I’ll be back in a few minutes ! I yelled before running to my car and jumping in, my heart pounding in my chest. I drove to the nearest pay phone and pulled over, hopping out.
This regarded Skylar. I didn’t know who that guy was or how he’d gotten my number, but I knew that he had to have been talking about Skylar’s cellphone.
I stepped into the booth and wasted no time in dialing her number by memory.
I waited eagerly for someone to pick up.
I slumped down in frustration and let the welcoming couch engulf me. Alvin had thankfully left the scene, but had left me trying to piece together his stupid plan and his stupid motives, and how I’d come up with a plan to win.
I had thought over escaping and running back home, seeing as the door was left unlocked and Nathan and Max were nowhere to be seen. But that would only get me so far until either Alvin swooped in to pick me up again, or I went to the cops and shut down everything on the spot out of nowhere. But the only issue with that last option was that Nathan would surely be spending quite some time locked up.
It would be hard to pull the trigger on that one, and I was pretty sure that I didn’t have it in me to. Not because of some confusing new emotions, or because of his cologne. But because Dustin’s face would flash in my mind and I knew I couldn’t take away that kid’s entire happiness by doing that. Who would support him ? Max was busy in college and most likely in debt, unless Nathan was paying for that too, which he probably was.
So basically if I pulled the trigger to save my ass and my brother’s, I’d be doing it at the cost of three other lives.
I could always pull off a martyrdom and save everyone else, except this entire scheme was because of some beef between my stepdad and an angered chipmunk and there was no way in hell I’d sacrifice myself over it. I had to act when the time was right I realized, as running away right now wouldn’t do much. I mean, I doubted I’d make it very far before either Nathan or Alvin came to pick me up in a car.
I had been thinking over my possibilities quite a bit when a voice interrupted my silence.
What did I miss ? I looked up to see Nathan walking towards me with Max in tow.
Nothing, just Alvin trying to ruin my life. I shrugged casually.
What happened ? Nathan asked, leaning against the wall.
He’s kidnapping my brother. I bit out. He told me all about his plot to destroy my family.
Yeah he told me his plan too just last night on our way here. He stuffed his hands in his pockets casually.
You knew all along !? I exclaimed in anger, standing up now. You could have told me !
I believe you were a bit busy tearing my shirts apart and having a mental breakdown. Nathan shrugged.
Well you deserved that. I retorted, glaring at him. So what, you’re gonna go pick up my brother now ? I seethed, feeling my fists shake in anger now.
I still can’t believe you kidnapped her. Max blurted out.
I swung my head in his direction. He must’ve gotten his answers from Nathan when they were out on the balcony.
Max, bad timing. Nathan sighed.
I mean, how could you be so calm about all this ? Max turned to me now.
Do I look calm ? I threatened, feeling my body resonating off waves of anger. He really was pushing it.
Max’s eyes widened in surprise, before he shut his mouth and wordlessly left the room.
Smart boy.
Nathan now took a small step towards me. He tried to make me do the job but I refused.
Why ? I asked.
Because I knew you’d never forgive me for it. He replied instantly without thinking.
Thanks. I said after a while. He was right, I’d never forgive him. I mean, you could just look at my current state and instantly tell.
So if you’re not kidnapping him, who is ? I asked with a raised brow.
Some new guy that Alvin hired. Nathan shrugged off.
Well let’s hope he’s not a huge buff kid, otherwise I’m pretty sure my brother can take him. I said proudly.
He was the star quarterback after all and he had his fights from time to time, which he always won, might I add.
Sky, Ryland’s not going to stop until he gets your brother, and even if he may be able to take out some guys, he can’t escape it. When that guy wants something, he gets it delivered to him on a gold plate. Nathan said with an apologetic expression.
Though the chipmunk was silly, with the way Nathan was living and the amount of designer things I had bought on my shopping trip, it was safe to say that the chipmunk was also loaded. He was also smart enough to hire lots of efficient rats working for him.
I sighed. I know Nathan. But this is ridiculous. I already accepted my fate, and you’re lucky I don’t take advantage of your trust. But I can’t sit here silently like a pawn while I have to watch my brother’s life get destroyed too. I said, my voice breaking at the end.
Nathan’s eyes softened instantly and he looked tortured.
Right. Well I’m starving. Nathan dismissed, getting up and making his way over to the table where his now cold pancakes were.
I opened my mouth with frustration and anger bubbling to the surface, but lucky for Nathan, Max chose that exact moment to walk in.
When are we leaving ? Max asked.
Leaving where ? I asked confused.
Was it another shopping trip ?
You didn’t tell her ? Max asked, turning to face Nathan now.
He looked at me with an expression of guilt which I matched with a fiery look back, causing him to look away and turn to face his brother. No Max, I didn’t tell her we’re getting a Christmas tree. Plus, she wouldn’t want to go anyways.
How dare he assume…
I scoffed. Actually, I’d love to go. If you’re bringing my brother into this whole fiesta then we might as well deck these fucking halls before he gets here. I said with a dangerous glint in my eyes directed at Nathan.
Wait, you’re actually kidnapping her brother !? Max exclaimed.
No ! Nathan snapped. Well not me myself. He explained after, regaining his composure. If it were up to me, you know I wouldn’t do this. Nathan said, looking to me now with an almost pleading look in his eyes.
Well you have the most influence over Alvin out of the both of us, so I’m sure you could pull something. I spoke in a leveled tone.
Nathan let out a sigh of frustration. Skylar, you know I have my hands tied.
No. I don’t know that. I gave him a heated look which he matched, his eyes staying guarded.
How about we all get some pumpkin-spice lattes from Starbs yeah ? Max suddenly interjected.