He left.

Mason and Damian had taken upon themselves to return or I should rather say hide Lucas and the rest of his filthy gang members. I haven't heard from the rest of my friends back in New York and I wondered if they had any idea what had been going on.

I sure hope they did and that they had realized that they might be in danger as well. The Void was by no means a small gang of drug dealers they were in fact big in both human trafficking and other very illegal activities.

The trafficking business was all news to me, but after last week's situation, I eventually realized how fucked up my friends really were. I felt stupid and naive for not realizing what was happening, but at the same time, I just thought they were normal students like me, roommates that tried to make it big in the big apple.

I often visited Lucas and Blaze's apartment since my roommates often were out at night, partying and stuff.

The signs that something was wrong weren't clear to me at first. I didn't see them as any different from the rest of us. Like the rest of us, we lived the simple city life with a two-room apartment and McDonald's takeaway for dinner.

After my brothers dealt with the whole situation they made me a promise that they would eventually explain everything to me, but a week had already past and they still hadn't mentioned that day at all.

I desperately wanted to get a hold of Aaron so we could maybe discuss what happened and maybe be friends again, but nothing really happened tho, his phone was dead and nobody wanted to tell me anything. He was just keeping his distance from me and honestly, he was serious when he said he wouldn't want to be friends with me anymore.

I was happy though that I at least had Eli, Christina, and of course Helena that had recently joined our little friend group. It was so so much more to her than I thought when I first met her. I was so surprised to see how much in common we had and she was honest death the funniest person I had ever met.

Speaking of my friends I was supposed to meet up with them for breakfast before school at the diner, but as usual I am late. I was quick to pull on a red sweater and a pair of baggy jeans before taking a quick look in the mirror by my vanity.

My hair was a bit messy so I couldn't really have it down today, but it would just have be that way because I didn't have any time left to straighten it. I leaned over my bed to unplug my phone from the charger and if things weren't already bad enough it was only at 11 percent. I made a mental note to tell Mason to get me a new charger soon.

Considering that I hadn't even got my driver's license yet I was depending on that either one of my brothers could take me. I internally dammed myself for not asking beforehand for a ride because now the house was already empty and I was stuck without a ride.

I looked around the empty street. No cars were in sight except for the ones parked in the driveways. I let out a big sight before I sat down on the hard concrete steps in front of my house. From time to time I glanced down at my phone to check for any messages from my siblings. It was none.

I pulled myself off the hard concrete and damn my behind was sore from sitting down too long.

I kicked some gravel in front of me as I walked along the road. Even though it was well past 8 o'clock, not many people are out yet though they might have already driven to work or school. I wondered how much people must've noticed my absence I mean I was gone for a long time but at the same time, I always assumed that nobody noticed me so that I was simply just a wallflower.

I used to dread high school and it took a lot of Persuasions for me to agree to do it Mason was worried constantly and in the end, I agreed to do it for him, so he wouldn't have to worry about homeschooling me.

After walking for a few minutes I stop to take a breath. I seriously underestimated my fitness level. Perhaps I should join the gym again! That idea seemed appealing at first but then I wouldn't have my friends to go with. I made a mental note to ask Eli and Christina if they wanted to join me.

The stores surrounding my neighborhood were mostly modern chain stores, corporate offices, and the occasional coffee shop. The old diner was located in the older part of town alongside my favorite place in the whole world.

Lenny's used to be my favorite place in the world. The old sign was barely hanging by a thin thread, but in the distance, I could still make out the letters.

I picked up my pace and quickly ran over the street being careful this time and looking out for any cars. I convinced myself to only take a quick peek before I had to get to school. Eli and Cristina were going to be so pissed at me for not showing up.

I walked up to the opening and peeked inside the window to check if I could see anyone, but to my big surprise, it almost was empty. Except for the old man that stood behind the counter while he was fiddling with what looked like an old radio.

It didn't take me long before realization dawned on me. His hair was greyer and he just looked... tired, but it no doubts Lenny Parkinson. Almost as he could feel me looking he tilted his head up and met my gaze.

A bit shy from being caught looking I decided that I should probably go inside and not stand outside looking like a creep. I hesitantly turned the door noob and stepped inside the cozy old music shop.

The familiar scent of chocolate and newly brewed coffee hit me and I couldn't help but smile. It felt like I was 10 years again, running around looking at all the colorful album covers and of course stealing Lenny's delicious chocolate chip cookies.

"Alexandra, honey is that you?" He hesitantly asked.

I was completely taken aback by his question. How did he even recognize me after all this time? I smiled at the old man and gave him a small nod.

I took a few steps closer, allowing him to get a better view of me.

"Oh yes, I could recognize that smile anywhere. You have turned into a beautiful young lady Alexandra." Lenny said pushing his big glasses further up on his nose.

I smiled at him and we continued talking for a while. Of course, I had to update him on all the things I had seen and experienced in New York and he listened carefully. I didn't feel like it was years since the last time we talked because we just naturally clicked. Related by blood or not he was family to me.

Lenny's shop was getting older and I could tell he was having trouble keeping the place up and going. Would it be crazy for me to ask for my old job back? I am sure my brothers wouldn't be too opposed to the idea.

"Would it be ok if I came back tomorrow maybe? I am running a little late for school." I asked getting my bag from behind the counter.

"Of course. You are always welcome here Alex." He said ushering me out the door.

As soon as I turned my phone back on it exploded with messages from Eli and Cristina. I made a mental note to buy them a little apology gift later.

Completely out of breath I finally arrived just in time for my second period. I ignored the weird looks I was getting and found my seat next to Helena.

Her red notebook was already placed in front of her. She smiled at me and laughed a little at my dissolved hair and beet-red face.

"I know, I know I will explain later."

The teacher started the lesson and I listened to her talking blabbering away about some kind of bird species. I couldn't help myself but look a the empty seat in the back of the classroom and wonder where he was and if he would return.