ꜱᴋᴇᴛᴄʜᴇꜱ

Chapter 33

I don't really know how long I'll be here. It seems that time has been slowing down since the moment I met Greg. Every second I hear mumbling voices outside the door, I hear Greg's voice. Maybe the loneliness and all but I missing everyone; my mum and dad, Ellie, James, Zara and most of all, Zayn. Locked up in here has made me forget his face no matter how hard I've tried to remember.

I wish I could write something to him, paper or a text message, to tell him about the pains and how I've been coping in a room that's lit up by a bulb dangling over my head. I bow my head, waiting for my next shot. When I hear the door open, I know I've prayed hard and it's been answered.

"This won't take long," a man says, walking towards me with a syringe.

"I know it won't," I reply with sarcasm laced in the statement. I turn my head to slightly see him crouching behind me. I shut my eyes when I feel the needle in my skin. Few seconds and it's pulled out and he walks out.

I shake my head, squinting and adjusting my eyes when I hear the word 'chloroform'.

What does chloroform have to do with me?

I'm tired of everything, including being held up in here against my will. Good news, I also got tired of fighting with ropes when I couldn't free myself.

Hours after Greg left, I hope on everything I can. 

God...Taylor...the police...Zane and Greg as well.

All I see is the storm that I haven't been able get rid of ever since I came here. I need this fear to die. I need to find me.

I look at my feet and sigh.

"A man who is proud of dying, is proud of showing is battle scars," my dad always said.

I also said the same thing to Zane.

Look at me...going contrary to what I told him. I tried escaping by killing myself, hurting myself...even taking pills. 

I have to make up my mind, here and now. Whether Ed kills me or not, I am proud to show my battle scars, my wounds.

It's just a chance of faith.

~Zane's POV~

Today is when Vanessa is leaving. Taylor spoke with her yesterday and we've got the tracking device set to all devices in case we run into problems. I and Taylor have been advised to stay home but I've been paranoid. 

"Just let me come. I won't do anything stupid-"

Taylor and Vanessa's eyes both widen. "Zane, you can't be crazy-" Taylor says before I cut her off.

"For Cassie, then I am," I look into Taylor's eyes but I see is disbelief and apparently shock. "Vanessa please."

"Fine," Vanessa finally succumbs.

"You are actually going to let him come with?" Taylor protests.

"Yes she is Tay," I fire back. "Are you going to help me or not?" From the look in her eyes, she knows what I'm thinking and I'm ready to let all go down in flames if anything happens to Cassie

She thinks about it for some seconds before speaking. "I will."

Here we are now at Cassie's home. The house seems gloomy...like a graveyard. Silent. I notice Tay is shifting uncomfortably in her seat.. 

"Zane," Cassie's dad speaks before sitting opposite us. "We've made calls and the police are going to be around you at all times. If you find her, stay back and give us a call. Avoid confrontation at all cost."

"No problem sir."

I touch my pockets and notice my phone is at home. 

"Is everything okay Zane?" Cassie's mum asks as she walks into the living room.

"I left my phone at home. I'll quickly get that before we leave. Let's go Tay," I say and rush to the door.

"Thank you," Mr Dean says behind us.

I fumble with the door handle while Tay waits behind in the car.

"Hey dude," Darren says from behind me. I hug him, keeping my face as neutral as possible. 

I forgot to ask Vanessa what Darren was doing in her apartment complex.

"Forgot my phone at home and I and Tay wanted to hang out together."

He gives away a weak smile. "Sure, could I use the bathroom?" he asks the moment we get in.

"Sure dude."

"Thanks," he pats me on the back and moves towards the last door in the hallway.

I find my phone on the counter but hear someone else's phone ring. 

Darren's.

I want to leave it but I want to know what relationship he shares with Ed and why we visited Vanessa.

My curiousity gets the best of me and I pick.

"Come back to base. Enough wasting time. The girl has to die," the caller drops the call and I'm silent.

I quickly get my phone out and save the number to my phone, delete the number from his call log and dial his number.

"Z, I think I heard my phone ring from the bathroom," he asks when he approaches me.

"I accidentally called. Sorry about that," I reply with a smile on my face.

"No problem Z."

"Can we go? Taylor is waiting for me,"

"Sure thing man."

"Are you sure?" Tay asks again.

"I'm sure. Darren has something to do with Ed and they want to kill Cassie today," I groan out in frustration. "What do I do Taylor? What do I do if anything happens to Cassie?"

"Nothing will happen bro."

"I can't take it anymore."

"Relax-"

"How can I relax when my own best friend is trying to kill her?"

She stays silence and I think I've gotten my answer. I look out of the window, my breathing uneasy.