Chapter 7- Imposter

(ahhh! sorry for the extremely long chapter…I felt like I needed to put it all!)

ONE AND A HALF YEARS EARLIER,

MARCH 27, 2019.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

******

My dad was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer around one and a half months ago.

He's been on life support ever since, and every day I fear will be his last.

As my only family member left, I don't know what I'd do without him. I really don't.

I visit him two or three times a day, because I want to have all the time I can get with him before he passes.

The doctors say he has no more than a month left to live.

A month I can't let go to waste.

I pull into the hospital parking lot, rushing up the flight of steps and into the lobby, jogging towards the front desk.

"Hello, I'm Daisy Saunders, I'm here to see Darren Saunders?"

"Yes, patient 1123, he's in Facility B in room 253. I don't know if he's up for visiting yet, you can ask the nurse that's over there."

I nod quickly, speed walking over to the elevator and pressing the button.

The doors open and I punch the button for Facility B, waiting impatiently to get to the right floor.

Once I arrive in Facility B I rush down the hall, past the nurses and to room 253.

I see my dad through the clear window, and feel a hand on my shoulder.

"He's not looking good..."

I mumble under my breath.

The nurse frowns.

"He's not up for visiting, Miss Saunders, I'm sorry."

"B-But I need to see him! Please at least let me talk to him!"

"Okay, sweetie. But make it quick. We have to run more tests and he's getting weak. I can't promise you he'll respond though."

"It doesn't matter."

As soon as the nurse opens the door, I run inside, plopping down on the floor and holding onto his limp hand.

"I love you so much, dad. I really do. Please don't leave me like mom did! Like Dallas did! Like Dimitri did! I need you!"

I start to cry, squeezing onto his hand.

I feel a weak squeeze in return, then a hand pushing hair from my face.

"I love you, Daisy." His voice is soft, and he looks weak. "Don't cry, dad loves you."

"I love you too! Why you?! Why not me?!"

"Don't say that, sweetie. Everything happens for a reason. You are strong. I believe in you."

I sit on the hospital room floor, and while looking down at my father, I frown.

"Dad, are you going to be okay?"

"I've been better, kid. Being diagnosed with—"

He stops in a fit of coughs, and I rest my hand over his frigid one.

"No, no. You don't need to talk. Please rest, I can't lose you too. We lost mom, Dallas, Dimitri, I only have you."

Tears form in my eyes, and I blink back them back.

"Don't cry, baby. I love you."

"I love you too—"

The door opens, and in my peripheral vision I see him, with an angry expression that softens when he sees my father.

My dad smiles at him, lifting a shaky hand in a small wave.

"Hello, Zane. How are you doing?"

Zane gives a smile.

"I'm doing great, Mr. Saunders."

"Please, call me Darren."

"Well then, Darren. Everything is well. I would just like to talk to your daughter for a bit."

"Yes, of course. She can come visit me whenever she likes."

I try to hide the fear in my face, and Zane's cold hand wraps around my wrist, gently but firmly lifting me off the floor.

"Have a good day, Darren. Feel better soon."

"Thank you for your wishes, Zane. You as well."

My dad blows me a kiss, laying his head flat against the hospital pillow with a pained expression.

Zane pulls me from the room, and out of the hospital to the parking lot.

I halt, eyebrows furrowed.

"Where are we going?! What're you doing?! What don't you understand—"

"Now, now, Daisy. We both know you didn't mean what you said."

"I gave you what you want! Why won't you leave me alone!"

"You only gave me half of what I wanted, sweetie. You're coming with me. I only want to talk to you."

He pulls me with force towards his Bugatti, opening the passenger door.

I shakily lower myself into the passenger seat, and he hops in the driver's seat.

Speeding off, my eyes widen.

What the hell?!

"Slow down! You're going to crash the car! Are you trying to kill me?!"

He removes his eyes from the road, smirking at me.

"Trust me, babe. If I wanted to kill you I would've driven us off this bridge."

My heart stops, as I turn my head and see that we're driving over the bridge.

Exiting Los Angeles.

"Why are we leaving LA?! Where the hell are you bringing me?!"

He resumes ignoring me, and I seriously think about jumping out the car and booking it.

But I know for sure that I'll bust my head open if I was to do that.

After five hours of silently panicking in my head, Zane pulls into the driveway of a large house, and gets out of the car.

I still sit there, frozen.

He looks at me, cocking his head to the side.

"Are you going to get out?"

"Are you going to take me back home?! Zane, isn't this abduction?! You literally just drove me all the way to San Francisco for what?! To talk?!"

He smirks.

"So innocent. I'm just not done with you yet. We all know you missed me."

I did. But that's not something I'll just admit to the guy who's crazy enough to practically kidnap me.

I don't answer, hesitantly climbing out of the car.

"What is this?"

"My vacation home."

"Yours?! How rich are you?!"

"Quite rich."

I shake my head, realizing I'm getting off track.

"Bring me back home, now."

"And what're you going to do if I don't? Get inside."

"No."

"Yes."

His eyes flicker with amusement.

"Don't make me make you go inside, Daisy. I don't want my neighbors to hear your high pitched little cries."

My eyes widen a little, and he starts to walk forward, pausing when he realizes I'm not coming.

"Well? What are you waiting for?"

"For you to take me back to LA."

"Hmm. I guess my neighbors will hear a few things...I'm coming over there."

