Before The End

Fourteen

McKenzie looked at herself in the mirror and brushed her hands over the silver twentys themed dress she was wearing. It sparkled in the lights and she loved it. Walking out of her room she met Màrtin downstairs. He looked absolutely incredible in his suit. His hair wasn’t its usual messy look and instead was slicked back. He smiled at her as she descended the staircase.

“You look absolutely amazing love.” He said holding her hand and pulling her to him.

“And you make a really hot Gatsby.”

“Better than Leo?” he teased.

“Nobody’s better than Leo. But if they did a Spanish version they'd definitely hire you as an extra.” She smiled.

“Ha ha very funny.” He said rolling his eyes.

He led her out of the house and they got into the car heading for the party. Logan and Noah had gone all out with decorations and the place looked amazing. Once inside Kenzie made her way to the kitchen leaving Màrtin with Jason.

“You look great.” A voice said behind her making her jump. She turned and found herself looking at Zack. The black t-shirt he wore was very fitting and he pulled off the firefighter look.

“Is the axe real?” she asked smiling.

“What kind of lunatic brings an actual axe to a party full of drunken teens?”

“Have you met you?” she questioned making him laugh. He looked at her for a second before running his hand through his hair.

“Look Macky I never got to apologise for ruining your birthday and for getting in your face about your date with Màrtin.” He said looking down. “I’ve been a real d**k to you lately.”

“Yeah you have. But I forgave you a long time ago.” She shrugged.

“Really?” he asked looking at her.

“I don’t think I can ever stay mad at you Zack. And I don’t want us to ignore each other. We’re practically family.” She smiled. He smiled back at her and pulled out a box from his pants pocket.

“I’m a month too late but I thought I’d give it to you anyway.” He said handing her the small wrapped box. “See you around Macky.”

McKenzie watched Zack walk away from her and glanced down at the box. Before she could open it Màrtin appeared next to her.

“Hey you okay?” he asked

“Yeah sorry. I was supposed to be getting drinks.” She said shaking her head.

“No need. The Knights are heading to the restaurant. We should leave now.”

“Okay.”

As they walked out of the house Kenzie looked back and her gaze met Zack’s. He gave her a small smile which she returned before facing the front and walking out the door.  

“Come on.” Màrtin said opening the door for her. Once they were both inside and on the road she pulled off her dress and reached for the other one in the back seat. A hand giving her butt a light smack made her turn glare at Màrtin.

“Behave.” She said sitting back down and starting a slip on the red dress.

“You’re the one that decided to get naked.” He smirked.

“Eyes on the road.” She laughed making him face the front. “And both hands on the wheel.”

“I’d rather use one.”

..........

Dinner had started out fine. They had laughed with the older couple and everything was going smoothly. That was until they heard the gunshots. McKenzie had no time to register the panic in the room or see the shooter because Martin had flipped the table and pulled her behind it. The knights had gotten out through the entire ruckus and were nowhere in sight.

Martin grabbed Kenzie’s hand and they blindly ran out of the restaurant through the back door. Shoving her into the driver’s seat and getting into the passenger’s seat and pulled out a gun.

“What the hell is going on? Why do you have a gun?” Kenzie asked frantically the panic finally settling in.

“I need you to calm down for me love.” Martin said holding her face in his hands. “I’ll explain everything to you later. Right now I need you to drive.”

Nodding her head silently she started the car and drove down the busy road. Looking through the rear view mirror she saw two motorcycles following behind them. As she opened her mouth to tell Martin shots were fired at the car making her scream.

“Keep driving.” Martin yelled. He opened the window and fired back while Kenzie swerved overtaking car after car trying to get away.

She floored it just as some traffic lights turned red and one of the bikes crashed with an oncoming car. The second one was still on their tail. Still very close behind. In an adrenaline haze she slowed down slightly and made a U-turn. The bike didn’t slow down meaning it impacted with the side of the car sending the rider flying onto the street.

Not waiting for him or her to get back up she drove away heading towards her place knowing no one was there.

“I don’t know whether to be scared or proud of your driving skills.” He said when they were a few houses away from her house.

“It was the adrenaline. It gives people some sort of super powers during a flight or fright response. So you can run faster, jump over a brick wall or get away from two murderous psychos.” She whispered gripping the wheel.

“El...” Martin started looking at her with concern.

“Why were they following us Martin? Why were they trying to kill us? I... I can’t...” She stopped the car on the side of the road and got out.

Running a hand through her hair she took a deep breath and tried to calm her frantically beating heart. Martin came behind her and reached for her but she stepped away from him. She tried to ignore the hurt in his eyes and looked away from his face.

“We need to go. I’ll explain everything when you’re safe at home.”

“I’m not getting into that car until you tell me what the hell is going on.” She yelled.

“You won’t get in when I do.” He said softly. “Please love, get in the car.”

“Is this what Zack and Jason where talking about? Are you guys involved in some shady s**t? Martin.....”

“I want to tell you everything. And I will, all of it. But I need you to get in the car so I can take you home. I need you safe.” Martin said stepping closer.

“You take me home and then we talk. You don’t leave anything out.” She said looking down.

“I won’t.”