I Found Home [Completed]

Chapter Twenty Eight

Rebecca Walker

My heart won't stop pounding in my chest.

I was sitting on my bed with Xander on the couch beside me. The silence meant nothing to us as our gazes landed on the slow ticking of the clock on the wall. It's almost 10:00... My throat suddenly felt dry as I finally understood the heavy weight of the situation on my shoulders. It was the night before the wedding, and both Xander and I had been sent for an early night of rest. We were initiating the plan at 10:00, which was the time when Mama would be "checking up on the wedding decorations", as part of the first phase.

I had already seen the wedding dress Papa planned on me wearing. Was it wrong of me to think that it was the most elegant thing I've ever seen? It was a white dress, as simple as that. I had tried it on earlier this morning, and I was a little stunned that it fit so well. The soft lace frills on the ends of the sleeves acted as cuffs, bringing in the Victorian ages vibes. The same frills were sewn onto the hem of the dress. I wasn't surprised by the sparkling fabric at all. Mama had apparently packed it into my suitcase, in case of any situation where I would have to sell it for money.

Somehow, I doubt that'll happen.

"Rebecca."

I looked over to the left from my gaze on the clock. Xander was already on his feet now, his eyes dimly lit. Almost like an instinct, I quickly stood up, ready.

"It's time?"

Xander simply nodded. "Let's go."

Grabbing my hand, he pulled me out of my room, and we both ran down the quiet halls of the mansion. Thank god we were still in Los Angeles, or else it would've been a lost cause. I could only hear two things: the pounding of our footsteps rushing down the empty halls and the pounding of my heart as it crawled up my throat. The halls were only lit by a few lamps on the walls. I could barely see anything, the only thing in sight before me being a black void and Xander's blocky figure in front of me.

Trotting down the stairs, we ran towards the West Wing. Xander's grip on my hand tightened as we heard the passing shouts of the wedding planners in the other halls. Was this really happening? Was this for real? Are we really escaping? I noticed the walls changing, and soon, the smell of moist bricks filled my senses. This was the only time I would be happy to be in such a place. The tapping of a spoon against bars alerted me. Xander let go of me, though I continued following after him as he whipped out a ring of keys from his pocket.

"Sam..!" I whispered quietly, the tapping noise stopping abruptly at my voice.

"Rebecca?"

"Okay! You can hear me! Now get up! We're going now!"

"Oh shit—"

The only habitual hallway of cages came into view, and I ran ahead of the body in front of me, moving past him. Looking over my shoulder, I called to him, my eyes shining.

"Xander!"

"Got it!"

Xander tossed the ring of keys towards me, stopping abruptly to grab an empty catering cart from a nearby hall. The ring slid through my outstretched arm, and I pulled it off of me, finding the right key. The adrenaline began wearing down as I slid to a rough stop in front of Sam's cage, feeling my heart warm up tremendously as his forest green eyes landed on me. Unlocking the gate quickly, I swung it open. It slammed against the wall, creating a loud bang. Grabbing his forearm, I pulled him out harshly.

Almost like a well-orchestrated symphony, Xander ran in with the catering cart. Yes! He stopped it before us, and I flipped open the white flab, shoving Sam in. His head bumped into the metal part above it.

"Ow! God dammit, woman!"

"I'm sorry!" I apologized suddenly, moving a little as I leaned forward, keeping the flab open. "Now stop hogging all the space! I probably can't even fit in there!"

Xander interrupted us both. "Okay, you lovebirds! You better hush before someone hears you! Rebecca, just sit on Sam or some shit! We don't have time for this right now!"

I turned to Xander, giving him an embarrassed look. "Sit on him?" Though the gravity of the situation was heavy, I didn't feel like blushing out of my mind today.

"Get fucking in, loser!" Sam exclaimed.

I squealed suddenly when he grabbed my hand, pulling me onto him. My head slammed against the catering cart, and I grabbed it suddenly. "OW!" The flap closed on us, and I opened my eyes, only to see green orbs staring back at me. The space underneath the catering cart was just enough for us, but kept us uncomfortably close. My breath suddenly weighed down heavily. A quirky smile landed on his face.

"Well, hey there~."

"O-Oh for god's sake—"

"No words."

Interrupting my words, I looked down, averting my gaze from meeting his. It was already hot in the cart from our breathing, and my sudden blush made it worse. I haven't been this close to him before, so it's weird. Especially since we're face to face. My head still hurt as well, so I clutched it tightly. Sam's hand replaced mine, and he patted my head, as if I were a pet. We stayed silent for the sake of the escape plan. I felt the cold air of the night blowing inside the cart.

We're outside.

Xander suddenly kicked the metal bit of the cart a little. That was a sign that a guard was coming up to him. Sam's arms wrapped around me consciously, as if he could protect me from the world.

"Sir Xander! Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

"Don't tell me what to do, imbecile," Xander spat coldly. I smiled a little, and Sam looked at me, mouthing something along the lines of Xander being a great actor. He always did want to be a Hollywood actor. "It's my wedding, therefore I should take responsibility for it. Get back to your shift, punk. Who do you think you are, talking back to me?"

"M-My apologies, sir," the guard stuttered out.

"Go. NOW!" Xander barked harshly. The squeaking of the wheels meant that we were moving again, and the clanging footsteps of the running guard disappeared.

"Good job, Xander!" I whispered loud enough for him to hear.

"We're not through yet," he muttered in response. "Initiating the second phase of the plan, starting now."