Corruption

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

"Simon, please don't!" I cry. "You can't!" He looked at me, his eyes filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry," he replies. "No, I won't let you!" Just then, we heard footsteps in the hall.

"He's coming!" I whisper. I have to think fast. That's it! I would have to expose myself. I'm their granddaughter. Then Simon could get away while I distract them.

We discussed the plan and decided to act on it. Although, this will cost Simon his job. I feel bad, but this will be good for him. No one's first job should be an assassin.

I walked out of the bathroom as my grandpa turned toward me, shotgun in hand. When he saw me, he looked very relieved. "Francesca?" he asks. He didn't have his glasses.

"Yeah, sorry for the scare." I say. "Why are you here?" he asks. "I was at my friend's house, and I needed a way home. Your house was closest. I was just about to go upstairs and ask you guys."

"That's fine with me," my grandpa says. "You can sleep in the spare bedroom." I thank him and go upstairs. Simon is outside.

I write a note to my grandparents saying that I walked home the next morning.

Then I met up with Simon outside. I found him sitting on the sidewalk with his head in his hands. I sat next to him silently and put my hand on his.

"Why am I such a fuck up?"

I look up at him. "Don't say that about yourself." "Just look at me! I'm hopeless!" He sheds a single tear. I put my hand on his.

"Let's go home," I say. We get in the car.

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When we get back, I realize that I still haven't told my parents I was ok! They're probably so worried! I take out my phone and text them.

"Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I'm ok. I decided to stay at a friend's house. He's going through a rough patch and I'm going to help him out and live with him for a few weeks. I'll drop by tomorrow to grab some stuff. I love you!

- Francesca"

I hit send. Within seconds, I got a reply. "Ok, sweetie. We love you!" I smile and turn off my phone.

We go up to bed. I lie down and stare at the ceiling. Simon lies down next to me. I look at him. I thought I was going to be sleeping alone... "What?" he asks. "Nothing..." I reply quietly. He laughs.

I guess I fell asleep, because I woke up in the middle of the night with my heart racing. I had a nightmare about being lost in the woods. Normally that wouldn't be too bad, but I was being chased by something. Something big and hairy. Like a mutant rat of some sort.

I cringe just thinking about it.

"Can't sleep either?" Simon asks. We both turn over on our backs and look up at the ceiling as if all the answers to every question ever asked were written upon it.

"What am I going to do?" he asks.

"I'm not sure," I reply. "But I'm going to help you."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" he asks. "Well, for one, you took me in even though I was a total stranger." I reply. I take a minute to think. There was also another reason... But should it be revealed?

"I..." I begin, not sure how to put my feelings into words. "I think I..." Just say it, dammit! "I think I kind of like you..." I mentally kick myself. What if he doesn't feel the same way?

A few minutes of silence pass, which feel like an eternity. "I think I kind of like you too..." Simon says quietly. "What does this mean?" I ask. "It means that we both kind of like each other." I playfully punch him in the arm.

"Thank you, Captain Obvious."

My heart fills up with this great, indescribable feeling. Well, I mean, I guess if I had to explain it, I would say that I felt warm and fuzzy--Just like sitting next to the fire on Christmas morning with everyone you love.

It was the best feeling in the world.

And I wanted to feel like this for the rest of my life.

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Awww, how cute!!! That was probably the cutest thing I've ever written ☺️ Anyways, what do you think will happen next? Comment below! I can't wait to get the story rolling! Expect some action in the next chapter. I'll make it interesting for you guys.

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Hey guys! That was Chapter 2 of Corruption! I hope you liked it. It may seem a bit short, depending on what device you're reading it from, so I'm sorry, but I hope you forgive me and you still vote, comment, and follow.

I love you guys so much!!!

Within the first day, we already got 35 reads and 5 votes! That's pretty good! For me, anyway. Ha!

Thank you so much for reading!

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