Emerald

1.7

Liam's POV

So we went to the police to track her number.

I felt like punching a wall. The thought of Emerald in danger made me want to scream and cry.

Her parents were crying. Everyone was. Nalia hugged Julian as they both cried. Kyle stood with his parents who looked worried.

And I stood in the corner by myself. What if something bad had happened? What if she was hurt and terrified? I couldn't stand it. The thought of her being hurt struck me hard. 

I grunted and kicked the wall.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. 

"It's gonna be okay." Emerald's mother smiled. I could tell behind that smile that was supposed to comfort me, but Mrs. Ryder was scared to death. For her family, friends, Emerald...

"I just need her in my arms." I choked out. "I-I really don't know what to do-"

"Liam, it's going to be okay. You know she's a strong girl. She's fearless. We will find her and she will be back home." Her eyes seemed glossy as if she was bound to break any moment, but she was speaking truth.

I nodded and took a deep breath. 

Please be okay, Love.

~*~

Emerald's POV

He tugged on my arm. We've been walking for an hour or so and it was almost dark.

"Walk faster." he grunted and pulled out my phone from my pocket. 

I stared at it wide eyed and got nervous. If he saw I was asking for help, he might do something bad. 

I shut my eyes as I continued walking. At least everyone else was safe back home. 

Owen stopped for a second before he put my phone on a rock. 

"What are you-"

"Shut up." 

With no hesitation, he got a heavy rock and smashed my phone. Little bits of glass flew. I winced at the sudden crash.

He stared down at it and swung his arm back which made contact with my face. It left a burning pain and all I could do was stare intensely back at him.

Come on, Emerald, show no fear. My heart was racing.

"Stupid girl." he muttered and pulled my arm forcefully through the forest.

I looked down at my arm that had a red hand mark going around it from his pulling. It felt numb. I reach my other hand up to my lips and try to remember that wonderful feeling from Liam. Its been a few hours, but it felt like days.

All I could think about was the fact that my mom was safe and so was my dad. 

"You're a lot more quiet than your mother." 

I stayed silent.

"Did you know that your mum used to be abused?"

I stayed silent again. Don't believe what he's saying. He's crazy.

"And 'by who?' you may ask?" he laughed to himself. "by dear old Lynn."

My heart drops. Kyle's dad? "You're lying."

he grunted another laugh. "Oh dear no, ask your mother. Ask him. Ask your dad." 

I stayed silent. I guess mom didn't trust me, her own daughter. She's never told me about her past and always tried to avoid it and I never knew why. 

"Let it sink in. Mommy didn't trust you. I bet, she is just... disappointed." 

I can't let myself believe that! But still, I had a feeling I should.

I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat. "You're... crazy." I shoved him away from me and as hard as I could. "Everyone back home... they're waiting for me because they care. My mom is probably scared for her life and its because of you. Because you're crazy and- and delusional. I'm not scared of you. And I won't ever be! My family will find me, and when they do, your ass will be back in jail. I never had more faith in anything more than my family." I continued pushing him away from me till he was on the ground.

He kicked my leg with his foot which sent me down to the ground. 

"You're honestly stupid to believe that, now get up and move it!" he got up to his feet and forced me up.

"Don't touch me." 

"Such a young pretty girl." He ran his fingers by my face. He tried to be gentle but I shuddered by his touch. "Such a shame you're just being wasted. Probably don't even have someone home who loves you."

My mind went to Kyle. And then to Liam. and it stayed on Liam. But did he even love me? Was he worried? Was anyone worried?

"Nothing to say now, huh?" he went closer to my face and wrapped my neck with his hand with a tight grip. I gasped and felt tears trickle down my face. 

"Let go of me!" I choked out.

His hand grabbed hold of my arm.

"Put your hands up! Drop all your weapons!"

~*~*~*~