Fight or flight kicks in, and in this case, it's flight and fight.

Here goes nothing.

As soon as Zane comes close enough to me, I throw a punch at his nose, making a run for it down the street.

I hear him grunt, then start laughing.

"Oh, Daisy. You really thought it'd be that easy?"

I block out his voice, booking it down the sidewalk.

Where am I even going?

I run across the road, not noticing the car coming full speed at me before it was too late.

I feel a weight knock into me, causing me to fly across the road, landing with a thump.

The car speeds by, and a wave of dizziness hits me like a truck.

I feel the heaviness of a human, expecting to be whacked by a car.

That is no car...

I blink a few times, and the weight is lifted off of me.

Through my blurred vision, I make out a hand.

I take it, and am lifted up off the ground with ease.

"Hey, are you okay? I'm sorry about that."

A sonorous voice fills my ears, and I rub my eyes.

"Ugh...my head..."

"Are you feeling alright? Do you need something?! Anything? I'll help you."

I slowly shake my head, feeling a warm dripping down it.

I stumble forward into the guy, falling unconscious.

He catches me before I hit the ground, picking me up and bringing me towards his home.

******

I wake up in a warm bed with silky sheets, getting a whiff of strong cologne.

I feel cold air brush my shoulders, and immediately sit up.

I look down, seeing a large black shirt draping over myself.

I definitely wasn't—

My mind flashes back to the blurry image of a man and his soothing voice, the strong sent of his cologne.

This is his bed.

I stand up, swaying on my feet before venturing around the room.

Normal, modern, stylish, and smells good. Very good.

I realize how weird that sounds, rubbing my eyes.

There must be a bathroom somewhere...

I run my hand along the wall, dipping to land on a doorknob.

I press my ear against it, to make sure no one's inside.

I creak it open, peeking inside.

Yes. Bathroom.

I feel like I'm intruding...just wondering around this guy's home.

And then my mind switches to him. To Zane. Is he still after me?!

Panic swells in my chest, and I splash some cold water on my face.

I look in the mirror, at my neon pink and black hair falling down my shoulders in messy waves.

This isn't a look.

I instantly pause when I smell something.

Bacon. And...pancakes?!

How long have I been knocked out?!

I follow the smell, drifting towards a beautiful contemporary kitchen, where the man stands, shirtless...and in some black sweatpants.

His black hair is messy and flipped somewhat to the side in a cute way.

I approach the kitchen counter, figuring how I should approach him.

What do I say first?

He just looks so, peaceful...so serene...so unaware.

He stacks a few pancakes onto a plate, placing some bacon next to it with a few chopped strawberries and fresh blueberries.

He drizzles some syrup, and picks up the plate, turning around and—

Holy shit.

My mouth slightly drops open, and I forget everything I was going to say and do.

My oh my...he is gorgeous.

"Oh...I...hello."

"Hey. How are you feeling?"

He puts the plate down on the counter, pushing it towards me.

"I bet you're hungry. I made that for you."

"Why are you being so...nice?" I look down at what I'm wearing. "Did you fucking undress me?!"

His eyes widen, and he shakes his head quickly.

"No, no. That's an invasion of privacy. I simply just put that on over what you were wearing. Your clothes were a little bloody but I didn't want to do anything without your consent and permission. You were shivering so I figured you were cold."

I give him another look.

"And no. I didn't sleep in the bed with you. I slept out here on the couch."

Oh my god...he is so sweet. What a sweetheart.

I smile, taking the dish and nodding.

"Thank you. I appreciate your kindness. Never have I met someone so respectful."

He cocks his head to the side.

"That's strange...I assume people naturally do the right thing."

I frown slightly.

Not Zane.

I have to try extremely hard not to switch my eager eyes to his abs. I mean holy Jesus, does he have some fucking muscle.

"Is something distracting you?"

The sweet smile turns into a sort of naughty grin.

I flush.

"Oh...no. Not at all. It's just—you're so—I—Ugh."

I roll my eyes at myself, and he laughs, making cute dimples pop in his cheeks.

"You're cute."

I try to hide the smile tugging at my lips.

"No...you're just being nice."

He raises an eyebrow, turns back to the stove, and laughs slightly.

"What's so funny?"

"That you don't think you're cute. Or attractive. Is that right?"

"Yes...?"

"I'd say you're quite bewitching, sweetheart."

I smile.

"Well...thanks I guess. I needed that."

"No problem. The name's Shane, by the way. I never mentioned anything. Shane Shaw."

"Daisy. Daisy Saunders."

Shane nods, and turns back to me.

"Well, Daisy,"

The way he says my name makes my heart flutter.

"Yes?"

"After you finish eating...I'd say we have some business to get to. Important business."

*******

PRESENT DAY, MARCH 15th, 2020.

After a bit of a discussion, we all nod, and Roxie throws her hands in the air.

"Woo! What're we waiting for?!"

Salem looks at our clothes then his half police uniform.

"We can't go in prison clothes, and besides, maybe we should wait a day or two. The cops still need to calm down on our large chase. We don't want to be those twenty year olds getting arrested in a high school classroom. That is both damaging to my reputation and my ego."

I roll my eyes.

"Since when did you get so cocky?"

"Since he started hanging out with me."

Dylan ruffles his hair that he just spent a good five minutes trying to fix, then kisses his cheek.

"Love the guy. Even though he's pretty snarky and fucking rude a lot of the times, he's still my bestie!"

