I’ll go. Austin spoke up. I figured out what he was doing. He wanted Cody to stay here and save his brother.
I’ll see you soon. Ryland said, before his foot steps walked towards the vehicle with Austin’s.
I heard the engine start up, and then leave us before letting out a sigh.
Can I please be let out now ? I asked aloud, forcing myself to sound polite. The last thing I needed was for Tyler, Max or Landon to make me suffer more.
What the. I heard Cody say in confusion.
I heard the suitcase zip open and Max’s face came into view.
FREEDOM ! I yelled as I threw both my arms into the air, stretching them out, before taking Max’s outstretched hand and pulling myself up.
So how was the ride ? Tyler tried to ask nonchalantly, but I could hear the teasing note in his voice.
I just glared at him, causing him to chuckle rudely.
You decided to come. I said now, turning to Cody, stumbling on my numb legs which had fallen asleep and using Max to stabilize my balance.
No need to rub it in. He said back, but I saw a small grateful smile appear.
Nathan then cleared his throat before speaking up.
We should get started as soon as possible. He said. I noticed how his eyes were intensely fixated on me, but I pretended not to notice.
Let’s go ladies. I heard Nathan mumble as he led the way towards the building.
I finally noticed it and was taken aback at how big the building looked. It seemed old with the thick layers of moss on the walls and the uneven grass surrounding it. The long side of the building faced us, while the front was facing to the right. I decided to call it the Building of Doom, since it held prisoners inside and looked pretty eerie.
I also noticed two guards standing near the main entrance. Luckily they hadn’t noticed our arrival yet.
Quietly. Nathan whispered to us all, before crouching down and walking alongside the building. We all followed stealthily.
Nathan suddenly came to a stop, looking up the side of the building and taking a few steps back. This seems like an okay spot. He muttered out loud, before reaching for the duffel bag that Landon had brought along and pulling out a coil of rope along with the metal-clinging claw that comes out of Kim Possible’s hair drier.
We all watched in silence as Nathan took a step back and held up the end of the rope, swinging it in a circle a few times, before launching it up towards the roof. My jaw, along with Tyler’s and Landon’s, all hit the floor as it actually reached the edge and stayed put.
Nathan tugged on the rope to make sure it was snug, before turning to us all. So, who’s first ? He asked with a raised brow.
He really did look like a total badass right now, but I’d have to shoot myself before admitting it out loud. I was still pissed at him and didn’t want to talk to him. I did feel bad for ignoring him like this, but I wasn’t just going to forgive him like that and be reeled back in. He needed to realize that he had hurt me and that he should have came to me first before deciding things for me.
Oh don’t tell me you’re all scared. Nathan rolled his eyes at us all. Tyler. How ’bout you go first. Nathan called out to him.
I watched my brother look up at the tall building skeptically, visibly gulping.
I volunteer as tribute. Landon called out just as Tyler took a hesitant step towards the rope.
I rolled my eyes and Nathan shook his head.
Go get ’em Katniss. I called out to Landon as he approached the rope.
Landon turned to me and grinned. Try not to swoon. He said in a smooth tone, before hauling himself up and beginning to climb.
We all watched silently as Landon ascended the building, not stopping once.
Once he made it to the top, Landon stood up and did a little victory dance, but stopped once Nathan whispered/yelled at him not to catch anyone’s attention.
I’ll go next. Cody said, before walking over to the rope and beginning to climb.
I was amazed at how fast he reached the top. Then I realized that he probably was specialized in this stuff.
I was about to step up to go next, but Max beat me to it. I bet you ten bucks I can beat that kid’s time. Max said to Nathan with a cocky smirk.
And I bet you fifty bucks that you will fall and break your neck if you try to go that fast. Nathan retorted with a roll of his eyes.
I couldn’t help but snort at his funny response. I felt his eyes move to mine, but focused so hard on the ground, I probably looked like I was about to split open the Earth in half with my laser beam eyes.
After a short while, Max safely made it over to the top and I stepped up towards the rope, ready to go.
Wait, I’m going. Tyler suddenly spoke up, stepping in my way.
I rose an eyebrow at him. I thought you’d want to go last, scaredy-pants. I teased him.
He just rolled his eyes. No, you foolish child. Since I’m older, more mature and much cooler, I will go first. Tyler decided with a stupid grin.
Before I could argue with his silly reasons, he began climbing the rope.
Cool isn’t a thing anymore ! I cried up at him in frustration.
I heard Nathan chuckle from my right, causing me to look at him.
His playful expression suddenly became serious as he took a step towards me. Skylar, I’ve been meaning to talk to you- Nathan started.
I don’t think that now is a good time. I cut him off, looking up at Tyler and silently yelling at him in my mind to get up there faster.
Skylar I can’t stand this. You keep ignoring me and I can’t concentrate like this. Nathan started saying, his expression looking wounded. He looked so sincere and sad I almost cracked.
Then don’t think about me. Ignore me too. You’re here for your sister, so focus on getting her out of here. I told him, looking up to see Tyler almost there now.
I heard Nathan let out a humorless chuckle. I don’t think it’s possible to get you off my mind right now. Nathan said to me.
You have no other choice. I simply replied, my voice holding no emotion. I had to force my eyes to stay on Tyler climbing up so that I didn’t have to see his wounded expression.
Just as Tyler reached the top, I grabbed onto the rope with two hands and hauled myself up.
Except, I didn’t exactly move. Oh how could I forget, I hardly have any upper body strength..
I saw Nathan start to move towards me to help, but I stopped him. I got it. I said, before looking up at the building with a determined expression and using all the strength I could muster to pull myself up. This time luckily, I did move.