wanted any chance he could get to somewhat have her back, or remember what it was like to have her around. Linkin took you in because he needed you." I'm shocked at his words. But he's right. Linkin wouldn't have done what he did if he didn't feel some kind of connection. I look into Jonah's eyes, I give him a small smile, and to my surprise he returns it. I can't help it, all this information has flooded my brain and it's overflowing. Tears spill down my cheeks, and I feel a comforting warmth against my hand, Jonah intertwined his fingers with my own, and uses his other hand to pull me into his embrace. He smells of burnt caramel and jasmine flowers, the combination is so calming within itself. I slide my other arm around his neck, weaving into his chestnut hair, not wanting to ever leave this position. "Was it too much for you to handle?" He asks quietly, running his free hand down my spine, making he shiver slightly under his touch. "Maybe, but I'm glad you told me. I really appreciate that someone would go through all the effort to give me the awareness I need to survive in this place." "You will survive, I'll make sure of it, if it's the last thing I do." His choice of words shock me, and I look up, my eyes meeting his. He gaze lingers on mine, and he leans forward, resting his forehead on mine. I want to stay like this forever. But my wishes are ignored and the metal door creaks.

Jonah and I seem to jump away from each other, not particularly ready to let anyone find out about our sacred moment just yet. Dean runs through the door, panting, red cheeks, whatever he's here for, it seems urgent. "Dean? Mate what's wrong?" Jonah asks, clearly concerned for his friend. I turn to Dean, awaiting his answer. "I-I don't know what's just happened, but it's Sheriff Linkin..." he stops. "What?" I ask, desperate for an answer. "What about Sheriff Linkin?" I glance at Jonah, his eyes are wide, eyebrows raised, clearly feeling the same way I do. Dean inhales deeply, and Jonah and I turn our attention back to him. "I don't know what happened or who did it, but I'm almost certain that Linkin is dead." As soon as the words leave his mouth, I grab Jonah and stride for the door, and our sweaty fingers intertwine once again.
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A/N: I'm actually kinda happy with this chapter! The length, the quality, the pace of the plot, things are looking up! I felt bad and really wanted to give you guys a chapter before I leave, so here you go!! I am really shipping Stonah, or Jella, let me know which one you prefer, (or make up your own if you like!) What happened to Linkin?? I hope you enjoy and I will miss you all very much!
Kisses,
A (see what I did there, PLL anyone? No, okay😔😂)