Salem makes a face in the mirror at the bright pink lipstick mark on his cheek before rolling his eyes.

"Thanks a lot, Dyl. You ruined my hair...again."

"Why do you have such an obsession with your hair?! Even I don't care about my hair that much and you know I'm obsessed with it."

Dylan shrugs, before pulling off the mangled top.

Salem and Zane immediately look away, and Zane starts whistling.

"Let me know when you have a shirt back on, D."

"Oh stop acting like a wuss. You've seen basically every girl's privates and mine isn't any different. Salem, I understand you. Because you're a normal dude. But our lovely lime Zane is a pervert."

"Rude ass bitch."

"I have a bra on! You don't need to pretend like it's Halloween horror nights."

Roxie starts laughing again.

Jaylen looks so out of it.

"What's wrong, sista?"

Jaylen rolls her eyes at Jordan.

"Come on, triplet! Lighten up!"

"Woo-hoo. We get to go back to school. So fun."

Jordan makes a face and Jaylen returns the same sour look.

"What?! Do you want me to strip in front of you all like out dearest Dylan? No! This isn't a strip club, this isn't undress and touch my boobs, this is us sitting in a rusty ass black van that stinks of freaking blood because everyone is bleeding out! It's getting on me and I don't like it. I may be half blind but I ain't half stupid! So you better get out of here with that "oh everything's just peachy" attitude because I'm done with it! There you go."

Zane starts clapping, whistling.

"You go girl! Tell her!"

"Shut up, Zane. Stop trying to be cool."

"She-devil. I am cool."

"Not in the slightest."

Jordan faces the wheel again, pressing the button to turn on the car.

It doesn't turn on.

She smacks it multiple times, before slamming her head into the steering wheel.

"Great! Now having all six of your fatasses in my van broke it!"

"I'm a skinny legend."

Dylan starts to pull off her pants as well when I hold my hand out.

"Dylan. This isn't time for a fucking strip tease."

"Strip tease my ass. I know you're enjoying the show."

She stands up slightly, bending over and scooching her butt into me.

"Get your ass out of my face."

"It's soooo cute, right? Just like me. Anyone would die to have my juicy ass in their face, right Roxie?"

Roxie showcases a wide smile.

"Very right!"

Jordan grabs a gun, chucking it at Dylan's head.

"Sit the fuck down! Play with your yo-yo or some shit."

Dylan sits down, filing her nails while chewing on bubblegum.

"Dyl, where the hell are you getting this stuff?"

I ask, and she looks at me, taking her gum out of her mouth and holding it out to me.

"Why...you want some?! We can make it sexy."

"What?"

She bites down on a piece of gum, motioning for Roxie to come over.

"Come, babycakes. We'll show them how sexy gum chewing works."

Roxie bites down on the other side, and they stretch it with their teeth seductively before joining back in the middle with a hot kiss.

Dylan pulls away, chewing the gum before spitting it at Zane.

It lands in his hair and he fake gags.

"Ewww! At least this isn't my real hair!"

We all look at him, and he pulls off the neon orange wig, revealing the neon green again.

"Stop distracting me, guys! I'm trying to fix the car!"

We all shut our mouths.

"Sorry!"

*****

After about an hour and forty minutes of us bickering, helplessly flirting, and chatting, Jordan finally fixes the car with the help of newly found mechanics Salem and Zane.

I just know Zane had no idea what he was doing.

I bet he did that just he could be laying on the ground to get a good look at her ass.

Jordan drove us back to her second home, which is in an alleyway near Plan B, a club.

We're going to hide out here for a few days, so we can get more information on what is going on with Silas for that matter.

This is going to be a chaotic mess...I already know it if we have Dylan, Roxie and Zane all together.

Jaylen is the only sensible-ish one.

*******

THREE HOURS LATER...

I'm now laying on the floor with Dylan and Roxie, counting sheep.

"Sheep number one! We should call that one Roxie because I'm number one. Get it?"

Dylan rolls her eyes.

"Yeah right. We all know I'm number one."

I don't even bother to say that I'm number one, staring at the ceiling with a blank look.

"Hey...you good?"

"Been better. Been worse."

"I understand where you're coming from. Are you excited for school tomorrow?!"

I make a face at her.

Dyl smiles.

"Maybe there'll be hot guys."

"That are minors."

"Some of them will be eighteen, don't fret, honey. And besides! If not the student the teacher!"

I slap my head.

"You're a disappointment."

"Says you!"

Dylan flips Roxie off, turning on her side to look at me.

"Uhh...hi? Are you just going to watch me?"

I'm still watching the ceiling, but move my eyes to look at her.

"Maybe. You're just so cute."

"Thank you?"

"No problem!"

She turns back away, and I blink a few times before doing the same, visibly jumping.

"Holy cow!"

I stare wide eyed at Zane, and he grins down at me.

"Hello!"

I sit up, looking at him.

"When the hell did you get there?! You just seem to randomly come out of absolutely nowhere."

"I mean, if you didn't hear my heavy ass footsteps I walked over here. Dylan saw me, her eyes moved but you didn't even notice."

I roll my eyes.

"Typical me. Being a fucking oblivious dumbass. I couldn't count on my fingers saying how many times you've just popped outta thin air staring at me."

"It's just my thing, babycakes."

He moves his eyes to Dylan and Roxie who are staring at us curiously.

"Go do something productive, my little mice."

