Being Stacey!

 

being Stacey!

There are moments in life when everything changes quietly — no thunder, no warning, no dramatic ending. Just silence, and then nothing is the same again.

For Stacey, it happened on a humid July evening.
Her father’s shoes still sat by the door, muddy from work. The TV was still on, her mother was still humming in the kitchen — and then the phone rang.

She didn’t remember dropping the plate. She didn’t remember sitting on the floor. She only remembered her mother’s trembling hands, the way her voice cracked when she whispered, “There’s been an accident.”

After that, time blurred.
The funeral, the condolences, the empty words from neighbors who didn’t really know them — they all passed like static. Her father’s debts surfaced faster than their grief could fade. Men in dark shirts and quiet threats began showing up at their doorstep. Her mother’s health worsened.
And Stacey found herself standing alone beneath the weight of everything her father had left behind.

 

 

 

The first time she delivered a parcel, it was raining.
She remembered holding the damp paper bag close to her chest, trying not to tremble as a man with a scar and a smile that didn’t reach his eyes pressed a folded note into her hand.

“On time, every time,” he said. “And no questions.”

That was the deal.
No names. No questions. No mistakes.

She told herself it would only be for a few weeks — just until her mother’s medicines were covered, until she could breathe again.
But debts don’t dissolve easily. Not when you’re seventeen, not when you’ve inherited someone else’s mistakes.

Now, on quiet mornings, Stacey wakes before dawn. She brews her mother’s tea, crushes the tablets, feeds her spoon by spoon. She cleans, packs her bag, checks the clock, and leaves for school like any other senior at Ashfield high school.
But her life runs on two tracks — daylight and shadow.
One where she’s just a student. And one where she walks through dark alleys, trading time, safety, and peace for the illusion of stability.

Sometimes, late at night, she sits by her mother’s bed and looks at the photo of her father — trying to remember the sound of his laugh before it was buried under secrets.
She doesn’t cry. Not anymore.

She’s learned that grief doesn’t need tears.

When morning comes and the world wakes again, Stacey does what she’s learned best —
she keeps moving.

 

Because that’s what being Stacey meant!

1. First day !

The morning sunlight was soft.

Stacey stood by the sink, rinsing out her mother’s cup. The smell of chamomile tea and antiseptic filled the kitchen.

Her mother’s cough echoed faintly from the other room.

“Did you eat something, Stacey. Don't go without eating ,okay dear?” she asked, voice tired but still tender.

“Yeah Mom,” Stacey replied, pulling on her faded denim jacket.

On the table lay a half-eaten sandwich and a stack of bills she tried not to look at.

She picked up her backpack,

"You take care okay , bye" kissing her mother’s forehead before stepping out.

Outside, the air carried the smell of wet asphalt. The world looked the same as it did last year, but Stacey didn’t feel the same.

Ashfield High School  stood on the edge of town — clean, bright, and full of laughter ......which Stacey couldn’t relate to anymore.

She walked through the hallways with her usual quiet steps.

No one turned their heads. No one noticed her . Not now , not before, but there were some glances of pity and  sympathy thrown towards her by people who knew about her dad dying that summer

At her locker, a flyer for the Back-to-School Bash was taped over the dents and scribbles.

“Last year, best year!” it read.

She almost smiled at the irony.

From the far end of the hall came laughter — loud, carefree, alive. Stacey glanced from where this all noise came, there stood Rehaan and his freinds.

You know there are some  people whose lives seemed effortless. They were those kind of people.

Rehaan, with that easy smile that could melt away tension in any room. Mia, as sweet as honey and Aaron's girlfreind ,Blake always joking around, Aaron - the laid back one, who doesnt give a shit about absolutely anything in the world !

They looked like sunlight — warm, untouchable.

Stacey turned away. She didn’t envy them.

Not really.

She just couldn’t remember what it felt like to laugh like that — freely, without watching the clock or thinking about illegal deliveries waiting in the dark.

When the final bell rang, she stayed behind, letting the crowd fade.

By seven, she had traded her school backpack for a dark hoodie and an parcel.

The streets changed color as she walked — from clean pavements to cracked sidewalks.

Her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number.

“Location. Drop before midnight.”

She sighed.

She didn’t know what she carried — and she didn’t ask and she didn't cared and also because that was the rule - NO QUESTIONS.

As she crossed the street, she saw Rehaan and his friends — standing outside The cobblestone Café, laughing and teasing around.

For a moment, she stopped.

She wondered what it would be like — to be one of them. To walk into a place without fear, without purpose, just because you wanted to.

Just then her eye caught Rehaan, they continued staring at each other, but that moment didn't last long.

Her phone buzzed again, pulling her back.

The night waited. The job waited. throwing a last look towards Rehaan who was still looking at her she went on her way.

And somewhere behind her, the laughter faded into the distance.

 

2. Fridays & Dad !

Fridays used to be Stacey’s favorite day.

Her dad would come home with a grin on his face and a bag full of pastries, mostly , cinnamon rolls and cappuccino pastry, her and her mom's favorite.  He’d drop his bag by the door, kiss her mom’s forehead. 

