“Where did you park?” Tristin asked her sister.
“In the back.”
“Good. Hurry up and get to Emmitt’s. Sean—”
“Do you think I should call him?” Noelle asked Dax, causing him to miss what Tristin said.
“Yeah, give him a call.”
Dax grinned at how well they’d orchestrated their plan; it was like old times, except for the fact that Ellie wasn’t leading the charge. He was sure Noelle had a bit of appreciation for that. Dax had never known Ellie Lawson to hate anyone, but Noelle entering her social circle had brought out an admirably evil side in her.
“Connor,” Noelle said, covering one ear. “Where are you, who is that yelling?”
Dax leaned in closer to hear his reply and Noelle stepped away from him.
“You couldn’t have told me that at lunch? I’m sitting here like an idiot waiting for you.” She paced at the entrance and Dax heard yelling coming from the parking lot.
“Don’t even bother. You can stay with your friends. They mean more to you than me anyway,” Noelle said before hanging up.
She mashed her send button hard after another quick text just as Dax joined her at the school’s front door.
Another crowd had formed around Sean’s truck and when they got closer he could see all four tires had been flattened. He looked back to see Tristin wearing a proud grin as she watched from the entrance.
Sean paced the length of his truck before stopping to check his phone. He scanned the crowd and stopped when he reached Dax. Dax looked at Noelle then snatched her phone.
“What are you doing?” Noelle asked reaching for her phone as Dax scrolled through her text messages.
“Checking to see who you just texted.” His mouth dropped when he read the text telling Sean that Hannah was at Emmitt’s. “I cannot believe you just did that.”
Sean headed for the street on foot, and Dax knew he had to warn Emmitt.
“Take my keys and go start the AC,” he said handing them to Noelle.
“What about my phone?”
“Sure, you can have it back, if you’d rather walk.”
Noelle rolled her eyes and stomped off toward his car. Dax waited until she was out of sight before he pulled out his phone and dialed Emmitt.
“Pick up, pick up,” he whispered as the phone range.
Tristin was still on the steps with her eyes glued to Sean, who was now standing near the curb, on his phone.
“Hello?” Emmitt answered.
“You’ve got a problem.”
Chapter Six
Hannah/Kristen
“Get out of the car!” Connor yelled as he held the door open.
“No.” Hannah’s heart started racing the moment they pulled into Emmitt’s garage. She was banking on them pulling up in front of his house so she could make a run for it.
“I’ll drag you out if I have to!”
“Hannah, could you please just get out of the car?” Brian asked as he held open the door leading to Emmitt’s kitchen.
“No.”
Seeing Emmitt, being inside Ellie’s house, she just couldn’t do it.
“That’s it,” Connor said, as he grabbed Hannah by the wrist.
“Let me go!” Hannah screamed as he pulled her out of the backseat.
When did he get so damn strong? Hannah wondered as he threw her over his shoulder.
“Put me down!”
Connor was far from the four foot mute she sat behind in first grade. Both he and Emmitt had a tendency to toss her around like a doll. She never expected either of them to outgrow her, but boy things had changed.
Connor shushed her as they entered the house and Hannah was silenced by the countless memories that flooded her brain. The Lawson’s had been like a third family, next to the Connor’s parents. She’d spent most of her holidays between the two since her mom usually volunteered to work for overtime pay.
Emmitt’s dad would always invite her over to help hang lights while Ellie and their mom tried to lure her away to help make cookies. Their house used to be filled with so much joy and laughter. Being carried through it now felt dark and silent.
Connor carried her down the hallway and she heard a door open.
“Hurry up,” Emmitt whispered.
The sound of his voice made Hannah’s lungs deflate and her tears threatened to fall. Of all her friends, Emmitt was the one she owed the biggest apology. He’d been there every day after her Dad’s overdose. He even snuck out after curfew and stayed with her until she fell asleep.
Now was the time when he needed her and she hadn’t been there once.