Roxie and Dylan stand up, skipping off into a different direction.

"That was easy."

He sits down across from me, and I scooch around to face him.

"What's up?"

"Nothing much."

I pause before continuing again.

"I need to talk to you."

"You've been talking to me, babe. What is it?"

I hug my knees against my chest, laying my head against them.

The questions explode out of my mouth at full speed.

"How many people have you killed? How many people have you dated? What mental illnesses do you have? If any at all. What was your childhood like? Do you have a father? How does killing make you feel?"

"Woah, woah, woah. I wasn't aware that this was an interviewing Zane session. There's only so many questions I can answer at once. But since you're my favorite little donut I'll answer them."

I don't bother to ask why the hell he just called me a donut.

"Well...how many people have I killed? The first time I killed someone was when I was ten."

My eyes widen.

"Ten?!"

"Well...actually nine about to turn ten."

I look at him doe eyed.

"It was a boy in my class. He came over to my house after school, I brought him to my treehouse and hung him from the tree. Told my parents we were playing and he got stuck. They believed me."

My mouth opens in shock.

"Why did you do it?"

"Why did I do it? A common question asked...why did you kill them? Was there a motive? There wasn't a motive. Simply just an insatiable desire to see a dead body. To be the killer."

I nod silently.

"And now a brighter-ish turn, how many people I've dated...why? Is there something about my love life interesting you?"

"Oh no! Definitely not! Just a curious question!"

He smiles.

"I love when you're nervous. Your cheeks turn a cute little pinky shade." He sighs before continuing. "My love life was and is a giant mess. I've dated about twenty-two but hooked up with over thirty-two. I went through a whole stage when all I did was money, cars, sex, and women. I was such a player. Played with hearts and broke even more."

"Wow. Heartbreaker much?"

"That's the case. After my mom died that was the only thing I could think of to cope."

I nod, before word vomit takes over me.

"Was Jordan one of them?!"

His head snaps over to mine, and he nods.

"Yes...Jordan was and is still a huge part of my life. She's basically a part of me that girl. I dated her on and off for about a year until we started full on dating, and I even took her out of the mental hospital." He smirks. "Even though I was the one who put her in there."

I frown.

"Did you love her? Do you love her?"

Zane shakes his head.

"Yes, I felt something for her, but it was more of a physical attraction thing. I never loved her, and I don't now. If I was capable of showing emotion it would be directed towards someone else."

A part of me wishes that someone is me.

"Now, now. Mental illnesses. I have bipolar disorder, psychosis, and schizophrenia. I don't really know how I developed it. Ever since I was little I was always fascinated with blood and death. And the darkness. I was always a bit off. Now look at me."

"Yes...you're certainly off."

He laughs, but then his face drops.

"My childhood. Not a nice time. This ties into your other question," he sighs. "I did have a father."

"Did?"

A look of confusion falls over my face.

"Yes. He was murdered."

"Zane—"

"I killed him."

We sit there in silence for a bit, and I place my hand on his leg, resting my head against it.

"I'm sure you had a reason. You always do."

He frowns.

"No...well, I mean yes—but that's a story for a different time. My childhood was corrupt. Day and night my mother would cry, sometimes I'd hear her scream, and I never knew why. Until one day, I came home from school and witnessed my father beating the absolute shit out of her. Xanthe was there and she looked absolutely horrified, but didn't say anything in fear she'd get beaten too. Xavier was in an after school club with Xander, and it was just us four."

He rubs his forehead in...disappointment?

"As soon as I saw that bastard lay a hand on Xanthe I snapped. I fucking snapped. I grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed him. I stabbed him again. And again. And again. Until he stopped moving. Xanthe and my mother looked terrified, and so did I. I didn't know what I had just done. I killed my father."

A despairing look crosses his face.

"Even though we had a bad relationship, he was my father. There were always good times with him, he was just addicted to heroin. He came back high multiple times, and that caused him to beat my mother, and when he laid a hand on Xanthe I couldn't take it anymore. I regretted it for the rest of my life. Hell, I still do. The look of pure horror on their faces haunts me...I would do anything to reverse it. I don't know why I'm defending him...I just—"

He sighs, holding his head in his hands.

I hold onto him tightly, rubbing his arm.

"It's okay. It's all going to be okay."

I feel him smile.

"Wow...comforting Daisy. This makes me want to laugh."

"What?! Me trying to make you feel better?! I don't want you to be sad!"

"Sad. Pfft. That's pathetic."

"Everyone's sad at least once in their lifetime whether you like to admit it or not."

"Hm. Okay then."

I sit on his lap, bouncing up and down.

He just looks at me like I'm completely and utterly insane.

"Well..."

"Well what?"

"I think I—"

"Wassup, bitches!"

Way to ruin the moment, Dylan.

Dylan grabs my arm then Zane's, dragging us towards the door when Zane halts.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"There's something important on the news...you guys definitely would want to hear this."

I frown.

Do I really?

I didn't.

What was on that news channel really threw my head in a whole different direction.

*****

We all sit down on the couch, staring intently at Jordan's television.

The news reporter and her scarily wide smile look directly at us.

