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I was woken up the following morning by someone tapping me on my shoulder lightly. Without looking at them I groaned softly, telling them I'm up. My entire body was sore and my back aches the most. I'd been in and out of sleep in this chair for the whole night. I don't feel refreshed or energized at all. In fact, my condition may be a lot worse than it was yesterday.

I maneuvered myself out of the chair and locked eyes with Nas, who had a small stack of clothes in his hand. With tired eyes I looked up at him, confused. He handed them to me and softly told me to get in the shower. I don't have have time to think about it or thank him, really. I feel too exhausted to speak as of right now. Maybe this shower will make me feel better, usually they help.

I walked over to the bathroom, closed and locked the door behind me. I got rid of my clothes and stepped into the shower, turning the water on. I found myself already getting a little frustrated because I had forgotten that I still had this gauze wrapped around my top half, which means I need to be extra cautious while cleaning.

I don't happen to have any extra to change it, nor do I have the supplies to properly treat the wound. So I was really at a loss, if I'm being honest. It seems like that's all I've been these past few days which is bizarre to me. How could I let my life go down the drain in just a matter of 3 days? It still doesn't make sense to me. Trying to put the pieces together is much too stressful for me.

I felt my eyes water as my mind wandered off to what would happen if we were to get caught. Would he kill us? My blood ran cold at the thought. Not exactly at being killed, but how we would be killed. Zhayne is not right in the head, so I know he wouldn't just shoot us and it'll all be over. He would definitely take his time watching us die, because that's what he enjoys.

Not only that, but I felt extremely guilty because I dragged Nas into this and his friends had gotten involved as well. I can't have anything happen to them. I need to figure out some sort of way to separate myself from them as soon as possible so that they don't get dragged any further down.

Things are horrible enough already. I will not have anyone suffer the same fate as me if things aren't to go right. I brought this upon myself, therefore I will go through it alone. I can't bear to see someone else lose their life because of me. Or at all, for that matter.

I let out a small sigh, wiping my tears away before I finished washing myself off and stepping out of the shower. I quickly got dressed and exited the bathroom. Upon entering the room again, I see everyone sitting on either of the beds waiting for me.

They were quiet. The tension in the air was thick. Even if a stranger were to catch wind of the atmosphere they would feel uncomfortable as well. I clutched my dirty clothes in my hands tighter, waiting for someone to speak up. The silence was really eating at me.

"Let's go." Said Nas, who was sitting in the corner in the chair that I previously sat in. I looked at him, confused. Where are we going? Is it even safe to leave yet? I went to call out his name and ask what we're doing but he kind of just brushed me off and repeated his words. He wasted no time leaving the room.

I shrugged it off and followed after everyone else. Since I was the last one to leave the room, I did a quick once over to make sure there was nothing left behind before closing the door.

When we arrived to the lobby, there was still no one at the desk. But Nas, who had the key to the room didn't seem to care. All he did was drop in on the desk then proceeded to walk out of the crappy motel with haste. Everyone trailed behind him quietly, not making a sound. It felt like we were on some sort of mission, which was weird to me.

We hurriedly got to Nas' truck and drove off. We spent the first few minutes driving down the long highway in silence. The tension wasn't nearly as unbearable as it was earlier, but it was definitely still there. But no one seemed to want to speak up and change that. To be honest I can't really blame them. I'm sure if I have a lot on my mind, they all do as well.

"I'm hungry. Nas, feed me." I suddenly heard out of nowhere, startling me. Just when I thought no one would speak. I turned around to see Torrence leaning up from the back seat with his hands on his cheeks, staring at Nas with a pouty look on his face.

The red head sighed, but didn't meet his gaze. "Dude, we can't just stop anywhere. We could easily get found. If I'm being for real, we were already at risk staying at that motel. It was by the grace of god that we didn't die." Nas said nonchalantly. I heard Chance murmur a 'what the fuck?' At Nas' words. I didn't even question what he said. I figured as much.

"So because we're on the run we're supposed to fucking starve?" Lucien chimed in. "Look, Nas. I doubt that we'll get found out if we're quick. We can just find somewhere and be in and out." He told Nas, desperation evident in his tone. Nas huffed, clearly not wanting to agree with his plan. But he ended up nodding his head.

"Fine. But we have to be quick. We don't have time to bullshit."

It wasn't long until Nas pulled up to the parking lot of the place we all agreed on eating at, which was Denny's. When he stopped the car he commanded for us to put on our jackets and make sure we had our hoods on. I guess it was to help keep our identities on the low. So everyone did just that and got out of the car.

I put the hood up on the jacket I was wearing when we entered the busy restaurant. I was sort of surprised that it was crowded this early in the morning, but I tried not to think too much of it. Too much of anything, really. We are to be in and out, I don't have time to dwell on useless things.

I followed the boys until we reached the register. Nas was up first, putting in his order as the rest of us waited. I stood awkwardly, glancing around the place which seemed to be filled with life.

I looked upon the people eating and enjoying their meals with their family in jealousy. I wished it was me in their spot. I wish I could spend time with my family like that. But I wasn't fortunate enough.

