pull me back | a drag me down spin off

【thirty three】

About an hour has passed and I'm still tightly sitting in the wooden chair. They refuse to release the ropes from my grip until we're fully prepared for the robbery. Even then, they promised to keep a tight hold on me.

I have never been so terrified in my life. Now I know how Mom felt. I'm in her exact situation, and I hate it. It's scary to not know how your future will play out. I could die tonight if I make one false move.

The six of them left me in the darkness, alone with my own thoughts. God, I can't believe this is really happening. The masked phantoms are actually holding me hostage.

A scratching sound behind me catches my attention. I can hear movement and muffled voices, but I can't turn around. I'm completely stuck in this chair until somebody unties me. It sounds like a window is being opened, but I can't tell if there is one behind me.

"Gray." A familiar voice says.

That voice is unrecognizable, it's a voice I've been hearing for six years. But how can it be?

"Cameron?" My eyes widen.

"It's me. Hang on, I'm coming." I can hear more movement, and then a thud. Cameron rises to his feet and dusts himself off.

"Holy shit, how did you know I was here?" I happily smile once he walks in front of me. Seeing his face is a miracle.

"Jesse texted me earlier, he wanted us to save you. Your parents are coming down."

Another loud thud comes from behind me. I slowly turn my head and see my father. His eyes are terrified and wide once he catches a glimpse of me in the chair. "Oh my god, Grace. Are you okay?"

"Dad! Dad, I'm so sorry I didn't-"

"No time for that, we need to get you out of here." He nods, sending me a sympathetic smile.

Mom is the next one to come down to the cellar. She's pushing her blonde hair out of her face and letting out a shaky breath.

"I can't believe we have to deal with those bastards again." She turns to look at me. "Oh, my baby. Did they hurt you? I swear to god-"

"Bodhi punched me in the face to get me here, but I'm fine." I weakly tell her.

"I'm putting him six feet under tonight, I promise." Dad angrily groans.

"They're getting ready to break into a bank and rob it, I'm forced to go with them."

"We're going to stop it from happening." Mom promises. Her hopeful smile gives me faith that everything will be okay. I will make it out of this situation alive and safe.

Loud voices suddenly emerge from upstairs, and I hear footsteps getting closer. I automatically go into panic mode.

"You have to hide, they're coming." I beg my family.

"We need to untie you first." Cameron sighs.

"Just hide, hurry! They can't see you yet!" I whisper-yell in a quick tone.

Mom, Dad, and Cameron rush to the other side of the large cellar. You can't see anything in the darkness, so they should be good. I can't believe Jesse told them where I was. Now I know he's always been on my side.

The door finally opens again, and I watch Riker, Jesse and Theo walk down the steps. They're dressed in all black and leather gloves are covering their hands. The sight terrifies me.

"It's almost time, Dolan." Riker smirks.

"Yeah, this is going to be your life now. You need to embrace it." Theo chimes in.