Getting back from school and I could still feel my tummy make that grumbling sound. I walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water but stopped halfway when I heard sobs. I tiptoed to the door and placed my ear to the door so I could eavesdrop. “I’m so scared, she’s all I have. I can’t lose her.” She hiccupped and continued sobbing. It's mom but I don’t understand why she’d be crying about losing Emily. Does it have something to do with James and did he want to take her away? “Listen, you’re not going to lose Emily, just relax okay? We’ll figure this out.” "How do you think we will? Child service wants us to get Emily out of here and take her to a good environment. How do we do that? We don't have the money." "I know. I know that." "James is behind this. He's using what happened with Xavier to try to to get her. I can't believe he's trying to take my baby girl after rejecting her." I swallowed the lump in my throat. He was obviously up to somet
I took off my shirt and wore my uniform, It was an orange polo T-shirt. I wore my jacket and headed to the counter. “Hey,” the barista on duty waved, taking off his uniform. “I made it early,” I brushed him off. He laughed and wish me a good night. As I walked over to the counter where the queue was, a blonde approached the counter and smiled at me. “Hey handsome.” I wasn’t used to flirting on duty or let’s just say what happened earlier already messed with me and I was having a bad evening. I raised up my head to her waiting for her order. When she saw I wasn’t returning her flirtatious pleasantries she grimaced and made her order. “A cup of dark coffee.” “Sure,” I replied and handed it over to her. She dropped $5 on the counter and pushed it to me. I gave her a faint smile and turned my head to the next customer. “Cappuccino, please.” I nodded and got her order. She whispered a “Thank you.” By the time my shift was over, I changed back into my clothes and picked
Xavier's POVMy night was short as hell. I rolled to the side of the bed and used my hands to block my face from the sunlight. I yawned, stretched, and stood up from the bed.Emily's bed was empty and then it dawned on me that I overslept. I lazily slid my legs into the slippers and walked into the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and ran a quick bath.I got dressed in a black tank top, a zip-up hoodie, and sweatpants. I brushed my hair with the brush I found on the table. It wasn't mine and since it was a purple brush, I could easily guess it belongs to Emily.I picked the crocs from the shoe rack and headed out of the room. I got to the dining mom. She was facing the wall and sniffing. She looked like she had a breakdown while serving breakfast. I stood there for a second contemplating if I should say something or hug her or act like I didn't see her.I once read that sometimes when people cry, they'd rather you don't ask what happened. I can barely remember where I read that from but t
Xavier's POVAnger prompted me to action and I just dragged Devin away from Emily."What the fuck are you doing?" He asked the moment I grabbed him by his shirt."About to beat the hell out of your ass."He zips from his seat and smashes into me. His body is heavy and hard, and I yelp as he knocks me from my chair and we crash to the floor. His hand wraps tightly around my throat as crushes me to the dirty concrete and I squirm, desperate to break free.Emily got scared and tried to stop me but I already made up my mind to beat the shit out of Devin. I held him for a second and threw a fist at him. He was in a close grip so he couldn't dodge it. He growled in pain and leaned back. I wasn't started with him yet, I knew he was going to try to act like a saint because Emily was here.He was a hypocrite and it disgusted me to know he wanted to win Emily's pity. When I wasn't expecting it, a punch landed on my face and threw me off balance. I wailed for a second and turned to look at Devin
It was three hours after school and we just walked out of detention. Emily looked pale and just held her bag pack tightly. Devin hadn't said a word since Emily yelled at us to shut up.He was trying to play the good guy and I didn't care. We saw James' car pull up in the driveway. I had no idea how he knew the exact time to come but I was glad he did. Walking closer to the car, I noticed it was one of his men. I sighed in relief 'cause I wasn't just going to start explaining shit to James. I opened the door and Emily entered inside. I sat in the backseat with her and relaxed on the seat. Devin opened the passenger door and sat in front. I saw the expression on his face and I was glad he felt it.It was the same thing I felt the other night when he sat beside Emily and was so close to her. I turned to Emily who was already sobbing gently. She hardly made sounds but her eyes were watery and her face red.I thought of offering my handkerchief to wipe her tears and letting her rest her
I stood there looking at him. What was he thinking? That he would kiss my sister, make me hit him, get us detention and then show up with a box of pizza and carbonated drinks?I let out a chitter and then looked him dead in his eyes."I'm no fool, Devin. Don't try to act like a good guy. You're shitty and you have to get out of here.""At least let her tell me that to my face. Don't stop me from apologizing 'cause you want to make me look like the bad guy.""Shut the hell up and get out of my house.""Get out of my way Xavier.""What games are you playing? How did you get so interested in Emily? It's unreal. I know that and I'll kill you if you try anything funny."I threatened him because I needed him to know I wasn't going to let him go scot-free if he hurts Emily. We kept exchanging words till I walked out and he came in. He dropped the box of pizza on the chair and heaved."Say sorry and get the fuck out."I went inside to get Emily but met an empty room and an empty bathroom. EM
