I Choose You

Almost Lover

"Goodbye, my almost lover

Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do"

- Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy

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"Wow, that was. . ." Holden's sentence hung in the air as the TV screen remaining black. 

I could not agree more with Holden, knowing he would have followed with something like "intense". I still could not get over Icarus' role in the whole situation. Never would have imagined he would be the leader of the Hallow gang. 

I had heard whispers about the Hallow gang growing up. Mainly related to Lincoln Park and their control of the area. It was overrun. No one of authority dared to mess with the area. It was hushed rumors that the Hallow gang lined the pockets of most cops - especially ones of high power. It was clear that was how the Hallow gang got away with so much. 

"Shit," Walker exclaimed. 

Focusing on Walker, I saw him looking down at his phone. "What's the matter?" I asked. 

"Nothing pass what I expected. Mom has gotten Dad worried. He's now calling and texting me. They're mad about us missing lunch and not calling them." Walker huffed and shoved his phone back into his pocket.

Reaching for my phone, I noticed that our parents had been calling me too. I was so engrossed with what was happening with the race that I never cared to look at any of my notifications. 

Missed calls from Mom = 28. Missed calls from Dad = 8.

Guilt washed over me knowing they were probably worried sick. "I'll call Mom," I offered. Mother easily panicked and therefore it was best to assure her everything was fine, first.

"I just texted them both that we are alive and well. I say we watch a movie and I take you to Dad's after," Walker suggested. "Plus, since you were so brave to not go to lunch, I'll make sure to take all the blame."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? How are you going to do that?" I crossed my arms over my chest. 

"I'll probably say something along the lines of I never get to see my sister and I kidnapped her to spend my last day with her before I go back to college."

"Oh, right," I rolled my eyes. "Even if Mom could forgive you for the lunch, she would be down your throat about not inviting Ryland. You've not seen him this whole weekend."

"False," Walker proudly stated, a smile teasing me just as much as his words. He knew something I didn't. "Holden and I picked Ryland up from school on Friday. We spent the whole afternoon and evening with him."

"Kicked both their butts in Monopoly," Holden boasted. 

Walker snickered, "Only cause you cheated."

"Cheated? How did I cheat?" Holden said with a grin.

"You were the banker and pocketed some of the money - advancing yourself to the point where you won." Walker accused with a scold.

Holden shook his head, "I don't believe in cheating. Y'all just need to get good."

***

Walker stayed true to his word; Walker explained to our father that it was his fault that I did not show up to Mother's lunch. Dad was not happy but grudgingly understood. Dad was firm in saying that Walker had to tell Mother.  Dad was not going to deal with the wrath of Walker's mistakes.