Old secret meetings used to hang up a rose to signal secrecy, so I used this concept for a story idea. I hope you guys like it, I'll update it when I can and it's my first story on this, please don't be too mean Prologue Hearts pounding. The sound of feet trying to catch up. Sweat pouring off bodies of the pursuers and the runners. Taking shortcuts through alley ways. No rest. No end to the constant struggle to keep going, to keep running. Breathless. Always being chased. She let him cut off first, he peeled off down an alley way leaving her with one chaser. Being more agile, she chose a dead end alley with a wall. Leila scrambled up quickly and dropped down the other side to keep running. Her chaser gave up. She headed towards where he promised he will meet her. The rose pub trade path. The sons of assassins wouldn't think to look where they met Leila. She thought back to that night. She had been an ordinary girl, just left university, good prospects. Then she got asked to go undercover. She knew it wouldn't be easy. But then again who knew it would leave her running. They had to get out. It was the only way to survive, and now they have to keep running. Leila scrambles up a wall quickly, willing her legs just to survive the climb. Tenderly dropping to the floor not to hurt her already numb feet. She hid in the shadows and leant against a wall by a dumpster. A figure soon ran round into her view. Leila tensed ready to defend herself when Silas spoke up "it's okay, it's just me." Leila relaxed, slid down the wall and sat hidden from the main road. Silas sat by her and she leant her head on his shoulder. "Silas," her voice barely audible, "how did we get into this mess?" His reply looking at the pub sign, "the rose."
I like this, it just seems a bit choppy because there are a ton of short sentences. Try varying the sentence structure with compound sentences, complex sentences, prepositional or participle (?) phrases in different places, etc. Also, your tense switches. The idea is interesting. Keep going! I'd like to read more.
Chapter 1 (first half) Leila was watching tv when her phone went off, it was Tamie 'hi buddy, me and Kathie are having a drink tonight, did you want to come down and have a catch up? The usual bar at the usual time. See you then.' Leila glanced at the clock, turned the television off, and walked into her room. What to wear? It was only the girls they wouldn't care. She pulled her typical outfit of black skinny jeans and a blue shoulder top with a arm length sleeve with simple but sweet blue flat shoes out of her wardrobe. Brushing her caramel brown waist long hair she relaxed. Her life was great, she was still looking for a job but the money she had would last for ages. Her parents made sure of that before they disappeared when she was five. Leila missed them so much, but she couldn't remember their faces or why they had to go. She just remembers one day she was with them, the next day she was left with her aunt. Confused. Scared. Curious as to what drove them away from, Leila then started blaming herself, she didn't eat properly, she couldn't sleep at night due to nightmares. Leila wasn't Leila anymore, as her family was wiped from her life. Always asking herself, why me? What have I done to deserve this? She finished brushing her hair and just pulled a few strands away from her face. She grabbed her bag and headed out of her flat, down the street to the bar. Tamie, already drunk, called her over to where they were sitting with Fawn, and Dannie the twins' older sister. Placing her bag on the floor she joined the group at the table. "Are you going to remember this night for once Tamie?" Fawn joked and was hit with a slightly slurred speech, " I'll have you know," Tamie started and pointing at Fawn, "I've been cutting down on my alcohol recently because it could it could make me fat. Now we wouldn't want that now would we? It wouldn't be nice for you guys to keep dragging this fat girl with you every nightout.". Kathie laughed at her twin, "no you are not you liar, you still drink the same amount of alcohol each night and still go home drunk as a skunk." Leila stood, "I'm buying the next round, who wants a drink?" Tamie went to reply "I'm getting you a coffee buddy not alcohol, you've had enough already" Leila interjected. "the normal." Came from the others with Dannie offering to give her a hand. Leila ordered the drinks when Dannie turned to her, "you actually got her a coffee?" A nod was her reply as Leila was too busy scanning the bar to see what was going on. "Tamie would be dangerous if she put her mind to it, that's why I'm trying to get her off the alcohol slowly. I might pull a bluff on her, say there's a bit of alcohol in the drink and see how she acts after it." Leila answered after picking up some of the drinks. She handed the coffee to Tamie, "as it was you, they put a shot of alcohol in there." Tamie drank eagerly and leila just winked at Kathie due to her shocked expression. Just minutes later Tamie was acting like she was drunk, all Leila said was "I told you so." Dannie just laughed. The evening ended soon after as Tamie nearly passed out. So Leila helped Kathie take Tamie back to the apartment the twins shared. Walking back to her own place, Leila felt happy. She knew who her friends were. She cherished the moment. What she didn't know, it would be her last normal moment.
