Sweeter Than Romance

Chapter 5: Cornered

*Ashley*

I can’t believe what is happening right now. Lianne is missing and we don’t have any idea on her whereabouts. Her mother called us last night saying that Lianne didn’t went home and what are we supposed to do? Being the good friends we are, Me and Jace lied about having a sleep-over and covering up for Lianne. Her mother seemed to believe us since we are her close friends and she trusted us. Oh my, I feel bad for lying. But Lianne is our friend and we can’t let her down. Ughh. This is so confusing.

“ Have you received a call from her, Ashley?” Jace asked as he continued dialing his phone. We are currently standing near the school gates and looking out for any signs of Lianne arriving.

“ No, I haven’t.” Came my reply as I bit my nails in the process. Its a habit I have whenever I feel nervous.

“ Where could she be? Dammit.. Her phone is unattended.” Jace slid his phone back while I began pacing back and forth in the area.

“ This is bad. This is bad. What if Lianne got kidnapped? Should we tell her mother what really happened? OMG. What if-

“ Ashley calm down. Panicking won’t help us in this situation.” He massaged his temples and thought for a moment. “I’m sure Lianne has her own reasons. Whatever that is, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.”

“ But what if she really went missing? Shouldn’t we call the police?”

“ A person will be reported once he or she went missing for 24 hours. Ashley, a day hasn’t even passed. We don’t know if Lianne just went some where and paid a visit. We’ll look stupid if we become impulsive and plus, I’m sure Lianne wouldn’t like that.”

“ And if she really went missing?” I pushed on with a horrified expression. Jace gave off a sigh before answering me.

“ If she is still missing at the end of the day, that’s the time we will report to the police and tell her mother the truth. Though I am hoping that we won’t resort to that decision.”

“ I also hope that Lianne will return soon. If she is still missing for another day, I don’t know what excuse we’ll be giving to Mrs. Clarkson! You know how I hate lying to her.”

“ Same here Ashley. Mrs. Clarkson is a smart woman and I’m sure she will notice something odd if this goes on.”

The bell rang and both of us exchanged looks knowing that we have to attend our next subject.

“ Let’s deal with this later. Try not to worry about this too much.”

I just nodded and followed Jace’s trail. Gosh, Lianne. Where are you? I hope you’re alright.

*Nicholas*

“ What’s making you nervous? Dude, chill out will you?”

“ Stop pacing back and forth. You’re making me dizzy.”

Their words fell on deaf ears since my anxiousness is getting the best of me. Even if I wanted to, I just can’t tell them about the topic bothering me.

“ Is it about the call? You’re not telling us that you and Samantha have a pretty rough time right now.”

“Yeah. You were literally hysterical when we were at the library yesterday.” Added Xavier as he agreed to Zion’s words.

“ Why do you keep assuming that its Samantha?” I spoke in frustration.

“Well Dude, who else? She’s the only one we knew who had a connection with you so far.”

“ First of all. This is not about her, okay? And why do you keep pushing that I’m having a relationship with Samantha?”

“ Don’t you?” asked Zion as he joined our conversation.

“ Then let me ask you this. Have you ever saw me going out with her?”

“ No.”

“ Did I ever mention going on a date with her?”

“ No.”

“ Aaand have you ever saw an evidence like a picture of us together?”

“No.” Answered the both of them as they shook their heads.

“ Then why the f**k are you pairing me with her?!”

“ Hey, we never knew if you’re hooking up with her in private! That’s a possibility, you know.”

“ Yeah Yeah. I agree with Zion on this one!”

I breathed out a harsh sigh as I collected my thoughts to prove my point. Damn Idiots won’t make this situation any easier.

“ You know what? Even if I do have a relationship with Samantha or whatever, Why would I even discuss these personal details to you?”

“ Cuz we are your friends and we are awesome.” Answered Zion with a straight face.

Xavier cheered and looked as if he won the lottery

“ Wait. Did you hear that? You said that you Do Have a relationship with Samantha. That means we are right. Ha ha.”

“ My god Xavier. Are you even listening to what I said? I’m pointing out a possibility. A hypothetical situation. I didn’t meant that I literally do have a relationship with Samantha.” I replied in an annoyed tone.

