Emily gave Faye her look. The look that could speak more words than anyone.
“Looks like someone has a friend in a band!” Emily shouted. She began to double over with laughter. Faye just shook her head and ducked into Emily’s car.
“Can you just shut up and drive, please?” Faye asked, trying to change the subject. She pulled out her phone, and put Jake’s number into her contacts. She decided that it was for the best that she texted him now.
Hey, it’s Faye.
Faye felt anxious as she sent the text. The only people she ever talked to were her father and Emily. She was never a people person.
“You know what? I’m hungry.” Emily said as she pulled into Taco Bell’s parking lot.
“Of all places to eat, you chose here.” Faye said as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Faye saw that the place was practically empty, and that there were only a few workers. It’s nearly one in the morning. Not everyone craves tacos at one in the morning. Faye thought to herself.
---
As Faye and Emily sat and waited for their food to be ready, a group of guys in football uniforms marched in like they owned the place. They looked over in Faye and Emily’s direction. One of the guys had a surprised face and whispered to one of his team mates.
“Yeah, I think that’s her.” The guy said. After they finished ordering, the group walked over towards Faye and Emily.
“Excuse me, but are you Faye Helms?” One of the guys asked.
“Why should it matter?” Emily asked while raising an eyebrow.
“Well, she’s claimed to be kidnapped.” The guy replied.
“Well, I’m fine. Please let me enjoy the rest of my food in peace. Thanks for your worry.” Faye said as she took a bite into one of her cinnamon twists.
“Kidnapped?” Emily asked. Her face was drowned in disbelief.
“Probably my father. I’d say it’s better that you take me home, rather than I spend the night with you. I wouldn’t want you getting into any trouble.” Faye said as she got up to throw away her food.
“Well, come on. Let’s get you home.” Emily said as she took one last sip of her drink before throwing it away. Faye felt her phone buzz.
Do you know that they’ve sent a missing child alert on you? –Jake
Yeah, I know. I am not missing though. He’s probably up to something or just terribly drunk……Again. –Faye.
Faye shook her head. She was amazed at the stunt her father had pulled. He’s just worried so he can beat you some more. A voice in the back of Faye’s mind whispered. Emily dropped Faye off at the apartments, and waved goodbye before pulling away from the apartments’ entrance.
---
Jake’s phone screamed at him right after Faye had left.
“Stupid child missing alerts.” Jake said as he pulled out his phone to stop the annoying noise. It’s the last day of tour. I should be able to relax. Jake thought to himself. He saw the name, and he started to freak out. He pulled up his texts and responded to Faye’s message.Why would she be missing? Her father was practically beating her this morning. He didn’t seem like the one to miss the child he was beating. Jake’s mind was off the wall. He couldn’t think straight. He could only think of Faye having to go back to that horrible man sooner or later. His phone buzzed, and he saw the text from Faye that almost broke his heart. He thought of his response before he sent it.
If anything happens, there’s a key under the mat at my apartment door. Feel free to enter and sleep there for the night. –Jake.
Jake couldn’t shake this feeling that he got. He thought it was just his mind playing tricks, but he felt extremely protective over this girl he barely knew. He wanted to rush down to the apartments right now and make sure that she wasn’t going to get hurt, but he couldn’t. He had to stay with guys to celebrate the tour. I swear to God that I will find a way to protect her, even when I’m away. Jake thought to himself.
