THEA

Chapter Thirty-Six

I sigh before I look out the window once more. Time goes by as slow as a turtle stuck in molasses and I groan in frustration. I lay my head down and close my eyes, only to be pulled awake by the bell chiming. I snap up, making it look as if I wasn't trying to take a nap. I see Mark and my vision goes red. I stand up abruptly, the stool going flying across the room. I stand my ground, as he holds his hands up surrender.

He sets down a white piece of paper, before smirking and sauntering out as if nothing happened between us in the past. I wait until he is far away before I slowly walk to the note crouching next to it. I pick it up slowly and shake it out as if something might happen if I open it. Nothing. I set it on the desk before I slowly open it.

My dearest Cherry Blossom,
I found out that my son has awaken from his coma. I want you to think hard before you do anything irrational. I have discharged and taken Sam captive, because he is only 17 and I'm his biological father, I can do so. I will be holding him, and I will free him once you follow our instructions.
1.) You must not tell anyone of what is happening.
2.) You will come to 174 Holland St. at 11 p.m. tonight, alone and unarmed.
We will release Sam if you follow these instructions to a T. Be wise Cherry Blossom. -M & F

Anger fills my body, and I punch the nearest thing to me, which happens to be a wall. The dry wall collapses in and I move away from my work. I lock up the store early, racing home on my bike. I had no choice, I was not letting them take Sam's life now that he has it back. I make it home in less than two minutes and I race up the stairs and throw open my apartment door. Throwing myself onto the couch I scream into the pillow. Getting up, I compose myself and reach for my phone. My hands are shaky and I dial Bri's number. The rings fill my with anxiety, will she not answer? After the last ring it starts playing her voicemail.

I sigh before dialing Damon's number, but just to my luck it goes straight to voicemail. I continue to try them, but all I get is both of their voicemail. Sighing in frustration, I listen to their voicemails, closing my eyes, remembering their voices and all the memories we share. I smile at the thought of my best friends, but my heart breaks knowing I'll most likely not see them again if I can't take down Frank and Mark.

I form multiple plans and situations for taking down the two men who ruined my life. Shutting my phone off I write them on paper, and go through what may happen. I know both of them may not be to full strength since I broke their bones a while ago. I sigh, throwing away the pages of paper before heading to the shower.

I turn the hot water knob, placing my hand underneath it, making sure it was perfect. I sit at the the side of the shower and just let the water run over my hand and fingers as I stare mindlessly and my mind wandering away. Snapping to reality, I turn on the shower before stripping down out of my clothes and hopping in.

The hot water scalds my back and body as I let it flow over me. I close my eyes and place my hands on the side of the shower before screaming as loud as possible. The walls shake at my voice, making me feel powerful. The hot water trickles from my face into my open mouth, the gross taste of hot water filling my mouth. I spit it out before grabbing my shampoo and conditioner and scrubbing it into my hair thoroughly. It may be the last time I get a shower in a long time in my plans fail.

I sigh before continuing to clean my body and preparing myself mentally for tonight. As I exit the shower, I wrap a large fluffy towel around my body and walk out to my room. Silence fills me and I prepare myself for the worst situations that could happen. I grab a pair of leggings, sneakers, and my other normal fighting attire.

I head to the guest room, opening the small closet it has in it. I pull out my punching bag and the tape on top of it. I skillfully wrap my hands before I being the bag to living room. I start stretching, checking the time which reads 8:27. Plenty of time for me to get my body and mind ready. I start throwing punches at the bag, my anger nonexistent. I hold any anger I have  back and use it for when I'm actually up against the two men.

I practice kicks and everything else before I grab a water bottle and chug is down. I don't look at the clock before I head to my room and grab a ponytail and throw my hair up. I put an extra one on my wrist in case of an emergency. I grab another water bottle and set it on the counter before I grab my phone that lay on the counter.

Turning it on, I wait patiently, even though every fiber of my body is screaming to hurry up. As it comes to life the time on its screen reads 10:20. It's almost time. I go through all my contacts before I reach the one I want to speak to. Letting out a shaky breath I press on the call button. Rings fill my ears and I get anxious that he won't answer. As soon as I hear his voice mail I want to let out a cry but I hold it in, waiting to leave a message.

"Lucca, it's Thea. I just wanted to tell you I've had an amazing past few months with you. You've made me feel like a normal person, one without an awful past and an unforeseen future because of it. You're an amazing guy, find a girl to be by your side the rest of your life, one who you can trust with anything, and one who you love with all of your heart. I wish I could be her, because that would be amazing, but I can't. Don't come after me or look for me because you will not find me. I love you mon chéri Lucca, have an amazing life." A strangled cry escapes my lips as I hit the end button, my whole world breaking. Even if I do stop them, I can't stay here. I'm a dangerous person and I can't put my family and the people I love through hard road blocks I will encounter. Making up my mind, even if I do succeed I'm not coming back here.