Diamond Bar
06/02/2016 23:47pm
Abbie POV

Did I like the idea of Kacee having to go into hiding? Hell no. She was across the way, using Annaliese's phone to contact her parents. She was currently reassuring her mother and I was reminded of my own mother and how she'd respond to the situation.

"You all right?" Ashley's voice startled me.

"Yeah, just a little stunned." I replied, and he nodded.

He glanced at Annaliese and smiled. They seemed to be sharing some kind of hidden conversation and she looked away, gnawing on her lower lip. Ashley wasn't one to let things go and he sighed.

"Don't walk away from this." He said. She shifted nervously.

My eyes widened and I raised a brow at Ashley. He chuckled at my confused expression. Annaliese squared her shoulders and her face became very determined.

"What was that?" I asked.

"Have you noticed that Ana likes Paul." He grinned.

I had noticed the way she'd faltered in her confidence when he'd appeared and how hurt she was when he'd told her that she didn't need to be here. Her eyes were downcast and she had looked like she wanted to cry. Kacee finished using her phone and handed it back.

I rushed over and hugged Kacee goodbye. She returned the hug, squeezing me like I was a lifeline. I could feel her shaking.

"Be safe." I murmured, and she sniffled, nodding.

"I've let Rukia know." Jake said.

This was really happening. I let go and Kacee walked over to John. He intertwined their fingers and I could see he was trying to be empathetic. I wasn't sure they were sociopathic or they could have been so used to not showing any emotions. Someone must have abused them. Andy said goodbye to them and made sure Kacee was safe.

I watched Annaliese and waited for her to do something. She had ducked her head and wasn't saying a thing. Ashley cleared his throat and she seemed to snap out of her daze. She set her features into a determind glare. She stomped over and stood in front of Paul. He nearly colided with her when he stopped talking to Jinxx.

"What's with you?" He snapped, and Ashley glared at him.

"When you come out of this-whatever it is- then we should go for a coffee sometime." She said, shuffling.

I heard Ashley facepalm at the words she chose. It didn't really sound like a date at all. It sounded like two friends going for a Starbucks.

"Ok, sounds great." Paul shrugged, clearly not understanding.

"No, not like a friendly cup of coffee." She said, getting angry.

"Wasn't aware there was an unfriendly cup of coffee." Ringo murmured to George and they both laughed.

"L-like a, um, date." Annaliese finally said.

She kept her head down and then slowly lifted her eyes to look at Paul. He looked stunned by this and it seemed to have thrown the once calm assassin off. He quickly regained control though. His dark eyes seemed to be analysing Annaliese, looking for signs of a joke or lie.

"Ok." He said, at last.

Annaliese lifted her head and blinked rapidly. Her eyes were slightly glassed over like she wanted to cry.

"Really? You know what a date is, right?" She asked, seemingly unable to believe it.

"Yeah, course I know what a date is. Yeah, we can go on a date," Paul replied. He seemed to sense her uncertainty. "I'd really like that, with you, Ana."

Annaliese managed a smile and fumbled out something about arranging it. She didn't seem to know how to end this discussion. John led Kacee away, followed by Ringo and George. Paul watched them go and pulled her into a hug. Annaliese seemed stunned by this sudden display of affection. They parted after a few minutes and I went to stand next to her.

I couldn't help but smile and i realised they weren't sociopaths at all. Someone had clearly done something to them. I would have to find out what, but for now I was content.

"See, you guys are really nice." I called.

"Sure, we are." George shouted back, grinning.

Andy led them out the back and I heard the door shut and lock. Annaliese seemed to be freaking out a little. I clapped her on the back and she managed a smile.

"Now what?" I asked.

Andy looked a little uncertain. He seemed to be wanting to say something, but was uncertain. He motioned for CC to look out the small window near the door.

"Someone's out there, right?" Andy asked.

"Yeah, big guy with a beard." CC replied.

Well, this wasn't good news. I still had to go home. Would I even be safe walking through Hell's Kitchen. We decided to leave as a group and feign total ignorance. Andy and the guys locked all the doors and windows. We left and the guy approached us as Jake was locking the door.

"You guys are part of Vinnie's family, right?" He asked, eyes narrowing as he looked at each of us.

"Yeah, we are. What's it to you?" Andy asked. He sounded so intimidating, though his hand found mine and squeezed.

"I'm looking for the four-headed demon. You wouldn't have seen them, by any chance?" The man said, eyes landing on me.