“ So possibility means yes, Right? Then its still the same.” He crossed his arms over his chest while maintaining a cheeky grin.

“ Zion, will you please explain it to him more clearly.”

“No offense, Nick. But you wouldn’t get so defensive if it isn’t true.”

“Then how would you like it if you are accused of liking someone when you clearly aren’t?”

“ I guess I’m fine with it as long as they are hot or something.” Xavier said as he assumed a thinking position.

“Ugh. I’m leaving.” I collected my things and headed to the door.

“Where are you going? Let’s stay here in our headquarters for a bit. Class is boring anyways and it will only be next week that we’ll be having actual lectures.” Said Zion as he leaned on the couch.

The headquarters is like our meeting area and it is secluded from other buildings in the campus. Put it simply, we are the only ones who have access to it and it is restricted to the entry of other students. Even though there are a few ones who managed to find their way across here, they wouldn’t dare trespass knowing that it is owned by the NIXON.

“ I’m going to my father’s office. You two can stay behind if you want.”

“ The Chairman’s office? So you gonna propose about the cafeteria thing?” asked Xavier.

“ Maybe. See you later.”

-------------------------

*(Knock3x)*

“ Dad, are you in there?”

I waited for a reply but after several attempts in knocking, I still didn’t get any answer.

“Maybe he’s out? Okay, I’m coming in.”

Several papers were piled up in his desk and folders were also gathered on the other side. I sat down on one of the couches and spent at least 5 minutes waiting for him. When there is still no sign of my father, I got up from where I was seated and prepared to leave.

*(Phone Rings)*

“It’s them.” I immediately answered the call after seeing the contact name and a frantic voice reached my ears.

-Sir, Are we gonna do something or

“ Idiots! If something happens I’m gonna kill you.”

-But Sir-

“Just wait for my instructions. I’m on my way.”

-What if she wakes up? Shall we act tough or-

“ Just act like how you would with any other human being.” I slid my phone back and didn’t wait for any complaints. I went out of the school gates where my driver is on stand-by.

“ f**k School. I have more important things I need to settle.”

-------Timeskip------

*Ashley*

So Lianne is still missing and I’m already on the verge of having a panic attack. Jace was thinking of possible suspects on Lianne’s abduction and so far, we came up with none.

“ I don’t understand. Lianne doesn’t have any enemies. I mean if she does then we would have known about it.”

“ Maybe she kept it a secret from us? Or maybe it involves her family? Oh my God. What if she got abducted by some Mafia Gang and –

“ Ashley Calm down. Try to keep your cool.”

I’m amazed on how Jace can still appear rational despite the stress we are feeling right now. I can see that he’s affected about this as much as I do but he is trying his best to be brave for all of us.

“ That’s a possibility but its highly unlikely.. We need to think of closer suspects. Say, who is the person Lianne is after? It might give us some clue on her trail and absence.

I thought hard and a person clicked on my head.

“ The Generous Customer! Lianne always seem to be interested in chasing after him!”

“ You mean the guy who always give big tips?”

“ Yes! And Lianne might be following him right now or he’s the one who captured Lianne!”

“ That conclusion is biased... But its the closest lead we have so far and we can’t let anything slip out of our grasp.” He collected his things and I mirrored his actions. “ We better ask the person who can help us reveal his identity. Let’s go and ask Mike.”

---(Café)---

“You’re asking about that Hooded Guy? The one who gives big tips?”

“ Yes and We’re thinking that you know him since you’re the one who told us that he’s safe.”

“ Well of course I do. I have to make sure he indeed just love to wear a hoodie and not some kind of criminal under cover.”

We followed Mike until we reached his office. He motioned for us to get a folder in his drawer and Jace was the one who complied.

“ I’m surprised you two didn’t know him. I mean, he attends the same school like you as what he mentioned to me before.” Me and Jace exchanged curious looks and Mike handed us some picture which made our breath hitch.

“ There. What are you gonna do with that one?”

“ Is this....”

“ O.. M... G...”

