Expose Them, sequel to Release Me (Editing)

16

"Hey." I come up beside Noah.

He looks embarrassed. "I'm sorry about the other night."

"It's fine."

"But I walked in on you guys..."

I touch his arm lightly. "It's fine Noah."

His shoulders slump more relaxed. "Do you mind me asking how long you guys have been a thing?"

I blush. "Um, not long. Just a few days."

"Oh, nice."

"Yeah." I then lean in closer to him and whisper in his ear. "Tell Brandon that I need to speak to him."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Thanks."

Just then Coach Bear enters the room. "Everyone up-up-up-up," he booms, "Three rounds around the gym NOW!"

Everyone groans beside me, I'm already off, my feet flying across the room.

My heart is racing widely in between my ribcage, which makes me feel alive. Quickening my pace, I complete my laps.

"It looks like we have a runner in our midst." Coach Bear's eyes land on me, full of approval.

"Not really. I just needed to let out some energy..."

His eyes crinkle on the sides as he draws me in. "I see." From the monotone of his voice, a chill runs up my spine, causing me to shudder.

"Everyone two more rounds, Alice you can go shower and change."

"Yes, sir." I couldn't get away any faster.

As I quickly make my way to the girls' changing rooms, I can feel his eyes following me.

Oh, Alice, why did you draw attention to yourself? Maybe because they already know why I'm here. President White placed me as his 'spy'.

I step over the threshold of the changing room, leaving the cacophony sound of feet running and mouths panting for breath behind.

...

I bite into the bright orange pepper, just as there's a knock at the door.

"I'll get it."

Sliding off of the stool, I dash over to the door. Opening it, I find Brandon waiting.

"I was expecting you." I step aside, allowing him to enter.

I then lead him back to the kitchen and offer him the red pepper.

"No, thanks."

"Your loss," I say, taking a seat. "They're really good."

"Alice, why did you call me here?" He sounds a bit aggravated.

I bite my lip, nervously. How do I put this into words?

"Um, do you have a training base or something of that sort?"

"A training base?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Somewhere where we could teach Demi and Joseph to fight back..."

He smiles. "Oh, yes, we have a headquarters."

"Can we train Demi and Joseph there?"

"Sure. We could start tomorrow."

"Great."

I show him the way out and lock the door behind him. I know it was a short meeting, but it got the job done. We're getting ready to fight back.

...

Tonight my nightmares don't show Hunter, they show my brother.

Danny places dinner before me.

"Eat up," he tells me his bright blue eyes twinkling.

"Yes, sir." Smiling, I begin to eat.

And that's when the doorbell rings, making me freeze. "Are you expecting anyone?"

He shakes his head--- no. "You?"

"No."

I stand up and cautiously make my way to the door.

The bell rings again just as I put my eye to the peephole. I can't see a thing.

I open the door, regretting it instantly.

"Hello Alison, it's good to see you."

I try to slam the door in his face, but he just pushes me aside like swatting a fly away.

"Danny," I cry, "RUN!" But it's already too late.

One of President White's men found my brother sneaking out the back door. He shoves Danny into the center of the room, his gun pointed at my brother's chest.

"What do you want?" I ask President White my voice quivering.

"We made a deal Alison."

"I know and I kept to it..."

"No, you are starting a revolution and because of that I'm going to punish you."

"Don't," I cry, jumping forward just as the gun goes off.

...

I wake up trembling, my hair plastered to my forehead from a cold sweat. My nightmares haven't been as frequent lately, but when they do happen, I'm left shaken. 

I'm kind of relieved to find Derek awake, lounging on the couch, hands tucked behind his head.

He looks up when I enter the room. "Why are you not sleeping?"

"I could ask you the same question," I say, giving him a small smile.

Then walking up to him, I take hold of his hand and pull him to his feet. He doesn't question me as I bring him into the bedroom.

"I had a bad nightmare," I admit at last, "Will you stay with me?"

He nods, climbing into the bed. I follow close behind him, draping the feather-stuffed blanket over us. His arms come around me, keeping me glued to his side.

"Go to sleep," he tells me.

I listen, closing my eyes and drifting off to sleep in the safety of his arms.