Chapter 8 CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE
Last night was too much to handle, it started from seeing Fred with Victoria, to getting chased, and then Carson showing up at the right moment to save me.
I still couldn’t wrap my head around the stunt Carson pulled out there. I knew he was cold, distant, and clearly didn’t like me. So why did he help me?
I shifted in bed, staring at the ceiling. Every part of me wanted to believe I was just overthinking things. But I wasn’t stupid. Carson didn’t do things without a reason. And Fred—Fred, my best friend—was now someone I couldn’t trust.
A soft knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Come in," I said, sitting up.
Carson walked in, dressed in a black suit. He didn’t say anything at first. He just stood there, watching me like he was trying to figure something out.
"You’re awake," he said.
I rolled my eyes. "Obviously."
"Eat something before you leave this room. And don’t go anywhere without telling me first."He said.
"Excuse me?"I said rather surprised.
"You heard me," he said, crossing his arms.
"After last night, you should understand that this isn’t a game. You’re in danger, and I don’t have time to be chasing after you again."He said again.
"I never asked you to chase after me in the first place."I said, rolling my eyes.
"Right. Next time, I’ll let them have you."He said and he looked serious.
"Why do you even care?" I asked. "You don’t even like me."I added.
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a step forward.
"Just because I don’t like you doesn’t mean I want you dead, Annabelle."He said.
There was something funny about the way he said my name because this is on like him.
"Eat," he repeated before he turned and walked out.
I stared at the closed door for a long time. Carson was a mystery I wasn’t sure I wanted to solve.
FRED'S NEXT MOVE
While I sat in my room, trying to figure out my next step, Fred was dealing with his own problems.
He kept pacing back and forth in his apartment, with his hands tapping his forehead He still couldn’t believe it that I had seen him.
"You should have been more careful," Victoria said, sitting on his couch, completely unbothered.
"Now she won’t trust you as easily as before."She added.
"You think this is funny? She was supposed to be on our side."He said in a angry tone.
Victoria smiled. "Then make her come back to you."She said.
“I have known Annabelle for years, and if there's anything I know so we'll about her, is the fact that she is very soft in the heart and always needed someone to trust”. He said.
“Then make her trust you again coward!!” Victoria yelled and walked out.
THE SILENT WAR
Later that day, I finally stepped out of my room. Carson was gone, and I was grateful for it. I needed time to think, and I couldn’t do that with him watching my every move.
As I was on my way downstairs, my phone vibrated. I hesitated before picking it up.
Fred.
I got really angry and I almost ignored it, but my curiosity got the best of me.I just want to hear what he has to say.
"Hello?" I said, my voice cautious.
"Annabelle, "Are you okay?"He said In a concerned tone.
"Why do you care?"I said leaning against the wall.
There was a pause.
"You think I don’t care?" he asked. "After everything we’ve been through?"he added.
"You tell me," I said.
"Because last night, you were with Victoria. Care to explain that?"I asked.
Fred sighed heavily.
"It’s not what you think honestly, if only you give me the chance to explain myself."He said.
"That’s funny, because what I think is that you’ve been lying to me and that is exactly what it is."I said, letting out a laugh.
"Annabelle, please," he said. "Meet me. Just once. Let me explain everything."He added.
I hesitated. Every part of me screamed no. But at the same time, I needed answers.
"Fine," I said. "One last time."I said again.
“One last time, I promise”.He promised.
CLOSER TO THE FIRE
The meeting spot was a small café, one we had gone to a million times before. But this time, I wasn’t going there as a friend, I was going as a person who demands an answer to her friend's betrayal.
When I arrived, Fred was already sitting at a corner table, looking more nervous than I’d ever seen him.
I took a deep breath and walked over.
"You have five minutes," I said as I sat down.
"Annabelle, you have to believe me. I never wanted to lie to you. I was trying to protect you."He said.
I folded my arms. "Protect me from what?"
"Carson isn’t who you think he is."He said.
"Oh really? And who do I think he is?"I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He’s dangerous," Fred said.
"He’s involved in things you can’t imagine. And now, you’re caught in the middle of it."He said again.
I rolled my eyes.
I know Carson. "And Victoria? How does she fit into all this?"I asked.
Fred sighed. "She… she has her own agenda. But I swear, I wasn’t working against you."He said.
"Then how did you know I didn’t take any pictures from the hidden room?"I asked in curiousity.
Fred froze.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. But I saw that he was lying, and he is only trying to cover up for what he did, so I can keep trusting him.
I stood up. "You knew." I said.
"Annabelle, wait—"He said.
Before I could leave, the door opened.
Victoria.
She walked in like she owned the place, and she stared at me immediately.
"You set me up."I said angrily.
"No. I didn’t—"He said looking so innocent.
"Too late," Victoria said, stepping closer.
"You should have listened, Annabelle."She said with a terrible look on her face.
“I'm in trouble, Carson help me this last time”. I messaged Carson.
Glass cafe.