Betrayed

We're Clear.

For the next two hours before the school was dismissed, I helped a little around the school by sending packages back and forth to classrooms that were needed. I didn't mind being there helping out because I used to stay an extra few hours a few months back when I didn't wanna go home right away. It was fun helping students with after school activities and much more they had planned that day. "It was very thoughtful of you to stop by here and help around. We all appreciate you and we hope that you come again to visit. You're always welcomed." Mr. Price smiled as we both stood up from the chair we were sitting in at his office. We had a good conversation about my job and how it was so far. Even though I didn't come here just to see old faces, it was still heartwarming to come back here after 2 months. "Thank you, it was a pleasure to be here. I'll make sure to come here again whenever I get the chance." I said as I left his office and looked at the clock. It was 2 minutes before the bell rung for dismissal and I had to get to the parking lot before it did.

Memorizing the way to the parking lot, I made it just in time and exited the doors as soon as the bell rung, parking my car in an open spot and waited for them to come out. I wasn't even sure if they were gonna meet me, considering the fact that I was their former teacher and the sister of their friend that they just recently found out about. But it's Audrey we're talking about and I'm pretty sure they care about her a lot.

What seem like forever as I looked at my phone and it read 3:10. I sighed loudly and came to a conclusion that they weren't gonna come, so I put my seatbelt on And started the car up, about to put it in reverse when I suddenly seen the three of them come out and all exchanged looks, making me turn the engine off and get out the car with a slight smile on my face.
"So.....I see you've made a decision." I said and they all nodded.

I looked at the girl. "I'm sorry, what's your name? I haven't seen you around before I left here."
She reached out to shake my hand. "Hailey. I'm Mia's old friend." She greeted me as I saw Nick and Connor go for the passenger seat at the same time, pushing each other out the way. "Oh okay, it's nice to meet you. I'm sure they've told you who I was and if they haven't, I'm Leah. I used to work here so that's why they call me Ms. Tate, so either one I'm fine by." I said and chuckled at the two that were still wrestling for the front seat. "It's nice to meet you too, and yeah they told me who you were. I've seen you a few times and I also haven't really gotten to know Audrey like that but on the look on your face tells me that you're completely lost without her. And I have a little background about myself so that's why I don't mind tagging along. I have hope that we're gonna find her....I really do."

"Thank you." I nodded as we both stopped at my car, watching the on going battle between them. They didn't know how embarrassing they were right now as a few people looked, passing in their cars, laughing as well.
"No problem." She said as she made her way towards them, shoving both of them out the way and climbing in the front seat and locking the door.

I chuckled as they looked at her like she was crazy and then back at me. I shrugged like I didn't see anything at all and got in the drivers seat. They exchanged looks and then got in the back and began arguing about the seat. "I have never seen two almost grown ass men fight over a seat." I mumbled under my breath as I started the engine up and pulling out of driveway. It was silent for a few minutes until..
"Anyone want something to eat before we make our way towards my house." I announced, passing a few drive-thru restaurants.
"Burger King." Nick said, earning a scoff by Connor and Hailey.
"You just had three cheeseburgers for lunch." Connor put him on blast as Hailey looked at them through the rear view mirror. "Fat ass." She shook her head, gazing out the window.
"And? That was two hours ago, and now I'm hungry again." He defended himself as I laughed at their conversation.
"And Hailey I know you're not talking, the other day you ate two Big Macs."
Hailey turned around while Connor burst into laughter after saying 'ooo'.
"Shutup Nick." She playfully glared at him as I pulled into Burger King's drive way. I forgot I was supposed to text Tyler that they've agreed to help us. I guess I go do that after everyone orders their food.

"Kinda feels weird that I'm riding in a car with a former teacher that I still call Miss." Connor chuckled.

"Welp, get used to it." I said before rolling my window down.

---------

After I ordered them some food, I allowed them to eat in my car just as long as they cleaned their mess up. Now at first I didn't have to worry because, hey. They're seniors. They should know how to eat properly. That is until I turned at a red light and saw Connor's burger fall to the floor.
"Seriously?" Hailey turned around at him. "Mind your business, it slipped out of my hands. Sorry.....Ms. Tate....about your floor. Uh, pass me some napkins would you?" He nudged her and she rolled her eyes and dug into the bag infront of her. "It's alright." I said, chuckling lightly. "Besides, you're no worse than my 14 year old daughter." I mumbled under my breath as we turned the familiar street.

I pulled into my driveway and we all got out. "Nice." One of them said as I went towards my door. "Thanks." I thanked him and immediately snapped my head in the direction of my car when I heard it slam. "Wanna pay for that car door?" I asked Nick as he came up to the rest of us. "No."
"Didn't think so."

I unlocked the door and texted Tyler that we were here and he replied saying that he was still at his house. I decided to take my coat and shoes off, going into the living room where they all took a seat at.

"Okay.....now I know this is weird for you guys but we're gonna have to get pass that. I have an old friend named Tyler that's coming over with a few of his guys, and I'm letting you know now that this isn't one of those simple easy tasks that's done within a snap of a finger. This isn't a game. This is real serious. And Audrey's life is possibly depended on our choice of actions so I'm giving you the option right now if you refuse to go any further with this. I'm not forcing you to do anything, but I am asking you to follow the directions we give you. Don't twist them, bend them, mishear them, nothing. We can't mess this up. Are we clear?" I looked at the three of them.

They all exchanged looks back and forth for a few seconds.
"We're clear." They all said in unison.