Sorry if I've put too much dialogue in Chapter 1 (continued) ~~~ Detective Henning sat outside The Rose pub scanning the local girls for a mission. He sighed. No one so far fit the brief. No one until the girl in the blue top walked past, either coming from a night out or going to a club. He stood up abruptly and joined her. "We need to talk." He said to the anonymous girl, "why should I talk to you?" She replied bluntly, Leila was getting uncomfortable. "Down here please madam, and no you don't have a choice." "What do you want?" "Detective Henning," he replied showing his badge, "we've got an assignment, and we haven't got anyone at the station that can fill the role. We need you to go undercover." "How do you know I would accept this job?" "You're not stupid, you're good at hiding things, as I still don't know your name, and you're the type of girl the gang targets." "What do you mean target?" "They use girls like you to seal money deals and they either escape or they just let them go. We pick up most of the refugees from the Larose house." "What gang?" "Well if you agree to doing this I'll tell you." Leila glanced at him, "you were going to tell me anyway." "True I can't fault you on that. It's the Sons of Assassins. The local gang who have run this town for over fifty years. So are you in?" "No contact with family or friends?" Henning shook his head. "Okay, when do I start?" "As soon as you can." "I'll get my things now then." Henning just nodded and watched her walk off when she shouted back "I'll be fifteen minutes." Leila was true to her word, fifteen minutes later she was back, with a backpack a quarter full with her basic things. Detective Henning quickly briefed her and handed her a folder, "read this when you aren't being observed, they are usually round here in the next twenty minutes, so good luck." "What about a report?" Detective Henning just pointed to the folder and walked away from the pub with Leila gazing at his back. Tentatively she opened the folder, there was pictures of all the crooks, and one of the men seemed familiar. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. There was reports on what the gang had done, the theft of everything from art to money. The numerous girls who disappeared and reappeared weeks later at the Larose house. Her heart skipped a beat. She knew the last name Larose, from her past, when she went to live with her aunt, her last name changed. She saw the gang's small limo coming towards her from the end of the road so she turned her back to them and put the folder in her bag. Silas smiled as he looked at his favourite pub, the smile widen as soon as he saw the innocent looking girl in the blue top. She will definitely help with the deals coming up. "Pull over Emory." "Where was the reply from the driver's seat. "The Rose pub." A nod was a reply. "Well she's pretty." Emory commented. Carlo stepped out of the passenger side of the cab and opened the door of the limo for Scottie and Silas to get out. The three walked over to Leila, "you look a bit cold, did you want my jacket?" Silas offered. "What do you want?" Leila replied, Scottie looked at Silas, "what my brother means to say is, did you want to want to warm up? Have a couple of drinks..." "I don't drink alcohol, but I'll take you on the offer of warming up." Leila cut in. Carlo offered hos hand, " I'm Carlo, that's Scottie and Silas." Leila shook his hand. "Going anywhere?' Scottie asked, gesturing towards her backpack. "I don't have my own flat, I sleep round friends houses and move around a lot." "We have plenty of room back at our place." Silas suggested. "Are you sure that will be okay, I don't want to be a burden." "Yeah that's fine, here let me take your bag." Scottie offered. "No it's fine." Leila replied shivering slightly, Silas just slipped his jacket round her shoulders, picked up her bag and handed to her. Carlo held open the limo door as the other three got in. "What's your name by the way?" Emory asked from the driver's seat, Leila replied with a twinkle in her eye, "that's for me to know and you to find out."
Omg I forgot to proof read this as im tired but here's a few corrections *his instead of hos "where?" Instead of "where
Hey guys, before I start my next update, what do you think on making the story a bit interactive? Those characters will still end up running away, but for a reason which hasn't been explained yet, so anyone like that idea?