The kitchen would come alive — her mother stirring soup, humming to a tune and her dad sneaking in behind to steal a taste from the spoon.

Stacey would sit at the table, pretending to be annoyed while laughing at them both. They'd talk about their days while eating dinner.

Back then, love filled the house — loud, warm, careless.

The bell rang, jolting her from the memory.

The last class of the week was finally over.

The first week of senior year had come and gone.

The afternoon sun was harsh as she walked home, her bag slung low, hair sticking to the back of her neck. Students rushed past her — laughing, calling out weekend plans, spilling soda on each other.

Her street was quieter, narrower. The pavement cracked in places, and the walls carried the faded scent of rain and dust. When she reached home, the heaviness that never really left her chest settled back in.

Inside, the air smelled faintly of antiseptic and boiled herbs. Her mom’s soft cough echoed from the other room. Stacey slipped off her shoes, dropped her bag by the door, and walked in.

“Hey, Mom,” she said softly.

Her mother looked up from the bed, her eyes tired but kind. “How was school?”

“The same,” Stacey said, placing a kiss on her forehead. “Crowded. Loud. Normal.”

Her mother smiled weakly. “Normal sounds good.”

“Yeah,” Stacey murmured. “It does.”

She helped her mother sit up, fed her the evening medicine, and opened the window to let the soft breeze in. For a while, they just sat there — no words, only the rhythmic hum of life trying to keep going.

By the time the sun had dipped, Stacey was cleaning up the kitchen.

At 10pm she got ready for yet another delivery.

She opened the drawer near her bed, pulling out a small folded note with an address scribbled in black ink. No name. No explanation. Just a time and a place. The same pit formed in her stomach every time she had to deliver a parcel — fear.

"Everything can be fixed if you look close enough,” her dad used to say.

She wasn’t sure she believed that anymore.

But she put on her hoodie anyway, took a deep breath, and stepped into the night.

3.Late nights and  run in !

The streets were quieter than usual.

A dull quiet — the kind that made even footsteps sound too loud.

Stacey tugged her hoodie tighter and glanced down at the crumpled note in her hand. The ink had smudged slightly, but she’d memorized the address, as always.

One wrong turn could mean the difference between going home safe and not at all.

The parcel in her bag felt heavier than it should’ve. It always did.

She hated this part of town — narrow alleys, flickering streetlights, voices that disappeared too quickly into the dark. But she’d learned how to walk through it: eyes low, pace steady, never look scared.

The delivery wasn’t far. Just a small, run-down shop that never seemed to open in daylight. She knocked twice, slid the envelope through the slot, and waited for the signal — a single tap on the other side.

Done.

She exhaled slowly, shoulders loosening.

She turned to leave, footsteps echoing against wet pavement. That’s when saw two man approaching her. They were two or three figures she couldn't make out in the dark!

Her pulse spiked!

“Hey,” a voice called out. “What’s in the bag?”

She didn’t answer. Just walked faster.

The footsteps followed.

Then someone grabbed her wrist. She panicked, she yanked her wrist free, stumbling back, and sprinted down the alley.

 Her heart pounded so loud it drowned out everything else.

A bottle shattered somewhere behind her. Someone shouted.

She didn’t look back.

Her knees and elbows scraped the ground when she tripped, pain flaring sharp and bright. She pushed herself up, running until the noise faded, until the air changed — less smoke, more perfume, cleaner pavement. 

She was safe now !

When she finally stopped, she was standing at the edge of the richer part of town. Wide roads. Tall gates. Cars that gleamed under streetlights.

Her breath came in short gasps. Her hands shook as she touched her scraped elbow.

Blood. Not much, but enough to sting.

“Hey—are you okay?”

The voice startled her.

She turned and saw someone she recognized instantly — Rehaan.

He stood in front of her,  wearing a sweatshirt and jeans , phone in hand, concern lacing  his face.

“You're Stacey , right. Ashfield high school , if I am not wrong?” he said, stepping closer. “What happened?”

“I’m fine,” she muttered, pulling her sleeve down. “Just… fell.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Fell?"

She didn’t answer. She couldn’t. Her heart was still racing, and the last thing she needed was someone like him asking these questions.

Pulling out a small pack of tissues from his pocket. “At least let me help.”

Before she could even  protest he came closer to her and cautiously took her hand, examining the injury. Stacey stood there stunned.

He cleaned the wound gently, careful not to press too hard. The quiet between them felt oddly safe.

“Thanks,” she said finally, releasing the breath she didn't even know she was holding.

He smiled a little. “You always walk around here this late?”

“Sometimes,” she said, eyes flicking away. “Can’t sleep.”

He nodded slowly, not believing her but not pushing either.

"Thank you, I will get going " said Stacey after a pause.

"Sure, have  a safe walk home" said Rehaan. Stacey gave a slight stiff nod and went on her way to home. Rehaan stood there looking at her.

By the time she reached home, her mom was asleep, her breathing steady.

Stacey went to her room, and took a bath. She checked her injuries on her knees and elbow. After treating her knee , she looked at her elbow , and thought of how Rehaan looked at her with concern and treated her wound. A ghost of smile played on her face and realizing this , she suddenly shook her head , coming out of her lala land and scolded herself for having such absurd thoughts.

