The Blind Date

Mission Halted | Twelve

After writing down the four different names, and taking the proper yearbook pictures, I went to Marcus's. He'd be more than willing to help me—and Jen. He never really talked to Em and Jen, just like I hadn't Mike or Scott, but it was unspoken within the group that we'd do anything for one another. Especially in situations like this. This evil person that hurt Jen was going to pay.

I pulled into Marcus' driveway on my motorcycle and turned it off. I set my helmet on the seat and knocked on Marcus' door. Rage and nerves filled within me as I waited for him to open the door. When he did, I was put at ease a little.

"Hey," he said. "Oh, what's wrong?" He asked when he noticed my facial expression.

"One of these four people hurt Jen two years ago and we need to figure out who," I showed him the names.

He took the paper and I came inside, still fuming. I heard him close the door and I sat on the couch, just to stand back up and pace around.

"What's going on, Erin? It's the middle of the night." Marcus asked concerned.

"I told you—"

"Yeah, I know, but what's going on? Who are we hunting? What'd they do to Jen?"

"Does that matter? One of those people hurt her and they need to be dealt with."

"Dealt with how?"

"I don't know!" I exclaimed, exasperated. Not at Marcus, just at the situation itself. No one hurts my best friend and gets away with it. "Something!"

"Okay. How do we figure out who hurt her?" He asked.

"That's why I came here," I informed him. "I got it narrowed down to those four. One of them moved away. I don't know where. They all went to our school, but none of them are there now. So we gotta figure out who moved away."

"They could've all moved away."

"I know, and if that's the case, we just message them all the same thing and see how each responds."

"Does Jen know you're doing this?"

I tilted my head. "No, why?"

"Should we be doing this then?" He asked. "I'm sure one of these guys are as vile as you make him out to be, but I'm assuming you just found out. Which means it sounds like Jen wants to forget this—whatever it is."

I sighed. "It's not fair. He doesn't get to just do what he did and get away with it!"

"Karma knows where everyone lives," he hugged me.

"It's not fair," I hugged back, my throat forming an air lump.

"I know," he said softly, rubbing my head. "Wanna talk about it?"

"It's not my story to tell," I sighed. "I just wanted to help. Show that I care."

"We all know you care. Just like we all know we care about each other. This may be something Jen should decide for herself if this is what she wants, though."

"You're right." I held both of his hands. "Thank you."

He gave me a sweet kiss and pulled me in. "You're welcome," he whispered in my ear.

Our lips found each other again and I wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. His hands clasped on my lower back tightly. I kissed his neck and wanted all of him.

"Mmm, we shouldn't," he said reluctantly.

"Why not?" I whispered.

"Just feel like we should wait, is all."

"Wait for what?"

"Until you're truly happy."

My heart! There he went again, surprising me. "What do you mean? I am happy with you. Truly." I added a wink on the last word.

He smiled. "I know, but I want it to be special. I told you I've imagined our first time. That's how I think it should happen. If it happens naturally, that's okay, but what's in here," he tapped his temple. "It's epic."

"Care to share?" I wiggled my eyebrows playfully.

"Maybe another time," he petted my hair. "How about we get some rest for now?"

"I guess. I should probably get back to Em and Jen. They're sleeping."

"You sure? You could just text them and let them know you missed me," he smirked.

I gave him a playful punch on the arm. "As true as that is, I should get back. I'm the only one who knows Jen's secret. She needs me."

He kissed me and walked me to my motorcycle. As I drove off, he waited till I was out of eyesight before going into his house.

*

Sneaking back into the house, I sighed as I shut the door.

"Welcome back," Karen startled me.

I gasped and placed my hand on my heart. "Give me a heart attack," I tried to laugh.

"Where'd you go?" She asked.

"Went to talk to Marcus. Didn't wanna call and wake up Jen and Em," I said as I sat across from her.

"Is everything okay?" She asked.

I sighed. "Yeah. I just... I don't know. I'm sorry if I worried you. How'd you know I was gone?"

"Honey, I always know," she smiled. "I just want to make sure you're okay and not doing anything reckless."

"I'm not, I promise."

"Okay. Well, go get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning," she hugged me.

"Thank you."

She just smiled again and I went back to the room. I couldn't sleep. Emily and Jen were asleep in the bed. Jen hadn't moved since she'd fallen asleep. Emily moved a little, but she was out. I sat in the bean bag chair and started reading a book on my phone until I finally passed out.