Although no one has said anything, I'm making it a bit interactive starting from this chapter, but you won't always have a say ~~~~~ Chapter 2 (start) "Seriously, what is your name?" Silas pushed for an answer from the girl who was currently snuggled up in his jacket with her feet up on the seat opposite the mini bar. "That's no way you speak to a lady." Scottie said turning away from Leila to look at Silas, with Leila poking her tongue out at Silas. When Scottie turned round she sat there looking innocently as possible and smiled sweetly at them both. "Why is it your business anyway?" She asked. "We've told you ours, so you should tell us yours." Emory piped up from the driver's seat, Leila turned to look at him, "with you saying that I don't know yours." He looked at her in the rear view mirror and smiled, "Conner." Carlo laughed, Leila replied, "you don't look like a Conner." This made all of them laugh apart from Leila, "what? What have I said?" Silas gained his composure first, "you'll find out soon enough sweetheart." "Don't call me sweetheart." Leila replied bluntly. "Look at that car, stoneheart is cracking." Emory said with glee. "Oi both of you shut it." Silas snapped, pressed a button and the screen separating the back from the front started shutting, "yes boss." They replied solemnly and then started laughing when the screen shut. "Boss?" Leila said turning round to look at Silas. "That's none of your concern." Leila moved his coat from her body, "what is my concern is what you want me for, and part of that is what are you a boss of?" She asked sharply leaning towards Silas, and got stopped by Scottie."A, you do have a point. B don't threaten me." Leila arched an eyebrow leaning back in her seat, "or what?" She asked. Silas took a gun out of his jacket, "I can shoot you. Right here. Right now. No questions asked." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vote time: A. Leila reasons with Silas and gets him to put the gun away B. Scottie steps in
Although there has been a lack in participation, i decided to go with option b, enjoy the read, your feedback is appreciated ~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter two (continued) "Are you out of your bloody mind?" Scottie shouted at Silas grabbing the gun. "We need her for the deals, we don't need a dead body on her hands!" He continued angrily. "I wasn't going to kill her, only..." Silas started quietly and Scottie interrupted "I don't care. Stick to the plan." Leila turned away and just watched the scenery pass by. Silas poured himself a drink from the bar, which was a small signal to Scottie there would be a conversation about what he done later. The silence was eerie in the back of the limo, the radio playing in the front could just be heard. I swear by All-4-One started and then Emory and Carlo started a duet on the song at the top of their voices causing Leila, Silas and Scottie to erupt with laughter. Silas opened the partition, due to the noise they were creating, Carlo and Emory didn't notice and they were getting into the song with actions. Silently, Leila pulled her phone out and recorded them. The realisation sunk in when Emory glanced in the rear view mirror and saw Leila finishing recording them after the song finished, and the grins on everyone's faces. Carlo broke the silence in the air, "we'll be back in a couple of minutes" Silas nodded and Leila shifted in her seat to face the window behind her. Scottie packed the stuff on the bar away and took a sideways glance at his brother. Silas was watching her with a small smile on his face and Scottie realised he was an idiot. Silas wouldn't of shot her, even just to injure her, he just enjoyed someone responding to his comments and trumping them. He was testing her to see how she would react in high pressure situations, and Scottie had ruined it. Scottie mentally cursed himself for being so protective of someone they were using for a criminal deal. Scottie ran his hand through his hair while straightening in his seat, involuntarily blocking Silas's view of her. Silas's smile dropped from his face when he watched his brother. Scottie noticed and looked at him and signalled, in sign language, are you okay? Silas nodded in reply, then signalled find out her name, Scottie turned in his seat as an answer. Leila tensed slightly as she felt Scottie turn in his seat. She had seen their exchange in the reflection of the window, but she still flinches when she feels his breath by her ear. Scottie had placed his hand by her elbow resting on the back of the seat, and moved so his face is on the opposite side of her body. She glanced to the side, viewing his face in profile. His scruffy black hair fell perfectly framing his face. Piercing questioning blue eyes which were focused on the scenery passing by. Firm but soft jaw line with small black hairs dotted along his chin which formed a faint beard. His nose was neither big or small, just a smooth line from where Leila was. His skin looked like silk, so smooth and unbroken apart from laugh lines around the corners of his mouth. She could see the resemblance between him and Silas, but the differences was striking as well. Scottie brought his hand up to tuck a bit of hair that had fallen in her face to behind her ear and her breath caught in her throat. She watched him in the reflection, "you never said what your name was earlier." He whispered in her ear, his voice was smooth, and kind, as well as teasing. "What makes you think I'll tell you now." She replied barely audible, unaware she had said it, he laughed quietly in her ear. "Common courtesy. I mean I saved you from getting shot, I ought to know who I saved. My brother could of shot me," he said, turning her head to face him, "but then again you already knew that. Plus you knew he wouldn't shoot the gun at all. I saw you analysis every aspect of us as soon as we got out of the limo. You knew we were predominantly harmless. Otherwise you wouldn't of come with us. You knew the gun Silas carried was empty before I realised. How did you know?" Leila glanced at Silas before responding. "The gun itself looks too light, plus there would be obvious signs like he would of clicked the first bullet of the magazine in place but he didn't do that. Also there actually wasn't a magazine in the gun," Leila replied, taking the gun Silas offered her and showed Scottie the empty magazine slot, "as well as that, he pulled it too confidently like you do while bluffing with a slightly raised eyebrow, like you're doing now." She replied at Scottie's surprised expression with a raised eyebrow. She handed the gun back to Silas and signed her name to them. They both looked shocked when she signed her name to them as they hadn't realised she saw their exchange. She had also kept her name hidden from Carlo and Emory due to Scottie in the way. Silas thought she's sassy, confident, deceptive, perfect for the deals and jobs coming up. "We're back." Emory said as they pulled up to the gates. Leila turned away from Scottie and sat in awe, the gates and fences towered above them. If she had to escape it wouldn't be easy. Scottie shut her jaw gently, she didn't realised she had let it drop "the drive to the house will take a couple of minutes." He whispered in her ear and sat down behind her with his arm around her. Without realising she settled into his arm with her feet up on the seat. Scottie put his head on the top of hers and glanced back at Silas nodding in the reflection. Scottie smiled, he was doing his job right.
