Chapter 25: Evil genius

Chapter 25: Evil genius (Wattpad)

Part I: 

In a blink of an eye, Sky was right next to me and pushed the door closed. I guessed as much. He was staring at me with wide eyes. “Holy mother of Go – ”

“Our birthday? Very subtle, Sky.” 

His jaw dropped. “How did you – ” I laughed. “Not part of the deal.” I practically flew over to the couch and retrieved the package. He just shook his head and turned back to the device – changing the pass, I thought smugly. I waited until he was done before I opened it. 

“A snow globe?”

He sat on the couch heavily. “No, Ryne. A notebook.” I threw a pillow at him lightly while he chuckled. It was a pretty snow globe. There was a castle in the middle and the snow was fluffing up and down and returning to the base of the globe. And the I saw letters on the foundation of the castle, right in front of it.

“My name?” I exclaimed disbelievingly. Maybe I had too much ice cream. “I’ll bet there are many more Rynes around the world, but yeah, that is you.” he responded. The four letters of my name were in an elegant italic font and it was colour blue.

Sky blue.

I raised an eyebrow at him. “The colour?” he matched my tone and raised his own eyebrow. “Nice, isn’t it?” I rolled my eyes at him, though I can’t help but smile. “Thank you.” He shrugged it off with a wink. “It was supposed to be a surprise, but you being you, I can’t do anything.” I laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” I paused before saying, “I thought it was for Xavia.”

 He turned to me, a million-dollar smile on his face. “Don’t worry. You still have a place in my heart.” I threw the pillow at him, but he caught it, laughing. Ha ha. He can laugh all he wants, darn it. He spoke again, 

“Xav’s more like a sister to me – ”

“Crush? Nice going, Sherlock – ”

“I’m serious! Trust me when I say that I know if it’s love.”

Samantha. 

Should I ask him? Five days ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated. But if you look at the grand picture, Sky has done nothing but to make me feel comfortable as possible in spite of this bizarre situation. 

I looked at his green eyes unsuspectingly, seeing in my mind’s eye how it would darken and look in deep agony when I brought the subject up. Damn this.

No, it wasn’t worth it.


Part II: 

I got out of the shower, feeling stress-free and contented. Well, almost. I was drying my hair, observing Sky put on his socks and shoes. The guy looks like he’s going to attend a bloody prom! He’s jaw-dropping. “Err, where are you going?” he grinned. “We’re going out.” Oh, that’s funny.

“We?”

“Actually, we’re moving places – we can’t stay on one place for too long, it’s not –  ”

“Safe, I know. Should I dress up?”

He shrugged, standing up. “If you like. You don’t have to though. But this,” he waved to his turtleneck attire that emphasized his masculine body. “This is necessary.” This guy’s ego is beyond salvation. I replied to him in a sweet mocking voice, “Oh, of course it is, Sky honey. We should make another receptionist fall in love with you, don’t we?” He actually grimaced. I laughed, “It was a joke!” He chuckled and said, “Yeah, I know. I just need some nice clothes to work wonders with the feminine population.” I can’t help rolling my eyes but I can see what he means. 

“I’m going to go get Zombie.” he started for the door. This guy is definitely driving me up the wall. I never knew we had a zombie.

“Sky, I think you had too much enchiladas. What the hell is with zombies?”

“Huh? I meant your dog.”

Zombie? He’d better be joking.

“How the hell did you get the word ‘zombie’ from ‘Dash’?” 

He just shook his head. “Nah, I’m too lazy to explain.” Then he went out of the room. I just gritted my teeth in annoyance, then I turned to the set of clothes spread over the bed. There wasn’t much choice and – 

“I have another set of clothes on my backpack!” Sky called out before I heard the clicking of a closed door and the beep of the installed device. Yes, always the gentleman. I turned to his backpack and dumped the contents into the bed. I thought that they were a mess, but I saw the neatly arranged pile become a real mess as I unceremoniously tipped the backpack upside down. Oops.

Later, I thought. I searched the pile for something suitable and found a dress.

Lord, help me. I would never spare a dress a second glance before – Sky must’ve been drugging me. I shook the crazy idea from my mind and spread out the apparel. The design included a below the knee lavender colour. Just plain colour. And only one strap.

