Stepping Up

21.

Andrea's POV.

The search for my brother continued. Our school even became more worried about him than my family. Most of his friends fell pity for me but it hurts more when people give you that puppy eye and gloomy face just to make you feel better.

The classes I had were mostly short because I had to take bathroom breaks to talk to my dad and my step mom on the issue about my brother. Em even played a huge role by getting her family lawyer and the CIA's involved in the case which I am really grateful for.

Although I'm a little relieved that my enemies are out of my life, sometimes I preferred that they were still there and my brother was still with us, with me.

"What is the answer Parker?" I zapped back to consciousness when my math teacher stood in front of me with his thick glasses and his fingers twitching in his pocket. I clearly didn't hear the question he just asked.

"Can you please repeat that? I didn't hear the question." I give my best answer and stare at him for what he'll say next. My classmates kept laughing like there's something funny here. I just rolled my eyes at them.

"No I wouldn't! Just because you're going through a tough time doesn't mean you will not focus on your school work miss. Now go stand at the back." He tells me and I slowly get out of my seat and stand at the back of the class without arguing with him. His period ended and I went back to my seat and texted my Em about the development. She gave me a positive news and i immediately left school with her for the big news.

We both arrived at the private detective's office and sat down. "Sir, you have something to tell us?" I spoke first and he looks at me closely, like I am a criminal.

"Yes. My team and I have gotten the location of the criminal. Apparently, she's a little fiesty but she later complied." I widens my eyes at the sudden news. "Come tomorrow and see the criminal. . .and your brother." From the tone he said it, he looked really worried about me and I couldn't help but give a slight smile.

"Okay T-thank you! Thank you so much." I whisper and we left the office. I told my dad about the news and he was happy to hear it.

The day finally came after sleepless nights at home. We were taken to see Mindy who looked so awful and like a total rascal. I could tell she has gone through a tough time in their custody.

"The cops have caught me, happy now?" She half laughs, looking like a maniac.

"I'm sorry about that. At least you get to spend a few years until you get your head back together." I say to her in the police custody. I thought she will attack me but she didn't. Em was just staying still, watching everything.

"Yeah, Lucky me. Have fun with your life." I turn to go."wait! Just incase I don't make it out of here alive, I'm sorry for what I did, for Anika, for the people I have sent away from this world. I didn't know love and hatred could make someone insane. I guess I'm a total mess huh?"

I laugh, "Uh huh. It will be okay. I forgive you. I pray you make peace with God at least."

She laughs wildly, "I guess you are right, God truly exists. I failed him, failed my mom, my family. . .the world."

I hold her handcuffed hands and stare deep into her eyes."Er. . .yeah. What matters is that you make peace and get your life back, the better life, not this." I wanted to finish talking to her but I got a phone call from the hospital about my brother.

"Be good around here." with that we left the place.

Em drove to the hospital and we met my dad and Tokyo waiting outside the room. They had faces of pain. I went to hug them both. I couldn't fight back my tears, I let everything out.

"Is he okay?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Critical condition. The doctors are still doing one or two things in there." My dad said and I silently prayed for him in my head.

"It will be okay. Don't cry." Tee holds me and I let out fresh tears. When someone says don't cry, it makes me want to cry the more. I tried looking into the room but I didn't see anything. After several hours of pacing back and forth, the doctors came out. It took the head of the doctors to tell us the condition of him.

"How is he?" Tokyo spoke first. I saw the concern in her eyes. Her step son is in there fighting for his life.

"Congratulations! He's fine now. A little broken bones and ribs. We put him on a severe anesthesia to let him rest. Hang on for a few hours, he should wake up by then." And he walks away. We all wore faces of relieve, including Emily.

"Hey Em. Go home, you need some rest. My family will take care of him." She argued at first but later gave in to my request.

* * *

"What happened? What am I doing here? He-Hello?" Was the voice that woke me up. I turned to realise that it's Don. . .he is alive.

I wipe the stray tears coming out of my eyes. "You're fine. Oh, thank God you're awake now." I smile a little.

"My head hurts. W-where's Em and dad and...Tee?" Of course he had to ask about his girl.

"Em left few hours ago, I told her to. The others are outside the hallway waiting for you." I bet they have probably crashed. Waiting for hours can sure make one sleepy. I prop his pillow for him which he appreciates.

"Oh. Can I get like something cool?"

"Sure. Something like what?" I ask.

He looks at me like I wouldn't approve it.

"A bottle of Beer or something close to it." I laugh and he does too. Yes, he is definitely back.

A/n; Hey there!
Well, we have gotten somewhere. At first, I thought the book was going to end soon but from what I wrote, I guess we're hitting thirty chapters. How exciting.
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