I decided to give Leila's view point of the situation so here it is ~~~~~~ Chapter 3 - Leila (first half) I didn't realise I had settled into Scottie's arms so easily until he put his head on mine. We just clicked. Although I had a feeling it was just an act. Him being all heroic saving me from being shot by Silas's empty gun. That's why I pressed him, he didn't look like the type to carry a loaded gun around on a night out. But buried beneath the act, there was some feelings on Scottie's part, just little sparks that drive his natural actions around me. I gazed out at the trees lining the drive, I had a feeling that the house was surrounded by trees apart from the back. When I could see the house, my jaw dropped again, well I say house, it was a mansion. They weren't kidding they would have room. There's ten gang members, and this mansion looked like there was way more than ten bedrooms. Scottie closed my jaw again. His touch was so soft. No wonder he was a thief. He was quiet and swift. He's never got caught in the act of robbery. The only pictures of him in the file is with a pair of sunglasses and a hood hiding his face. The file. My mind panicked and I glanced at my bag. It hadn't been touched. I mentally sighed in relief. Scottie picked up my bag for me and put it on my lap with his free arm. "Thank you." I whispered, "it's okay Leila." He muttered back, his breathe tickling my ear. We pulled up to the house, I mean mansion, and there was someone who seemed familiar on the steps waiting. Alarm bells rang in my head. The guy standing there is Dannie, Kathie and Tamie's dad. I close my eyes and calm myself down. When I pick up Silas's coat, he doesn't object. I wrap it round myself and use my hair to cover my face. "What's wrong?" Scottie asks concerned, I look at the steps "I know him." I feel Scottie shrug "Herman won't hurt you, besides, it's dark and he won't see you properly and I'll introduce you before he can say anything." I nod as a reply.
Chapter three: Leila (continued) The limo stopped, Carlo got out the front and walked over to the end garage and opened it. Herman moved from the steps and opened the limo door. Silas stepped out, then Scottie moved and offered me his hand. I shifted myself, grabbed my bag and held his outstretched hand. He lead me out of the limo and stopped by Herman. "Herman, this is Leila. Leila, this is Herman." Scottie introduced me and I meekly said "hi." Herman just nodded. Herman shut the limo door and tapped the roof, the signal for Emory to put the limo in the garage. We walked up the stairs to the mansion and I noticed ground level windows, "what's down there?" I ask, Herman shakes his head. "No idea, we can't get down there." I just nod my head slightly and let Scottie lead me through one of the main doors which was flung open by Silas. I stopped and stared around the entrance. It was so open and grand, with a stair case dominating the entrance hall. There was multiple doors leading off on the three sides. A voice from the top of the stairs broke me out of my trance "well that's a pretty catch you got there ss." The voice seemed familiar, and a glance at his face confirmed it. Emory's son. Blushing, I release Scottie's hand and drop my hand to my side. "I take it you're Emory's son." I say before Scottie or the man before me can give an introduction. "Definitely a good catch," he says to Scottie his eyes twinkling as he walks down the stairs towards me, watching my face and my posture, "you definitely have good analytical skills. You can see the resemblance easily in people. Let me ask you a question. How many daughters has Herman got?" I glance at Sherman's reaction to the question. He stayed stone faced, so I answer, "three daughters, two of them twins and they're the younger two." The trio looked at me with shocked glances. The differences in shock obvious. "How did you know?" Herman asked quietly, so I answer, "I went to university with Kathie and Tamie where we shared a house. I met Dannie through those two on a night out. That's a very good name system by the way, a good way to tell sisters apart. Especially Kathie being slightly older than Tamie." Herman smiles, and mutters "that's my girls." As he walks away into a room. Emory's son walked over, offering a hand "I'm Zac," he says taking my hand and kissing the back of it, "delighted to meet you." I glance at him when he's bent kissing my hand and see a bit of paint on his t-shirt. "You're an artist." I say, not realising I said it. I need to stop blabbing when I'm nervous. "Yes I am, how could you tell?" He asks straightening his posture and letting go of my hand. "You got a bit of paint on your top." I answer pointing to the spot. Zac laughs, and Scottie speaks up, "come on we're holding up a meeting." Before I can say anything I'm whisked into the room where Herman disappeared earlier.