Tears streaked her face as Connor lowered her back onto her feet. She immediately pushed him away before burying her face in his chest.
“What did you two do to her?” Emmitt asked.
“I didn’t do anything,” Brian said closing the bedroom door.
Hannah sobbed a week’s worth of tears into Connor’s shirt as he held her tight. She missed his hugs, she missed playing video games until their thumbs were sore, rearranging Emmitt’s hollowed out encyclopedias whenever he left the room, but mostly she missed who she was with the two of them, which was most certainly not the mess of tears she currently displayed.
“I’m sorry,” Connor whispered as he stroked her hair.
Hannah stepped back, fearing he might notice her bald spot.
“Dude?” Emmitt said punching Connor in the shoulder. “I didn’t think I had to tell you to check your temper with Hannah. Go get her some tissues.”
“I better go before Kristen gets here,” Brian said causing Hannah to gasp as she finally turned to face Emmitt.
He was so pale with dark circles around his eyes. The last thing she expected was to see him grinning and it sparked another flood of tears as she hugged him.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been here,” she shrieked out in between her sobbing.
“You’re here now.”
Brian climbed out the window just as Connor exited the bathroom. She looked over at Connor and stepped back. The three were like statues frozen in an uncomfortable silence. Hannah never thought there’d be a day when her two best friends would feel like strangers to her. They both looked older and harder than she remembered, but she bet there were thinking the same thing about her.
She huffed and sat on Emmitt’s bed and Connor handed her a wad of tissue.
“We’re sorry for tricking you…” Emmitt said.
“But you left us no choice,” Connor finished.
“I know I didn’t,” Hannah said staring at the floor. “I just didn’t know how to face you.” She briefly glanced at Emmitt.
“Was that the only reason?” Connor asked.
The tone of his voice worried Hannah. If Kristen was in on the kidnapping what else had she told them.
***
Kristen checked her rearview mirror again. Her heart still raced from the encounter with Sean, and it made her even more determined to get Hannah away from that psycho.
She speeded the entire way to Emmitt’s trying to get there before the boys could force a confession out of Hannah. She was relieved when she finally turned onto Emmitt and Hannah’s street and checked her mirror one last time. When she focused back on the road she noticed she was speeding toward a guy in the street.
Kristen slammed on her brakes, causing her tires to screech. She jerked forward, gripping the steering wheel. Luckily, her seatbelt held her in place.
Brian’s mouth gapped open as he stood there clutching his chest. Kristen took a few deep breaths as he hesitantly approached her window, but a blaring horn behind her nearly caused her to jump out of her own skin.
“Go around,” Brian yelled at the car behind her. Kristen rolled down her window, almost relieved to see him.
“I wasn’t trying to hit you. I didn’t see…”
“Are you all right?”
“No,” she admitted. “I mean yes. I just got a little f
reaked out by Sean.”
“When?”
“After school he was looking for Hannah.”
“Well, he’s gonna find me,” Brian said causing Kristen to meet his enraged eyes. He headed for his car and Kristen’s stomach dropped.
“Brian, wait!” She yelled as she threw her car in park and ran after him. “Don’t say anything to him.”
“Forget that. Somebody needs to teach that bastard some manners.”
“Would you just stop?” Kristen yelled as she grabbed his arm. “You don’t have the right to defend me anymore.”
“Just because you don’t love me anymore doesn’t mean I’ve stopped loving you.”
Kristen wished she didn’t still love him. Then maybe it wouldn’t be so unbearable to be around him.
“I hope one day we can at least be friends again.”
“No,” Kristen said cutting him off. She looked back at Emmitt’s window and sighed. “I’m friends with enough of my exes.”
When she turned back to Brian his eyes were locked on Emmitt’s window. He nodded like he was answering a question in his head.
“Go on, I’ll park your car,” he said.
“I can…”
“Look, it’s either this or I stand guard outside the window and follow you home.”