EMILY'S POVI closed my eyes the moment I slammed into him. I was expecting a push or a hard slap but instead, I got a hug.My brain processed the hug and the familiar cologne. I raised my head to Devin. He looked so worried and just held me tightly against himself.That instant I felt safe. I didn't feel the need to keep running or hide. Devin was here and I knew he was going to protect my ass.I held him right and he brushed my hair wet hair away. He raised my face and kissed me under the rain. Everything else stopped and the only thing I could think of was his lips ok mine. His kiss was hunger filled with fear. He tasted like a latte and I loved it.He broke the kiss and kissed my forehead. "Xavier is waiting, let's go."I gave a nod and turned behind me to see if the bad guys were in sight but I didn't see them.He put his hands around my waist and we walked to the end of the road. When Xavier saw us, he hurriedly walked toward us."Emily," he worried called and wrapped his hands
My night's rest was a peaceful one. Devin slept over but chose to sleep on the couch instead of sharing the room with us. I suspected he did that so Xavier wouldn’t be mad. Before I fell asleep, I was watching a movie on my laptop. I was engrossed in the movie that I saw four episodes. Xavier was busy doing his thing, I barely looked at him long enough to know what he was doing. I continued seeing the movie and when there was a kissing scene, I blushed. I couldn’t think of anything other than Devin’s kiss under the rain. It wasn’t my first kiss but i somehow wished I could delete every other kiss from my head. Wait, including Xavier’s first kiss? The one he called a mistake? Hell no. I was comparing how good they both kiss and my cheeks reddened. My phone jittered and I turned to look at it, it was a text from Devin.Devin: Are you still awake?Me: Yes, why?Devin: Nothing, was just wondering. Why haven’t you slept?Me: ‘Cause I’m seeing this movie a
I turned to Mom who was wiping her eyes. She had tears welled in them and Dad just hugged her. "It's over," he told her. "You don't have to worry anymore.""It just feels so unreal. I can't believe everything is fine now.""Me too."I honestly couldn't believe it. It was just too good to be true and I didn't know how to feel about it.She gave me a nod and pulled me into a hug. I remained there for a while before Dad asked us to get ready to leave. We strode happily to where the car was parked.We got home and I walked to my room it felt good having a separate room, I liked how it felt. I heard a scream and rushed out to see what was happening."Mom?""Emily! Xavier just got admission into a college in the Los Angeles!"My jaw dropped in excitement and I turned to Xavier. It was good news but Xavier didn't look happy. I turned my gaze to him and my eyes met his. He was staring blankly at me."What's wrong?" I asked him. "This is good news, Xavier.""I guess."His reply was cold and his
ONE MONTH LATER.The cold wind and fresh aura made me smile. I stood beside James watching his jet. Apparently, he was getting ready to leave and I didn't know how to feel about it.It was just the two of us standing there and there was silence. I wish I could hear everything he was thinking of. I felt the sensation and I knew more than ever that I was going to miss James.His lips formed a small smile like he heard what I was thinking and I just twitched my lips. I needed to enjoy the moment because it may be the last time I'd see him. I also knew his ailment had given him a short period of time to live and I really felt bad.I had no idea why I was feeling all those emotions at that point. There was this strong urge to hug him and just remain in his hugs. I remembered how welcoming and warm his arms were but I stopped myself. I didn't have to be overly emotional.I was trying hard not to think about James dying but I couldn't help it and before I knew it, a sob escaped my mouth. Tea
I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was Xavier. He was staring at me with a small smile tugged on his lips. I got scared at first but the feeling faded and I felt okay."Why are you staring at me?" I asked with a frown."Why didn't you report James to the cops?"I knew he was going to ask that, I just didn't think it was going to be by 3 fucking a.m."I can't.""Why?""I can't even though I want to kill him myself. I know everything, I know the shitty things you did, I know you sold drugs."He twitched his like and continued looking at me. "Do you still sell drugs or do you deliver them in your sleep?"I grabbed the blanket and placed it on my body, turning to the other side to sleep."I need to sleep, leave me alone."He scoffed and I rolled my eyes. "I hate you."I heard him giggle, "I love you too," he responded.* * * *The door slamming open made me open my eyes. It was morning but I was hoping I could sleep a little longer."Emily, get up."Mom grabbed my hands before I c
