“Where do you think you’re going, Vic?” Mike yelled, slapping his hand on the window before I could pull away.

“Mike, do you realize how stupid we are? We just left Charlie there, by herself, with those men! Fuck! Why do we always do stupid things?” I screamed, banging my fists on the steering wheel. I hardly noticed when Mike opened the car door and pulled me out of the car.

“Vic, you have to calm down,” Mike said. In frustration, I gripped my hair and yanked at it.

“Why did we leave her there?”

“Vic I think you’re forgetting the fact that Charlie invited them into her apartment willingly,” Mike said.

I paused. “She’s not afraid of them,” he continued.

“I’m not afraid of them, either,” I argued.

“Yeah, but she’s afraid of losing you,” Mike said. “She…” he sighed. “Vic, she’s doing what she did before again. Now that she knows what—who they want…”

I frowned. “She’s really going to give up like that?” I asked in a small voice.

“I wouldn’t call it giving up…”

“But she’s just going to let them take her, even after what we talked about,” I concluded lowly to myself. Tears sprung from my eyes and I buried my head into my hands. Her words from the other night rang in my head, and, although it was meant about my fans, it applied in this situation, too. You can’t save everyone…

But the only person I’ve saved was Chloe—and I wouldn’t even say I saved her. She saved herself.

I failed with Spencer.

She gave up to protect me and Mike.

I was failing with Charlie.

She was giving up to protect me.

I knew what I had to do to stop this, though, to stop, what felt like, this horrible cycle. I wiped my eyes and straightened out, reopening the car door.

“Now what are you doing?” Mike asked.

“It’s okay, Mike. I’m going to make things right,” I said. I took my phone from my pocket. “But I’m going to check in on Chloe, first,” I said. Mike looked confused but then he nodded, shrugging his shoulders.

“Are you okay?” Mike asked warily.

“Yep,” I said, nodding. I shooed him away and he rolled his eyes, lighting another cigarette as he walked back into the house.

“Hello?” she answered on the third ring.

“Hey, Chloe,” I greeted her when she answered.

“Oh, hi Vic. What’s up?” she sounded cheerful.

“I was just checking in, I hope that’s okay.”

“Oh, yeah, it is! Things are going well here… I, uh, I told my sister. I didn’t tell my parents yet but it feels good to have her on my side now, y’know?”

I smiled. “That’s awesome, Chloe. I’m so proud of you,” I said warmly.

“Thanks, Vic. I couldn’t have done it without your support.”

“I bet you could have,” I said softly. “Believe in yourself, Chloe.”

“I do, now.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” I smiled.

“Yeah… I just feel like things are going to be okay now. I didn’t expect Zoe to be so supportive,” she said quietly. “She was really upset about what I told her I almost did… but not in an angry way. It just made me feel like I am loved and… I don’t know,” she rambled a little.

“You are loved, Chloe. I'm glad you can see it now.”

“It’s nice to have people,” she said.

I chuckled because her voice sounded a little dreamy. She was obviously feeling a lot better, which made me happy. “Keep your sister close, Chloe. Your siblings are the only people that will be with you forever,” I said, my voice quieting a little at the end.

“I will,” she murmured. “Vic… are you okay?”

“Yeah, Chloe, I’m good. I should go now,” I said quickly. “Hang in there, alright? Just know that even if I’m not there physically, I’m always there for you,” I said. Without waiting to hear her reply, I hung up the phone and tossed it to the side. Then, I started the car and backed out of the driveway. I didn’t know where to go, but I decided to start with Charlie’s apartment complex.

I cursed to myself, though, when I saw that Triston’s car wasn’t anywhere in the parking lot. Charlie’s car was in the same spot as it was before. “Damn it,” I whispered. I parked the car anyway. Maybe the other two had gone away and left Charlie and Triston here. It was worth a shot, at least.

I buzzed on her apartment door, bouncing on my toes. Nobody answered and I had no way of knowing if it was by choice or if it meant that nobody was in there.

I hit another random buzzer. “Hello?” A woman answered—perfect.

“Hi, I have flowers for…” I narrowed my eyes at the last names printed on stickers on top of each buzzer. “…Miss Pearson?” I tried.

“Oh! Okay. I’ll buzz you in,” she said. Moments later, the apartment complex unlocked and I was able to step inside. I smiled only for a moment in victory and then raced down the hall and up the stairs. I ran to Charlie’s apartment, out of breath when I got there and almost sliding past the door. I banged on the door and then held my ear to the wood, trying to hear if someone was in there, something.

Nothing.