Kristen didn’t have it in her to fight back and she really did need to get to Hannah.
Brian followed her back to her car where she grabbed her bag. She felt a little bad accepting his help after telling him she didn’t want to be friends. She was almost tempted to take it back, but kept her mouth shut just in case he was using his Mr. Nice act to try and win her back.
She knew the moment the thought crept into her head that Brian wasn’t like that. He was just being his normal, thoughtful self and that made her heart ache even more.
Chapter Seven
Dax/Kristen/Emmitt/Hannah
Dax decided to scope out Emmitt’s house after dropping Noelle off. He made it just in time to see Kristen heading for Emmitt’s bedroom window, but there was no sign of Connor’s car. God how he wished he had a camera in that room. Dax was just about to park and wait for Sean to arrive when he spotted Brian getting out of Kristen’s car.
“Well, well, well.”
It seemed everyone was in on the plan. Dax always admired The Six. No matter what drama they had going on internally they’d always band together to protect one of their own. He’d watched from afar since eighth grade, secretly hoping one day he’d get invited in, but he settled for being Emmitt’s friend. Especially, since he was the only one Dax really cared to know.
They weren’t jocks or cheerleaders, and based on their wicked GPAs Hannah and Connor could easily be labeled as geeks, but somehow they’d all gained the respect of the whole school. It also helped that Dax often tapped into their lives for his Vlogs. Now with Ellie’s sudden death, the school seemed even more fascinated with the inner workings of The Six, and Dax felt the pressure to deliver, but it was fine dance with his friendship with Emmitt.
Of course everyone wanted to know why Emmitt hadn’t returned to school. The rumor board was ablaze with speculations. Dax was always too afraid to ask, but the subject would eventually have to be addressed.
Dax took off when Brian started scanning the street. It was so Godfather-ish, Dax loved it. He gulped when his phone buzzed as he turned the corner. Emmitt must’ve spotted him again. Dax pulled over to read the text message.
You better get the
dish of what’s going
on at Emmitt’s before
I do-CC
Dax was so over this chick. He dialed Noelle.
“Hello,” she answered.
“Change of plans we start our search tonight.”
***
When Kristen climbed through the window her eyes immediately hooked with Hannah’s. Kristen fought the guilt which urged her to look away. Remembering Hannah’s bruises helped reassure herself that she’d done the right thing.
Kristen tried to take Hannah’s hand as she sat beside her, but she pulled away.
“Brian, you coming in?” Emmitt asked and Kristen became short of breath.
“No, can you give her these.” Brian handed Emmitt Kristen’s keys. “I’m gonna hang out here for a minute just to be safe.”
“You said you would leave,” Kristen said not looking at him.
“I will when I know you’re safe.”
“Hannah, you didn’t answer the question.” Connor said. “Was that the only reason you’ve been dodging us?”
“Yes.”
Connor ran his fingers through his hair, his face growing redder by the second. He turned his back to them all and Kristen could see the tremble in Hannah’s lower lip.
“Hannah, what Connor is trying to say is that this isn’t like you. Sean speaks for you, you’re always with him, and you’ve cut all of us out of your life,” Emmitt said.
Connor turned to face them, his angry glare resting on Kristen before it shifted back to Hannah.
“We just want to know why it feels like we’ve lost our best friend?”
At that Hannah broke down. “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want your apology. I want the truth.”
“I already told you the truth!”
“Then why don’t I believe it!”
The whole room fell silent as Hannah and Connor locked eyes. Kristen knew she had to do something before the truth came out. “Okay, time out.”
“Stay out of it Kristen,” Connor snapped at her.
Kristen stood and shoved him back. “I’m so sick of your shit, Connor. I said she needs a minute and that’s what you’re gonna give her.” Kristen pulled Hannah up and rushed her into the bathroom before either of the boys could object.
Once inside, she closed the door and turned on the water.
