On The Run

Chapter Thirteen

"Joey?"

There he stands, good as new. Well, despite the large bruise on the right side of his face, and looking down at his hands I see that they are bloody.

He looks at me for a minute before glancing at AJ, and then back again.

That's when I notice the cut on AJ's lip and his bloodstained hands.

Did Joey and AJ fight?

No. How would they even know each
other?

"Rosalie," his voice is raspy, as if he hasn't had water in weeks.

"What are you doing... with him," Joey practically spits, gesturing to AJ while wearing a disgusted expression.

I feel AJ's hand tense on my wrist, and I pull myself out of it, running to Joey and engulfing him in a hug.

"Never mind me, what are you doing here?" I ask, almost pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

He looks down at me before wrapping his arms around my back.

"And why are you all bloody?" I add, after he doesn't respond.

"The Raptors. They're here." he states coldly, before sighing.

"And," he hesitates, glancing over at AJ.

"And what?" I prod, looking at him expectantly.

"Chrome's out. He escaped. Or... someone let him out. One of the Raptors probably. One of the strongest Raptors,"

Again Joey looks pointedly at AJ, and I look back to see the bad boy wearing a guilty expression.

It couldn't be.

Stepping back so that I can see both of them, I let my arms fall to my sides.

"What are you trying to imply, Joey?"

He shakes his head, looking around.

"Not in the school," he sighs, walking out the front doors.

After a quick pause, I make to follow him, but AJ grabs my arm.

"Please don't," he murmurs, but I simply shake my head.

"You guys know each other. And I want to know if this is... if this is what I think it is. If you're a Raptor."

He fidgets nervously.

"I... let me explain. He'll just lie to you, he doesn't know-"

"You are. You traitor," I spat.

I nod after my statement, knowing that it is indeed true. Pursing my lips angrily, I follow Joey outside.

AJ is a Raptor.