For some reason his gaze frightened me so much. I tried to hide behind Andy. He stood his ground and the man seemed impressed.

"No, we've just closed up. Haven't seen them." Ashley cut in.

"Funny that. What would happen if I asked your pretty friends?" He was staring at me, then looking at Annaliese. She stepped back, fearfully.

"They didn't come here, ok." She said, despite the tremble in her voice.

The man took one last look at us before departing. Something about him was terrifying. Andy continued to hold my hand. We started walking and Ashley agreed to walk Annaliese home. The others left too and I was finally alone with Andy.

"It's the next right." I said, but he strolled right by the turn off to the hotel.

"I don't trust Cyan not to come looking for you." He said, and I nodded. "You can ring your hotel friends at mine."

This was unexpected. Andy actually lived in a ground floor appartment. He unlocked the door and I followed him inside. It was small, but cosy. The lounge was plush and warm. A mewing sound made me look down. A black cat was coiling its way round my legs. I set my guitar bag down and lowered myself to pet the cat.

"And who is this?" I asked, glancing at Andy.

"This is Crow." Andy replied, lowering himself next to me.

"So, where do I sleep?" I stood, stepping back.

"You could have the sofa, but I'd rather you were with me," He grinned. "Wouldn't want you getting scared."

I couldn't help but giggle at that. I followed him to the bedroom and he passed me a t-shirt and some boxers. I accepted and he turned round, allowing me to undress. I did so, very quickly.

"Finished." I said, and he turned back to face me.

"My clothes look good on you." He smirked, stepping towards me.

Our moment was interrupted by Crow trying to force his way through the gaps in our legs. I laughed and Andy reached down, scooping the cat up. We settled down in the bed and cuddled up together. I felt so safe. I realised I hadn't rung Vic or Kellin, but that could wait till morning.

*******************************************

Riverside Boulevarde
06/02/2016 00:17am

"Thanks for walking me home." Annaliese said.

Ashley smiled and she shuffled nervously. The cold air ghosted through the trees, making them quiver and Annaliese clutched her hoodie closer to conserve the heat.

"It's fine. Congrats on confessing." He replied.

"I must have looked like an idiot, stammering and freaking out like that." She laughed a little.

"Nah, not at all. It was admirable." Ashley said, reassuring her.

With that he hugged her and the two parted ways. Annaliese watched him go and turned to head into her appartment.

"And what confession would that be?" A voice said. Annaliese whirled round to see Donnie.

He looked tired, bedraggled and like he had been walking for ages. She faced him fully and debated on whether to engage him. It had been a long night and she wasn't in the mood for any of this.

"What're you doing here, Donnie?" She asked.

"Don't change the subject." He snapped.

She felt her face become red at the caustic tone he used. Donnie had never spoken to her in such a way. Vinnie was usually the one that did that. Never Donnie.

"Well, it's really not your business." She shot back.

"Was that why you were hanging around Paul's appartment that time because you're in love with him?" Donnie sneered.

Annaliese felt her eyes widen. How did he suss her out? She composed herself and met his gaze for a moment. Donnie held her glare.

"My feelings are none of your concern. Now go home before I call the cops." She spat.

"Oh, you're gonna call the cops are ya? How amusing. The criminal weapon fixer is gonna call the cops. Pathetic." He snarled.

Annaliese blinked rapidly and tried to hold back the tears. She stepped back and Donnie narrowed his eyes at her. He turned and started walking away.

"Fuck you!" He shouted. "If you want to be some assassin's whore then be my guest, but don't come crying to me when he fucks you over."

With that he stormed off down the street, leaving Annaliese in shock. She blinked and a few tears leaked out. Her phone buzzed and in all the excitement she realised she'd ignored an incoming call. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the phone and swiped it. The screen lit up, illuminating her face.

Someone had rung her. She didn't recognise the number, but whoever it was had left her an answerphone message. She tapped the screen and the answerphone option came up. She waited for the message and at first she heard nothing, then a voice.

"Hey Ana, it's Paul. I'm using a disposable cell at the moment. I just wanted to ring you. I'm sorry I was so inarticulate back there. It was shocking, you know. I guess I never appreciated how amazing you are. I would love to go on a date with you and get to know you. I'll be in touch soon, bye."

The call cut off and Annaliese stared, dumbly at her phone for a few seconds before smiling through the haze of tears. she glanced up the street where Donnie had gone and thought better of chasing him.

Notes