Photogenetics III

I ran a hand through my hair and reread Henry’s message, pacing back and forth, trying to find a solution. They sure weren’t going to give up easy. 

I heard a tapping on the side of the house. Probably those two goons trying to get my attention. Ignoring them wasn’t an option, so I figured I might as well try shooing them away.

I crossed my bedroom and opened the window. I paused for a moment and waited until the tapping ceased. Cautiously sticking my head out, I peeked out onto the ground to see Vlad and Henry staring back up at me.

“Didn’t you get my message?” Henry questioned. I debated throwing the empty Dr. Pepper bottle on my desk down at them and slamming the window. 

“Leave. Me. Alone.” My voice was hot, spicy even. The words hurt. I was trying to shoo away the only friends I had. 

“We need to talk. Now.”

I didn’t miss a beat. “I don’t care. Give me some time to cool down. Why the hell is this so important?” Vlad would hardly look at me. By now, I was leaning halfway out the window.

“You know exactly why,” Henry hissed.

“No McMillan, I don’t, and I would love to know. Both of you explain yourselves or get the hell out.”

“Y’know, fine. If we can’t come up, you’re coming down.” I groaned and rolled my eyes.

“The hell I am,” I huffed.

Before I knew what was happening, I was grabbed and taken out of my window. Almost at the ground, I was dropped, landing on the ground at Henry’s feet. Looking up, I saw Vlad float down next to me.

Float down.

Float. 

There was everything wrong with that.

“The hell was that for?” I snapped, sitting up and rubbing my scalp. My mind was spinning, “And how the hell did you—

“I’ll explain that later,” Vlad cut in.

I sat on the ground for a moment, waiting until I could stand without falling over. Henry hadn’t moved, and neither had Vlad. He rested against my house, and Henry stood by me, arms folded across his chest. They seemed like they had all the time in the world.

I stood up slowly, cautiously, and tossed my hair out of my face. I didn’t have even two seconds to ask questions before Henry grabbed me by the shirtsleeve and started to tug me behind him.

“Now let’s go. We’re having this conversation somewhere else.”

Hitting the driveway, I realized Henry’s car was parked there. When he drove it over there, I had no idea. Where we were going in it, I also had no idea. The only thing I did know was that I feared for my life among two of the people that I should have trusted it with the most.

Henry hopped in the driver seat, followed by Vlad taking the passenger seat. I took that as my cue to move to the back. It wasn’t until I was halfway in the car that I realized Otis was sitting behind Henry. Clearly, Otis had been brought up to speed. The whole thing was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

Henry waited until we were all buckled before backing out and speeding down the street. I pulled my phone out and tried to discretely text my mother, though I knew it would only worry her.

I’m out w/ Vlad and Henry.

I’ll explain later.

If I’m not back by midnight, call the police.

A few minutes later, Henry pulled into a random grassy field, probably just outside of town, and forced everyone out. Otis rested on the front of the truck, arms crossed, the three of us in front of him.

“Alright, the three of you and settling this, now. No one leaves until it’s over."