Trapped

Mercedes POV

Being raised by a single parent is a tough thing. My dad passed away when I was 6, and it's been just my mom taking care of I and my brothers.

I finished my assignment and closed my book putting it in my backpack.

Hearing the troubling sound from outside, I stood up and went to the window.

A group of boys from our street were engaged in a fight. Those interested stood and watched, the ones who always mind their business walked pass, some acting like nothing is going on.

I left my room to the sitting room. Caleb and Luca were on a video game but mom is no where to be found. She probably isn't back from work, she stays out late sometimes, other times she returns the next day.

"I'm so hungry" I threw myself into the nearest couch.

Caleb spared me a glance for a second before refocusing on the TV.

"When did you return?" I asked Caleb.

"Few minutes ago, maybe an hour now" he replied still focused on his game.

"Urghh!" Luca threw his gamepad at his side looking angry and defeated.

"Big bros always win" Caleb sounding proud and victorious.

"That's not fucking true, you're just lucky" Luca wasn't smiling, of course, he has just been defeated.

"If loosing to me all the time means being just lucky, then yes, I'm always lucky"

"Fuck off!" Luca stood up, leaving.

"That's right, go sulk in a corner" Caleb teased.

"Fuck off!!"

Caleb laughed and I just smiled shaking my head.

"What's up?" Caleb turned to me after laughing.

"Good"

"School?" He raised his brows.

"Good" I shrugged.

"Your presentation. How did it go?"

Mom is hardly even around to talk and Luca isn't a calm headed nigga who you can only find home when he has to play video games with Caleb or when he's done being mischievous outside and returns at night. Caleb is the only one who has little time for me when he returns from school.

"It was fine, I did just you had told me to" I smiled.

"It wasn't that bad, was it?" He asked and I shook my head negatively with a shy smile.

"See? With time presentations will be nothing to you"

Luca came flying down the stairs heading outside.

"Mad nigga" Caleb said and we both laughed.

"Yo! Why isn't no one talking 'bout food" I complained, holding my stomach.

Caleb took out his phone, and after a while he stoop up.

"Okay let's go get something to eat. Ma isn't returning today" he said.

"She texted you?" I asked.

"Yes" he looked at his phone's screen again.

I lazily dragged myself up from the chair.

"C'mon, you might faint soon" Caleb teased ruffling my hair.

Outside, across the street. Luca leaned by wall with few boys from our street. He held a cigarette in his fingers.

"Luca, trash that shit"Caleb said, his voice firm and authoritative.

Luca sighed before passing the cigarette to his mate.

"Now C'mon" Caleb ordered walking away with me following behind.

"Evening Janet, evening Lucy" Caleb greeted the two old ladies who sat in front of their house as we walked pass.

"Good evening Janet, evening Lucy" I greeted too.

"Evening Caleb, evening Mercedes" one greeted.

"Fine evening to you too, say me well to your mother" the older one said.

"Caleb my man. How's it going?" A man from across the street waved at Caleb.

"Pat" Caleb waved back.

"All good" he smiled at him.

The dimly lit street had young boys playing football in the middle of the street, the street light like spot light on them.

Girls in different pairs gisting, and older guys gathered, Playing loud music, smoking and drinking

The street was just filled with set of people doing one thing or another.

Luca jogged to us zipping up his jacked before dipping his hands into his jacked pocket.

"Sup fam" he licked his lips.

"What was you doing holding a cigarette back there?" Caleb asked his voice thick and firm. Luca, unable to answer.

"Luca?" Caleb stopped walking, causing I and Luca to also stop walking. I sensed there was going to be an outburst soon.

"Do you now smoke?" Caleb was getting furious.

"Not like it's your problem" Luca was nonchalant.

Caleb hissed grabbing Luca from the back of his neck ready to hit him.

"Hey hey hey, let the boy be. You'll hurt him" an old man seated on a chair outside his house, interfered.

Caleb's rage filled eyes piercing into Luca's. Caleb slowly released Luca, his expression slowly turning normal.

"Be careful Luca" Caleb warned and continued walking while we followed behind.

I looked at Luca who returned the look.

~~~Prinston's High school~~~

Walking in the hallway with Luca.

"Vinnie said we have 48hours to retrieve that package, what's the plan?" I asked causing Luca to abruptly stop, turning to me.

"We?" He asked

"You're not coming with Mercedes."

"Why?"

"Because it's dangerous and you have no experience."

"But I'm part of the team."

Luca pinched the skin between his brows.

"Listen to me, let this mission pass. You'll join us on our next mission"

"Hey Luca" Lincoln called, Luca left to meet Lincoln

I'm not letting any mission pass, I'll go to that warehouse with them

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- -

I snuck out of the house, making sure not to wake mom and Caleb. I had been planning this, and I was determined to join Luca and his friends on their mission.

I made my way to the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town, my heart racing with excitement and nerves. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was ready.

As I approached the warehouse, I saw Luca, Kelsey, Lincoln, Tyler, and Jude huddled together, talking in hushed tones. I hid behind a nearby dumpster, listening in on their conversation.

"...package is supposed to be in a safe on the second floor," Luca said, his voice low and serious.

"...we need to be quick and quiet," he added.

I snuck out and followed them into the warehouse, Luca caught sight of me and his eyes widened in surprise and anger.

"What the fuck!...Mercedes, what are you doing here?" he hissed.

I tried to play it cool, but my heart was racing. "I wanted to help," I said, trying to sound confident.

Luca's face turned red with anger. "You're going to ruin everything," he whispered harshly.

"No time for this now, let's go get that package and get out of here before we get caught" Tyler whispered.

We quietly made our way to the second floor leaving Jude and Lincoln down there as watch men.

"You really want to help right?" Luca whispered to me. I nod with determination.

"You stay here with Kelsey, and watch out for anyone. No noise."

I gave an understanding nod.

"Be smart Mercedes" He said before turning to Tyler who had a flash light in his hand.

They exchange nods before going into the room.

I looked at Kelsey who was stretching her neck and looking around. How dangerous is this?

"Stay here, don't move and keep your eyes open" Kelsey said walking to the front.

What does she mean by keep your eyes open, will I close my eyes on such a mission?

She returned in the next few minutes

"What'd you go to do there?" I was curious

"To check if someone was coming" she whispered, I nod

I heard a static sound from her pocket. Kelsey immediately brought out a walkie talkie

"Incoming armed men, leave there"

"Oh shit!" Kelsey exclaimed peeking into the room. Seems like Luca and Tyler got the message too. They were already there, Tyler holding a big bag

"Which way?" Tyler spoke into the walkie talkie in his hand

But it was too late. We had already triggered the alarm, and the sound of footsteps echoed from upstairs.

"Split up and find the safe," Luca said, as the group scattered.

I followed Luca, trying to keep up with him as he ran up the stairs. But as we reached the third floor, I tripped and fell, causing a loud noise.

Luca turned to me, his eyes blazing with anger. "What did I just say?" he whispered harshly.

But before he could say anything else, we heard the sound of guns being cocked.

"Freeze," a voice yelled.

We were surrounded.