The Big Brother's Mission (#3)

Chapter 7

"Maddy..."

"Why are you doing this?" Maddy asked before I could say anything else.

I bit my tongue, keeping my silence.

"Why are you doing this?" She repeated when I didn't answer.

I've thought about this all night and came up with the conclusion that it's best for Maddy to keep her distance from me. I didn't want to relive the anxiety and terror that I experienced last night when I realized that Casey might not be safe. I didn't want to feel that way again over another person.

At this point, the less people I have around me, the better.

They probably don't know about Maddy yet and I need to keep it that way.

"Classes are starting again, go back to school." I said simply.

I didn't want the two of us to be seen out in the open like this. This feeling made me vulnerable, as if someone is watching us from somewhere.

"Don't avoid my questions, Bry. Explain right now, what are you doing searching for the leader of a Mafia gang?" Maddy demanded.

I kept my expression emotionless as I looked straight ahead instead of her angry eyes.

"It's none of your business." I replied as cold as I can.

Her shocked expression delivered a cut to me. I wanted to hug her and confide in her,

I wanted to tell her how scared I was right then and there.

I balled my hands into fists and held myself back as I kept up my façade.

I have to keep her safe.

Maddy shook her head and I noted how she didn't pick at what I said despite the hurt look in her eyes.

"Do you realize what you've just done? This is the Mafia we're talking about here, Bry. Are you in your right mind right now?" She asked, looking at me for any signs of confirmation that I've lost my sensibility.

"I know what I'm doing, Mad. This has nothing to do with you so just stay out of it." I snapped at her, not wanting her to pry anymore.

I instantly regretted my sharp tone when Maddy closed her eyes and reopened them, showing how glassy they've gotten.

"I really hope you know what you're doing." She said before turning around and running into the building.

I watched her back disappear behind the school doors and leaned on the car beside me, letting it bear my weight as I dropped my façade.

I don't know what I'm doing.

I'm grasping at straws and they keep on slipping through my fingers.

I buried my face in my hands and tried to recollect what's left of me before straightening up and walking back into the school to get to class.

I need to get through the rest of the day to avoid raising any suspicions towards Casey.

I can only hope that Maddy won't run to Casey and tip her off.

I opened the text that Jax had sent me, hiding my phone beneath my desk as the teacher continued her lecture.

Tonight at 9.

I tried to convince myself that I was doing the right thing. The heavy weight that have settled over my chest made it hard for me to breathe and I felt suffocated.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I kept my head lowered and closed my eyes, trying to clear my thoughts and focus on what the teacher was saying.