A change of viewpoint now, it's Scottie's turn Chapter four: Scottie (first half) I looked at Leila, she still hasn't got used to the fact that she lives in a mansion now. She made an extremely quick analysis of Zac, I was impressed and so was he. She's observant, great eyesight, noticing the tiniest of splodges of paint on his shirt. Silas signalled for leila to come up the front with him in the reception room. The gang were spread out over the numerous, legally brought sofas, chatting amongst themselves. Leila stood slightly Silas just out of his eyesight like she didn't want to be seen stood up at the front. Her once straight positive figure was hunched slightly from nerves. She walked over to where I was sat and placed her bag beside me "please look after this." She asked quietly with some desperation in her voice. She wasn't right. "I'll guard it with my life," I replied jokingly and touched her hand, "I promise." She obviously had something in there that needed to be protected. This piqued my interest, but I would never go through a lady's bag, unless I was taking her purse. Slowly, Leila walked back to Silas, slightly regretting her decision earlier. My brother muttered something in her ear and she straightened up to her full 5'10' height, so she was just slightly smaller than Silas. She wasn't happy, her posture gave that away. Her left fist clenched and then opened up again. I thought back to when I joined the gang, I only joined to protect Silas, who is 23, even though I'm one year younger than him. I always tried to keep him out of trouble and it didn't work. But I know something that the rest of the gang, apart from Silas, which is what is actually under the mansion. My brother trusts me with the secret and any of the girls we use for deals who are like Leila. The boss will be happy with the catch we got tonight, only to me, the boss isn't Silas. Silas cleared his throat as Carlo and Emory slipped into the back of the room from the hallway. All the eyes in the room looked at him, almost unblinking, unaware the was more secrets under the La Rosa mansion. "As you all know, we just went out for a drive. We managed to find someone who will help us in upcoming deals in our group." A few people laughed. They soon shut up when Silas glared at them, and I chuckled quietly at their reactions. "Back to business then. Everyone, this Leila. You know Carlo, Emory, Scottie,Herman and me. So this is Almon, Norberto, Rey, Will and Zac." He pointed out each in turn and they either smiled or put their hand up. Leila muttered in his ear, "I know Zac already." Silas shrugged and continued, "you guys can go now." The gang filed out of the room chatting, apart from Silas, Leila, Zac and me. Silas raised his eyebrows at Zac, "why are you here?" Zac laughed, "it's not like any other trip you guys have taken. You definitely picked out a brilliant lady this time." Leila blushed, making her cheeks a soft pink, that stood out against her creamy skin. Leila walked over to where I was, picked her bag, put it on her back, and offered her hand. I smiled at the role reversal between us, and took her hand so she pulled me up. She had strong muscles, there was no strain on her face as she pulled my 6 foot frame up, Carlo and Herman could work with her to get stronger. Leila probably would never need that knowledge, but still, it will keep her safe. She didn't pull her hand away and walked over to Zac and Silas, dragging me with her, and looking more like her usual self then before. Zac smiled and walked up to her "you are definitely how your name describes you," Leila tilted her head slightly to the left, "your name in Hebrew means night or dark beauty. In Arabic terms it means born at night and Persian, nocturnal. That will explain your dark hair. Your grey eyes like the moon." Zac ran a hand through her hair, and then tilted her chin upwards slightly to meet his eyes. "You can't know that off the top of your head." She finally found her voice after being frozen. "You're right, dad sent me your name in a message after Carlo saw you sign it. Dad knew I would research what it means as he knows I feel it helps bring the better side of people." Zac shrugged his shoulders slightly bringing his hand back to his jean's pocket.