“Listen,” she whispered. “I didn’t tell them about the bruises.”
Hannah exhaled in relief before her worry returned. “Kristen you have to get them to let me go. It won’t take long for him to figure out where I am and...”
Kristen’s eyes widened at the trembling fear which had enveloped Hannah and held her tight. She hadn’t thought of the backfire that would be awaiting Hannah when she agreed to help the boys. Her attempt to help her had just made her situation worse.
“It’s gonna be all right,” she said feeling Hannah’s jagged breaths. “You can come to my house. We’ll keep you away from him until we can figure something out. We just have to keep the guys from knowing the truth.”
“What if they already know?” Hannah asked.
“Right now they think it’s Sean whose keeping you away from them. Just tell them that and they’ll let you go.”
“No, If I told Connor that…no, I can’t. Not with the way he’s acting.”
***
“Here you go.” Emmitt handed Brian a cold bottle of water through the window.
“Thanks.”
“What the hell is taking them so long?” Connor asked as he paced the floor.
“I don’t know but we better hurry up before Sean gets here.”
“Don’t worry about Sean. If he has the balls to come here, he’s gonna have to deal with me.”
Emmitt had never seen Brian so upset.
“Brian, I appreciate your help but this is my fight, not yours,” Connor said.
“Not after the way he freaked Kristen out at school. She almost ran me over she was so scared that he was following her.”
“What?” Connor shouted before he banged on the bathroom door. “Open the door, Kristen!”
The door finally opened and Emmitt read the nervousness on Hannah’s face.
“I want to talk to Hannah. Alone.”
***
Hannah gulped at the request.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Kristen said, but Hannah knew her only way of getting out of there was to convince him that nothing was going
on.
“It’s okay, Kris.”
Kristen didn’t look convinced, but she eventually nodded and attempted to squeeze past Connor, who grabbed her arm.
“Why didn’t you tell us about what happened with you and Sean at school?”
Kristen’s eyes shot to Hannah and she suddenly wanted her to stay.
“Like you care,” Kristen said ripping her arm free.
“Emmitt, you deal with her,” Connor said before he closed the door and locked him and Hannah in.
Hannah had to sit down on the toilet before her trembling knees gave out. Connor’s glare was so intense, like he analyzed her every move. She tried not to look as though she were hiding something. When she and Connor locked eyes, Hannah let out a shaky breath. “What do you want from me?”
“I want Hannah back, I want my best friend to stop dodging me in the hallway at school, and stop treating us all like we never existed. The Hannah I know would never turn her back on her friends unless there was something seriously wrong and you’re not leaving this bathroom until you tell me the truth.”
Hannah’s fear reshaped into anger and she shoved Connor away. He had no right to hold her against her will or try to force a confession. The Hannah he knew, the Hannah she used to be would stand up for herself. Suddenly she knew exactly what she needed to do in order to get out of there with her secrets intact.
“I already told you the truth. You’re just too busy looking for a reason to be angry to accept it.” She yelled. “You think holding me hostage is going to make my story change? It’s not Sean keeping me away, it’s me.” Hannah took a deep breath, and stood up straight. Her voice at least sounded convincing to her, but Connor’s tense jaw and glare quickly weakened her resolve.
“Last week I was leaving Emmitt’s and I saw you two,” Connor said, causing Hannah’s breath to catch in her throat. “I heard the way he yelled at you. I watched you limp to your front porch where you stood crying.”
Connor approached her and pinned Hannah against the vanity. “Now I dare you to tell me it was nothing,” he whispered with grit in his voice that scared her.
She locked into a dangerous stare off. Even when she attempted to look away he lifted her chin, forcing her back in. Her lungs burned as she held her breath. Connor’s eyes bore into her as if he were reading her every thought. When she couldn’t take it anymore she sucked in a nervous gulp of air and looked away, tucking her hair behind her ears.
Grievance: Volume 1 Page 15