The moment Mom asked if I saw James, my chest heaved. "No," I replied and twitched my lips. I didn't want to keep talking about him because of the emotions I felt whenever I thought of him."Emily."We turned and it was Xavier. I ran to him immediately and threw my hands around him. He hugged me back, even tighter. I couldn't believe I missed Xavier this much, it was hurting."I'm so sorry," he said as he hugged me. No one else was going to understand, not even Mom. "It's not your fault," she told him."The police found someone involved."My heart raced faster, I felt bad for James. He was going to die and I didn't want him to die in jail."Hi, excuse me." The doctor walked into us and turned to Mom. "There's been no form of abuse, she's fine.""She's fine?""Yes, she is," The doctor confirmed and gave a friendly smile.Mom gave a nod and appreciated him. She stood up from the chair and looked at me. "I need to go and feed Devin, no one is coming for him."I gave a nod, I understood h
I tried to open my eyes and the sunlight hurts them. I tried to figure out what was happening and I realized I was in someone's arm.I freed my eyes again and realized it was James and he was taking me out of the enclosed room. At that point I felt an adrenaline rush in me.He dropped me down and I felt hot tears roll down my eyes, I couldn't believe it. I hugged him right without thinking and cried into his arms.He returned the hug and just remained calm, watching me. I had no idea why I was crying and hugging him but I needed the hug.When I pulled away from his hug, he looked at me and smiled faintly. "You can do what you want now. Call the cops and tell them I rescued you from the teenagers who kidnapped you."Was he asking me to go?"Just go down the road, you'll figure your way. I'll have someone follow you from a distance just so you arrive home safely.""There's no camera Emily, I have my men dismount them so, the choice is yours. I love you."With that, he turned and entered
EMILY'S POVEvery minute I stayed locked in here makes me want to throw up. It feels like I’ve been kidnapped for years, I already lost count of days but I knew it was already weeks. My head split in pain as I tried to recall the incident. I was arguing with Xavier when I got pushed into a moving van. The details of the kidnap were blurry and I couldn’t remember much.I still have no idea how I survived the first day ‘cause panic attacks made me nauseated and disorganized. Their faces all scared life in me, I thought they were going to kill me because of how fierce they looked. The highest punishment I got for kicking one of the guy’s balls was a hard slap.It was hard enough to redden my face but not kill me, I wondered why they were being so careful with me till I overheard their discussion saying they sold me to a rich man and he didn’t want me bruised.I threw up hearing it and the rest turned out to be blurry vision and a bad headache. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a di
I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat the moment she looked at me. I looked at Devin and he was growling like he was going to pass out.She lowered her stance to him and cleaned him up without saying anything. You would never believe they knew themselves before now. I didn't care though, I just wanted to get away and that was my concern.When she was done cleaning his wounds, she turned the first aid box to where I was and used a wipe to clean off the surface of the bruises I sustained.I flinched when her hands touched my face and the iodine dropped on my injury."Fuck."She didn't apologize or say a thing. She just turned her box away when she was done. Devin and I remained silent for a while before we heard footsteps and turned our heads in the direction if the door. She had returned with two plates of food. She dropped it in front of us with bottles of water and latched the door.Devin hungrily grabbed the plate and spooned rice into his mouth. I looked at him wondering if
My eyes glinted open and I felt a sharp pain. I could feel the chill from the breeze cutting straight through my damp body.I felt a metallic taste in my mouth, I turned and realized where I was. I was in a room with no ventilation. My face was bruised and I could feel the dried blood clot on my body. I tied to move but realized my hands were still tied to the pole and I couldn't move.My eyes turned to the growling sound and I saw the hefty man who injected Devin beating him up. He was growling as the punches landed on his body.On the other side of the room, a bloodied man was laying on the floor. Devin was getting beaten for doing that to the man. Couldn't he just wait till we realized where the fuck we were?I scoffed and struggled to break free but the ropes holding my hands together had a grip hold. I paused after several trials and just looked at Devin who looked like he was about to die. He needed to get treated because his wounds were susceptible and they looked like it was g
I walked out of the sitting room glad the police didn't want to interrogate me yet. They probably felt he was saying all that because he was accused and it made me feel a rush of relief.I opened the door to my bedroom and looked around. The mess I made on Emily's bed was still there and I didn't have the energy to clean up yet. I knew she wasn't going to yell at me for messing up her bed because she wasn't there and it hurt me to think of her absence.I turned my face away and walked to my bed. I sat on my bed and fell on my back. I looked at the ceiling, thinking of nothing but how to sneak out of the house.Devin had a plan he says we need to see and talk about. I wondered if he had other motives in mind when he sent his invitation but I was blank. I could ask him to tell me the plan over the phone but he would refuse and say it had to be a physical meeting."Fucking hell," I scoffed in an undertone and turned to the other side of the bed. It was only 8 pm and I could get some slee