14. Andi #3
I wait a full minute, standing there with bated breath as my hands clench into fists around the fabric of Beck’s hoodie. When I don’t hear anyone coming back to my room, I scramble towards the garment bag.
It wasn’t a dream. The burner phone is still there. And it recorded everything.
I just have to gather the rest of the evidence.
My hands tremble as I film another video, showcasing how the door and windows are all locked. I have to fight to keep the video steady.
I stay silent while I film the rest of the videos, showcasing the rest of my living conditions like the bedding and my two-sizes too small wardrobe.
I freeze every time I hear something else going on in the house, ready to shove the phone under the mattress or chuck it into the closet so it’s not found, but no one bothers me.
And then I send them.
There’s already a group chat with two numbers. The one that belongs to the other burner phone the guys are using, and Cameron’s, which I don’t think he was supposed to give me in case I get caught with the phone.
I send all of the videos.
And then I wait.
And wait.
And wait.
In all honesty, only a couple of minutes pass, but I was half expecting an immediate response.
My mind runs wild with the possibility that Cameron was wrong and that they’ve all forgotten about me. That I’ll be left here to rot. That this entire, crazy night getting me this burner phone was for nothing.
Andi
I miss you guys
My eyes widen when a notification pops up on my screen. It’s not a message, but it’s better than nothing.
Unknown number #2 added
Unknown number #3, Unknown number #4, Unknown number #5, Unknown number #6.
Are these the guys?
Cameron must be unknown number #2, considering his was the second number added to this phone. And he added four other numbers.
Unknown number #3
We miss you too, Starlight
Tears cling to my lower lashes as I collapse onto the carpeted floor by the foot of my bed, curling my body protectively around the screen.
Starlight. This must be Beck.
Andi
omg
I can barely type out those three letters, thanks to the full body tremors going on right now.
It’s like whatever positive effects the physical contact with Cameron had on me are all wearing off.
Even though I’m so glad I have a way of talking to them, I’m still painfully reminded that they’re miles away.
Andi
Sorry
May or may not be crying my eyeballs out
Hard to type when everything is blurry
I wipe furiously at my cheeks. I have to take off my makeup. I’m sure I look like a mess right now.
Andi
I don’t have your numbers saved
Unknown number #6
Let’s avoid using names in this chat, just in case. Sound good, Honey?
Honey. That must be Everett. I honestly could’ve guessed that without his use of his nickname for me considering the fact he’s using perfect punctuation in a text message.
Andi
Yeah
I know who’s who btw, at least so far
Unknown Number #6
Good girl
Unknown Number #2
Did everything go well with hiding the phone, Sweet Tea?
Andi
It was a little scary ngl
Unknown Number #3
We can only imagine, Starlight
Unknown Number #3
That video was terrifying to watch
Even though Beck’s words are only pixels on a screen, I still imagine the way his voice would soften with concern. His openness and willingness to show me how he felt, even when things were supposed to be fake between us, was one of the things that drew me to him.
Like a moth to a flame. Except the flame turned out to be a lot bigger than I originally anticipated, considering I’ve managed to form connections with far more than just Beck.
Andi
Yeah
But mission accomplished! I used the boob tape to tape it to the inside of the garment bag for the dress I was wearing tonight
Unknown number #4
Looks like your smarts go beyond you just being a smartass, Princess
Andi
shut up, asshole
No guessing required. Even via text, Eli’s snark is a dead giveaway.
Andi
Are all of you there?
Unknown Number #5
We’re all here, Lucky Duck
My shoulders relax at the sight of that last number messaging.
Leo.
They’re all here. All talking to me.
Andi
I don’t feel like a lucky duck right now
Unknown number #6
We’re going to get you out, I promise.
Andi
I trust you
Did I do a good job?
Getting the evidence?
God, I’m so needy. I’d be embarrassed if I had any shame left.
Unknown number #6
You did, Honey. You’ve done an excellent job.
Andi
Okay
Thank you
There’s something about getting that reassurance from Everett that has the adrenaline fading from my body. In its absence, I’m terribly exhausted.
My eyes are starting to droop.
Andi
I’m exhausted but I want to keep talking to you guys
Unknown number #5
Get some rest, Lucky Duck, we’ll be here when you wake up
Andi
Are you sure?
Unknown Number #2
Yes, just make sure you hide the phone well, Sweet Tea
Unknown Number #3
I wish I could teleport sooo badly, Starlight
Andi
Me too
Goodnight everyone
I manage to hide the phone between the mattress and the headboard before I curl up in a ball on my terribly uncomfortable bed.
I should probably take off my makeup. I’m not going to.
The last thought I have before drifting off to sleep is that if Leo were here, he’d take off my makeup for me.