"Hello, Greenwood, California! Welcome back to Lakewater News! We have been alerted that wanted criminals, Zane Booker, Daisy Saunders, Dylan Harlow, Roxie Rockers, Jordan Lukas, Jaylen Lukas, escaped from high security prison with the help of now former cop Salem Schwartz! We're scared for everyone's safety, and we advise you to watch out! We spotted them by local nightclub Plan B, and currently have police patrolling the area." She motions to all of our pictures on the screen, making an overly concerned face. "Remember, if you see them, don't hesitate to call—"

Jaylen shuts off the TV, rolling her eyes.

"I can't listen to that bitch yap any longer."

Dylan throws her hand dramatically over her forehead.

"Whatever shall we do? I don't want to go back to that place! I was rotting in there for almost over two years!"

Jordan sighs.

"We just wait it out. In two or three days it'll be fine."

"Right..."

******

Wrong.

It was five days of me sitting in that fucking house degenerating.

It's tiring with those people, I swear to you.

It's now day six, and Jaylen pulls a hood over her head.

"I'm going to go outside, because one, we need food, and two, I need to see if it's safe to finally leave. I'm done."

"Aren't we all?"

Dylan moves her eyes from her hair and hairbrush to Jaylen's.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll be back."

"Don't die!"

"Thanks for that, Roxie. I won't."

Jaylen exits the home, and I lean my head against Zane's shoulder.

"I'm bored."

"So am I, babe. It feels like elementary school when I didn't know anything fun."

"Like what?"

"Making out with girls and smoking weed."

"Why were you smoking weed in middle school?! And making out with girls?! I didn't know about that stuff until I was like fifteen."

Zane shrugs.

"There was nothing better to do. What did you think?! That I was one of those lousy football players?! That's just an embarrassment."

"I feel personally insulted." Salem says, going through his phone. "I was one of those lousy football players in high school. But it made the girls love me so whatever."

"Don't they all?"

Jordan bounces a ball up and down.

"I guess you could say that."

"Aren't you a sycophant?"

He grins.

"Perhaps I am, J."

Roxie lays upside down on the couch.

"Jordan, have you ever even had a love life?!" She motions to Zane. "Besides that toxic relationship with Zaney boy."

Jordan sighs.

"Yes, actually. It was one of the best times of my life. Kai was his name. He left for Korea and never came back to me. I moved to Zane as a way to cope."

"Nice to know I was the second option, bitch. At least I'll always be the first with dear Daisy."

I nod slowly.

"Right..."

"Don't sound so unsure!" He bops my nose and I sneeze. "Well bless you then."

"Thank you. Allergy season."

Dylan bursts out laughing.

"Girl, it's March. Aren't you allergic to pumpkins or somethin'?"

"Pumpkins?! Bitch, I'm allergic to apples!"

"No different!"

I slump against Zane's lap.

This is going to be a long ass rest of the day.

******

(JAYLEN'S POV)

I slide into an alleyway, pulling down my mask and lighting a cigarette.

I don't smoke but right now I really need one.

I watch as a group of police officers run by, going after a girl.

She turns her head in my direction, and when our eyes meet, brown against violet, she winks, before running off.

I smirk to myself.

I wonder who she was...

After around two minutes, the police sirens fade away, but footsteps come closer.

You know what they say...when you lose one sense the other gets stronger.

And for me when I lost my sight that was my hearing.

I hear someone breathe out, heaving a sigh of relief almost.

I turn my head, seeing the same girl from before.

She has long silver locks, and half of her face is covered by a mask.

She removes it, and I raise an eyebrow.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

"I don't think so...did you like the show?"

She leans against the wall next to me and I smile.

"I don't know what your talking about. Who are you running from?!"

"Well, I got caught on my mission. I probably shouldn't be telling you that but it's not like I care."

"A mission, huh?"

"Yes. I'm an agent. Everly Millicent."

I nod.

"Very well, Everly."

I smile.

"I'm sure we'll be seeing each other soon."

"Oh really?"

I pull my mask back over my face.

"Really."

"Before you go, what's your name?"

I smirk.

"Jaylen Lukas."

******

(DAISY'S POV)

After an hour and a half Jaylen comes back, and she sets down a few bags of groceries.

"Is it safe enough to go out?"

"Yes. I'd say so. Guess who I just met?"

Roxie cocks her head to the side.

"Who?"

"An agent that goes by the name of Everly Millicent."

"Ooh, does Jaylen have a crush?"

Dylan smiles widely and Jaylen glares at her.

"Of course not now shut your trap. If it's safe that means we can head to the fucking school tomorrow."

Dylan squeals.

"Yes! Hot boys here I come!"

******

I went through that night with barely any sleep.

Something was keeping me awake...something is keeping me awake, and I'm not sure what.

Maybe nerves?!

I don't know...that school has some memories.

Memories that aren't good ones.

******

The next morning I was woken up bright and early by good old Dylan, but not in a nice way.

The girl literally launched herself on me and I'm sure she broke a few of my bones.

"Wakey wakey! It's time for school!"

"No! Don't start my morning with this!"

She drags me by the arms out of my bed, running towards Zane and jumping on him.

He groans, taking his pillow and chucking it at her head.

"Get off of me, pinkie pie."

Dylan lays on top of him.

"Make me. If you promise me you'll get up and get your ass ready for school I'll get up."

"Fine."

He shifts under her, sitting up and throwing her onto the floor.

Dylan lands with a sickening thump.

"Ow! Stank ass bitch!"

She heaves herself up, stomping her way out of the room.

Typical Dylan.

I turn on the shower, drowsily picking out an outfit that probably looks like dog shit before dragging myself into the bathroom.