One. Strap.

Yes, it was a thick one but dude, not cool. I debated for full five minutes, staring at the five-centimetre thing. Then I thought of Sky’s face when he sees me in this outfit. My pursed lips slowly morphed into a smile.

            Sky’s making his way towards the door – I can already hear the beeping from his high-tech skirmish to open the door from the outside. I almost cowered and considered abandoning this childish plan but the doorknob started twisting. Like it’s signalling the start of my doom.

Calm down, moron.

I heard Sky say before he was even inside the suite, “Ryne, your dog can sure sleep a lot…” his voice trailed away as he saw me. I looked in his surprised green eyes and raised both eyebrows. 

“This thing had only one strap, but it’s worth it.” I heard familiar barking, then I saw Dash bounding up to me. My eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets with joy. “Dashy! I missed you too, boy!” I hugged him as I ruffled his soft fur. I looked at Sky – who, I’m pleased to say, was rather eyeing me like he was seeing me in a different light. 

Maybe he was. 

“Err,” I started, “you look – ”

“You look beautiful.”

My heart skipped a beat and I tried to ignore it – as well as the butterflies in my stomach when he started to smile. He said this before, right? It doesn’t make any difference this time, I told myself firmly. I just put on a dress for God’s sake, like the other day. And I had time to tame my unruly hair for a bit and arranged the clothes back to Sky’s backpack. That’s all.

“Thank you.” I replied timidly. Some evil genius I was. My plan backfired. Hard. He smiled still. 

           “Let’s pack and hit the road.”

Chapter 13: Disguise out of the blue

Chapter 13: Disguise out of the blue (Wattpad)

I did all the nagging, pleading and annoying things available on Earth, but the both of them won’t tell me anything besides “trust me.” I’m getting sick of those two words. The three of us were eating Cheerio’s, watching a movie titled, “Christmas Ghosts” on the widescreen television – yeah, I know. Corny title. On my right, Imah suddenly smacked her palm to her forehead, “How could I forget?! Oh my God.”

Me and Sky were both startled. “What?” he asked. Imah was hesitant. 

“When I was digging stuff through my PC back, uhm, back you know where,” she said, glancing in my direction. They won’t even give me that small irrelevant detail! “I’m really sorry to tell you this right now; the timing is so rotten. But I found something… bad. Sky,” she said, turning to him. “Someone’s giving them information on the inside. Someone close to her.” 

No, no. That is not true.

Sky looked livid. “You should have told me sooner!”

“I’m sorry! It wasn’t my fault! All of us were busy right after you blew your cover and went shooting at the mall! And – and – ” she looked at loss for words as she pleaded. Dash whimpered on the corner and used his paw to turn off the television, trotting back to the bedroom. I sat, paralyzed.

Sky’s still angry. Very angry. He looked really scary and different.

“You could have killed Ryne!”

“I’m sorry! I – ”

Then I intervened. Imah looked close to tears.

“Calm down, Sky.” I touched his shoulder. “It wasn’t her fault.” He turned away from Imah and paced in front of us. Then he stopped in front of her. “Who?”

“I don’t know.” she said, frustrated. It was obvious that she doesn’t like not knowing things. “All possible leads I traced ended up as a fraud.”

He continued pacing then something beeped. It came from Imah’s handbag. She sighed.

“I have to go.” She turned to Sky. “You know how to contact me.” He nodded then she came over and hugged me. “I’ll see you around, Ryne.” After that, she went out. 

Sky kicked a chair.

“They could’ve killed you!” he raged.

“Calm down, okay?! At least we can be more careful now – ”

“Careful?! Do you have any idea what this means?!”

“Don’t talk to me like that! Of course, I know – ”

“It could be your boyfriend!” he roared.

I fell silent, dumbstruck. No. Carsh won’t do that. Sky gulped in several breaths, trying to calm down.

That’s stupid. I told myself. It’s impossible. Carsh loves me.

Sky turned to me. “I’m sorry, Ryne. I didn’t mean to shout at you like that.” I barely heard him. I was too wrapped up in my thoughts. Carsh? That’s insane. No one in their right mind would believe that – 

Sky shook me. “Ryne? Ryne, are you okay? Damn, I knew I shouldn’t have lashed out on you. I am so sorry.” He sounded ashamed of himself.