Though I'm okay with that sometimes, I found it hard to bear when looking at other happy families. It was just something about seeing people with something I never had the privilege of having that makes me feel some kind of way. It may not be the case for everyone, but every once in a while it is for me.

I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Startled, I glanced up at Chance who had tried to get my attention. "I-uh...yeah?" I asked, noticing that he had this weird look on his face. My stomach twisted up at that. He leaned down to murmur in my ear.

"Isn't that the guy who worked at the motel?" He asked, discreetly pointing behind me. I furrowed my brows in confusion before turning around, trying to figure out where he was pointing at.

It took a minute, but when I did my eyes widened. He was sitting at a table by himself, on the phone with someone. He didn't even have a plate of food in front of him. I glanced back at Chance. "What could he be doing here?" I asked, suddenly feeling worse for some odd reason. I felt extremely off. Like the atmosphere had just shifted.

"I don't know, but I think we should probably leave. I may not be the smartest guy, but it's probably no coincidence that he was at the motel and just so happened to meet us all the way over here...." He said, before walking up to Nas.

It was like my world stopped. All the people around me faded out to black and white and the sounds of their conversations came to a stop. The only person that remained in color and focus was the motel worker.

I don't even know if Chance is correct, but what he said made a lot of sense. This restaurant was almost a half an hour away, how could he just so happened to have come here?

Not only that, but he was sketchy in general. His odd behavior while tending to us the other night was extremely unsettling. Also, he looked way out of place. Indeed he was at the motel, but now that I think about it he didn't have on any sort of uniform. It's like he was there for a different reason.

The parking lot wasn't empty for no reason. And there was no way that people could be visiting such a place that was clearly outdated and looked to be abandoned.

Could he be..?

My thoughts came to a stop and it felt like time started again. I saw the man get up from the table he was sitting at and heading toward the front doors to leave. But not before glancing behind him for a moment. His eyes scanned the entire room, before they eventually landed on me.

He smiled before exiting.

Oh no.

I quickly made my way over to the group frantically. I opened up my mouth to say something but it was too late. I was too slow, too slow to realize that he was obviously sent to watch us.

Before I could say what I wanted to say, I was cut off by the deafening sound of multiple bullets piercing through glass causing many people to either duck under tables for cover or scream in terror, running for their lives.

But there was no use in running. I hadn't even seen it at first, but now there were a whole bunch of men standing outside, accompanied by countless black SUV'S practically surrounding the building.

I felt someone grab me by my hand and pull me down under a table. It was Nas, he told me I was an idiot before covering me by encasing me in his arms.

The chaos stopped for a moment, but soon after started up again as I heard the sound of multiple men climbing in through the shattered windows and invading the restaurant. I watched from under the table as some of them went around, harassing innocent customers.

They were patting people down, confiscating belongings, and threatening to kill them along with their entire family if anyone bothered to call the police.

My stomach dropped...This is because of me. These peoples lives are in danger because I decided to run away.

"Angel and Nasir." My body stiffened at the sudden sound of Zhayne's voice booming in the distance. "If I don't see your faces within the next 10 seconds, everybody in this goddamn motherfuckin' restaurant is going to die." I heard the cock of a gun, followed by multiple people crying out in fear.

Nas sighed, closing his eyes. He looked like he was going to cry for a moment, but when he reopened them, there were no tears. He wore a blank expression.

Even in a moment like this I found myself wondering how he hadn't cried yet. Especially given all that he's been through within these past few years. But he remains calm and collected.

He quietly dug into his pocket and took out his car keys, careful to not make any sudden noise. He grips them tightly in his hand before giving them over to Torrence, who stared at him wide eyed. The others had worried looks. "Go. Take them with you." Nas mouthed.

I could tell he was getting ready to say something against Nas' wishes, but the red haired man wanted to hear none of it. He shook his head, glaring at Torrence sternly before mouthing "go" again, but this time with a 'I will kill you if you don't' kind of look.

He didn't want to but he nodded his head, looking at Nas sadly as he closed the keys in the palm of his hand. Nas looked to me. I didn't need for him to speak to know what he was saying.

With a heavy heart, I held my hands up above my head and stood straight hesitantly. There was absolutely no sense in trying to run away again. It would only escalate the situation. Not only that, but Zhayne already has the upper hand. Trying to run while I'm surrounded by his crew would just be flat out stupid. I have no choice but to comply.

Nas did the same as me. Immediately, I heard people make sounds of relief when we revealed ourselves to our attackers.

I avoided Zhayne's gaze which I automatically felt piercing holes into my head when I stood up. I could practically feel his rage radiating off of him, even though I'm standing on the opposite side of the restaurant.

"Get the fuck over here, ." He commanded, his voice darker, more sinister than usual. I felt the bile rise in my throat at the amount of unease it left me. The only sounds that could be heard in the eerily silent room was my heavy breathing or the occasional sob from a frightened customer.

I kept my hands held above my head as I continued closing the distance between Zhayne and I. I was careful, hesitant, making sure I didn't accidentally step on someone or shards of glass that had managed to scatter all over the place from the bullets that went flying.

