Removed

04

Comforting music blasts through my wireless earbuds. The warm, humid air caresses my flesh, yet I still shiver in my flats, even if there is no breeze to cause the slightest tremble, nor more rain to soak my clothes and chill me to the bone. It's serene and quiet, the half moon casting slivers of light onto every inanimate object. Shadows hide around every bend, combining with the sharp chirps of crickets to create an ominous feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach.

Dark chocolate locks are twirled between my fingers as I impatiently tap my foot. I check my trusty silver watch. As soon as I tap the screen, it brightly illuminates, contrasting the dim moonlight. Displayed in a white, bold font is the time: 11:10 p.m. Cody Simon is now ten minutes late.

I'm not completely sure why I'm bothering to linger on this cracked sidewalk. Maybe it's because I'm haunted by curiosity, and maybe even the slightest bit of fear. I'm not even sure if he'll even show up. Maybe this was a set-up, a trap to lead the government right to me. Of course, I could have fallen for his diabolical plan. My heart races and my head spins at the possibility.

"Sorry I'm late," Cody pants from behind me, causing me to start and rip out my earbuds, which I pocket.

"I'm here. Now what?" I query, attempting to keep my voice level and devoid of emotion. I don't bother to turn around. That way he can't read my face like an open book. Just like Ash taught me.

"It's too dangerous to converse here," he whispers, his voice slightly trembling. "Will you come with me?"

"Why should I?" I snap, spinning around to face him as my temper wins the battle of emotions brewing inside me. Green eyes blazing and stick-straight strands smacking my pale flesh, I spit, "I have no reason to trust you. You're one of those populars who doesn't give a hoot about anyone but yourself."

He seems genuinely shocked by my sudden outburst, hazel eyes wide and posture rigid. His lips open and close like a fish gasping for air. His eyes dart about as if begging the shadows and sparse sections of moonlight for the right words to say.

"That's what I thought," I mutter, folding my arms across my chest and piercing his lost eyes with orbs full of anger. "Can't even utter a single word in defense of yourself."

His eyes switch from shining with confusion to sparkling with annoyance. "I'm trying to help you. Just let me, or I can leave you on your own."

A sigh escapes me as I weigh my options. Maybe, just maybe, he can really help me. It's so difficult for me to trust another human being, but maybe that's exactly what i ned to pull me from my slump. Maybe, just maybe, something good can come out of this.

"I'm serious," the boy in front of me states, his eyes not revealing a hint of scandal.

"Yeah, okay. I'll give you a chance, a chance to prove this use of my time beneficial."

He slightly smiles. I notice he sports a small dimple on his left cheek which compliments his lopsided smile. "Great. Come on, then!

As he starts walking in the opposite direction, confidence in his step, I'm honestly not sure if I should trust him. Who says he's not like the rest of them, waiting his chance to pounce? Yet, another part of me, the wiser and stronger one, urges me to stop isolating myself, to let someone help me.

I put one foot in front of the other. Our footsteps blend together to form a steady beat against pavement and gravel. The only light that aids us is that of moonlight, which becomes obscured by clouds. Even with just a faint glimpse of light for a guide, Cody seems to know the path by heart. Strangely, so do I.