Obscure

Chp. 25

Beth

I wrapped my arms around Jay when I noticed Carter approaching. Jay's eyes also shifted when he noticed him.

Carter walked over to him while taking out a cloth from his back pocket. I was cautious and my arms spread across Jay when he tried to place it over his mouth.

"What are you doing!"

Without a change in expression, he looked down at me.

"Do you want to save him or not? I suggest you listen to me."

I was confused by what he was saying. Why would he help us? There was no doubt that he was one of them.

My arms that spread to cover Jay remained there refusing to move until I was sure he wasn't a threat. But even if he was lying, there was no choice. It was impossible for me to save Jay alone. There was nothing I could do. Carter was the only person I could rely on.

I hesitated but moved to the side as I was told. He didn't bother to tell me what he was planning and covered the cloth over Jay's mouth. My hands were against my chest a bit worried even though I let him do it myself.

"Don't worry. He'll just be unconscious for a while."

He knelt on one knee and remained silent as he watched Jay slowly close his eyes.

"W-What are you planning?"

His eyes turned to meet mine as he slowly got up. I looked down at the floor trying to gather my thoughts.

How were we going to get out?

Even if Carter was going to help, he wouldn't be able to fight the men outside.

"Um...Car-"

Before I was able to finish, he covered the cloth over my mouth. My eyes widened and I hurried to grab onto him. My hands tried to remove his grip but it was pointless.

"Mm-mm!"

"Trust me."

He whispered into my ear ensuring me that it was okay and that he wouldn't harm us. I couldn't focus. I felt lightheaded and my legs grew weak. Everything scattered and my hands slid off of him as my eyes soon shut against my will.

*

Jay

My eyes were shut tight and preventing me from waking up but I managed to open them with enough force.

When I finally opened them, I saw the tainted ceiling above me. I tried getting up but there was a sharp pain that ran down my back and my chest causing me to lean onto my arms.

I looked around and winced from the pain. Even the slightest movement was too much for me in my current condition. The room looked familiar but I couldn't quite remember where it was.

"You're really lucky."

I immediately recognized the voice. Carter was sitting on a wooden chair by the corner of the room as he leaned against his knee. I realized where this place was. It was his house. His other one, back at his hometown.

"Beth. Where is she?"

He smirked at my words.

"Is she the only one you're worried about?...She's fine."

He didn't answer my question.

"Where is she?"

"Somewhere safe."

"Don't fucking play games with me. Tell me where she is."

My head felt as if it was being crushed. My whole body ached horribly.

"If you leave now, both you and Beth won't be safe. So just listen to me and stay here for now."

Even if I wanted to move, I couldn't. The only thing I was able to do was to hope that she was safe like he said she was. I had to take his word.

"I don't understand. What were you thinking?"

I didn't understand why Carter decided to change his mind last minute. I didn't expect Carter to help us and put himself in danger. He had no reason to. Carter's eyes looked into mine waiting for me to continue.

"You realize if Dennis was to know that we were still alive, you won't be safe either."

He remained silent and just looked at the bedroom floor.

"I know...but you have a place to return to. I don't."

Carter lifted his head and his eyes looked back into mine.

"I have nothing to lose."

These words were awfully familiar. Because that was how I faced everything back then. Just like him, I had nothing to lose. I was reckless because there was nothing holding me back. I didn't have a place to return to and there was no one waiting for me anyway.

But that all changed.

I wanted to live now more than anyone else. When I was laying there on the cold, concrete floor, drenched in my own blood, I was scared. I was scared I wouldn't be able to see her again. When I looked into Beth's eyes I realized I wasn't the only one. She was trembling in fear.

I thought it was fine even if I died as long as she was safe. But I was being selfish, insensitive, and ignoring what was actually best for her. It was self satisfaction.

She was waiting for me and I decided on my own that it was fine for me to let go of my life for her. I turned my head away from him and replied back.

"Don't decide that on your own."

Hopefully you realize that soon, Carter.

*

Thank you