CHARLIE’S POV

“Sorry guys, I’m going to be selfish today,” Triston said, causing Dex and Sam to roll their eyes and pout. “Get your own, she was mine first, anyway,” Triston snapped. I whimpered as Dex and Sam, from either side of me, dug their nails into the top of my thighs. I shouldn’t have done this, I thought regretfully. I should have just stayed with Vic, then at least we would be together. In this moment I knew I really loved him, because I would rather risk everything to be with him. Did that make me selfish?

“I’m not your toy,” I spat, his words disgusting me.

“I’m getting really fucking sick of you always fighting back. Where did the old Charlie go?” he growled. “The one that just let it happen?”

“She toughened up a little,” I said through gritted teeth, lifting my leg a little and kicking the back of his chair. He grunted. “Where are you taking me, anyway?” I asked.

“Literally, shut your mouth,” he snarled.

Currently, I was sitting in between Dex and Sam, in the back of Triston’s car. The bastards had forced me in their car, taking me to God knows where. I knew Triston meant serious business and he was pretty “professional”, but I wasn’t expecting this. He was different. Just like I was different.

“This is ridiculous,” I muttered. Triston just sighed in annoyance and continued to drive.

After several minutes, I saw that we were still in San Diego except he had stopped at a motel. Triston turned and burned holes in my forehead with his glare. “I’m going to check in. You’re going to stay here. And you guys,” his eyes flickered to Dex and Sam, “are going to keep her here. Don’t do anything, she’s mine, got it?” they both nodded obediently and Triston left. I sunk into the seat in defeat, crossing my arms over my chest.

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” Dex muttered, sliding his hand up my leg.

“You guys are pigs!” I cried, elbowing him in the rib cage.

“And you are a slut,” Dex continued, gripping my face in between his hands. I squirmed around, trying to get out of his grasp. “Hold her still, won’t you?” he asked Sam, who immediately wrapped his arms around my middle, pulling me into him tightly.

“You know, maybe if you treated girls with a little more respect they would actually date you!” I protested, kicking my legs as Dex continued to ‘invade my personal space.’

“God, you are annoying,” he breathed, sucking on a spot just under my jaw while one of his hands held my head tightly and his other groped my entire body. I knew this wasn’t about getting girls, though. To them, this was about control.

I wasn’t about to let them have it, completely, though. I was at least going to make it really difficult. I continued to squirm and wriggle around. Everything started to flood back, and I felt like I was going to suffocate. I didn’t want this to be my life again—why did I come here? I started to cry, breathing heavily as Sam’s grip on me tightened and Dex got a little more aggressive.

“Hey! Knock it off!” I never thought I would think this, but I was happy that Triston was here. Immediately, Dex backed away and Sam released me. “None of you fucking listen around here,” he shook his head. Dex shrugged his shoulders as Triston went to go park his car. “Listen here,” he turned back around after cutting the engine. “Fight back as we walk inside and I will literally shoot you,” he ordered, leaned over into the passenger seat and rummaging through a bag.

“With what gun?” I sassed stupidly. Triston sighed and sat back up, showing me “what gun.”

“This gun,” he glared at me. He tucked it into his pants and gave me a serious look. “I’m not afraid to use it.”

“I know, you’re not afraid of anything,” I mocked. “But if you’re going to kill me eventually, why shouldn’t I make a scene right now?” I questioned threateningly.

“Because I’ll find out where your boyfriend lives and I’ll kill him, too,” he fired back. That shut me up. “That’s what I thought,” he sighed, exiting the car. I bit on my lip as Dex got out of the car. Sam, still on my right, nudged me to follow Dex. At first I was resistant, but Sam hit me hard on my lower back, making me momentarily squeal in pain. I slid across the seats, letting Dex grab my arm and pull me out of the car, Sam following closely behind. My shoulders slouched in defeat as I walked with them calmly to the motel door. Dex twisted the key into the lock and used his shoulder to force the stubborn door open. He flicked on the light and Dex and Sam shoved me inside.

The room was worn down and lowly lit. The bed against the wall was small and only had a thin layer of sheets. The walls had cracks and the carpet was stained.

“Oh this is lovely, you really know how to treat a girl, Tris.”

“Shut up!” he snapped, hitting me over the head. It didn’t really hurt because he only used his hand, but I knew he was serious and figured it would be best to listen.

He reached out and grabbed me by my shirt, yanking me closer to him. My stomach twisted in disgust as he held me. He licked his lips once and then pushed me onto the bed. As I went to sit up, he pushed me down again, his hand resting on my throat. “Dex, Sam,” he started, not taking his eyes off of me while addressing them. “You guys can leave now.” He said, leaning closer to me. He swung his leg around and hovered over me. My heart started to thump frantically in my chest.

“Aw, man, why?” they whined.

“Because,” Triston said, his face inching mine. “This time is different. She’s dead, soon,” he ran his fingers down the side of my face. “I’m going to treat her like the princess she wishes she was,” he murmured. I closed my eyes.

