perfection of hope | ✔️

XVIII

Ace

6 months. it's been 6 fucking months. and there's no sign of her. Joel sent almost 30 people to go through Ronan's compound and there was nothing. absolutely no sign she was ever there.

before we raided Ronan's compound we got a message and it said she was with him but she wasn't there and i'm so lost.

"Mr. Cole? are you listening?" i look up to see Mr Martinez staring at me along with the whole class. the only reason i came to school was because i had a math test today and i know hermosa would be disappointed if she knew i didn't even try.

"no," i grumble. Amelia and Jaymes have been spending a lot of time with me and the boys. Ethan and Amelia are getting close which is good, she looks like she needs someone.

"okay," he nods softly turning back to the board and continuing the lesson. the rest of the day fly's by and as soon as the days over i drive back to the compound.

i walk through the halls and to the room where we are all staying. unlocking the door and walking in i watch as Everest runs up to me and runs around in circles. i chuckle softly walking to the lounging area.

walking into the room i see that Amelia is cuddled up against Ethan and Seb and Jaymes are looking at something on one of their phones. Seb looks up and gives me a sad smile and i know they didn't find anything.

5 steps forward, 6 steps back.

❁ ❁ ❁
Gracie

i sit silently alone in the basement as i feel the tears run down my cheeks. i miss mama and papa. bear and Ev. Amelia, Ethan and Seb.

i miss Ace. so much. is he still my boyfriend? is he looking for me?

i move my head to look up at the roof as i listen to the footsteps of people up in the cottage. too lost in my thoughts i don't notice Eli come in until he's in front of me, grabbing my face.

his eyes are wide and frantic causing me to become worried.

"E? what's wrong?" i push my body up so i'm sitting straight. he says nothing as he moves his hands into his pockets. i hear jingling and spot the keys he pulls from his pockets.

"Eli are those..." i trail off hoping they are what i think they are. he smiles softly before putting them into the holes of the chains on my wrist. my whole body tingles as they fall of and bang against the concrete floor. he does the same to my ankles before putting his hands out in front of me for me to grab.

i slip my hands into his and he pulls me up but as soon as i'm up right my legs give in and Eli quickly slips his arms along my back and under my knees, lifting me up.

"yeah that'll happen after you've been chained to a wall for almost 7 months," he mutters. wait. 7. 7 months. i've been here for that long. holy shit. holy shit.

Eli walks out the door and starts going up stairs.

"Eli," i whisper, "there's guards everywhere you won't get me out,"