Taking This One To The Grave

Scene One: The Warning

Walking home at night is already scary enough as it is, and getting pulled into a creepy, benighted alley way by the wrist, and then being shoved up against the wall against your will.

I shrieked in shock and fear, thinking, Fuck, I’m going to die tonight. Who is this dude? & what the Hell does he want from me?

“Shh,” the man whispered to me, covering my mouth with his bare hand. “My name is Jack. I know this situation right now is already creepy for you, but what I’m about to tell you is worse and it is to be sworn to secrecy no matter what, unless you’re in extreme danger and know somebody that can help. Nod your head if you understand me.” I nodded my head, still scared out of my mind.

“About 3 months ago, me & my best friend, Rian, met a guy named Matt. He was chill as fuck at first, but then he started intimidating us. And now Rian is scared to stand up to the little fuck,” Jack whispered, his hand still covering my mouth. He sighed like he was afraid for my response.

“One month after Rian & I met Matt, he had been forcing me to stalk his next victim, which was you. I’m fed up with Matt’s shit, and I don’t want to see you hurt. If you don’t trust me, I wouldn’t blame you. But please, Alex, I need you to trust me. You will die if you don’t let me help you.”

Jack took his hand off of my mouth so that way I could speak.

“This is a lot to take in,” I whispered to him, he nodded in agreement.

“I know, and I’m sorry for scaring you, but I’m just trying to save your life here. Matt is manipulative, and within 5 seconds, he could kill you. Please, Alex, you have to trust me. If you take my hand right now, take me to your house, pack your things, and let me take you to a safe place, I will keep you from any harm.” he said, sounding genuinely scared for my life.

I could see the sincerity in his beautiful, chocolate brown irises, and that was enough for me to trust him.

“Okay."

“What?”

“I trust you.” I clarified. Jack looked at me in astonishment, like he thought I wouldn’t trust him.

“You do?” he asked excitedly, with a small smile on his face.

I nodded, “I do,” I replied, flashing him a tiny, shy smile. “The way you said your words, and the look in your eyes doesn’t give me any reason not to. But first, could we go back to Zack’s house? I want him in on this -- he’s hella strong, and I wouldn’t want you protecting me by yourself. Plus, Zack’s my best friend. I can’t just lie to him, we tell each other everything. He’s like the older brother I’ll never have, despite the fact that he’s younger than I am.” Jack’s smile widened.

“I knew you would want him in on this. Lead the way, Gaskarth!” Jack exclaimed in a whisper. I chuckled silently and walked in front of him, and I swear, I could feel his eyes burning on to me.

                                                                                        **

I texted Zack on the way back to his house to meet Jack & I outside his house. When we reached his front yard, he shot me a confused look.

"Alex, what is going on?" he asked, dumbfounded and concerned.

I was about to say something when Jack spoke up for me, "Alex is in danger. I can let you know more about what's going on if you agree to come with and help protect Alex." he said. Zack looked at me like Jack was crazy.

'He's not lying,' I mouthed to Zack. He bit his lip.

"Both of you come inside so I can explain to my parents where I'm going exactly." Zack spoke, motioning Jack and I towards the inside of his home where his parents (of course they were) sitting on the couch, watching TV.

Jack and I followed suit, walking inside the Merrick residence. Zack's mom looked up and grinned, "Alex! Didn't you just leave a few minutes ago?" she questioned.

"He did, but, uh, something's come up, and Alex needs me. We don't know when we'll be back, but we'll make sure to check in everyday." Zack said. His mom looked concerned.

"Alex, hun, what's come up?"

I looked over to Jack with pleading eyes to let me tell her. I mean, we are taking her son for God knows how long. He nodded, and I took in a deep breath.

"He's in danger, m'am," Jack told her. "And if Zack doesn't come with, there's no way in Hell that I will be able to protect Alex all by myself. I can't give much detail about the danger your son's friend is, but once we reach the safe house, I will make sure to Skype you and Alex's parents to tell you in full detail." She looked like she didn't want to give in.

"Pack your things, Zack," she said. "I know how torn up you'd be if Alex was gone. Just be safe, okay, Zacky?"

"Of course, mom. I'll be right down." Zack said, running up the stairs to pack.