“Alright man, have fun. When should we be back?” they asked.

“A few hours,” Triston mumbled, causing my stomach to twist again. “Call me if there’s any problem.”

“Will do,” they said. I heard the door open and then shut, now we were alone.

Triston put his lips to my ear. “Open your eyes, Charlie,” he purred. “You’re actually going to enjoy this.”

VIC’S POV

“You don’t understand, Mike,” I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.

“C’mon, Vic. Tony and Himes are here. They want to talk to you. Just come home and we’ll figure this out together. Please.”

“I’m sorry guys, but I can’t. I can’t.”

“I know you care about her but she did this to herself—”

“You did not just say that,” I gritted my teeth.

“Shit, I didn’t mean it like that, Vic. I’m just saying… I’m just saying that she chose to go with them. It’s not the same as last time. She’s a tough girl, she knows what she’s doing.”

“But she doesn’t know what she’s doing, Mike! Neither do I! None of us do! Why are you trying to keep me from keeping her safe?” I asked incredulously.

“I know it sounds bad, Vic… but we care about you so much. We don’t want to lose you.”

“Mike,” I whined a little, rubbing my face with my hand. “I care about you guys, too. I also care about her. And I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I just sat there and let her get hurt! I know I’m not invisible, but Jesus, Mike, you’re making it sound like she is. And she’s not. Nobody is,” I explained.

“I understand, Vic. I really do. But—”

“What do you expect me to do?”

“I-I don’t know…”

“I love you guys, okay? I’m just trying to do something right,” I sighed.

“Just be careful, Vic. I don’t know what you plan on doing—”

“I’m planning on getting justice. That’s what I should have been focusing on the entire time,” I whispered.

“We’re not talking about Charlie anymore, are we?” Mike asked softly.

“We are… but… I guess it has to do with Spencer a little bit,” I admitted. “She never got justice. I won’t let that happen to anyone I care about again,” I said firmly.

“I still don’t really know what that means, Vic, but okay,” Mike replied.

“I don’t either,” I whispered. “But I have to go,” I said.

“Vic! Wait. Call us soon, okay? If you’re going to go out and look for her, let us help you?”

I’m on my own for this one, I thought to myself. “Okay,” I said to them. “I just need to figure some things out, first.”

“O-Okay, Vic,” Mike said, his voice shaking. I felt bad, but I hung up the phone. Mike was always right, and he was especially right when he said that love made me stupid. Well, I was about to be really fucking stupid.

“Hey,” I went up to a person exiting the apartment complex Charlie lived in. He raised his eyebrows expectantly. “I was wondering if you saw a girl,” I started.

He smiled. “I see many girls, man,” he laughed a little. “Who do you mean?” he asked.

“Er,” I put my hand horizontally against my collarbone. “She’s about that tall,” I indicated. “She has brown hair, beautiful hazel eyes, rosy cheeks… um, she was with three guys?” I bit my lip.

“Dang man, it’s literally you’re lucky day,” he chuckled, shaking his head.

My eyes widened and I jumped up excitedly, hugging the guy tightly. “Uh, sorry,” I released him awkwardly. He just laughed.

“Yeah, as I was coming in I saw her getting into their car. They drove that way,” he pointed to the right. “And, it didn’t look too friendly, dude,” he said, his face falling. I wrote down the license plate number and alerted the cops, just in case,” he said.

“Oh, shit, wow. Thank you… could I get the number, maybe?” I asked.

“As long as you swear you’re not trying to steal her, too,” he frowned.

“I swear, man. I love her,” I replied weakly, my heart sinking at the thought of it not looking too “friendly.”

He nodded, reciting the plate number which I typed into my phone.

“Wow, you are truly a life saver. Holy shit,” I breathed. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you find her,” he frowned.

“Me too,” I swallowed. “Thanks again!” I called, running back to my car. I started it quickly, driving off in the direction he pointed. I didn’t know where to go from here, but it was at least a start. “Where would he take her?” I questioned out loud. From the corner of my eye, I saw a motel. “A motel, maybe?” I guessed. I pulled into the driveway of the place, driving slowly passed the park cars. None of the plates matched. I even checked around the back, coming up with nothing.

It was crazy and desperate, but I decided to continue driving, checking out every motel in the city. By the fifth one, though, I was ready to rip my hair out. They all came up with nothing, and I even started to get out of the car and ask the clerk if a person fitting Triston, Sam, Dex, or even Charlie’s description had checked in recently.

As I reached the seventh one, I started to devise new plans in my head. Where else could I look? Did they take her back to Santa Cruz? Could I catch a flight in time?

As I pulled around the lot of this one, though, my eyes widened. I saw a car similar to that of Tristons, with two people in the front seat. The driver was playing the drums on the steering wheel while the passenger was asleep. I narrowed my eyes at the plate and had to force myself not to stop the car—that would be suspicious—and I saw that it was Triston’s car.