Chapter four: Scottie (continued) I spoke up, "Zac's mum lives here too so she can give you any help if you need any." Leila squeezed my hand and nodded, she came bustling through a door behind Silas "mum." Zac pulled her into a bear hug and she laughed. "What have I told you about these hugs mister." She says jokingly releasing him and turns to Leila. "Hi Leila, I'm Mina. It's nice to see another lady around here apart from Herman's girls, they're lovely. You have to meet them one day." Mina said shaking Leila's hand. "I already know the girls." She replies and Mina nods, "you lucky thing." The poor girl is getting names chucked at her, I'll be surprised if she remembers them all. Silas who had been silent up until now spoke as Mina walked out into the hall "Zac, really, why did you stay in here? I know it's not because of your name origin lessons." "Oh like your name means forest in Greece, and from the forest in our beloved kingdom, and Scottie's means Scotsman, also from our kingdom. While mine means remembered by God," Silas pierced Zac with his stare while me and Leila snickered, "genuinely Silas I stayed because you found an extraordinary girl. I just needed to tell you don't let her run. We really do need her." His pleading chocolate brown eyes softened me and Leila as she relaxed into under my arm leaning her head on my shoulder. "Thank you Zac, I guessed that was you were going to tell me Scottie," my 5'11 brother asked me, not waiting for my answer, "that we shouldn't push Leila out into the woods to get picked up by the police." Zac and me stared at his bluntness. We never pushed them into the woods. We always got told they escaped. My brother was now keeping secrets from me. What has this gang done to my brother? Leila buried her head in my shoulder. "Where is she staying tonight?" I ask Silas. He looks at her form leant gently on mine, as if not to hurt me, but my height and build could take three of her leaning on me. I could even lift her above my head. He shrugs in response, "she could bunk with you for tonight and sort her a room out tomorrow." He gave it more as an order, not an option. I didn't mind as I know Leila would love the day-bed I have in my room rather than share my double bed. But knowing her, she will panic slightly, not knowing anything about this place. Silas and Zac walk out the room talking, so I take Leila's bag off her back and put it on mine. I move her head and her eyes flutter open, "sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep." Her voice barely audible from tiredness and I smile slightly, "it's okay, you're bunking with me tonight," Panic flashes through her eyes, "don't worry I've got a separate bed you can use and an en-suite bathroom as well." She relaxed again smiling tiredly. I scooped her up in my arms as I could see she wouldn't last the stairs, she put her head on my shoulder and I carried her to my room. I put her on her feet outside my room and let her open the door. She had the same reaction as earlier when she walked through the front door. She gazed in wonder around my room. When her eyes finally set on her bed, she walked over running her hand over the sheets. "How could you afford all of this?" She questioned, "most of it was already here. We just inherited it." She smiled, it was a sweet genuine smile, not showing her teeth "so you guys are lucky then?" Leila sat down on her bed as I put the bag beside her. I nodded in response, and offered my hand, "I'll show you a few extra." She took my hand and I lead her to my walk-in wardrobe, she gasped. I haven't filled some of it, but my suits, tops, jeans, overalls and shoes all had a place and I put a beanbag right at the back for a hideaway. They wouldn't know I was in here if they were looking for me. She found my clothes I wear on a stealing job, lifting them up she asked "what are these? Answer honestly, I can tell if you are lying." I laughed taking the clothes from her and put them back, "okay, this is top secret. I use it for when I need to take something from someone else's room and from the kitchen." I wink at her and she giggles. "I shouldn't of asked, I know what they are for." She tries to go past me but I catch her with my arm and put her over my shoulder which makes her squeal but then she laughs. I walk out of the wardrobe, grab her bag, and put her down in the en-suite. She mock punches my arm, I look at her in shock and tickle her in response "okay I give in." She says between laughter. "I'll let you sort yourself out, don't take too long." I tell her and walks out the bathroom shutting the door. I take my top off, chuck my top into a corner, close my curtains and walk to my bed. I take my pajamas from under a pillow and get changed, also chucking my jeans into the corner with the top. I sort out Leila's bed, getting a couple of pillows and a quilt from the wardrobe.