She touched the edge of the sink and let out a shaky laugh.

She had survived another night.

But somewhere deep down, she knew — she couldn't keep on going like this, she needed to find a way to get out of this!

But the question is how!

Stacey went to bed with these thoughts in her mind. She didn't knew then... that running into Rehaan tonight was going to change her life forever!

4. "See you at lunch !"

Saturday morning felt like it never really began.

Sleep hadn’t come easy — every time Stacey closed her eyes, she saw that alley, the flash of movement, the sting on her knee, and Rehaan’s calm voice cutting through the panic.

By the time she walked into school on Monday, she had convinced herself it didn’t matter.
He probably forgot. People like Rehaan always did.

The corridors buzzed louder than usual.

Everyone seemed too full of stories from weekend  parties, lakeside drives, movie nights. Stacey just walked past them quietly, clutching her books, avoiding stares.

She reached her locker, taking books out.

“Hey, Stacey!”

She froze.

She turned slowly to see Rehaan leaning against the wall, waving casually like they’d known each other for years.

Mia and Aaron stood nearby, smiling. Blake was juggling his basketball with one hand.

For a second, Stacey thought maybe he was calling someone else.

But he wasn’t.

“How was your weekend?” he asked, voice light, as if it wasn’t a big deal.

She blinked. “Good?”

Rehaan shrugged. “See you at lunch?”

Stacey looked around them, seeing people staring at them , thinking why the hell the schools' golden boy is talking to a school's loner!

The bell rang, saving Stacey from answering. Rehaan grinned and said, “That’s a yes.”

Before she could say anything they left.

Stacey always had lunch in school corridors and even today she was going to do the same but then she saw Mia walking towards her.

"Hey. I am Mia Lawrence." Mia introduced herself with a bright smile that never left her face.

Stacey smiled awkwardly and said , "Hi! I am Stacey Reynolds, nice to meet you."

"Lets go " saying that Mia took Stacey's hand and they both walked towards the canteen. Stacey didn't know what to say. 

After taking there lunch, they went towards their table.

Mia sat beside Aaron, there was a empty spot between Blake and Rehaan which is where Stacey sat.

Stacey looked at them and didn't believe that she was sitting with them for lunch.

Mia laughed too loud, Aaron teased her for it, Blake stole fries from everyone’s plate, and Rehaan… just looked relaxed. She herself had a small smile on her face seeing them.

Stacey sat at the edge of the table, unsure where to put her hands.

They talked — about teachers, assignments, weekend plans — small, ordinary things that Stacey hadn’t had in a long time. Every once in a while, Rehaan would catch her eye ,like he was checking if she was okay.

For the very first time Stacey had a really good time at lunch.

After school, Stacey was on her way to home when she saw Rehaan and friends in the parking lot. Rehaan’s car gleamed under the sunlight. Rehaan caught her staring and smiled at her.

“You heading home?”

“Yeah,” she said, adjusting her bag.

“You  need a ride?”

“I will walk,” she said simply.

Rehaan smiled. “Okay, but feel free to ask if you ever want a ride"

Something about the way he said it, made her heart warm!

For a while, everything felt simple, normal. 

But when she got home, there was a folded note on the doorstep. No name, no signature. Just an address written in the same messy scrawl.

Her stomach sank. One more delivery. 

And in a second all the normalcy she felt was gone in a blink.

5.'Plans with the Crew!'

By Thursday, Stacey had almost become one of them.
Somehow, without realizing when it began, she was a part of them — Mia’s bright laughter, Aaron’s bad jokes, Blake’s constant teasing, and Rehaan’s charming presence.

Her days weren't  silent anymore.

They were loud, messy, full of stories  and laughter.

“Okay,” Mia said, waving her fries dramatically, “Friday night — Blake’s basketball game. We have to go. It’s the last match before regionals.”

Blake grinned, leaning back in his chair. “You guys better be loud. I play better with an audience.”

“You mean you play better when girls are watching,” Aaron muttered.

Mia rolled her eyes. “Anyway, Stace, you’re coming. No excuses.”

Stacey blinked. “Uh, yeah... actually I have never been to school games before!"

"Are you for real! Now you would say you haven't been to a high school party ever before!" Aaron said , joking.

 Aaron looked at Stacey then and at others, " God you really haven't been to a high school party before, what were you doing all this time, were you living under a rock, "

" Shut up Aaron,......Stace, don't listen to this idiot, he doesn't mean it in a bad way. And it doesn't matter if you have been to these things before or not ...now you will , I will make sure you have a blast, babes trust me " Mia continued, "So this is settled, we all meet at 6pm for the match and then head at Aaron's for the after party!"

"Yup!"

"Perfect"

"Yo"

Everyone now looked at Stacey, waiting for her answer, 

"Yeah, I will come " said Stacey , surprising herself.

Rehaan smirked. “Here's  one advice, don't  sit near Mia. She yells like a coach.”

“I do not!”

“You once threatened the referee,” Aaron added.

Mia gasped. “That was one time!”

Stacey laughed — an honest, soft laugh that startled even her. For a second, she wasn’t the girl carrying the world’s weight. She was just... Stacey, sitting with friends.

