Talk To Me

Chapter Twelve

February thirteen

The trunk slammed shut with a metallic thud, sealing Leah and Lily in darkness. The roar of the engine soon followed, vibrating through the cold metal floor beneath Leah's trembling hands. Her breath hitched, her pulse still hammering from the fear that hadn't quite settled. Every jolt of the moving truck made her stomach twist tighter.

She shoved her hands into her pockets, searching for her phone—only to remember, with a sinking feeling, that she had left it in her backpack. And that backpack was still in Cassie's car. Swallowing hard, she shifted on the rough floor, her hands skimming blindly through the darkness until they brushed against cold skin.

"Lily," she whispered, reaching out to her friend.

Leah's eyes were slowly adjusting, allowing her to make out Lily's motionless form beside her. A spike of panic shot through her.

"Lily," she repeated, her voice sharper now as she shook Lily's shoulder.

No response.

Leah's breath caught as she pressed two fingers under Lily's jaw, searching desperately for a pulse. For one horrible second, nothing. Then—a slow but steady thrum beneath her fingertips. Relief flooded her, but it was brief.

She ran her hands over Lily's pockets, hoping that her friend had her phone. Nothing. Leah exhaled shakily, her mind racing. Crawling forward on all fours, she felt along the metal walls, searching for anything—something—they could use.

The space was bare.

No latch.

No tools.

No way out.

Defeated, she sank back onto her knees beside Lily and tried again. "Lily," she nudged her, her voice urgent. After a moment, a soft groan broke the silence.

"What?" Lily's voice was hoarse, barely above a murmur. She shifted slightly, blinking against the darkness. "Where are we?"

Leah exhaled, the knot in her chest loosening just a little. "Can you sit up?" she asked, grabbing Lily's chilled hand.

"I think so." Lily pushed herself upright, wincing as she adjusted to the movement. She turned her head, scanning the dim surroundings. Confusion settled into her expression. "Leah... where are we?"

"We're in the back of a truck."

Lily froze. "Wait—where's Cassie?" Her voice sharpened as her gaze darted around the enclosed space.

Leah let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Who the fuck knows?"

Lily's breathing quickened. "How long have we been moving?"

"A while," Leah muttered.

Lily wrapped her arms around herself as if trying to ward off the creeping chill. "How the hell did we even get here?"

Leah rubbed her arms, trying to keep herself from shaking. "The guy carried you. You were out cold. The other one... he forced me to climb in."

Lily turned to her sharply. "Forced how?"

Leah swallowed, her throat dry. "He said he'd shoot me if I didn't." The words felt heavier when spoken aloud, making it all the more real. A fresh wave of fear crashed over her. She curled her fingers into the fabric of her sweater, gripping tightly. "What are we going to do?" Her voice cracked, and suddenly she felt like a child—helpless, trapped, scared.

The terror that had been simmering under the surface finally broke through. Her chest tightened, and before she could stop it, the tears came, spilling hot and fast down her cheeks. The moment she had woken up, everything had felt surreal, like a nightmare she was about to shake off. But now, telling it—reliving it—it was real.