Chapter five: Leila (first half) I had already got changed, sorted and currently listening by the door. Fumbling I grabbed my bag. Calm down, you're not sharing a bed, I mentally scolded myself. I quietly opened the door, and watched Scottie finish sorting the spare bed. The way his muscles flexed through his slightly too small pajama top. The way he muttered to himself as he worked. The way he was just being sweet. Damn it Leila stop falling for him, I scolded myself again. He stood up to examine his work and he knew he was being watched as he tensed and relaxed. I suppose you get that for being a thief. I blushed at getting caught, so I walk over and touch the back of his arm as he straightens a sheet "thank you." I say, he smiles sweetly, it was so cute. Sort yourself out girl you're doing it again. "No problem. I know how much help can make people feel better." He replied while I put my bag by the bed. Walking over to his bed, I look at his cover, a blue background with a black flower train up it. "If you don't mind me asking, why have you got this cover?" His smile disappeared slowly and he sat down on his bed. Seeing his reaction, I sit beside him and mutter "you don't have to answer." He took my hand and linked it with his. "It's okay. My parents were so protective of me and Silas. I promised them before they died a couple of years ago that I would protect Silas, even though I'm younger. My mum loved her sewing. She made my outfit you picked up earlier, and this quilt set. I keep it to remind me of my promise. I hand wash them both, with a scent that my dad used to love. It's my way of keeping them alive." I wiped the small tear falling down his cheek before I realised I had done it. I squeezed his hand, "if you ever need to talk, you know where I am." He nodded "thanks for listening." "Anytime Scottie." I reply walking to my bed and settling under the cover. He done the same in his own bed and reached for a switch, that I missed earlier, turning off the light. "See you in the morning." He said "night." I replied before falling asleep. I heard a door closing and hushed voices in the hallway outside. I recognise the voices. The brothers. I warily drag myself to the door through the darkness. Just being curious I stood the behind the door, listening to the hushed conversation. "You should of known I wasn't going to shoot her." "Well it would of helped if you told me your gun wasn't loaded before we went out." "Why should I explain everything to you?" "I'm your brother. Or have you forgotten that?" The last comment stung. I felt the emotion through the door. Scottie was going to regret that in the morning.
Chapter five: Leila (second half) "I'm older than you" Silas was seething. "So? I made a promise. I don't break my promises." "What promise?" I decided to open the door and act like I haven't listened to the conversation "what's going on?" I ask rubbing my eye. Scottie takes a step towards me and ruffles my hair "we're chatting. Don't worry go back to bed." I glance at him, "that makes me sound like a child." He laughs, wrapping an arm around my shoulder "you weren't arguing about me were you?" I look at both of them. "No of course not. I just finished the conversation anyway. Come on." Scottie said glaring at Silas, and then turning me into the room and shutting the door. He walked me back to my bed, I whispered to him, "I heard most of it." He shook his head "we'll talk about it in the morning." I curled up under my covers. I know something Silas doesn't know. "Scottie?" I called out quietly, checking if he was still awake. He mumbles "go to sleep. You'll need it." I nod then remember that he can't see me. I fall asleep, I don't know how much time goes by but a sound wakes me again. Someone is moving in the room. I grab my bag as quietly as possible and get my phone out. I turn the flash on and scan the room. I stop at Scottie's bed. His arms are flailing as if he's trying to hold onto something that isn't there. I walk over carefully and crouch beside him. he's crying. It's a nightmare. A way too vivid nightmare by the looks of it. All because of the argument earlier possibly. "Scottie." I say quietly reaching towards his nearest arm when he just lays flat on the bed. Head facing toward me and arms straight on the bed, one hand hanging off near me. I touch his outstrecthed hand. His eyes fly open in fear. When he sees me he relaxes "did i wake you?" he asks quietly, fear ringing in his voice. "Yes, but it's okay. What happened?" I reply. He lets me stand up and then pulls me into his arms. He buries his head into my neck, and out of habit, I stroke his hair "what happened?" My neck starts to feel damp. "Why are you crying Scottie?" I ask quietly, he moves his head and I wipe his eyes again. "My nightmare. It was horrible. So real. So vivid. It was too much. Too much." He replied still struck with fear and hugged me tighter with the memory resurfacing. "It was your fight with Silas wasn't it?" I ask softly already knowing the answer. "How did you know we fought?" He asked, confused by my comment. I run my fingers through his hair. "I got woke up by the footsteps and the door, I was curious so I stood and listened." He looked at me with a sad smile. "Yeah, this is about my fight with Silas." I look in his eyes and play with his hair, waiting for him to continue. "It was a similar fight right on the coast. He pushed me back and I slipped off a cliff and just kept falling until I stopped and you woke me." I slipped off his chest and lead beside him. Running my hand down the side of his face, I turned it towards mine and looked into his eyes. "Listen to me, that isn't going to happen. Ever. You both will forget what happened tonight." I tell him softly "but he won't forget. He never does." I put a finger on his lips and he goes quiet. Turning the flash off my phone, I say "good night Scottie." And we both settled down arm in arm. Then his kissed my forehead. My whole body warmed at that instant. I don't know if he felt it, but I knew I wouldn't go cold for hours.