Just then the bell rang, everyone started getting up. Stacey was just about to exit the canteen when Rehaan came beside her, she looked at him with her serious face,

"Rehaan kept looking at her while walking,

"I guess you should look in front , if you dont want to trip" said Stacey

"You know you look beautiful when you laugh" Rehaan said smiling at her while looking at her into the eyes like he really meant what he said. Stacey stopped walking, looking at Rehaan.

"'Sup guys, why are y'll standing here in between , you will be late for class" shouted Blake , approaching them.

"Shup up Blake , why do you have to ruin their moment, they looked so cute" said Mia , scolding Blake.

"What m...moment, we were not h..having any moment" said Stacey all nervous and awkward.

"Okay " said Mia , not believing her. Just then the second bell rang and all rushed to their respective classes.

After school, Stacey and Mia walked together towards the parking lot to Mia's car.
The city was golden — the sun spilling through the trees, laughter echoing from playgrounds.

“You know,” Mia said, kicking a pebble, “when I first saw you in freshman year, I thought you were one of those mysterious types. The ones who don’t talk to anyone because they think they’re too cool.”

Stacey smiled faintly. “And now?”

“Now I know you’re just shy. But, like, in a sweet way.”

Stacey chuckled. “That’s a nice way to say I’m awkward.”

Mia grinned. “Exactly.”

There was something warm in the way Mia spoke — effortless, comforting. Stacey hadn’t realized how much she’d missed this.

At home that evening, her mother was awake but pale, sitting by the window.
Stacey placed the grocery bags on the counter and came to sit beside her.

“You’re home late,” her mom said softly.

“Yeah, stayed back with some friends,” Stacey replied, careful, watching her mother’s reaction.

Her mom smiled — tired, but genuine. “That’s good. You should... you should do that more. You’ve been alone too long.”

Stacey looked down. “I am fine on my own, you don't need to worry.”

Her mom reached over, squeezing her hand. “I don't want you to just be fine honey, I want you to be fantastic and enjoy you senior year as much as you can.” Her mom continued, "I know how difficult it has been for you with my illness and then your d..dad passing away but ...."

"Just stop there mom, its all good , I am good " Stacey took in a deep breath , " i will go and check on dinner"

Later that night, as Stacey settled into her bed, her phone buzzed. It was to notify her that she has been added to a WhatsApp group, the group name was "Crew"

She typed ,

Crew.....really.😆

Blake typed,

Mia is to blame!

Mia typed,

OH pls it is a  good name , anyways , so Stace, officially welcome to the group, or should i say Crew!!!

Aron typed,

Welcome girl!

Rehaan typed,

yo stacey!

Stacey typed,

I am honored to be a part of your Crew!

Mia typed,

thats my girl!

Stacey had never smiled so much in a day. She was really grateful for them.

For once she forgot about everything that was wrong in her life, for once she really felt like a teenager, a 17year old teenage girl.

6."Stacey & Rehaan (1)!"

Stacey pushed open the apartment door quietly.

Her mom was awake — sitting on the couch with knitting needles resting in her lap, TV on mute.

“Long day?” her mom asked, voice calm. Too calm.

Stacey nodded. “Yeah. School stuff.”

Her mom stared at her — the kind of stare that saw more than words ever admitted.
“Stacey… you told me you stopped!”

And there it was.

Stacey swallowed. “Mom… please.”

“You promised me!” her mom’s voice cracked, rising.
“You said  you have stopped—”

“What was I supposed to do?” Stacey snapped before she could stop herself.
“We owe them. I owe them. Its not that easy!”

Tears hit her mother’s eyes. “You don’t owe them anything! Your father—”

“Dad made the mess. And then he left.” The words cut like glass. “I have to clean it up.”

Her mother clutched the armrest like it was holding her upright.
“Don’t talk about him like that. He tried—he just wanted—”

“He wanted shortcuts.” Stacey’s voice trembled. “And now I’m paying for it. We both are.”

Her mom’s chest heaved as she spoke,
“I failed you.”

“No—”

“I couldn’t protect you, Stacey. I couldn’t save him. And I can’t even work. I’m just—”

“Mom, stop.” Stacey’s voice softened.
The guilt was a tidal wave neither of them knew how to swim through.

“I’m trying,” Stacey whispered.
“I’m trying to get out of this, but you have to give me time.”

Silence.
Heavy.
Suffocating.

Her mom’s final words landed like a bruise:
“I don't want you to end up like your father!.”

Stacey stepped back like she’d been struck.
She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t stay.

She grabbed her jacket and ran.

The park’s swings creaked gently under the soft gold of sunset.
Stacey wiped her face, gripping the chains like they could anchor her.

Then she heard  — a bark and followed,
Fast footsteps.

And then she sees..... Rehaan jogging in with a goofy golden retriever dragging him forward.

“Oh. Hi.” He blinked, surprised but smiling.

“Hi,” she managed.

His dog immediately shoved its head into her lap, tail thumping.
And somehow, Stacey laughed — a small, startled sound she didn’t expect.

“You okay?”

The question lingered too long.