“I’m okay.” I whispered.

“No, you’re not.” He said with his eyes full of concern. I looked at him then. He was biting down hard on his lower lip. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise. I really didn’t mean to say that.” He hesitated for a second and hugged me awkwardly. I put my face on the crook of his neck and didn’t pull away. It was several seconds more before I pulled away. I smiled a little.

“That’s about the most awkward hug in my life.” he laughed lightly at that.

I looked at his eyes. They’re like real emeralds, I thought. So beautiful. It seemed, at that instant, that he was thinking exactly the same thing, then he looked down. He cleared his throat. 

“Feel better now?” he asked.

“Yes. Thank you.” I didn’t know what came over me. Sky? Beautiful? The world has corrupted my brain. “I know what to do,” he said, sudden inspiration lighting up his eyes.

“Shopping.”

A smile started forming on my lips.

There was a catch. I had to wear a dress. Dress. I never ever wear those things.

“You have to. We need to use disguises so they won’t find us. And they know a lot of things about you – including your dislike of dresses, apparently.” I knew who “they” were without asking. Sky looked sternly at me. “So which is it? Shopping safe and sound, or shopping while running away from people who wants us both dead – ”

“Okay! I’m wearing the bloody thing alright?”

So now I found myself in the huge bathroom of the suite, looking at myself at the huge mirror while wearing a yellow sundress.

It’s actually not that bad, I thought. Yellow makes me look good; it’s nice with my skin colour. And the natural curls at the tip of my hair add to the effect. I can’t believe it. I never thought it would feel good to wear dresses. And my bangs don’t look horrible at all. I was feeling pretty good about myself. I wore the flat sandals Sky bought me earlier, saying that “whit looks good on me.”

They’re still sandals, white or not. I actually feel cheerful. Oh God.

“Ryne?” Sky knocked on the bathroom door. “Are you alive?”

“No, I’m flushing myself down the toilet.” I replied sarcastically. I heard him laughing and I called out, “I’m coming.” Then I opened the door.

Sky looks… amazing.

I think even “amazing” is an understatement. He’s wearing whit shoes like he chose the colour so it would match my sandals. Sneaky. He’s wearing jeans and red checkered polo shirt which has sleeves that reached his elbows. His glasses completed the indescribable picture. He smiled. “I knew you find me attractive.” he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes at him. “You choose nice clothes, that’s all.” I lied, of course. He had natural good looks. He looked at me then. “Should I lie like you and say that you have a pretty dress, or tell the truth that you make the dress pretty?” My face flushed crimson.

           “He laughed at me. “Come on sis. We have a lot to buy.” he grabbed my hand and led the way out of the suite. I whistled to call Dash. Once all three of us were out of the room, Sky locked the door.

Chapter 11: Bed problem

Chapter 11: Bed problem (Wattpad)

We had a light dinner, courtesy of room service, and cleaned up for the night. There were two large bathrooms in the suite, so we were washing up at the same time. The real problem came afterwards.

There was only one bed. Sure, it was a big sized bed, but still. It's one bed. I was wearing Sky's big shirt and okay-sized shorts. I looked at him in his own similar attire.

"So how do we do this?" I asked

"Do what?"

"Where do we sleep?" I answered as if my life depended on it. He looked at me weirdly.

"The bed, of course." he said as if it's the most normal thing in the world. He looked at the said object.

"Huge isn't it?" I ignored his comment and asked another question.

"So we're going to sleep together?"

"Yeah. Is something wrong with that? I don't snore." he protested.

Where did all the pervertedness go? I wondered. Or maybe he is just tired. He did do a lot of things a lot this day.

"No, it's alright. Just stay away as far away from me as possible, okay?"

"Actually, I can't control my body when I'm sleeping, so I can't promise you that." he said as he was making his way to the bed.

"Whatever Sky."

"Uh, Ryne? I don't think you would like to hear this but," he spread out a blanket. "there's only one blanket too."

This is not possible.

I went over to him and rummaged for the other blanket. There was none. Sky looked at me.

