Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 42

November 29, 2019

I practically ran up the stairs of the hospital, anxious to see Mia.

"Slow down for Christ's sake," Cato muttered, jogging to keep up with me. I was still angry at him for making me leave, but I had to admit I did feel a lot better. I'd showered and gotten lunch and clean clothes.

I ignored him and raced down the hallway, flinging open the door only to see it empty and the bed askew. The nurses outside were completely frantic. Cato stared in beside me, and I could feel him pulsing with anger. He pulled out his phone and dialled a number.

"Where are you?" he growled into the phone. "Get up here right now," He hung up.

"Excuse me," I said to a nurse. "Where the hell is my sister?" I demanded. She cringed.

"I have no idea! She was with those two boys earlier and then she went to use the restroom but she never came back. Her clothes and IV were left in the stall,"

Eli and the triplets came rushing down the hall, followed by a guilty-looking Javi.

"You had one job," I seethed at Eli. "One fucking job," Eli whitened and peered into the room. He slowly backed away from me, holding his hands up in defence.

"N-no, I-I..." He stumbled. I punched him square in the nose, surely breaking it. Blood streamed down his face as he yelled and clutched his nose. Cato wrestled me away from Eli.

"Alan Jacob calm the fuck down!" he yelled at me. I was heaving for air but I let him contain me. Eli was keeled over while Javi started to cry. Cayden took his hand.

"Everyone outside. Now," Cato demanded, manhandling me down the hallway.

We crowded around outside, Cato physically preventing me from pummeling my brother any further.

"Eli, explain yourself right now," Cato growled. Eli was still holding his bloody nose.

"Felix and Des came to see her," he said. "They were speaking in Italian and Mia and Javi were freaking out and then she told me to take the boys down for lunch. I didn't want to go but I couldn't say no to her," Eli cried.

"You worthless fuck!" I screamed at him as Cato wrestled me back.

"Alan, calm down," he commanded. I tried to fight him, wanting nothing more than to punch Eli again. "Alan, listen to me. Calm. Down," I forced myself to take a deep breath. "Good," Cato encouraged. "Take some more,"

"I didn't mean it," Eli sobbed. "I didn't know it would be them!" Cato wrapped an arm around Eli, temporarily releasing me.

"It's not your fault. None of us could've known," Javi shied behind Cayden, looking guilty.

"Javi and Mia were talking right before we left," Calvin pointed out. Cato turned to the kid.

"Did you know?" he asked threateningly. Javi whimpered and hid behind Cayden's legs, latching onto his waist. Cato sighed. "Javi, did you know what they were going to do?" he asked gently. Javi gave a small nod as Cato ran a hand through his hair.

"Why didn't you tell us?!" Colton cried in disbelief.

"Sorella said no," he answered meekly. "She said to go with Eli and not tell," I felt like screaming.

"Do you know where she went?" I asked. Javi shook his head.

"Cato, what do we do?" Cayden asked worriedly. Cato just groaned in frustration and pulled at his hair.

"I don't know," he said exasperatedly. "I don't know,"

*Mia*

I lied there on the bed, dead with exhaustion and covered by a single sheet. Everything hurt and I could barely breathe. Mason was still beside me, caressing my cheek gently. I couldn't even move away. His cologne filled my nose and it made me sick. I couldn't even scream. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I lied there helplessly.

The door burst open and Felix stood in the doorway.

"Time's up," he announced. Mason gruffly gave me one last satisfying smack before lumbering out. Felix came and untied me. "Get dressed, we're leaving,"

"Felix," I sobbed. "Felix, please," He pushed me away coldly and left the room. 

I painfully put on my clothes, struggling to ignore the soreness between my legs. 

I stumbled to the door, dizzily opening it and falling into Felix. He muttered something under his breath in Spanish before picking me up and carrying me downstairs. I coughed violently, still struggling to breathe. Des duct-taped my hands together again and they loaded me into the car. It was pitch black outside, and the city was quieter - meaning it was late. I wasn't even sure how much time had gone by, but I knew it had been more than enough for the boys to start piecing things together.

Ben clambered in as well but I paid him no attention, leaning against the window and trembling from the cold.

"It's for Javi," I whispered to myself, a tear slipping down my cheek. "I'm doing this for Javi,"

*Neo*

I watched as Felix's car came rolling up to the warehouse. They were up to something, I'd known from the minute they'd made me take Alicia home by myself.

I trampled through the snow in nothing more than my joggers, a hoodie, and my jean jacket. I was focused on the car. Felix, Des, and Vanesa climbed out alongside a man I didn't recognise. Des pulled a small figure out of the car, pushing them to their feet in the snow. In the dim light of the street, I saw their eyes flash green.

"Mia?" I called out.

"Shit," Des muttered. "What is he doing here?"

"Felix, what the hell is going on?" I demanded, coming closer. Vanesa took ahold of Mia and dragged her upright as Des and Felix rounded on me.

"Neo, you have a choice here," Felix said slowly. I thew myself at them, trying to get to Mia.

"Let her go!" I yelled. "Let! Her! Go!" Felix and Des held me back.

"You can either man up and join us or suffer the consequences," I just spat at them and kept fighting. Des shouted for Emilio, who came running out and handing something to Felix. I knew exactly what was coming - I'd done similar things to other people. 

They pushed me down into the snow on my back, and Des held me down. I was struggling to get out of his grip. Felix hovered over me and I felt a sharp prick in the back of my neck. I recognised the feeling of a needle instantly, knowing it wouldn't be much longer until I lost consciousness. 

I made muffled screams, fighting and kicking against my brother and cousin until my eyes suddenly became droopy and my fighting slowed.

"The gang comes first, Neo. Don't break your vow," My eyes began to close as Felix lowered his arm.

"No," I mumbled, trying to fight the sedative, but my body gave in and I blacked out.