I take my hair out of its messy bun, pull off my clothes and hop in the shower.

I yelp, changing the temperature.

Jesus.

Way too cold.

After a quick five minute shower I get dressed, blow dry my hair, then do my makeup.

It takes a lot of effort to look like me.

Who am I kidding? I'm turning into a purple haired and female version of Zane.

I'm not liking it.

Maybe it's having to share a house with him.

Or a room.

I walk out into Jordan's living room where she and everyone else is chatting, and groggily wave.

"Hello, fellow housemates."

"Hi, Daisy!"

Roxie looks at my outfit and nods in approval.

"Loving the fit!"

I shrug.

"I just pulled it out of my closet."

"Whatever. Come on guys!"

We all walk out the door, and I can't help feel that this is going to be very chaotic.

We all climb back in Jordan's black van, speeding off to Greenwood High, me and Zane's old high school.

Oh the bad memories I had there...I'm not excited to go back. Not one bit.

******

TEN MINUTES LATER...

Once we make it to the school a sick feeling settled in my gut.

I hated this place.

Hell, I still fucking do.

We all climb out of the car, and I just realize how much we don't fit in.

Dylan looks like she's going to a club, Roxie more like kindergarten with her little school girl outfit, me a rock band concert, Jaylen a funeral, Jordan looks like some sort of magician, Salem looks like a body guard and Zane...he's like half naked.

The dude doesn't even have a shirt on.

Did he forget about the dress code?!

I throw a jacket at his face.

"Cover yourself! You're going to get kicked out! Did you forget they have a dress code, doofus?!"

"I don't care! It's hot!"

"It's March!"

Dylan yells back, and we all look at her.

"What? Isn't March like...winter?"

We all smack our foreheads and she shrugs.

"She really fits the dumb blonde stereotype."

Jaylen mumbles, and Dylan rolls her eyes, slipping past us.

We walk towards the front of the school, Dylan strutting ahead and dropping it in front of a random boy who flushes in response.

She starts laughing, popping a bubble of gum.

We all share a look.

Roxie smiles.

"Atta girl! Work it!"

We venture inside the actual school, where things get even worse.

Even more embarrassing.

Dylan starts to literally twerk in the middle of the hallway, and I hide my face out of pure humiliation.

The high schoolers gather around, filming her with their phones.

"Dylan!? Dylan!"

She doesn't answer, and I push through the crowd of students, not before an extremely tall guy does so.

"Excuse me, everyone."

He looks at all the students surrounding her first, with dark aviators covering his eyes.

"What are y'all doing? The bell rang five minutes ago! Get to class or I'm going to give you detentions!"

They all start running.

"No running, Kesha!"

"Sorry, Mr. Shaw!"

Mr. Shaw...interesting.

Dylan stands up straight, and continues to nonchalantly chew her gum.

Mr. Shaw turns to her.

"What in the world were you doing?"

She shrugs.

"Twerking."

"Not in the school hallway you weren't." He looks at all of us. "Go on now, get to class! I still have to teach mine."

My eyes widen a little.

I wouldn't take him to be a teacher...he looks so young.

Dylan twirls her hair around her fingers, inching closer to him.

"But Mr. Shaw, I don't want to go to class...and I would gladly take a punishment from you..."

Mr. Shaw makes a face.

Jaylen discreetly slaps the back of Dylan's head, making her fall back a little.

She moves her eye over to Mr. Shaw.

"I apologize for her behavior. I'm Jaylen Lukas, and me and my friends are new here...we kind of don't know where to go."

Mr. Shaw smiles at her.

"Why didn't you just say so? The office is down the hall to your left, you can get your schedules there."

"Thank you."

He nods, and continues down the hall before pausing.

"And miss, next time, please don't twerk in the school halls."

He flashes Dylan a smile, and turns into a classroom.

When I turn back to Dylan she's all doe eyed.

"Ahh, he was such a cutie! I would bang him. Twice."

I make a face.

"Dylan! Not now!"

"Control your hormones, bitch."

Jordan says before stalking down the hall to the office, flicking her head over her shoulder.

"What're you waiting for, dumbasses?! Get over here! I'm not sitting in this stinky-sock smelling hallway any longer!"

She pulls the door open, disappearing inside.

"Someone's in a mood."

Dyl laughs at Zane.

"Let's be real, aren't we all?"

******

We all collect our schedules, and I look down at mine.

"Ugh. Calculus?! I did this three years ago and almost failed it!" Zane starts laughing and I glare at him. "Don't act like you did any better, doofus!"

"Woah, woah, woah. No need to get so feisty on me, baby."

He does a cringe lip bite and I fake gag.

"You guys are honestly a joke. Do you take anything seriously?! I didn't come back to high school for nothing, you better get your shit together because we're on a mission! And that mission isn't to hook up with horny teenagers or crush on that seven foot tall teacher so move your asses! We have to get to class now!"

Jaylen shoves us forward, a stream of curses escaping her mouth.

"You guys are loons."

"Thank you!"

Dylan starts giggling again, and she stops in front of a classroom.

"This is my class! Salem! Get your cute booty over here cause you're stuck with me!"

Salem sighs heavily.

"Goddamn it. Why do I have to be with her?"

"Hey! Good-for-nothing reprobate."

Salem rolls his eyes and follows Dylan into the classroom with a half wave.

"See y'all on the flip side. Let's hope this girl doesn't eat me alive."