"Why are you so against sharing stuff with me? I won't eat you, you know."

"It's not that. Let's just get some sleep okay? You look like you've been through hell and back." I turned off the light and went to my left side of the bed. I felt incredibly relaxed as I lay down on the warm sheet and covered myself with the thick blanket. I placed my glasses on the bedside table and heard Sky do the same. Dash was outside sleeping on the unbelievably wide rug.

"Sweet dreams." he said

"Yeah you too." That was sarcastic.

I woke up in the middle of the night. I just can't sleep, maybe because I already took a nap at the car earlier. I decided to check on Dash, just in case. But when I tried to move, I immediately found that I couldn't. It was then I noticed that someone had their arm around my torso. Oh no. You have to be kidding me. I thought to myself.

I tried to twist around my head and found it impossible, too. This is crazy! He had his head buried in my hair at the back of my head. I couldn't move an inch. I tried my damnest to move away, only to be pressed closer to him and as if he's awake, he hooked his leg around my waist. This is insane.

"Sky?" I tried to say, then I cleared my throat and tried again,

            "Sky you're squeezing me to death" He mumbled something I couldn't catch and did not respond. I sighed in resignation. At least he's not conscious, I thought. And no one, no one has to know about this. I tried to go back to sleep and succeeded miraculously.

Chapter 9: Impossible puzzle

Chapter 9: Impossible puzzle (Wattpad)

He kept driving. And driving. And driving.

"You seem silent." I did not respond. I had the bloody right to be depressed. He turned to me then and said,

"Ryne?" he tried again. "Hey, I thought I was the deaf one." I ignored him. His face and stance looked tired all of a sudden. He reverted his eyes back to the road

"I had to do that you know. Those people earlier could come back and finish you off. That's how they found you at the mall."

"Oh please. By my cheap cell phone?"

"They're keeping track of you. They trace your calls and messages. If you call someone now or vice versa they can find you and finish their job." Then I looked at my sneakers and saw the bloodstains of the dead man's feet at the sides. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do they keep of track of me? Why do they want to kill me?"

He said with an apologetic tone, "I can't answer that one. I'm sorry." At least he was being decent now. I f you can call being handcuffed to your own seat decent. A wonderful idea started popping in my mind.

"Uh, Sky? Sky's your name right?"

He looked at me weirdly. "Of course it is. What do you want?"

"I have a uh, sort of proposal for you."

He looked incredulous. "You want to marry me?"

WHAT?!

"What?! No!"

"But you just said - "

"I have a proposition for you. Get it, British boy?"

He deflated. "Oh. I'm sorry. So, you were saying?"

I tried to erase the look on my face as much as possible and said, "How about I ask you questions - " He tried to interrupt me but I cut him off.

"Will you please just let me finish? I ask you then you answer selected ones. Just the ones you're allowed to. Frankly, I don't know if this makes any help, but whatever."

His eyes were back on the road, but I could tell he was considering it. This is strange, I thought. Screw people who scream when being kidnapped, i just proved them wrong. I almost grinned at the thought. Your ego's being a bastard again, I reminded myself. To keep myself sane, I followed his gaze out to the window. We were just passing through the borderline of the city, then I had a flash of what I was leaving behind - Anderson High, my home, Corky, even the Terminator. Professor Harp. And Carsh.

A pang of hurt made its way to me. I hadn't noticed that I've been too distracted with my thoughts when Sky said,

"Okay. I'll do it. But only three questions for now. After that, you're going to have to take a nap."

I don't know much about kidnapping, but I'm pretty sure that the kidnappers shouldn't give a damn about their captives sleeping habits.

"Why are you so weird for a kidnapper?"

"That's question number one. Okay then - "

"No, no, no! Scratch that. That wasn't even a real question - "

"Technically, it is. But if you say so." he shrugged. I knew nobody can be perfect. In spite of his almost god-worthy looks, he's as annoying as hell. I racked my brain for a question that he would most likely answer.

"You work for another person, don't you? That's why you..." I forced the words out of my mouth, though I would never ever repeat it again, "saved me from them, right?"

