When Worlds Collide

Chapter 50

*ANNA'S POV*

I looked up as the door swung open, revealing Eli. I sighed in relief and smiled, despite the dire circumstances. His eyes landed on me. "Anna. You're safe." Then he noticed his dad, standing behind me. "No thanks to you. Let her and my mom go. Now." James stayed silent, clearly upset, but scared to say anything. I decided to speak up, not caring what Amelia did, since it would only help my case if she tried anything.

"Eli, he's not the bad guy here." Eli stared at me in shock.

"He has a gun on you! And he's been hurting me and my mom for the past 13 years. What do you mean 'he's not the bad guy here'?"

"He has a gun on me because your mother commanded him to. And she's been manipulating him to hurt her and you so that she could leave him for some rich guy, who's baby she's carrying. Your father has been trying to get back to you for 13 years to tell you the truth. But he's terrified to, because your mother threatened to hurt or kill you if he confessed. When I walked in, the first thing Amelia did was put a gun to my head and force your dad to tie me up. The first thing James did was cry when I mentioned I'm your girlfriend, because it hurts him to know how much of your life he's missed. The claw marks on my face? Your mother caused them. I promise you, your dad is not the bad guy here." Eli listened and looked to his mother.

"Mom? Is this true?" She kept quiet, avoiding everyone's gaze. Suddenly, she lunged at James and snatched the gun from his hand. Everything was a blur, rushing by on fast-forward. I tried to force my mind to press pause or even play, but to no avail. I saw Eli launch himself at me and his father.

"Eli, wa-"

BANG!

Time froze.

My heart stopped.

The world faded into darkness.