Dyl growls at him, and he shuts his mouth.

"Bye bye, now! Have fun! I believe we all have anatomy together! And guess what?!"

"What?"

"It's with Mr. Shaw!"

She squeals, and disappears into the classroom, dragging Salem in behind her.

Jaylen and Roxie branch off towards their literature class, Zane leaves the school, and me and Jordan go to calculus.

I knew Zane wouldn't stay in here. Not even to save his life.

*****

(JAYLEN'S POV)

I'm beyond tired of Roxie. Honestly. The girl gets on my nerves. Sometimes I really want to rip her head clean off her neck...but we'll save those murderous tendencies of mine for someone else. Someone else that goes by the name of Silas Stone.

*****

(ROXIE'S POV)

Oh my god! I love Jaylen so much!

She's like a teddy bear!

Just one you can't cuddle.

She'd chop my arms off if I tried to touch her.

But I'm glad she's my buddy for literature! I'm sure the feeling's not mutual...but that doesn't matter!

Not to me at least.

I'm going to make an excuse to leave sooner or later. I want to know what my celery stick friend is up to...that's Zane if you didn't know.

*****

(SALEM'S POV)

I got put with the worst person ever.

Hell, even Roxie is better than this. Whenever I try to do something productive, the girl leans in my space and pokes my head with her fucking hot pink pencil.

I really want to rip the thing out of her hand and stab her in the eye with it.

But I wouldn't...I'm too much of a gentleman. Ish.

She keeps hitting on our history teacher, who seems to be a twenty something year old male.

It's embarrassing to watch her suck on her pencil and push up her boobs. Really. Someone send help.

******

(DYLAN'S POV)

I'm telling you, that teacher is a real hottie.

He could run me over with a garbage truck and I'd say thank you.

What's with this school and hiring hot teachers?! Even the principal was hot.

Don't be concerned, he only looked to be around twenty-eight. And I'm twenty so...it could work.

A bit of an age gap...but you know what they say! Age is just a number!

And you know what happened?!

A pop quiz!

What kind of idiot gives a person a pop quiz on their first day?! I dropped out of school when I was fifteen! I'm dumb as rocks!

But it's okay...I forgive him.

Only because he's hot though.

If he wasn't then I'd slaughter him in his sleep.

JK! Just kidding! FBI...if you're seeing this...it was just a joke. I promise.

******

(JORDAN'S POV)

Why did no one ever tell me calculus was so boring?!

I didn't come to this place for nothing...where even is Silas?!

I swear...if he's not here I'm going to kill myself.

No one knows the real reason I wanted to find him...and I hope they never do.

It'd crush their trust in me forever.

I mean...you don't just hook up with your enemies...especially the ones that helped you murder someone important to one of your allies.

******

(DAISY'S POV)

I have a feeling Jordan's hiding something.

She's been quiet the whole way here and more.

But I won't push her...we just got in good terms after around three or four years of her hating my guts. And her trying to murder me.

She's been staring into space for the past two minutes.

"Jordan!"

She jolts her head to the front of the board, and the teacher sighs.

"What're you doing?! Get your head out of the clouds! This is twelve grade, not second! I asked you a question, now answer it!"

Jordan rolls her eyes and some of the kids start whispering to each other.

"Shut your trap, bitch. I'm not in a good mood."

My eyes expand and some of the kids start laughing.

The teacher stomps her foot.

"That's enough! I won't have this in my classroom! Go to the office, now! You now have detention with Mr. Shaw after school!"

Jordan stands up, smirking.

"I'd gladly leave your classroom, Katie. Your class sucks ass anyways."

She blows the teacher a kiss, who looks like she's going to explode.

"Oh! Don't get in a frenzy, Katie! I wouldn't want you to have a heart attack and end up in a wheel chair! You old women tend to have heart problems. I hope I didn't startle you too much!"

Everyone gasps, and the teacher's eye twitches.

"You rotten little girl! Get out!"

Jordan turns her head to me with a grin.

"See ya later, Dais. Maybe it'll be at lunch! If so, save me a spot. I have to go to the office."

"Now!"

"Shut it, bitch!"

Jordan yells to the teacher, stomping out of the classroom and slamming the door shut.

She slammed it so hard it shook on its hinges.

When we heard her gone, all of the kids turn their heads to me.

I look at them with a sour look.

"What?!"

"Your friend's a real badass."

"It's kinda hot."

I blink a few times, slumping against my desk.

If this is what this is going to be like every single day?!

I want out.

Immediately.

******

(JORDAN'S POV)

Maybe I overreacted.

But the bitch was getting on my nerves...and when you stick someone who tends to be violent and unreasonable in a calculus class with bratty teenagers and dumbass old women as teachers, I don't know what you're expecting.

******

(ZANE'S POV)

I witnessed the whole thing go down.

Really a show.

Jordan's such a little bitch.

Maybe that's why I dated her in the first place.

I tend to be attracted to the bitchy ones.

I don't know, maybe it's because I'm a little bitch too?

LOL, I'm hilarious.

"Zane?"

I turn my head to the side, taking a pull from my cig and raising an eyebrow.

"Who's talking?"

"An old friend."

I smile.

"Ahh, Kai, or Silas?"

"Kai."

I pat his head, and he gives me a look.

"You've gotten weirder."

"And you've gotten taller! You're almost as tall as me!"

"I'm 6'4, dumbass. You're only an inch taller than me."