"Yes," After all the effort I just put into the question, he answers with one syllable. Just nice. I thought about his answer and found it wasn't so surprising. But, God. Who would do that? This is insanity. Then a troubling name crossed my mind.

Cavanagh.

I turned to Sky. "Cavanagh. Tell me something about Cavanagh." As soon as I mentioned the name, he tensed. I knew what he would say before the words were even out of his lips.

"Not that one, choose another question."

Darn it. I straightened my glasses. Then a memory came rushing back to me.

 "The gun?" He chuckled. "Yeah, that one you're not supposed to know that I'm not I'm keeping an eye on you. So yeah. I denied it. You did tell the cops, though" He chuckled again.

"It's not funny." I shot him a disgusted look. "I had to do something. For all I know, you're having a killing spree every night." he looked away from me at that comment.

I had an uneasy feeling at my spine. I meant that as a joke. He wasn't actually doing it, right?

"Last question?"

"Last one? Ever?"

"Don't be ridiculous." He said as I yawned. I blurted out the next question from my mouth, tiredly.

"How did you know where to find me? Are you tracing my calls, too?" He looked offended at that.

"I don't use dirty talents like that" he said, his nose wrinkled.

"I followed you out of the school in the first place. Actually, I follow you around a lot. You went to the bookstore earlier and - OH. That reminds me." He started grabbing something from the backseat and handed it over to me.

My books.

I looked at him. Such an impossible puzzle to solve. One second he was being an asshole, then the next, I have no idea.

"How did - "

"Enough questions. The deal was three, right? I don’t mean to offend you but, but you look like a zombie at the moment. You should get some sleep, we're still a bit far off, anyway."

As he talked, I felt my body obeying his voice, I'm really ready to crash but I made an effort to stay up one more second. “Dash?"

           "He's sleeping. You should, too." After the tough ordeal this day, I felt my eyelids getting heavy and closed my eyes. In a matter of minutes, I'm already asleep.

Chapter 8: No questions

Chapter 8: No questions (Wattpad)

"Where are you taking me?"

No response.

"Who are you?"

This guy must be a statue.

"Are you deaf?"

"No."

This is it, then. Answer the most important questions I need to know, that's right.

"Are you going to kill me?" I asked. He looked at me while still driving.

"Do I look violent?" I looked away from him, refusing to answer his question - let him know what it feels like to be ignored like thin air.

"I'll take that as a yes." he said calmly. With the matching accent. He continued speaking. "Just trust me, Ryne. You're going to thank me when this is all over and done with."

"When will it be over and done with?"

He fell silent. This guy is so infuriating as much as he is handsome. "You know what? Damn you. Just damn you. I don't know what you want or need from me but at least you should tell me anything - "

He sighed loudly and just said two words that made me snap.

"No questions." Bullshit.

"What the hell do you mean by "no questions"?"

"Just that. No questions." he said simply.

I gaped at him. "What - you- " I stuttered. I do that when I'm not scared or damned angry. Then he smirked. That's it.

"STOP. THE. CAR." I said, looking directly at his eyes.

No answer.

"I hate you so much! Fuck you!"

We were speeding through the highway at what seemed like more than legal speed. Inexplicable fear induced by the five -now dead- people at the mall had been replaced by extreme anger, panic and tiredness. The sun was already setting down. What will happen to me? I thought hysterically and tiredly. Where is he taking me? Talking to him was useless. Sudden misery overwhelmed all my other feelings. I held Dash's paw. I already feel homesick and Carsh...

An idea started to form in my mind. I still have my cell phone tucked safely in my jacket pocket. If only I could get him to leave him alone - the bathroom, possibly - maybe I can -

"Give me your cell phone."

 

Oh my God. How did he know?! He must be into voodoo.

"I don't have my - "

"Just stop lying, and give me your phone." he held out his hand.

"I told you. I. Don't. Have. My. Bloody. Phone." he held his hand back and stopped the car - at the corner, near the edge of the bridge. Where it's entirely vacant. Underneath us was the deep blue ocean. I have a bad feeling about this. He said,

"Give me your jacket." he held out his hand again. Inside my head, I'm imagining myself stabbing him. I kept my face as convincing as possible and said,

"Are you joking? It's practically freezing!" Then, he fixed those green eyes on me. "This can be easy, or this can be hard. I'm asking you - all politeness, mind you - to please just give me that. If you won't, I would have to strangle you." he looked me in the eye. "I'm serious." I can see in his face that he really is. But that won't stop me. Sky said,

"I warned you."

