When Worlds Collide

Chapter 45

*ANNA'S POV*

I was roughly shoved into a chair, a gun aimed at me by the person I'd least expect. Amelia. Eli's mom. She looked at Eli's dad, James. "Tie her up," she commanded. James didn't move, until she yelled at him. "Now!" He grabbed some rope and began wrapping it around me. Eventually, he stood in front of me and began tying my arms to the chair. He sighed, his eyes on the rope.

"I'm sorry about this... I'm sure you don't deserve this and it's incredibly unlucky that you came here at this time. I don't know who you are, but I apologize." I half-smiled at him.

"It's alright. This isn't your fault. She has a gun. Besides, I'd rather be tied up than watch my boyfriend's father be murdered." James froze, meeting my eyes. There were dark circles and bags under them, as if he hadn't slept in weeks.

"You're my son Eli's girlfriend?" I nodded slowly as his eyes began to water. "It breaks my heart to meet you like this. And it hurts even more to know that I never got to watch my son grow up. I'm only meeting you now through sheer luck. Bad luck, as a matter of fact. And I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, but Amelia will give me a choice. Either kill you so Eli is forced to kill me, or let you live and Amelia will torture my son to death. Now I-"

"Kill me." James furrowed his brow, seeming shocked and taken aback.

"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" I took a deep breath.

"Kill me. Whatever torture the wicked witch over there has planned will be a thousand times worse than Eli having to kill you out of what he believes is revenge. You seem like a decent guy. I wish I'd known the truth sooner and I wish you could live. But I don't want Amelia to torture Eli and I don't think you do either. I hate it, but this is how it has to be. So, when the time comes, shoot me." He hesitated, then leaned in to whisper something to me.

"I may have a plan where we all survive." He pulled back and stared into my eyes.

"I'm listening."