Hidden in Plain Sight

[9] Moment to Shine

Lauren was frozen once again. Her ears betrayed her. There was no way she was hearing this… this nonsense, bullshit. No way he-

“She was one of us. Is one of us,” he quickly corrected, “It’s true.”

Lauren shook her head, not allowing this preposterous notion inside her head. Macey would tell her if she was an… assassin… right?

“You’re lying. She would’ve told me. She’s my best friend. I’m hers. She would’ve told me.”

“I’m sure she wanted to tell you. Believe me, Lauren, I know what she’s gone through, but we weren’t allowed.”

“I don’t believe you. She would’ve told me!”

Jackson sighed in defeat. It was obvious to him that it would take more than just telling her what happened. He had to prove to her that what he was saying was nothing but the honest-to –God truth, and he knew that there was only one person that Lauren would believe.

“Look, we need to make our way to Macey’s right now. It’ll be sundown soon and it’s quite a drive. We need to go over the entire plan.”

Numbness and confusion engulfed Lauren, merely nodding and proceeding to follow Jackson towards his truck. It was as though her body was a shell with absolutely nothing inside. She felt empty at that moment, and she didn’t know what to do.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get your car later. Come on.”

***

The drive was silent for the most part, as the soft humming of the radio worked to tease the awkward tension between the two. Neither knew what to say as both were still consumed with thoughts overflowing in their heads, but at the same time, neither wanted to speak, in fear of unanticipated reactions.

Lauren continued to question herself. She was absolutely certain that Macey would’ve told her about her supposed secret, especially something so significant. They told each other everything! Although Lauren didn’t understand the gravity of the situation, she really believed that her best friend would not keep any secrets from her, just as she would never keep anything from Macey.

The faint tapping on the steering wheel caused Lauren to stir and shift her view from the deserted road and towards Jackson’s side profile. Despite the fact that she didn’t trust the guy, she couldn’t help but observe the strong jawline that held the rest of his face. This brought back the memories of their date that seemed so long ago, making Lauren smile. She wanted to go back to the time where she had no worries, no problems, just pure bliss. Unfortunately, we can’t always get what we want in life and, all she could do at this point was think about when this would be over. Look towards the peaceful future that kept her going. That, and trust Macey’s plan.

“Observing my beauty, are we?”

“I was just looking at how much you look like a duck.” Lauren scoffed at his arrogance.

Jackson pouted exaggeratedly and then let out a laugh, Lauren joining in and effortlessly decreasing the almost palpable tension in the truck. Her response had caught him off guard, and he found it refreshing, almost nostalgic, but he had a mission to follow through, and he wasn’t about to fail his first one.

The truck slowed to a stop and Lauren hopped out, taking in the surroundings around her. Familiar, yet foreign.

“Finally, you guys are here. I was beginning to get worried.” Macey stepped down from the front porch with a carefree smile pasted on her face.

How is she so calm? It’s not like we we’re going out on a picnic and not worry about murderers that may or may not be lurking around the bushes like squirrels. Lauren thought as she hugged her best friend.