He practically lunged at me. "HEY! GET OFF ME!" he forced my jacket away from me. Poor Dash jumped into the backseat to get away from us. I backed and backed away from him, despite the fact that I'm handcuffed to my seat and my wrist really hurt. The next moment, I felt a sharp pain at the back of my head.

"OW! You hurt me!" I gingerly put my hand against my head. Dash began to whine. Sky looked surprisingly offended.

"I did not hurt you, you hurt yourself on the car window!"

I clutched my jacket tighter to my body. "Oh, so now it's my fault." I mocked.

"Ryne, just save yourself a lot of misery and give me your jacket." he backed away, then his gaze turned pleading. "Please." My eyes were wide. Who knew kidnappers had manners? But that little trick won't work on me. I locked eyes with him, my look challenging.

"Look," he sighed. "I know you have your phone in your jacket pocket - "

"How do you know?" I raised my eyebrow as I asked the question. He sighed in exasperation.

"I just know, okay?"

"Well, that's not exactly - "

"God! Would you just please..." he pinched the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb. "Ryne," he tried again. "Your jacket please. You have to give me some credit. I saved your dog."

He has a point. But he was kidnapping me, for God's sake. I said quietly, "I didn't exactly ask you to do that - "

He very quickly jerked his hand to my open jacket pocket and got my phone. "Shit!"

He was rolling down the window on his side. I tried my damnest to get it back, but his stupid arm was blocking me. "What do you think you're doing?!" I pushed him.

He dropped my phone.

I watched as my only means of communication to Carsh - to anyone - splash into the open sea and vanish. I stared at the place where it fell, my mouth open. He did not just do that. He rolled the window back up, I was still frozen. I heard him say,

"Now, we can get going."

He resumed driving.

I take it back.  He’s no middle guy. He is utterly, miserably and impossibly evil.

Chapter 6: Information overload

Chapter 6: Information overload (Wattpad)

This is just impossible. Damned impossible. Couldn't this situation be any worse?! He fixed those emerald eyes on me with a look that said, Trust me.

Fuck it. I knew he was behind this somehow! I knew it! I was right with what I saw and he fucking denied it. I clenched my jaw and look away. What the hell did I get myself into? If only I didn't confront him. That was a stupid idea. Stupid, stupid, I thought miserably. I nearly forgot about my captor over the shock of seeing Sky, but then the gun was pressed to the side of my head, hard.

She said with barely conceived anger, "Just go away, you stupid moron."

Sky said nothing. He looked like he wasn't even planning of saying anything, but his look said it all;

 

He wasn't going anywhere.

Now it seems that even though I'm angry - or whatever - at Sky, he's the only one who can get me out of this mess. Well he should for God's sake, I thought bitterly. He's the one who got me in here in the first place. The woman grunted in annoyance.

"You know what? Any second now, the security robots will arrive and she will be stone-cold dead before that happens." then she continued pitilessly. "I have intentions of going to jail." The look in her eyes convinced me that she was telling the truth. Words cannot describe how scared I am. I looked at my only hope with wide eyes.

I don't want to die.

Then as quick as lightning, he got his gun and shot - not at us, but at the ceiling directly above us. The cement gave in and concrete went down at me and the woman top-speed. I knew what he was trying to do and instincts took over and I jerked myself away from her and ran. Sky immediately rushed towards me and caught my elbow. 'Right here." he said, placing me away from the crumpled figure of my once-captor. "I'll come back. Don't go anywhere."

That order wasn't so hard to disobey. My limbs doesn't seem to be connected to my brain at all. I wasn't in my right state of mind and my head hurts a lot from information overload with all the things that can be thought about.

 

I watched as Sky close in on her, and unexpectedly, I felt a slight twinge of pity in spite of what happened just merely seconds ago. I couldn't seem to look away as two gunshots were fired straight at the woman's head.

Then Sky looked at me.