There's a vote most of the way through the chapter so have a read and join in ~ it will also influence some characters behaviour, and Scottie sits the other side of Leila~ Chapter six: Scottie (majority) I woke up before she did. I pushed some hair away from her face, a small smile played on her lips. She looked so peaceful with her head on my shoulder. Leila was so sweet. She managed to calm me down after my nightmare, and then I had sparks run through me when I kissed her forehead and I'm still warm from it now. I doubt she felt it. I gently moved her arm and she rolled away from me to face the curtains. I glance at the time. 7:30 blinked back at me in formed green digits. Mina would start doing cooked breakfast in ten minutes. I get out of bed quietly and feel my back. It is drenched. Obviously the nightmare was that bad to cause me to sweat so much in peaceful sleep. I pull my pajama top off and chuck it with my clothes from last night. I'm about to walk over to the curtains when I notice something out of place. A tiny detail. A book was moved from my desk to my shelf. Someone had been in here and it wasn't Mina as the laundry would of gone. I panic slightly. Why would someone come in here? I have no idea why. Unless it was because of Leila. I walk over to the curtains, and peel them open slowly and she stirs, moaning because of the light. "Morning sleepy head." I say jokingly, and then she focuses and blushes when she looks at me. Then I remember. I'm not wearing a top. I barely manage to turn around when a pillow gets hurled at me. "Hide your tan. It's making me jealous." She laughs sitting up in the bed. I chuck the pillow back to her and she catches it, laughing more then breathing. I pick up her bag and pass it to her, "I would check it. Someone came in when we were sleeping." A startled expression crosses her face "what?" She hurriedly searches her bag but sighs in relief. "Someone came in the room. A book was placed back on the shelf when I had left it on the desk as I was reading it. What's so important in your bag?" Leila shakes her head, "nothing for you to worry about." Was the reply and I don't pry any further. "Don't worry about getting changed yet. Everyone goes down in their pjs, even Mina and she cooks breakfast if you want anything hot." I say before she can reach the bathroom. She nods and gets her brush out while sitting down on my bed, facing the window leading to my balcony. I sit behind her on my bed and she tenses and relaxes quickly. "Did you want me to brush it?" I ask, daring her to say no, but wordlessly she hands me her brush. She watches the birds as I brush through her long dark hair. Leila stays quiet the whole time, and doesn't object when I start braiding her hair from her crown to down the centre of her back. This reminded me of her when she was younger. We were both normal, to a degree, then. She was in my class through first school. The quiet one who sat in the corner and got forgotten. Even more when she came in with red puffy eyes as she had been crying near the end of reception. I approached her in class at break, "are you okay?" I asked her. I couldn't remember her name. But I could always remember her grey eyes and dark brown hair. She looked up at me and her eyes were big and innocent. "I don't want to talk about it." She simply replied shaking her head so her hair covered her face. "It's not that bad is it?" I ask innocently before her big eyes flew up to look at me again "you try being abandoned by your parents." She replied, taking a few attempts at saying abandoned and giving up. I just looked in her eyes and walked away. As far as I know she doesn't remember that was me. I think she doesn't remember me being in her class. Now I know how it feels to be abandoned by my parents, but not in the same way as she does. She doesn't even know if they are alive. Leila gets up and looks at her hair in the mirror, then she looks at me in the mirror. Blushing when I catch her looking at me "how did you know I like these?" she asks. I look at her in the mirror, "you don't remember me do you? I was in your class in first school." her breath catches in her throat, but then she relaxes again. "That's where I recognise you from." she says softly. I open the door and wait for her, "come on, breakfast is being sorted out now." She took my hand and I walked her downstairs where we met Zac and then walked into the kitchen. The smell of bacon, sausages, eggs, beans and mushrooms filled the air. "What did you want for breakfast Leila? We serve the cooked food like a buffet, but if you want cold, you'll have to get it now." Mina shouted over the roar of the flames. "I'll have hot. It's rare I get hot," she smiles at Mina, "did you need any help?" Mina nods and points to the frying pan with the sausages in. I join in and take the pan with the bacon, while Zac takes the beans. Mina turns the radio up and we are all singing along. The kitchen falls silent when Silas walks in. He stares at me and Zac as we are topless, and then at my arm around Leila's waist. Leila is still singing softly to herself while turning the sausages. Mina quietly dishes up the eggs, and the mushrooms. She signals for us to bring the pans with the other food to her. Zac knocked my arm jokingly, and then I bumped Leila's hip playfully "hey." She replied teasingly, kicking the back of my knee gently. Silas walks into the dining room shaking his head. He was still mad about last night. Or maybe he's just jealous that I get on better with Leila than he does. I push the latter out of my mind and carry two dishes into the dining room where everyone else is, apart from the real leader who the others don't know about. Leila follows behind me with a jug of apple and another of orange. We place our stuff on the table. She chooses a seat and sits down next to.... ~~~ Vote: She sits next to; A. Silas B. Almon C. Norberto