*Lianne*

I squinted my eyes as I adjusted to the brightness of the room. I was about to move my hands but failed in my attempt. I looked down and saw that my hands are tied and my body is also tied in a chair located in the middle of the room. I heard voices from the side lines particularly a feminine squeal. It mellowed down and changed to a thicker voice like a male one. Did I hit my head pretty hard? To the point where I am confused on what I’m hearing?”

“ Ahem.” I turned my head to the source of the voice and I saw 2 muscular men standing at the side. They are like bouncers in a club since they are wearing all black with matching shades.

“ So you’re awake.. That is good.”

“ Stupiid! We are supposed to act tough!” The other man smacked the head of the previous one and I’m confused on my situation right now. Did he just acted like a school girl?

“ What so you want me to beat her up? Daaaawwwg You know I can’t do that!”

“ Hey what choice do we have? And seriously wearing this outfit isn’t my thing. I’m like.. eewww. The color should have been pink.”

“Then it will ruin our facade. But seriouly, you are right Dawwwgg. This outfit sucks. I’m crying in my head. Bo hoo”

Now I can confirm that I have a pretty bad damage in my head. I need to get a check up as soon as possible.

“ Ummmm.. What is happening?”

The two men stopped their chat and they looked at me as if they realized something.

“ Oh right. Our bad. You just woke up and you haven’t eaten since last night.” One of them untied me from my chair and I stoop up bearing the most confused face I ever had.”

“ You can sit on the table and Dawwg, get her the meal on the microwave.” I followed and sat on the table where the man pointed. The other man placed a meal and I can’t help but voice out my confusion.

“ I know this may sound weird but.. Why are you doing this? Aren’t you afraid that I will escape and s**t because you untied me?”

“ Dawgg.” The cheerful one started and looked at me intently.” I’m sure you won’t do that and I’m hoping you wouldn’t cuz we don’t want to resort to harsh measures where we have to hurt you. OMG we absolutely hate violence.”

Am I seeing the male counterpart of Ashley? Damn.

“ And we don’t really want to kidnap you at all. Hello, this isn’t our thing. But our close friend asked us and we can’t turn him down.” The other man spoke.

“Are you sure this is a kidnapping scenario? Because I’m sure as hell that it doesn’t appear like that right now.”

I know. I should be thankful that I’m not harmed. But SERIOUSLY? This is very weird. I’m expecting to get beaten up, deprived, shouting ‘Help’ at the top of my lungs, or perhaps Tortured. But none of those are present right now.

“So..... I know its pretty obvious but you guys are girls, right? Girls at heart.”

“ You got that right, Dawg.” He said and flashed me a wink.

“You can call us B1 and B2.” Spoke the other as he pointed to both of them. “ But we prefer it if you call us G1 and G2.”

“ Totally.” They broke into laughter and I’m left out confused as hell.

“ Is this a joke? Are we on camera or something? Ughh. This is a prank. I’m sure of it.”

Its not every day that you got kidnapped by Gays and treated well as if you’re like their close friend. It’s already weird enough so I’m sure that this is a big joke.

“ Girl, you’re not dreaming. This is reality and you are kidnapped by beautiful men. Right, Dawg?”

“ Yezz.”

“ I think I’ll just get my head hit by an object again. Maybe I’ll wake up and things will goo back to normal.”

“ But you haven’t even eaten Dawg!”

“ If you get your head hit again, you’ll surely suffer amnesia! I hit you pretty hard last night and The damage will get worse.”

“f*****g Thank You, Dude.” I thought as I massaged the back of my head. The sound of a car engine can be heard outside and my two girly captors raced down the stairs to greet the newcomer. I’m sure it was the friend they were talking about and the mastermind behind all this craziness. I’ll Make sure to give him a piece of my mind and what I think about this situation. Is he abnormal or mentally retarded? Who the hell kidnaps someone and assigns people who can’t even hurt a fly as body guards? Its not even April Fools Day and he’s already making a joke.

“Dawwg, It’s a good thing you arrived already.”

“ Its up to you to handle the situation. And you owe her a good explanation.”

“ Is she already awake?”

I can hear foot steps coming my way and my mind, heart, soul, and whole being turned upside down when I saw the true mastermind.

“NICHOLAS!!!???”

-Chapter End-