Her Persistence - Completed

Chapter 57

Poppy's PoV

Sierra and Crystal let out a shriek as the gunman aimed their pistols at the girls, Michael quickly getting in front of Crystal whilst Luke pulled Sierra behind him. None of us could speak, we were all rooted to the spot in fear whilst it had snatched our voices from us. Where were Dave and Jack? What the hell had happened? Naomi wore a waitress's outfit, proving to me that the plan had been thought out enough for her to steal someone's uniform and act enough to get the gunmen in with her.

"Now, lets play a little game shall we?" Naomi's eyes were cold, like no emotion lived there anymore. She was just stony faced, knowing what she wanted and working hard to get it. That thing was Calum. Naomi walked around us all, each one cowering closer into the group as Naomi looked them in the eye. "Luke. You first." She grabbed him and yanked him out of the group and away from Sierra who let out a sad sob. Luke's legs shook as he stood beside her. "Let's play Poppy versus Naomi." Luke's eyes fell on mine and he bit his lips together. I mouthed that it was okay, to say whatever she wanted to hear. He nodded fearfully. "Yes?"

"Yes." Luke squeaked out.

"Now Luke , who is better looking? Me or Poppy?" Luke took the chance to turn and look her over, obviously pretending to play onto her game. He turned to me and stared at me for a second, his eyes closing as he muttered his answer.

"You, Naomi." My heart sank. I knew what she was going to do. Out of fear she was going to turn everyone in the band against me and then she'd threaten me, making Calum agree to be with her. I already knew how this was going to pan out. The gunman aimed a gun at Sierra, who cowered into her chair more. Luke was desperate to hold it together but you could see he was on the brink of tears watching as Sierra broke down.

"Good answer. Go back." She snapped as she shoved Luke back towards Sierra. They both burst into tears as they cuddled, Luke apologising over and over to her as she sobbed into his chest. "Michael next."

"No." I breathed out as one gunman grabbed Michael and walked him over to Naomi whilst the other walked up to crystal and pointed the gun at her stomach.

"No please." Michael begged, trying to move back to her. The gunman blocked his way.

"Play the game." He ordered as a distressed Michael stood before me.

"Michael, who is a better friend to you guys and your girlfriends? Me or Poppy?" Michael debated what to say, knowing that at some point all these marks against me weren't going to end well. Equally though, a gun was pointed at his long term girlfriend and his baby. He had no choice.

"Naomi." He mouthed a sorry to me as Naomi clapped and cheered, mentally noting her score of 2-0. Michael and Crystal sobbed in each other's arms as they were reunited, leaving only one more couple to target.

"No matter what, I love you guys." I whispered to them as the gunman grabbed ashton, pulling him and Bex apart. She screamed no as he was pushed towards Naomi, earning a back handed smack across the face with the back of the gun. Bex fell to the side, her hand coming up to her face as she let out a cry of pain. I jumped up, ready to help her only to be met with the barrel of the pistol between my eyes.

"Sit the fuck down." The gunman ordered and slowly, I shrunk back into my seat. The gunman then made his way back to Bex and aimed the gun at her temple. Ashton was nearly a wreck as he watched, knowing he could only save Bex by giving me up. Ashton had been my closest friend in the band and I could tell the deliberation in his eyes as he worked out what he could say that would maybe give me the edge for once. I didn't want him or Bex to get hurt though, so I'd argue with him if I needed to.

"Ashton, who is better for Calum? Me or Poppy?" Ashton's chin quivered as he shut his eyes to think of his answer. I could see how much it had pained him to try to think of a way to help me.

"Well, I mean Poppy has helped him through a lot." Ashton began. Naomi looked furiously over to the gunman who quickly pulled the safety off the gun he was holding to Bex's head. Ashton's eyes widened in fear. "But... I'd have to say it would be you Naomi." The gun was withdrawn from Bex's head and they both sighed with relief.

"Excellent." Naomi said as Ashton and Bex were reunited. I looked over at Calum, tears in my eyes as I readied myself for the worst.

"Cal, whatever she says, protect yourself. Don't worry about me." Calum's eyes fell to the floor.

"How can you say that? Our baby is in you." He seemed offended, his body clearly in two minds about what to do in this situation.

"I know. But I need you Cal. I can't do this all without you." My words seemed to strike a chord and he choked back a heavy cry. His hand found mine and gave it a squeeze just as the gunman appeared in front of him, tearing him from my grip. As tears streamed from my eyes I watched as Naomi stood Calum beside her, snaking her hand around his waist. He looked so uncomfortable but daren't move in case it made her mad.

"My love, Calum, my baby daddy." Naomi began and he winced at the words. "Who are you going to stay with forever, no matter what happens? Me or Poppy?" Before I realised what was happening, the gunman was upon me, yanking me to my feet as he put the gun under my chin. I tried desperately to remain calm as my eyes locked with Calum's. I mouthed over and over for him to say Naomi but he just stared back at me as if he was taking me in for the last time. It all seemed to happen in slow motion after that.

"Poppy." He said. Everyone gasped. The gun aimed at my chin was then aimed towards Calum. Naomi shrieked that I had to die. Calum shoved Naomi. The door behind him swung open.

A gun fired.