My heart nearly stopped though, when my eyes landed on an innocent man laying motionless on the carpeted floor. He looked so pitiful, laying in a pool of his own blood which was pouring out of the side of his neck...He had been shot. His life was stolen from him because of me.

I held back a sob as I came to realize that there were even more dead bodies spread throughout the room, but I kept moving in order to avoid pissing Zhayne off. The metallic smell of the crimson liquid spilling from the bullet wounds that have pierced through the multiple victims who've lost their lives made my guilt even worse. I am the reason they all died.

In reality it took somewhere around 30 seconds for me to reach him. But to me it felt like minutes. I was dreading this. Seeing him again. But in the back of my mind I knew this would happen. Zhayne himself is simply inevitable. I did this foolishly, knowing the consequences of my actions but I did so anyways hoping that I would get away some how.

I was stupid.

"Look at me, Angel." I didn't hesitate. The life of whoever was left in this room is in my hands. I cannot afford to mess around. So I reluctantly looked up and met his heated stare.

Zhayne is It was all over his face. His left eye was twitching non-stop and his aura was murderous. I could tell he was itching for my blood to be shed. The psychotic look in his dark eyes gave it all away.

The masked man standing next to Zhayne suddenly came forth with a wooden bat he had hidden behind his back. I stared in horror as Zhayne took it from him, looking at me with an evil glint shining brightly in his lifeless eyes. "I will make sure this is the last time you ever run away from me."

I couldn't move. The last thing I saw was Zhayne swinging the bat and I felt a searing pain on the side of my head before I fell to the ground. I lost consciousness within seconds of landing on the floor.

I giggled in delight and pretended to make sounds of people cheering me on as my race car sped closer and closer to the the finish line. I imagined lots of people chanting, shouting my name over and over again, anticipating my victory.

I used my hand to make my toy car zoom even faster down the track, feeling myself get excited as I was close to approaching the end. "Ahhhh!" I whisper-yelled as my car finally reached past the finish line. "And the crowd goes wild!" I stood up and pumped my tiny fists in victory, mimicking thousands of people screaming. Even though my little brain knows it isn't real, it still felt good to act it out and put my imagination to work.

After having my little moment, I went to gather all of my things to clean up since play time was about to be over. Mommy says I can't spend too much time meddling with toys. She says it's important that I educate myself and to not prioritize useless things.

I was fine with that. I wasn't too crazy about toys anyway. I like it better when mommy read me bed time stories while I fall asleep in her arms. Or when she spends hours teaching me things I would hear about in school. I like learning.

I hummed a random tune I made up in my head as I finished cleaning. I glanced around my now spotless playroom with pride. I was excited to tell mommy that I'd cleaned up on my own without her having to tell me. She'll be happy, right?

My thoughts came to a sudden stop when I heard a knock on my door. Is it mommy? Is she here to check on me? I jumped up from my spot on the floor and ran over to the door quickly. I'm so happy to tell my mom the news.

I stood up on my tippy toes as high as I could and reached for the door knob. It was hard. My fingers only brushed up against it and it was too slippery for me to grip onto. So I stuck my tongue out, focusing for a moment before I hopped up and quickly turned the knob, opening it successfully. "Yes!" I cheered as it came open.

Without looking up at first I was already rambling to my mother about my accomplishment. "Mommy look! Look! I cleaned my playroom! Look now! You didn't even have to tell me either, hah! Look mommy look please!" I tugged on her jeans, trying to pull her further into my room.

When I noticed she wasn't moving, I huffed, getting mad. Why is mommy not listening to me? I lifted my head up to look at her, ready to scold her but when I did, my mouth dropped open in disbelief at who I was looking at instead. This definitely wasn't my mommy. I stood still for a minute, convinced that it wasn't real. But when the all too familiar smile stretched across their face, I lit up.

"DADDY!" I screamed hopping up and down. I raised my arms in the air, wanting him to pick me up. Daddy let out a low chuckle, reaching down to take me in his arms. I buried my nose in the crook of his neck and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, feeling my eyes water.

I thought daddy would never come back. It's been so long since I've seen his face.

His soothing voice greeted me as he softly caressed the back of my head. I clutched his shirt tightly in my fingers, tears of joy spilling from my eyes. "You left me...Daddy..y-you were supposed to c-come back a long time ago. Mommy and me m-misses you- y-you know." I cried, my tears soaking his neck.

"I know baby. I know." He continued to run his fingers through my hair. "But I'm here now, Ange. Daddy's here. I can spend time with you and Mommy, okay?" He said, reassuring me.

I didn't believe him, so I stuffed my face even further into his neck and didn't respond. Dad says stuff like this all the time. He always says he has work to do, pinky promises he will come back, but doesn't come until a long time after. He always leaves me and mommy alone.

"Angel." He said in a softer tone. "Look at me."

I hesitated, still a little mad at him but I did what he told me to do and looked up at him, sniffling. Daddy wipes my eyes clean of any tears and gives me a warm smile. "I'm right here." He presses a small kiss on my forehead.

I laughed, leaning back. "Daddy no kisses! I-I'm too big." I pouted, crossing my arms as I met his playful gaze. He chuckled and ruffled my hair, murmuring a small "whatever you say, kid."