“Yeah,” she lied.

Rehaan didn’t call her out — just sat on the next swing, the dog flopping dramatically between them.

They talked. About....
His dog’s name — Ronnie.
His mom baking too much all the damn time!
They talked about nothing and everything.
And for a minute, she forgot all her troubles.

When his phone rang, his mom calling him ,he invited her to his house, she hesitated — then nodded.
She wasn’t ready to go to her  home yet and thought it would be a good distraction.

Rehaan’s house smelled like cinnamon and warmth. Music hummed softly from somewhere upstairs.
They sat in his room — the walls covered in posters, fairy lights messy but charming.

For a second, it felt gentle. Safe.

And then — a phone buzzed.
A text.
Urgent.
His mood shifted, tension flickering in his jaw.
“Sorry — family stuff,” he muttered, pocketing the phone too quickly.

The moment slipped between them.

“I think we should leave now otherwise we would be late for the match and Mia will kill us if that happened?” he joked

She nodded, laughing at what he said.

The stadium lights were blinding. Loud. Alive.
Blake scored. Mia shrieked. Aaron high-fived .
And Stacey — she laughed and cheered for Blake.

Mia wiggled her eyebrows when Stacey and Rehaan showed up together.
Stacey tried to hide her blush. Rehaan rolled his eyes while smiling.

The night blurred into music and sweat and teenage euphoria.
At Aaron’s house party, Stacey danced — actually danced — her chest light for the first time in months.

Rehaan’s hand brushed hers, and she didn’t pull away.

Ping.
Her phone lit up.

Delivery tomorrow. Package at your door. Don’t be late.

The floor dropped from under her.

She froze. Breath gone.
Music suddenly sounded like static.

She stepped off the dance floor.

Rehaan followed.
“You okay?”

“Yeah. Just tired. Headache.” Lame excuse, she knew. She hated lying, but what else was there?

He didn’t believe her — she could see it in the quiet disappointment in his eyes — but he didn’t push.

He drove her home in silence.
Streetlights flicked shadows across his face.

At her curb, she reached for the door.
“Goodnight,” she whispered.

“Stace—”
His voice was soft, unsure, wanting to understand.
But she couldn’t let him.

“Goodnight,” she repeated, forcing the boundary.

She didn’t look back when she shut the door.
Didn’t dare.

Inside her dark room, she lay in bed staring at the ceiling, whispering to the empty quiet:

Will I ever get to live a  normal life ?

No answer came.
Just the weight of hope — fragile, breakable — against a world that kept asking her to survive instead of living.

7."Stacey & Rehaan (2)!"

Saturday morning sunlight crept into Stacey’s room, waking her up.

She blinked awake before her alarm even rang.

She moved through the house quietly, doing dishes, laundry, floors.
She cleaned as if by scrubbing surfaces she could erase the chaos in her life.

Then she went to check on her mother.

“Mom?” she whispered.

Her mom blinked up at her, frail but trying to smile.
Stacey lifted her carefully, fed her spoonful by spoonful.
Medicine. Water. Blanket tucked right.
She brushed her mom’s hair softly, pretending not to notice how much thinner it felt lately.

“Thank you,” her mom murmured.

Stacey only kissed her forehead.
The world didn’t pause — so neither could she.

By afternoon she was in her room, getting ready for work.

The bell over the café door jingled all evening.
Coffee orders. Plates clinking. 

At 10:00 p.m. sharp, her shift ended.
She clocked out, tossed her apron at the storage room… and the world inside her shifted again.

This was it.

She looked at a small sealed parcel resting in her bag.

Cold dread slid into her like a blade.

She tucked it into her jacket and walked — fast, purposeful — toward the edges of town.
Streetlights faded into flickering lamps, chatter into silence.

Just when she was getting out of the cafe, Rehaan saw her and shouted her name but Stacey . being in her own world and tangled up in her own thoughts , didn't hear him calling.

Rehaan’s POV

He had just come from Blake’s house.
Driving past the cafe street by coincidence,

He saw her walking, shoulders tense, head down.
But what made him curious was she was walking in the opposite direction of her house.

“Stacey?” he called  again, softly.

She didn’t hear.

He frowned.
Something felt… off.
So he parked his car and followed her— quietly, distance kept, breath held.

And then he saw her  walking through odd alleys and the dark side of the town ,handing off the package.
Saw the exchange of money.

His stomach turned.

That’s when a voice snapped behind him—

“Yo. You lost or something?”

Rehaan spun.
Two guys — older teens, hoodies, cold eyes.

Stacey's Prov.

She was just turning when she saw him.
And the boys closing in.

Her heart plummeted.

“Rehaan?!”

His face — confusion, worry, surprise.

The tall boy stepped toward him.
“That your boy? He lurking or what?”

Stacey’s pulse roared in her ears.

She forced her voice steady.
“He’s with me.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed. “Didn’t look like it.”

She stepped between them.
“Back off.”

But they didnt.

Trouble.

She didn’t think — she acted.
Grabbed Rehaan’s wrist.

“Run.”

“What—?”

“Go!”

They sprinted.
Shouts behind them.
Footsteps.
Gravel flying.
Stacey’s lungs burned; her legs shook — but fear ran faster than muscles could.

