Strings of Fate

184- Lifeless and lawn

The hour and a half that it takes for Alex to gather all the necessary information is somehow the longest hour and a half of my life and the shortest all at the same time. It drags on but is also over far too quickly. We all head downstairs to get ready to leave and meet the others.

“Okay, so Darrien and Aaron will stay here with you guys and we will call you as soon as we have them.” Bellamy announces his plan confidently. I make eye contact with Megan who looks just as sceptical as me. Does he seriously think we’re going to just sit here and wait?

“Yeah, no. That’s not going to work for me. Bellamy you can’t seriously think we’re just going to sit around here and wait. We’re coming with you.” I argue. Bellamy shakes his head adamantly.

“Absolutely not. It’s not safe.” He refuses. I roll my eyes.

“It’s not safe for you either.” I point out. Bellamy crosses his arms and stares me down.

“You can’t fight.” He argues.

“I don’t need to fight to be useful. I can keep a look out, or help with communication. Not to mention, Kiara will hopefully recognise my voice. She’s going to need something familiar and I’m the best we’ve got.” I tell him stubbornly, holding his gaze in the way only I can manage. I know Bellamy can see my point, but he isn’t giving up

yet.

“You’ll distract me. I’ll be too busy worrying about you.” He insists. I shake my head.

“You’ll worry either way. If you didn’t want me around, you shouldn’t have asked me to work with you.” I glare and Bellamy lets out what sounds almost like a growl. I take pity on him and relent just a little.

“I’m not saying I need to be in the middle of the action. I’ll wait in the car. You can call me in when you need me.” I suggest. He still looks kind of pissed off but he gives a stiff nod.

stay in the

thrilled with the agreement either. He and Bellamy exchange a look that clearly says; ‘Seriously, what are we even doing with these stubborn women? We make our way out to the car, Bellamy’s hand tight on my hip. I can hear Megan and Darrien bickering. Apparently he is trying to convince her to stay home, and when that fails, he

it anyway? It was already getting late when we sent everyone home. I would guess it’s about midnight. Maybe just after.We pull up in front of a totally normal house in an average neighbourhood. I know there is no reason why there would be anything wrong with the house, but I still pictured it as old or decrepit. I wanted to see it dirty and falling apart, in disrepair like a villain’s house should be. Shouldn’t there be some outward sign of her slowly losing her mind and falling apart? I almost think I would feel better if I knew that Cheryl was

1/3

Lifeless and lawn

the window along with Megan’s as we watch Bellamy and five other guards, including Shaun, quietly approach the house. I see them test the handle on the front door,

the car sucks. We can’t SEE anything.” Megan

your own safety. Tristan’s mother has just as much reason to hate you

know. But that doesn’t make this less frustrating!” She continues.

It’s a shame we don’t have cameras or something. Ooh, we could have wired everyone up with like, b*dy cams. Then we could have watched. Something to remember for next time something like this happens. I bet Alex could do it for us.” I point out. Megan nods seriously, but it only takes a few seconds for her eyes

be taking so long?” I ask, bouncing in place.

Kane will call for you.” He assures me. I don’t feel any better. In fact I’m starting to feel worse. Something is wrong. I just know it. I sit and try to focus on keeping my breathing even. My heart

out of the car before anyone can so much as blink. I didn’t even know I could move that fast. 1 fly into Bellamy’s arms and he catches me. After a moment I step back and look him over. He seems totally unharmed which

to say it’s safe to get out of the car.” Bellamy objects. I roll my

did it go? Do we have Kiara?” I ask. Bellamy’s face turns

put up a fight at all. But Ry… there is no one else in that house.” He tells me gently. I go cold all

Kiara?” I

Kiara isn’t

suggest, my voice quiet, not ready to give up hope that we might find her