As those long, muscular legs started taking huge strides towards my direction, I was shook out of my delirium. I did the first thing that came to my mind at that second; I ran. Away from Sky.

I ran as fast as my feet could carry me. And I wasn't thinking straight, but I really didn't care at the moment. I could hear him following me. And instead of using the elevator, I went to the stairs going to the lower floor and sped up.

When I thought that I could actually get away, two strong hands were suddenly clamping my upper arms from behind. We were at the middle of the stairs and I fought hard against his grip and when I did break loose, I was unbalanced and I almost fell of the steps.

Almost.

Sky caught me around the waist and steadied me. Then, he made me face him. At the expression of his face, I stopped trying to escape from him immediately.

            He was furious.

Chapter 2: Guns and roses – literally

Chapter 2: Guns and roses - literally (Wattpad)

Part I :

The day was passing by quickly. Nothing was out of normal that I could see. But I have this really creepy feeling that something's going to happen. Something bad.  I really don't know. But I learned once to always trust your instincts. But really, all I can see is Corky being midway-decent for once.

"Settle down, settle down." Professor Harp said as he strode into the room. Professor Harp is new here at Anderson High, but everyone loves him, even the rebel people - he's the kind of teacher who gives free time and allows the students to fool around. So there you go. But now, I noticed something amiss - he looks excited. Very excited. Carsh noticed this, too. We exchanged puzzled looks. I sense something coming.

Professor rubbed his hands together and said, "Before I make the big announcement, Corky, please fix yourself. We don't wear socks like bonnets." The class chuckled. And Corky just smiled goofily and put on his socks.

"Okay, then. Everyone, as you all know, we don't normally accept new students once we've started the school year. But hence," he spread his arms widely. "There's always an exception."

That was it? That? I expected something more, I admit. Something... spontaneous.

"They just moved into the neighbourhood so now, help me welcome Sky La Brea."

The moment he entered the room, it seemed like time stood still. All the girl's eyes were the shape of saucers and even the guys seemed frozen. Mother of God, he's gorgeous. Like supermegafoxyhot  gorgeous. No wonder Professor was acting the way he was. He smiled uncomfortably. GOD. He should be illegal.

"Sky, this is section A5. Guys, this is Sky.' Professor Harp said as he recovered. "You know Sky, you could say hi."

He's joking. It looks like he wants us to die of shame.

"Um. Hi." Damn. He's so... indescribable. That's it, indescribable. The guy has raven-colored hair and piercing green eyes. He is tall and athletic-looking. Not huge, just fit. Like he eats rocks for breakfast. Or something like that. He has sexy broad shoulders and a good build. And I'm sure behind that snug turtleneck is a glorious chest. Maybe even abs. Like I said, athletic. He wears glasses that makes him look cooler - not nerdy. Poor me. Does he live to mock my life? I thought miserably. The class mumbled a "hi" that sounded like a ferret drowning.

"Well, Sky. You can sit over there. Beside Corky and behind Ryne. The one with the glasses."

Seriously? After all the years I've been here, that describes me? That's just cruel. Then all the girls eyes were firing nuclear stares at me. They seemed to be saying, This is your fault.

My fault? It's not my fault that the guy is so freaking that he could already pass for Superman. Bitter people. I scowled on my desk as the new guy walked towards his place with a swagger that made the girls drool. Carsh suddenly leaned and whispered to me, "Don't mind them."

I smiled at him then, and mouthed a thank you. I saw him smiling, then I suddenly thought that I don't need new boy swagger when I had Carsh.

How very wrong I was.

Part II :

I would never find things out until later. Much, much later. Before I knew it, the dull ringing of the bell was heard all over the campus and the students never spared a second more in their rooms. Well, that's life. Me and Carsh stayed at the school for a few more hours, just walking together on the grounds, on the field and the race track.

"The new guy, Sky. He's something isn't he?" he asked me. We were going towards the exit gate by now. I laughed at that and said,

"I think the Terminator will know have a poor guy to chase."

He laughed out loud. "I can't believe I didn't think of that!" he chuckled. But he suddenly stopped and faced me, with his hands on my waist.

"I won't see you for two days, though." he pouted.