I roll my eyes.

"Bitch."

"Toerag."

"What?!"

He starts laughing, and I blink a few times before shaking my head.

"Jordan's here?"

I smirk.

"Yes...here to finish some unfinished business? Really pulling a Zane right there...that's the reason I came back too."

"Perhaps...I'm sure she missed me."

"Haven't we all? We haven't seen you since you left for Korea."

"I had to have a change, and I found that in good old Korea. I'm here for good this time."

I smile.

"Isn't that nice. Another person to add to our psycho friend group."

"Psycho friend group?! What am I missing here?!"

"A lot. For starters, we just escaped prison two nights ago."

Kai's eyebrows raise.

"Cool shit."

"Totally."

I wink and Kai cringes.

"Who's in this psycho friend group?"

"Dylan Harlow, Jaylen and Jordan Lukas, Daisy Saunders, Roxie Rockers, Salem Schwartz, and me, your favorite Zane Booker."

"Cool...you're still hanging out with Daisy?"

"Only since six days ago. I just got back."

Kai smirks.

"Well...they're in for a real surprise...I brought a little someone back from Korea with me."

"Oh really?"

"Yes...Zane, meet Asuka, my darling sister. She's here to help us with our plan."

A girl comes from behind him, and she smiles.

"Hello, Zane. I've heard much about you...where do we start?"

******

(KAI'S POV)

It's been a while...and now that I'm back from Korea?

I'm here to stir up some drama.

Hashtag, tea spilled!

Ugh...that was cringy.

*******

(ASUKA'S POV)

I've never seen these people in my life, but from what I've heard?!

They're pretty darn insane...I'm excited to meet them.

Especially Salem...he interests me...in more ways than one.

I know he's hiding something from the rest...and I'm sure I can get it out of him.

*******

(JORDAN'S POV)

I curse myself in my head.

This is a bad idea.

I stare down at my phone, leaning against the lockers.

I dial his number again, holding it to my ear.

"Hello? Answer me!"

"Jordan, Jordan, Jordan. Be patient! I have to go in unseen. I'll be there soon."

"But the next class starts soon! I don't want the others to see you! They'll kill me!"

"If I'm there you'll be fine, darling. Don't fret."

"Nice to know you've got my back, Stone."

"Ahh, you know I always will. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for being my spy! How is everyone doing? Dylan? Zane? Daisy?"

"They're fine. They're waiting for you to come. They think we're going on a mission to kill you."

"I see you did a good job lying then."

"I guess so...they're my friends though! I really hate betraying them like this!"

"Remember our deal, Jordan? You're stuck with me. You're bound to me. You have to do what I say."

"I know, Sy. I just—I just don't know how much more I can take! This is especially damaging to my mental health too! I literally just lashed out on my fucking literature teacher! I called her an old hag! A bitch! I feel pretty bad."

"That's my girl. I'm coming inside now. The one with the sunglasses. You'll know it's me. Goodbye for now, darling."

"Bye."

I hang up the phone, leaning my head against the locker.

I'm in deep shit.

Was this a mistake?! I really feel like it is.

I'm so sorry guys...I really am.

But this is the only thing I can do to protect Jordan. I need to at all costs.

******

(DAISY'S POV)

I was released early from class, and when I snuck out I saw two people going into the janitor's closet.

I recognized one as Jordan, and the other I couldn't identify.

It was a male, and he was super tall, with dark auburn hair.

I sneak closer to the door, pressing my ear against it.

I hear their voices, muffled, but I hear them.

"Please! You can't hurt her!"

"I won't, Jordan, you just have to do what I say."

I hear her choked sobs.

"I couldn't kill him, I couldn't!"

"It's not that hard, Jordan. Just kill Kai. He's here, he's outside with Zane and Asuka."

"Why do I have to do your dirty work?!"

"Because I don't kill acquaintances."

I hear her sobbing more, than she stops.

"You can't keep my sister captive! You can't!"

"You've been pretending to be her for seven years!"

"I thought I killed her, okay?! I had to cover it up! They think I went missing when really it was her!"

I hear the man snickering.

"Jayden, you really got yourself in a bad situation, haven't ya?"

"Don't call me that! What if someone hears us!"

"Well of course I have to call you by your real name, Jayden. I think you should come clean to your friends."

I hear her choked sobs again as I'm frozen in shock.

"I couldn't! I can't!"

I hear a slap.

"Be quiet! Everyone will be able to hear us if you keep sobbing like that!"

"I don't want to do this anymore!"

"Then you can say goodbye to your damn sister, Jayden! I'm done!"

I feel the door knob turning, and bolt down the hall, hiding my face behind a book so they're still in view.

"Wait! Don't go! Don't kill her, please!"

The man opens the door, this time with his aviators off.

Jordan is holding tightly onto his arm, tears streaming down her mascara streaked face.

His face is stony, void of any emotion or sympathy.

But when I get a closer look at his face mine pales, and the book I'm holding falls to the floor with a clank.

The man's eyes move over to where I am, and his lock on mine.

He grins wickedly before moving his eyes away.

My breath gets taken away, and I stand half bent over in shock, looking between him and her.

No...this can't be real!

A sense of betrayal washes over me and I start to find it hard to breathe.

That...that bitch!

This whole time, she was lying to me?! To Zane?! To us?!

Jordan...Jayden...whatever her name is, is working with...with Silas?!

******