They tore through an alley, cut behind dumpsters, ducked a broken fence.
Rehaan stumbled; she tugged him upright without slowing.

He wasn’t the athlete here.
She was the survivor.

Behind them, curses faded.
Distance swallowed danger.

They didn’t stop until streetlights turned warm again, houses quiet and suburban and safe.

Stacey leaned on a wall, breath ragged.
Rehaan bent, hands on knees, chest heaving.

“What… were you doing there?” she demanded first, panic still pulsing.

His eyes lifted, sharp.
“What were you doing there?”

He wasn’t scared.
He was angry.
And confused.

“That looked like a drug drop or something, Stacey. Are you—?”

“Stop.” Her voice cracked. She couldn’t let him finish. Couldn’t bear hearing him saying the truth  aloud.

“Just… stay away from this part of my life.”

“No.”
Firm.
Unexpected.

Her heart twisted painfully.

“Rehaan—”

“I know you are not doing this willing, of course. You’re in some  trouble.”
His jaw clenched. “And you think I’m just gonna ignore that?”

“This isn’t a joke,” she whispered.
“They are dangerous. If they see you with me—”

“Then tell me what’s going on so I don’t walk into it blind.”

She shook her head.
Tears stung.

“You don’t get it. I don’t get to leave. I don’t get to choose.”
Her voice broke. “But you do. So go.”

He stared at her — really stared — and she saw it:
Fear.
Determination.
And something else… which she didn’t think she deserved.

“I’m not leaving you alone in this,” he said quietly.

She backed away, shaking.
“Please, Rehaan. Just… don’t.”

And before he could answer, she turned and walked — quick steps, fragile spine — before her heart collapsed under the weight of being seen.

That night, Stacey lay awake staring at the ceiling again.

But this time, she wasn’t alone with her fears.

For the first time, someone else had stepped into the dark with her.

And she wasn’t sure if that gave her hope…
or terrified her more.

8. "The silence between us!"

Monday arrived.

School hallways buzzed with the usual chatter — weekend gossip, upcoming tests, sports scores, new nails, who liked who.

Stacey walked through it like a ghost.

Eyes forward.

Shoulders tight.

Heart still running from Saturday night.

She slid into her seat before the bell rang, pulling out her notebook .

Rehaan entered a minute later.

Their eyes met for a fraction of a second.

A question hung around them which neither dared to voice out.

He took his seat behind her, slower than usual — like he was waiting for her to turn back.

She didn’t.

First Period: English

Ms. Hayes droned on about character conflicts and internal struggles. Ironic.

Stacey wrote nothing.

Her pencil stayed still, fingers trembling just enough to betray her.

Behind her, Rehaan tapped his foot — restless.

At one point she felt him lean forward slightly, like he might whisper her name.

She stiffened, and he stopped.

Distance hurt more than danger.

In the hallway,

“Morning, angel!” Mia practically sang, throwing her arms over Stacey .

Stacey forced a smile. “Hey.”

Mia paused mid-bounce, eyes narrowing.

“…You okay?”

Stacey nodded too fast. “Yeah. Just tired.”

Mia didn’t buy it.

Mia didn’t buy anything without inspecting the receipt first.

Her gaze flicked between Stacey and Rehaan — who was leaning against a locker, watching them, jaw tight.

“Oh,” Mia whispered, smirking slowly.

“Ohhh. Did something happen this weekend?”

Stacey choked.

“No, nothing.”

Rehaan’s head snapped up.

He pushed off the locker and walked toward them.

Stacey panicked inside.

Not here. Not now.

Mia’s smirk faltered the second she saw both their faces properly.

“Okay wait— what’s wrong?” she asked crossing her arms, tone switching from playful to serious instantly.

Stacey looked down.

Rehaan looked frustrated.

Mia’s brow furrowed deeper.

“…Did you guys fight?”

They didn’t answer.

Which was an answer.

“Guys, if you kissed and then weirded out, you just need to—”

“We didn’t kiss,” Stacey said too quickly.

Mia blinked.

Rehaan blinked harder.

And the way Rehaan stared at Stacey after that — like he wished they had — didn’t go unnoticed by anyone.

Mia’s mouth formed a tiny “oh.”

They walked away from Rehaan and towards their next class which both had together.

Mia asked asked softly, as they were sitting down on their desk chairs.

“Stace… talk to me.”

Stacey’s throat tightened. “I can’t.”

Not won’t.

Can’t.

Mia heard the difference.

Her lips pressed into a worried line.

“Okay. Fine.” She linked her arm with Stacey’s.

“You don’t have to tell me now. But just know… I am here for you, okay?”

Stacey wanted to believe it.

Wanted to melt into that safety.

But danger had already followed her once.

She wouldn’t drag anyone else into it.

She just nodded.

 At Lunch,

The table felt different today.

Quieter.

Unsaid words sitting where laughter usually was.

Blake joked.

Aaron teased him.

Everyone tried to act normal.

But Rehaan kept glancing at Stacey like a storm waiting to happen.

And Stacey stared at her tray like food might start asking questions too.

