Modern Day Santa Claus

MDSC [32]

Chapter 32

Jae was trapped. She couldn't possibly sell Skye out to his enemy and on the other hand, she also refused to betray Sam. She was stuck in the middle of the dispute, having gained information from both groups without them knowing. She knew very well this could bite her in the back in the near future if one of them decided to buy or force the information out of her.

She can't tell Sam anything. She was an important piece of the puzzle that will make or break the supposed family feuds. She did not want to contribute anything to a war that she wasn't originally a part of. Both of them were very dear to her heart and she wants nothing but for them to just make up and forget the past.

An hour has passed since Sam had locked her up in his room and refused to tell her the password to get out of here. Sam was now lying down on his bed with an emotionless expression on his face while Jae sat right by the door, as far away from her friend as possible. Sam had threatened to keep her here until she talks, even if it takes them all night.

With shaking hands, Jae stared at her blank phone screen, waiting for Skye to send her a goddamn text. She gave him her number yet she still doesn't have his. Jae's only contacts were her mom, brother, and Sera, from when she tried to find a third roommate for the apartment. She already sent Sera a text so she can come to get her but her hope was crushed when she replied she wouldn't be sleeping at the apartment tonight. Jae never got around to asking Maggie her phone number.

Jae had no one else to turn to. Her only friend was now threatening her. She let out a strangled sigh.

Two hours have passed.

Sam had wanted to doze off an hour ago. During the two hours, his thoughts began to clear and he realized how much he fucked up. He was overwhelmed by his emotions, his anger that he began to act irrationally without thinking. From the way he acted, he was the one who betrayed her by forcing her to cooperate and even using their friendship against her. That was the lowest of the low.

The self-hatred Sam felt strengthened as he reflected on his past actions. He was stupid. He was damn stupid for acting on his impulses, letting a dream of his, decide to break a friend's trust. It was silly, little fear that kept him awake most times but this was obviously the first time he had acted on it. Jae would never sell him out. Ever.

His heart wrenched at the thought. He can't be around Jae anymore. Just knowing that she knows most of the Claus' secrets were enough to send him over the edge. He needs to cut his ties with her before another episode like this comes up and puts her in danger. She can go frolicking with that white-haired bastard and learn his every secret for all he cares. She just needs to leave him alone.

Three hours have passed.

Jae noticed that Sam had calmed down and was almost falling asleep. She watched his head nod off a few times but then stir awake for him to glance at Jae's small form at the door before looking away again. She almost felt bad. Sam must be so exhausted to be having a difficult time staying awake. How come he didn't tell her how badly his weeks have gone?

Guilt formed at the pit of her stomach. Because of their clashing schedules, the two of them never had the time to meet up. Her first two weeks passed without bumps in the road because she had Skye. Sam had no one. Her memory flashed to this morning when Sam asked her if she was free to hang out today. If she hadn't gone to Skye's, maybe Sam didn't have to go through this alone.

Her eyes glazed when she saw Sam glancing at her once again before turning away.

Okay. She's had enough of this.

Jae stood up from the floor, her hand gently patting her back when it was sore because she was stuck in the same position for hours. She took slow, careful strides toward her friend, instantly relaxing when his menacing aura had vanished into thin air. Right now, he was just like an abandoned, depressed, little puppy. Her heart thrummed nervously in her chest as she took off her shoes and placed them neatly on the floor before walking over to the opposite side of the bed.