Ruby is dead-beat from crying throughout my whole story.
Amber has a look of both worry and sorrow, slight tears forming. She places an encouraging hand on my lap, letting me know she'll support me whenever I need it, so I give her a tight hug, my emotions spilling out to her through our small interaction.
Adam stares at the wooden ground with great intensity, contemplating something he has yet to tell.
"Hazel! Oh my god! I can't believe you did that for your family! You're going to be in constant danger because of this stupid game!" Ruby complains to me. She slams her fists on my floor out of frustration, her anger quite evident.
"But she did it for her family, Ruby." Amber shushes.
"But—" she starts.
"No buts!" She scolds.
"I know, it seems stupid. But Lucas..." I pause, and I think really hard. "Lucas does what he wants. I know it sounds cliché and really stupid, but I know him better than anyone and I know he would do what he can to torment me," I put my hand on my chest. "He knows my weakness... but I don't know his." I stare at the floor intently as a warm, gentle hand is placed on my shoulder.
"Thanks Adam..." I mumble. He just returns my gratitude with a reassuring shake.
We listened to the gunshots for half an hour more, then the cops came and the shots ceased fire and everyone ran for it. Apparently, the gang went overtime and the police had the right to intervene their territorial war. Who knew gang wars could be "civilized"?
I look at the clock.
11:27 PM
"You guys should start heading back, I can handle myself from here. It's late already and you all need your sleep." They look at each other, and from their expression, I already know what they were think. I sigh.
"As if I would let an innocent damsel in distress have a terrible nightmare all night while we stay in a cozy café." Says the deepest voice out of us all.
"Oh, a damsel you say? I don't think I'm helpless, O' dear knight in shining armor." I retaliate.
"But as your knight in shining armor, I have noticed that you are in quite the predicament so it would be wise if you would let us help you." He states firmly. I narrow my eyes, locking with his. The tension is thick.
So thick, you could cut it with a knife. I angrily let out a huff. "Who the hell are you trying to be? Seriously, Adam! I've been doing this for years so I'm fine! I can handle it for the rest of my life!"
"Don't you know? You have people you can depend on now, but you just don't want to!"
"Of course I don't want to! It's my problem and nobody else's! Do you think I would want anyone to feel the terror I feel and live in constant fear?"
"No, but that doesn't mean I want you to experience it any longer." Adam says harshly.
I can't reply back. I am in shock. "What?"
"I am basically saying that I am going to help you."
"Us too!" Ruby chimes in while holding her mother's hand.
"No, I won't let any of you do that. You all are too precious to me." I argue back.
"We are still going to do it. Besides, you're like a daughter to me now." Amber says, touching my arm, spreading warmth through my body.
"But... you will all be in danger. Lucas is a psycho. We won't know what he wants until he does it." I say looking at the ground.
"Well we know he wants you and that's all we need to know." Adam says with a tone that meant "end of discussion".
YOU ARE READING
Unravelling My Past
Ficción GeneralHazel Lynch just graduated from college and is off to a rocky start. She found her job, has an apartment, lives as a single woman. Unsure, giving, needs support, wants something or maybe even a somebody to give her a sense of security. She has a sec...