I giggled, he's like a baby. "You know what? After your visit, we can go somewhere special."

"Sounds like a date" his eyes sparkled. Always the opportunist.

"Okay then, that's settled." I tiptoed up to him and kissed his cheek.

"Love you, Carsh."

"I love you, too." then he seemed to hesitate. "And, uhm, since I won't see you tomorrow, I'll just make the most of this." Slowly, he leaned in to me and softly kissed my lips.

The butterflies in my stomach seemed to be playing tag or something.

Then he pulled away and gave me a single rose. He smiled. I thought life couldn't be more perfect at that moment.

I was on the pavement. Just several minutes after Carsh said goodbye. The feeling was back again, not unlike what I felt this morning before class; that's something's going to happen. I walked faster, convincing myself that I'm not paranoid. Very subtle, Ryne. Then my heart stopped beating for a split second. I noticed something moving out of the corner of my eye.

Sky.

What the bloody hell. I started to feel relaxed. It was just Sky. And he didn't even see me yet, just rummaging something in his bag. Then I saw what he was holding - a gun.

Shit.

I can't believe this. My eyes aren't functioning properly. I must be going crazy. Then he spotted me. His face morphed in to one of utter shock.

I didn't think. I couldn't even think. My mind just screamed to me that he has a gun in his hand and I ran. As soon as I did, adrenaline surged through my body and made me sprint faster. My mind is clouded with questions and cursing and I never ever let myself to look back even for a second. My only thought was just to fucking get away from him.

A few minutes passed, and I already see people. Thank you, Lord. They were staring at me weirdly. I couldn't blame them. I must be a complete mess and my hair wasn't helping matters. I was breathing hard and now I allowed myself to look.

He wasn't around.

Wasn't he following me or was he just left behind in the chase? I didn't take the chance to find out, I joined the crowd of people making their way across the street with the red light of the traffic sign on. A million thoughts were pestering my mind and I don't know which one to answer first. Luckily, I now calmed down enough to remember my way home. At least he wasn't after me. He's not, right? I mean, who would try to do something with me in their right state of mind? I don't have much money for starters and I obviously don't have credentials.

As I had these thoughts, I noticed that i just walked past my house. Smooth. I walked towards the front door slowly, then I heard a loud sound. I screamed.

It was Dash.

DAMN THIS. I need to get a grip. Dash trotted towards me and I hugged him. "You scared me, Dashy." Then I retrieved my key from under the potted plant on the right of the door. As soon as I was in, I turned on all the lights and checked all the rooms, just in case. Then I almost flew to my bedroom and flopped face down on the bed. This is insanity. I knew something was going to happen! UGH. I removed my shoes and socks and squatted at the middle of the bed. Dash put his bug, furry head on my lap.

"I had a very creepy day, Dash."

I should decide what to do tomorrow. Yes, I really should. I don't think I can handle this, and with Carsh away, the timing couldn't be more perfect to scare the - wait.

Carsh.

            I grabbed my phone and my hands seemed to blur as I typed in his number. I put the phone to my ear. It rang. Come on, Carsh, pick up.

And rang.

I felt like my chest has been squeezed be metal then -

"Ry?"

Oh, God. Thank you. I almost cried with relief and I took a deep breath before responding,

"Yeah, Carsh. It's me."

"Ryne! I was just going to call you, but my phone just started ringing." he paused. "Are you okay? You sound a little bit off."

"It's nothing really. Just tired." I knew he didn't believe me, though. He said, "We'll take about it as soon as we land okay?"

"Sure." Then I heard through his line the sound of the intercom on the airport making an announcement.

"Sorry, Ryne. I have to go now. I love you, okay?"

"Love you, too."

"It'll be alright. Take care." The line went dead. Take care. The irony was in my face. Looking around my messy room, I felt somewhat okay with the face that I didn't involve Carsh in this - whatever this is. That would just be entirely mad. But then what -

Oh. My. God.

            I am so STUPID. The cops! What the bloody hell. Whatever's going on, it is completely their business and I just have to tell them that. I feel so ridiculous. Nice going, Ryne. I grabbed a pair of slippers, whistled for Dash to follow me and went out of the house, taking the key with me. I checked the doorknob two times before setting out.