Dangerously in Love

Chapter 3: Disappearance

It's been a few days since Liam showed up at my house. We haven't spoken since and he hasn't showed up to school. That doesn't surprise me though, he's known to just disappear for a few days. What worries me is that we were supposed to meet up to work on our project but he never showed up.

I want to know what he was going to say before he stopped. What does he use the money for? Is he in some kind of trouble? Where is he? Is he okay?

~~~~

It's now been a week since I last heard from Liam. I was currently at the mall with Sydney and we were at the food court. She was talking about some guy in her French class but I was barely listening. I was too busy wondering where Liam was. I saw Nick across the food court and I cut Sydney off telling her I'd be right back. I walked over to Nick with the mission of finding out where Liam was.

"Where is he?" I was blunt but I didn't care, I needed answers. He looked at me confusedly.

"Who are you?" Has Liam not mentioned me or was this guy just oblivious?

"Samantha, I'm Liam's partner for a project. Where is he?" I was angry, I needed something.

"Look I haven't heard from him since Sunday. He said he was going away for a few days, that's all I know." Great so not even his best friend can help me. I just nodded and walked back over to Sydney.

Why did I care so much? Why does his sudden disappearance bother me so much? I've always managed to stay clear of him and now I'm trying to go towards him? I sat back down across from Sydney and she gave me a curious look.

"What was that about?" I didn't know what to say. Should I tell her the truth or lie?

"Just trying to figure out where my project partner is, that's all." I settled with part of the truth. I was sure Liam wouldn't like it if I blabbed about his extracurricular activities. "So where too next?"

"American Eagle!" she pointed forward and started walking.

~~~~

It was Thursday night and I still hadn't heard from Liam. I was currently laying in bed watching a random movie I found on Netflix. Tonight happened to be the rare occasion when everyone was home so I didn't have the big TV we had in the living room. I wasn't paying attention to the movie because my mind kept going to Liam, that and my brothers were playing their video game very loudly.

It was almost midnight and I was thanking whoever decided to let tomorrow be an in-service day, so there was no school for me tomorrow. Even if there was, I don't think I'd be going to bed anytime soon. For one, I just wasn't tired and there was just too much on my mind.

My phone vibrated from under my pillow and I quickly retrieved it. I was surprised when I saw Liam's name on my screen.

Can you come outside? There's something I need to tell you.

I didn't bother with a reply and just walked out of my room. My brothers were still playing video games and my dad was passed out on the couch in the living room. I quietly closed the door, and I hoped my dad didn't wake up. Liam was sat on the steps of my porch with his head in his hands. His back was hunched over and I could see his spine through his blue shirt.

I sat down next to him and he didn't even flinch. We sat in silence for a few minutes, neither one of us knowing what to say. There were so many things I wanted to ask him, but nothing came out.

"When I was 14 I got into some trouble. I don't know how he found me but there was this man and he said he could make my problem go away, with a small price. I agreed before even hearing what he meant." I just sat there and listened. He kept looking at the ground the whole time he talked. "I wish I hadn't been so quick to agree. It turned out that little price was something dangerous. He's the leader of a gang. He wanted me to join him and he'd make it all go away. I was 14, I thought he was joking. I want to leave, but I can't unless I want to die. I've done things that has cost him money, that's why I fight, for the money. He expects me to pay him what I cost him. I'm trying to find a way to get out, but it's hard. The last time we talked I almost told you this, that's why I went away. I couldn't believe I was about to let myself get close enough to tell you. The only one who knows this is Nick, he's the only one I trust with this, well until now."