“Fuck!” I breathed heavily. I went to the opposite side of the lot and dialed Mike’s number.

“Vic? What’s up?” he asked nervously.

“I found her,” I breathed.

Mike sighed in relief. “No, not good, yet,” I rushed out. “I meant I know where she is. I went around to every damn motel in the city until I found Triston’s car. The two other guys are sitting in there. I’m guessing Triston has Charlie in a room,” I said, my voice cracking at the end.

“Oh, God, Vic,” Mike sounded horrified.

“I just wanted to let you know,” I said, and then I ended the call. I cut the engine of the car and lifted the hood of my sweatshirt up, my head low as I walked slowly to the idiots in the car. They didn’t notice me come up to them, since they were both distracted. Without revealing my face, I tapped on the window. The guy—Dex—jumped and rolled down the window.

“What do you want, dude?” he asked in annoyance. I lurched my right arm forward, punching him in the face. He slumped over and I managed to open the door, ripping him out of the seat and pulling him onto the pavement. The other guy was dead asleep, and the music playing from their car was blasting so he didn’t hear a thing.

“What the fuck!” Dex spat. I lifted him up and slammed his head into the door. His eyes rolled back in his head and he passed out. I opened the back seat and lifted his heavy body, laying him across the back. I chuckled a little at the moron still sleeping. I slammed the back door shut and raced to the other side of the car.

At this point, Sam had woken up. He looked around curiously and then he relaxed, seeing that his friend was just “sleeping” in the back seat. As he sunk back into his chair, I ripped the passenger door open and grabbed his collar, slamming him against the side of the car. I was running off of pure anger and adrenaline.

His eyes widened and I kneed him in the gut, earning a groan. Before he could retaliate I slammed his head into the car. “Take me to Charlie,” I growled, my hands gripping around his throat. He gasped and nodded, willing to give up Triston for the sake of his life—pathetic people.

I pushed him over to the motel door they were parked in front of, my hand at the back of his neck and my fingers digging into his skin. “Knock on the door. Tell him that there’s an emergency,” I ordered. Sam grimaced but did as I instructed.

“What!?” Triston called out angrily, his voice muffled.

“Uh, um, we have a situation, you need to come out here,” he said nervously.

“Damn it, Sam. I told you to call me if there were any problems!” Triston yelled.

“It’s the boyfriend! He’s here!” Sam rushed out.

“No! You fucking dick!” I hissed. I tightened my grip on his neck and slammed his head into the brick wall. He slumped down immediately, falling unconscious. “Damn it!” I whisper yelled, angry. I tried the door and of course it was locked. I was petrified, now. Now that Triston knew it was me, he could hurt Charlie. Just as I thought that, I heard her cry out. I banged my fist on the door. “Open the door!” I rammed my shoulder into the door, but it wouldn’t budge.

Seconds later, there was shuffling inside and the door clicked, and then there was more shuffling. My eyes wide, I turned the handle, opening it slowly. Triston was breathing heavily, his face dripping with sweat, and he licked his lips once, bouncing around on his heels. I stood frozen in the doorway, only looking at him—and the gun in his hand—breifly before I locked eyes with Charlie. Her make up was smeared down her face, her eyes were red and watery. Her hair was disheveled and she was only wearing a t-shirt and underwear, clothes that he had apparently rushed to put on her. I could visibly see scratch marks all of her arms and legs, a red handprint on her face, and the impression of fingers around her neck. My heart snapped in half looking at her sitting there on the bed, her hands clenched at her side and her shoulders shaking.

“Charlie,” I murmured softly, forgetting about Triston. Her eyes flickered and she jumped up, maybe to run to me—did she not know about the gun in his right hand? I moved forward, too, to meet her. But before I could reach her, he grabbed her hair and her head snapped back, sending her to the floor. He ripped her up so she was barely standing, and she whimpered in pain.

“Move again and I’ll kill you in front of him,” I heard him growl into Charlie’s ear. With just his words, I felt like I was going to die myself. She cried softly and froze in his grasp. I inched forward a little. “And you,” he said sharply, nodding at me. “Don’t take another step,” he growled, pointing the gun at me.

“I’m sorry,” Charlie mouthed, tears in her eyes. I shook my head. I wasn’t going to stand still while the love of my stupid life apologized for giving up. Not this time.

So I did what I had to do—just like Spencer—

I lunged forward.

Notes

dun dun dun


(Hi to anyone who is actually still reading this hahahah--I don't mean that rudely it's just I get it, it's time for these stories to end. aNd we are AbOUT to END)

if any of you are actually still on your horses, hold on tightly

wow that was lame

I should go to school now