The Truth

Chapter 22

-Cindy-

They didn't even bother to use their magic. Immediately after Blake struck me, Jack tackled him. Rolling on the ground, they begin fighting with anger that I'm sure has been building up since they first met. The intensity in which Jack fought made me realize that he's an expert at this and maybe Blake is a little overpowered. I try to step in a few times, but I see that one of them has set a magical barrier around them like their own personal boxing ring. A few employees from the nearby stores come over to stop the fight but they're thrown back when they hit the barrier. The police are called and I start screaming at the boys.

"Stop, the police are coming. Stop fighting, we can't afford another delay. My brother." but nothing seems to help. I'm not sure if they can even hear me. When the police arrive, both Jack and Blake have beaten each other pretty bad. I fight the urge to scream in frustration and fear. We're never going to reach my brother in time. Several officers run towards the boys and hit the barrier. One officer pulls his gun and starts firing.

"No, please! They're just teenagers!" I scream, but the bullets ricochet off the shield. Finally Jack has the sense to look up. He stares wide-eyed at the scene that's unfolded around them. While he's distracted, Blake punches him square in the jaw. He lies on the floor, un-moving.

"Put your hands in the air, and stand up." the police yell. He waves his hand and his protective shield shimmers and disappears. He does as he's told. I look at Jack and see him move ever so slightly. Blake is furious as the officers handcuff him.

"You are under arrest for...." he stops, a blank expression on his face. The other officers look around, confused.

"Why are we here?" one asks. The officer releases Blake and apologizes. They all get into their cars and drive away. The store employees all walk back to the store as though in some sort of trance.

"Was that you, Jack?" I ask, and he opens his eyes, getting up. Turning to Blake, he takes a step back.

"I didn't do it for you. I did it for Jason." he says, his anger making his voice quaver.

"Did you erase their memories?" I ask. I must have sounded angry because he turns to me apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Cindy. I had to." he says. I shake my head.

"It's alright, I was just wondering." I turn to Blake and place my hand on my hips.

"Guys, we can't fight like this anymore. We have to find my brother tomorrow and we need a good night's sleep. We meet Zarathos tomorrow, and possibly other dangerous people as well. We're going to have to work together, and it's going to take all three of us to make it out alive with Jason." As I say it, I realize how true it is. If anything were to happen to any of us, we won't make it out alive tomorrow.

"I'm going for a walk." Blake says, and walks in the opposite direction of the hotel.

"How's he going to find his way back?" I ask myself.

"Who cares?" Jack huffs. I glare at him and he shrugs, pointing to the hotel.

"Come on, I really want to just sleep." he groans. I get a good look at him for the first time and realize Blake isn't so defenseless after all. His skin is black and blue, and he has multiple scratches.

We walk to the hotel in silence and as I check in, the lady looks at Jack in alarm.

"Is he alright?" she asks, reaching for the phone as if to call the police.

"No, he's not. He just got out of a very bad relationship and we're going to rest here for the night. Don't worry, I'm a medical student so I'll take care of him." I know the story doesn't sound convincing, but she nods and doesn't call anyone. "Oh, and if you see a blonde boy who's in the same shape as he is, please tell him what room we're in. He...he was in the same kind of relationship." I could tell she wanted to ask a few questions but she just nodded and handed me the room key.