When she got up early to leave, Rehaan almost stood with her — but stopped himself.

 Mia whispered to him,

“What happened?”

Rehaan only shook his head.

“I don’t know.”

And that scared him more than anything.

The bell rang and lockers slammed.

Stacey moved fast, like outrunning conversation.

She was almost at the gate when she heard him behind her.

“Stacey.”

She closed her eyes before turning.

Rehaan looked exhausted too — voice gentle, expression carved with worry he didn’t bother hiding.

“You said I don’t get it.”

He swallowed hard.

“So help me understand.”

Her heart stretched painfully.

“I… can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because knowing me is already dangerous enough.”

That stunned him for a second — the words and the fear in them.

He stepped closer.

Slow. Careful.

“I’m not afraid of you, Stace.”

“But you should be,” she whispered.

Then she walked away.

And this time, Rehaan didn’t follow.

He just watched her disappear into the crowd…while a single question lingering in his mind,

"What is it that Stacey is hiding and why is she so scared?"

9. "Two Restless Souls!"

Stacey didn’t go straight home.

She couldn’t.

Not like this — tight-throated, bruised inside, holding back a shaking world with nothing but stubborn breath.

She walked until school faded, neighborhoods softened, and the city hummed in distant, indifferent rhythm.

Eventually she sat on the swings at the park.

Her fingers curled around cold chains.

Silence pressed.

And then—

A sob slid out before she could stop it.

Not loud.

Just… a sound of someone who’d been holding on for too long.

She covered her mouth with her sleeve, shoulders trembling.

Tears soaked her t-shirt.

Her breath stuttered and she hated this — hated feeling weak.

Why can’t I just be okay. Why can’t life stop demanding so much from me.

She counted between breaths.

In.

Out.

Again.

But the ache didn’t fade.

Flashback,

Dad’s laughter in their old living room.

Him wiping paint off her cheek when they were redoing her bedroom wall.

“You and me, kid,” he had said.

“We don’t need the world. The world needs us.”

She remembered believing him.

“Dream big, Stacey. You don’t quit on life — you wrestle it till it’s yours.”

He was warm.

Alive.

Full of dreams and terrible jokes.

And then… money went missing.

Strangers started calling.

Her mom cried behind doors.

And one day his voice was gone but his debt stayed — louder than grief, colder than death.

Her chest ached like it was happening again.

You left me to fight your ghosts. And they’re winning.

At home,

Evening crept in.

Her mom was asleep on the couch, TV still glowing faintly.

Stacey covered her with a blanket.

Her mother stirred, eyelids fluttering.

“Stacey…?”

“I’m here,” Stacey whispered.

A faint smile. So soft it hurt.

“Did you eat?.”

Her hand trembled as she reached to squeeze Stacey’s.

It was weak. Too weak.

Stacey smiled, nodding her head.

Her mother’s breathing sounded… heavier.

Uneven.

Fear crawled up her spine.

Not today. Not now. I can’t lose you too.

She sat beside her, holding her hand long after her mom was asleep again.

Rehaan's Prov,

Meanwhile Rehaan,

He sat in his car outside a convenience store, hoodie pulled up, eyes fixed ahead.

He wasn’t at peace.

He was hunting for answers.

Ever since Saturday, the alley from that night replayed in his head.

Stacey’s fear.

Those guys.

The package.

The money which was exchanged.

Now he watched that same alley from across the street — low lights, shadows moving, dangerously calm.

He didn’t know what he was looking for…

until he saw one of the boys from that night.

The same jacket.

Same walk.

Same arrogance.

Rehaan’s stomach tightened.

He opened his phone and texted Blake:

Rehaan: bro if someone gets jumped in an alley what's the statute on revenge

Blake: ?? r u starting a fight or writing poetry

Rehaan: idk yet

Blake: record pls

Rehaan pocketed his phone.

The boy exchanged something near a dumpster —a bag for cash.

Same as Stacey.

His jaw clenched.

And right then he knew one thing:

Whatever Stacey was tangled in…

he wasn’t letting her drown in it alone.

Even if she pushed him away.

Even if he had to dig alone into shadows she feared.

He followed silently, careful not to be seen — taking note of turns, faces, places.

No plan in mind, just determination to save Stacey.

Stacey's Prov,

 At Night,

Stacey checked her mom again. Still breathing. She let out a breath of relief!

She changed into soft pajamas and stood at her window, staring at the night sky,

Her heart was exhausted.

She whispered into the silence, voice breaking:

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this.”

Rehaan's Prov,

Somewhere in town, Rehaan sat in his backyard, staring at the night sky, thinking:

I’ll find out. I’ll help you. Even if you don’t let me.

Two different rooms.

two restless souls.

And in the spaces between hope and fear…

something had begun to shift.

Something unstoppable.

10. "The Silence We Broke!"

Stacey didn't get much sleep last night. She walked into the school grounds, eyes barely open, just then her eyes found Rehaan, wearing dark blue jeans and black hoodie, leaning on his car, earphones plugged in ,looking good as always. He was surrounded by 2/3 guys trying to talk to him but he didn't seem in a good mood. Infact it looked like  he didn't  get a good night sleep.

