Okay, baby steps.
I slowly inched my way up the rope and when I looked down, I realized I was already a third of the way up. I was really impressed. I could see Nathan looking up at me with shock.
Hah. Skylar : 1, Nathan : 0.
I faced back up again and moved my hands up further, before stepping up the wall. Just as I pulled myself up, I realized that my foot was higher than my hand, and suddenly slipped. I let out a scream as my hands slipped from the force of being pulled down and my arms flailed around as I helplessly fell backwards.
I squeezed my eyes shut in terror, waiting for the impact. I suddenly stopped falling. When I realized I was somehow still alive and well, I opened my eyes to see Nathan looking down at me with concern etched in his features.
For a second, I got lost in those beautiful green pools and handsome features. I snapped myself out of it, remembering my near death experience.
You caught me. I breathed out, before realizing how pathetic that sounded. But I was still in shock.
Of course. Why would you doubt me ? Nathan spoke to me in a soft tone, his eyes holding so much emotion.
I didn’t know how to answer to that, so I simply stared at him, never becoming bored of his features.
I love you Skylar. Nathan said now, catching me off guard. My heart swelled at this and the urge to forgive him became stronger than ever.
But before I could say anything, the sound of footsteps drawing near caused us both to snap out of it.
They probably heard you scream. Come on, we have to hide before they find us. Nathan whispered to me quickly, lowering me back to the ground.
Whoops. I said sheepishly. Where can we hide ? If we climb up then they’ll see us. I whispered in panic.
I know another way up. Nathan said, before grabbing my hand and pulling me down along the building.
Nathan pulled out his walkie-talkie and pushed the button to speak. Max, I need you to pull the rope back up right now. Sky and I will meet you at the top in five. Stay put. Nathan ordered.
Affirmative sir. Max said back teasingly. Be careful. He added seriously.
Nathan didn’t respond and quickly tucked the walkie-talkie away, before turning to make sure no one was behind us.
I turned back too and luckily there was no one there. I also saw Max pull the last of the rope up, before it disappeared behind the ledge.
Nathan and I suddenly burst into sprint once we heard louder voices, almost to the back of the building now.
Once we finally reached the back of the building, Nathan stopped us and we lay our backs against the wall, catching our breaths.
Now what ? I asked, turning to Nathan.
We’re going to use this door. He answered, pointing to a door on my right. But it leads right into the open, so we’re going to have to sneak through. Nathan instructed.
I nodded, before walking towards the door.
Wait Sky. Nathan quickly grabbed my arm. There’s going to be a lot of messed up things going on in there. I don’t want you to pay any attention to them. Just keep your eyes on me until we reach the roof. Can you do that ? He asked me, gripping my arm.
I took a deep breath, before giving him a confident nod. I had to admit that I was a bit scared now to go in there but if I did as Nathan instructed, I knew I’d be fine.
Okay good. Now let’s go. Nathan said, before opening the door with a set of keys he had on him.
I stepped in behind Nathan and softly closed the door behind me.
As I turned to face forward again, I saw that the place was very dark, and there was only light in a few spots where there were hanging bulbs. Before I could try to focus in on the dark objects, I felt Nathan grab my hand and pull me forward.
We both crouched down as Nathan led the way, looking around cautiously as we crept down the wide, open building. I was quickly pushed against a few boxes by Nathan, before I heard voices and feet passing close by. I held my breath.
I looked up to see Nathan carefully looking around the boxes, before grabbing my hand and continuing our journey to the roof.
After a few more steps, Nathan led us to a corner where I could faintly make out what looked like a spiral staircase leading up.
Suddenly I was pushed in front by Nathan, his hands on my waist and his mouth on my ear.
Alright, now I need you to go ahead of me and climb these stairs. It’s a bit hard to see them but I’ll be right behind you the whole time. Nathan explained in a soft whisper.
I managed a small nod, before he gently pushed me ahead. I reached out to place my hand on the railing, before cautiously taking my first step.
Once I was slightly more comfortable with the dark stairs, I started up them.
I could feel Nathan’s hand on my back the entire time. It seemed like a long way up, but finally we reached the top.
Wait, where’s Hana ? I whispered to Nathan, turning around now.
She’s located on the other side of the building. He answered quickly.
On the same floor ? I asked now, a new plan starting to form in my head.
Yeah, why ? He asked curiously.
Well since we’re already inside, why don’t we just get her now and then bring her to the top of the roof ? Then we can get out by climbing down the rope. I explained to him.
That sounds good, but everyone’s waiting for us to get back. They might get worried and decide to come out. Nathan reasoned.
Your walkie-talkie. I quickly retorted.
But someone might hear us. Nathan argued back.
Now you’re making excuses. I stated, narrowing my eyes at him.
Nathan let out a defeated sigh, before speaking. I don’t want to bring you down that hall Sky. It’s too dangerous. I want to get you back onto the roof and once I know you’re safe, I’ll bring her and we can leave. Nathan explained.
What ? Nathan I thought I already told you. I chose to be here ! You can’t decide this. I argued back, my voice slightly growing louder, but still a whisper.
You already helped me Skylar. Nathan said with a small smile. You gave me the strength and hope I needed to get my sister back, and I love you for that. I really appreciate it. But I can’t concentrate on getting Hana out while having to worry about you the whole time. Nathan explained in a soft tone.
But I can handle myself. I argued back with a small frown.
I know you can princess. I really do believe in you, but you have to understand that that area is breached with guards. If I bring you with me, they’ll tell Ryland and you’ll be gone just like that. I need to go alone, since they just think I’m here to visit Hana. Nathan told me.
I opened my mouth to argue, but closed it once I realized he was right. Okay. I whispered reluctantly.
Nathan gave me a small smile, before grabbing my hand and walking towards a door. This leads to the roof. You go out there and tell them I’ll be back with Hana in a few minutes. Nathan ordered me.
I nodded.
See you soon princess. Nathan said to me with a grin, before turning to leave.
Wait ! I said, grabbing his arm,