Lost

Chapter Five - Don't Give Up On Me

*One week later*

"Jesus Christ, Annika!"

Alejandro said after I punched one of the six punching bags in the training room.

"What? All I'm doing is imagining it's Teo's face."

I throw another punch at the bag. Alejandro sighs and puts his face in his hands.

"How have I lived with you for the past six years and not been beaten into a pulp because I pissed you off?"

He mumbled.

I stopped punching the navy-blue bag.

"Maybe its because you are like my Brother. You stick by me, cheer me up when I feel down, and are always there for me when I need someone. Even when Diego beats the shit out of you because you try to help me."

An image of my older brother briefly passed through my mind. My eyes start watering. He looked up at me through his fingers and groaned.

"As much as I don't like this mushy stuff, I have to say that I will always stick by you and I will never give up on you, you got that A? Never."

He stands up, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug. I didn't realize I was crying until wet-hot tears were streaming down my face.

"What the hell are you two doing?"

Ethan barks as he pushes through the doors.

You've got to be fucking kidding me. I pull away from Alejandro and wipe my cheeks off with the back of my hand.

"Aww, is little Annika crying? Not so big and tough as she seems, hmmm?"

I flipped him off and adjusted my boxing gloves, now imagining Ethan's face on the punching bag. What happens if I imagine both Mateo and Ethan's faces?

He stomped up to me.

"Where have you been for the past week? No one has seen you and Diego is pissed as hell because you haven't been showing up to practice! Stop being a baby and get your ass upstairs."

He emphasized 'baby'. I snarled at him.

"What the hell do you think I'm doing now?"

He walked behind the punching bag.

"I'd move if I were you." I said. I smirked to myself, knowing he wouldn't move. I'll use that to my advantage later.

"No! Not until you shut your mouth and listen to me!"

He pointed at me. I shrugged.

"Fine. Don't move then."

I kicked the bag as hard as I could and smirked. I heard a 'thud' and looked to where he was curled over himself on the ground.

"I hope that hurt."

I said, throwing my boxing gloves on the table and walking over to where he was lying on the ground and trying to catch his breath.

I squat down by him.

"Next time, don't try and tell me what to do."

I say and pat his cheek.

I turn to Alejandro."Let's go."

---

"I really don't want to go."

I say to Alejandro three hours later. I took a bath, a shower, and sat in the hot tub outback. None of it has calmed me down.

"You need to. Unless you want to face the wrath of Diego. And besides, I hear that this is a.....special mission.

He says, getting up off my bed and holding out his hand.

"About damn time too."

I haven't wanted to go on any missions for a while now after the last one didn't end well. But, if it means I get some action, I'm all for it.

We walk down the stairs and into the conference room where Ethan and Diego are waiting.

"Well Annika, since you hurt Ethan and can't control your temper, I'm sending you across town."

Honestly, I think I'm just going to take my time on this mission. I'd gladly leave for a few hours.I rolled my eyes.

"What? Did they beat someone up? Did they KILL someone, Diego?"

I asked in a sarcastic tone, knowing it was probably just some street gangster.

He just crossed his arms, the corners of his mouth turning upward.

"Her name is Lilith Valentine. She will be the leverage we need to get back at the Roses' leader."He answered. Okay then.

"Why do we even have to get back at them? Nothing has happened for years. Not since that damn street gang attacked us three years ago."

I don't get it. Why would we be going after people who haven't done anything? But - Valentine. Oh shit. These people -

"I think you know why, Annika. But just so everyone else knows, the Roses killed Annika's Father and one of the ways we are going to get back at the Roses is kidnapping Mr. Valentine's sister."