XII. Voice
It had been a while since I last spoke to Daniel and I silently wondered if it had to do with Viola not wanting him to tell me the truth. I managed to get by the time with focusing on school work and whatnot. I think it had been about a week.
Arm linked with Danielle's, I silently walked by her side towards the first class of this torturous Monday. I was pretty sure I wouldn't pay any attention to this class and I wasn't worried, either. I maintained an A average in most of my classes so there was no problem in ignoring the topic of the day.
If I was being honest, I wasn't actually thinking about anything when I zoned out.
You are the only exception.
Hearing the line break through my empty thoughts, I instantly thought of Mae. I smiled, softly humming along to the song, surrounded by noisy chattering. I glanced around and found that nobody had noticed me. Good.
The bell rang soon after the song finished and I waited for Danielle. Once our arms were linked, we exited the classroom. I'm not sure about her, but I felt ready for anything.
*
Thinking back on the song that had played that morning, I pulled my guitar out of its case and began to strum gently. I loved the way the chords felt beneath my finger tips. There was just something that made it feel empowering.
I switched songs, overwhelmed by the sweep of emotions crashing over me. I couldn't fight the smile making it's way onto my face.
"Adriette, I need you to come with us." Viola's voice caused my fingers to freeze, ceasing the sound of music in my room. I set my guitar in its case and closed it, abondoning all but my phone as I followed her down to her car.
Daniel gave me a closed mouth smile as I climbed in the back. I returned it and stayed silent until we passed their street.
"Where are we-" Viola shut me up with a quick steely glance in the rearview mirror.
By the time I felt the car slow to a stop, I was blinking away the fading dreariness from dozing off. It had felt like hours had passed by during the car ride and I silently worried I was being kidnapped.
Technically, yes we did kidnap you. In our defense, though, its for your own safety. There's a danger in this place.. We're at a motel in the next town over. Daniel's voice was slightly surprising but reassuring to hear. I was grateful for the small privacy we shared. I just wanted to know how.
We all walked into our room in silence and collapsed on our own chosen piece of furniture. I was on one of the beds, Viola was in a chair in the corner of the room and Daniel (for reasons unknown) was sprawled across the small table I'm amusing is the dining table.
I gave him an odd look, knowing he couldn't see me.
"We'll be in a four star tomorrow when we get to where we need to be." Viola finally gave me some information, getting up and going into the bathroom. I stared at the door and sighed, finding no point in freaking out.
My phone rang just then and I felt my heart skip a beat at the caller ID. "Hello?" I answered.
"Hey, where are you? Can you come over?" I felt my heart break at the sound of Mae's sweet voice.
"I had an emergency. I won't be around for a while. I had to leave town. You can still text and call, though. I mean, obviously." I blushed furiously, embarrassed by my awkward word stumbling.
"Okay. I will. Do you wanna talk about the emergency?" Her ever caring voice was causing an ache to build in my chest.
"I can't right now. I don't really have any details. I'll tell you what I can when I have something to tell." I laughed awkwardly and she reciprocated it.
"Okay, weirdo. Text me tomorrow. Mm, bye." Her usual quick goodbye made me frown a bit, wishing for more of an intimate goodbye.
After that, we all quietly prepared for bed and got some rest for what already felt like a big day tomorrow.
*
Back Home
Adam walked alongside Danielle, arms linked tightly. All was quiet in the empty park as the two casually walked around. Adam had been released from the hospital that morning and had immediately went to his long lasting on/off partner.
"So, what are we going to do now? They have her." Danielle spoke in a hushed tone, aware the topic was top secret and dangerous.
"We have to trust they can get her to the headquarters safely and quickly. She's ready to be opened up to the truth. Its time somebody showed her." Adam sighed and pulled Danielle down next to him on a random bench.
They continued discussing this in hushed voices, unaware of the quiet beeping in the background. All they had to do was mention some form of location and jackpot! they have her.
"Oh, no, no, Adriette." His sinister voice slipped through the shadows, clicking his non existent tongue at the foolish girl. "Nowhere is safe."
