No Going Back

xxi

Reina and I were now currently sitting with Carter and Daniel looking at a set of papers in front of us.

Contracts to be exact.

Contracts stating that we agreed to the rules, and that we pledged our loyalty to the company.

Also some small details that were not to be missed. The main one being, as soon as we finish all assignments/hits given to our group then our contract shall no longer be valid and we no longer work for them and we can go back to a normal life.

Unless of course, like Carter and Daniel, we become group leaders to our own team but I don't think that I'd want to.

"Just sign these and then we'll start heading out towards HQ which is located in LA." Daniel explained and I was about to sign on the dotted line but Reina stopped me.

"You all know that my family is here, as well as Zav, Issac, and Luke."

As she said his name it was like reality hit me.

Luke.

Was he okay? Was he happy? Was he beating himself up? A million questions popped into my head but of course they had no answers at the moment.

But hearing his name made my heart sink to my stomach. "How is he?"

She sighed, shrugging. "He stopped hanging out with us, and he basically keeps to himself a lot now."

I hummed and forced a smile onto my face. "I have some unfinished business then?"

Daniel and Carter nodded at me, knowing what I was going to do next. "Alright everyone!"

Everyone came into the living room, curious to know what was going on. "Let's pack it up!"

Looking at me, Daniel began to speak once more. "Be back at half after two." He handed me the keys to his car and I smiled.

"Elijah goes with you and ..." He paused, looking around the room. "So does Nathan." Confused, I was about to protest but Reina spoke up before I even could. "Okay."

We got into his car and after about five minutes or so of arguing with Elijah about who gets to drive. I won.

We drove first to Reina's place, her mom wasn't there because she was at work till nine.  As quickly as she could, she ran inside and came back out with a duffel bag and a small suitcase.

Of course there was a ten minute delay because her cousin ran out and began interrogating us about what was going on and things like that.

Eventually I convinced her to let us go by promising to call and text.

There was a time that she and I were close but eventually we just sort of drifted apart. Of course, I care for her still but we just aren't as close nor do we really talk. Maybe a text here and there but that's it.

Currently we were pulling up next to my house, and my nerves were everywhere. I was afraid to see my father, Xavier, Luke, and Issac.

Where they angry with me?
Did they even want to see me?
What if they were fine without me?
Happy even?

Of course these were all questions, I could easily get answers too by just walking up the few steps to the door, but I'm afraid to know the answers.

"Ready?" Elijah asked me, as soon as I decided to not go there with this.

Reina and Nathan are staying in the car, Nathan agreed to be the getaway driver if it came to be necessary.

Elijah and I were walking towards the steps, abruptly he took hold of my hand. I can't hide nor deny the fact that it had caused my heart swell. 

Maybe Elijah's friendship will be good for me ... 
Or maybe the exact opposite ..

I shook that thought away, I didn't have time to think about that. I had a time limit and I needed to be quick.

As we were about to go up, I noticed there was someone elses car was in the drive way but it didn't look familiar. So who was here?

We walk up to the door and I was about to knock but I just froze. My heart was pounding against my chest and it was like I couldn't breathe right. 

I couldn't do this, I can't knock nor can I even calm down.

I shouldn't be here, I shouldn't have even come back. What if they stop me? What if they change my mind? 

I didn't really need my things, did I? I mean I can buy new clothes and get new things. Couldn't I? "I can't do this." 

I turned around ready to leave but Elijah stopped me taking both of my hands into his own. "Hey, look at me." 

I met his gaze, and it only caused my heart to race more. "You can do this Valerie, I'll be here the entire time okay?"

His words didn't help much, and they only seem to make me more nervous than I already was.

Without any warning, Elijah sighed and placed his hands on my face taking me by surprise as my eyes widened. Seeing that I was making no move to stop him, he began leaning in before finally he placed his lips against mine.

My eyes slowly fluttered closed as my hands moved to cover his own.

The kiss was kept short, but even so it was enough to somewhat calm my nerves. My heart was still pounding against my chest especially when he pulled away to look at me in the eyes.

"Better?" He whispered and I could only nod not able to find my voice.

He let out a chuckle, pecking me once more before taking a step back and taking my hand into his own.

What

In

The

World

Just

Happened?

Once more I raised my fist at the door contemplating whether or not I should actually knock.

What if they've already moved on? Do they even really miss me?

"Knock already." Elijah whispered making me jump slightly.

I turned to glare at him, but he only smiled as if he did nothing wrong. I shook my head a small smile appearing on my face, so taking a deep, I knocked.

Fucking shit, why did I do that? 

Okay maybe I still have time to get away. About to leave, the sound of the door unlocking made me freeze in place.

And the person who opened the door next was not the person I was prepared to see.

"Valerie?"

"Luke."