Stacey shook her head , looked forward and continued her walk towards her locker, just when she was about to open her locker,

" Well, look who’s back,” a syrup-sweet voice dripped from beside her locker. 

Sandy summers — Queen B, queen of high ponytails, designer bags, The one who leads the cheer squad of their school , and no doubt she is good in that but her personality is very questionable, and in reality,  all her shitty behavior is just insecurity disguised as arrogance. “Still trying to fit in where you don’t belong, freak?”

Stacey didn’t respond. She focused on the lock combination, pretending Sandy’s words slid off her skin. But they didn’t. 

“You think just because they let you sit with them once, you’re one of them?” Sandy sneered louder now. “News flash — people like you don’t belong with people like Rehaan.”

Stacey’s chest tightened, but before she could speak, a voice cut in — low and calm, but sharp enough to slice.

“Walk away, Sandy.”

She turned, Rehaan stood behind her, hands in his pockets, eyes cold. The air changed instantly. Sandy blinked, flustered,

“Oh— Rehaan. I was just—”

“Being annoying,” Aaron finished, appearing beside him.

“Like always,” Blake added with a grin.

Sandy scoffed, stunned that three of the most popular guys were siding with Stacey.

And then Mia showed up, sliding in beside Stacey like she’d been ready for battle all morning. “Back off, Sandy. Go bully your mirror or something. Heard you two spend a lot of time together.”

Aaron snorted. Blake pretended to cover his laughter. Sandy’s face twisted into a furious pout before she spun around and stormed off, flipping her hair dramatically. It hit one of the lockers instead of her shoulder. Not quite the exit she hoped for.

Stacey let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

“Thanks,” she said quietly, looking at all of them , “Really.”

“No big deal,” Blake shrugged.

“That was fun,” Aaron grinned. “We should bully ...bullies more often.”

"We got you girl" said Mia in her enthusiastic voice, "lets go, , I don't want to be late for Mrs. Simons class"

"Bye you lovebirds , see you later" Saying this Mia took hold of both the guys  and kept walking towards the class of Mrs. Simons (she was really scary , not Mia 's fault).

"We are not!" Stacey shouted but it was of no use. Stacey glanced at Rehaan once and then opened her locker , taking out her books. Then she turned and looked at Rehaan , then both of them started walking towards their next class,

"I hate this" said Rehaan, suddenly , stopping midway.

"What do you hate" asked Stacey.

"This ....all this silence between us, okay I get it , you don't have to say or explain anything to me now ," Rehaan continued, "But promise me you will tell me everything whenever you're ready, I can wait as long as you want but till then lets be normal , I hate not talking to you, "

Stacey smiled softly , her eyed filled with unshed tears, taking Rehaan's hand in her , she said,

"Thank you for understanding, and I promise you , one day I will tell you everything, and even I can't stand this silence between us, "

Rehaan nodded and smiled at her just then the final bell rang for their first class and in that moment both looked at each other smiled and sprinted to their class.

The announcement came during their lunch break — Tanya Rivers , their head girl's voice rang through the speakers,

"Pack your energy, your hoodies, and your best campfire stories — because our Senior Year Overnight Camping Trip is officially happening!

Get ready for stargazing, games, late-night chats, and memories we will never forget!

Dates & details are on the notice board — and no, you cannot bring your pet, your sibling, or your entire snack cabinet… okay maybe snacks yes!

Let’s make this the most legendary night of the year!

See you under the stars, seniors!"

“Camping? For real?” Blake read aloud, eyebrows climbing.

“Mia, you in?” Aaron grinned.

"Of course babe, who would miss senior year camp" Mia said.

Rehaan looked at Stacey.

Stacey was unsure . A night under the stars sounded like something from a different life — she could not  leave her mom alone.

She almost said no. But the group , which were now her friends , didn’t let her,

Mia argued, “You are coming. End of story.”

Aaron pretended sternness, “No backing out — it’ll do you good.”

Blake flapped his hands, “We need your moral support at the bonfire.”

Rehaan simply said, quietly, “You have to come Stacey, pls.”

When Stacey reached home she went to check on her mom.

Her mom was reading some magazine, seeing Stacey her mom kept the magazine aside,

"Did you eat , mom" asked Stacey , taking a seat beside her mom.

"Yes dear" her mother’s voice — thin and soft, "What's on your mind"

"Why do you think there is something on my mind," said Stacey rolling her eyes with a smile on her face.

"Because I am your mom, duh!, " said her mom.

Stacey  let out a breath and said, "Nothing important but there's this senior year camping trip "

"Don't tell me you are thinking of not going , pls you have to go , you can't miss this"

"But mom , I cant leave you alone "

"Oh pls ! nothing will happen to me , and I really need a break from you" her mom joked.

"Mom!" Stacey started but was stopped.

"You're going , period. God ! I still remember my senior year trip, that is where me and your dad started talking, it was very special" her mom's words pressed the last hesitation out of her.

Stacey hugged her mom , her mom hugged her back and they continued talking about her mom's high school life and about her dad. Stacey's eyes filled with unshed tears, she hugged her mom tighter . Her mom smiled looking down at her and whispered, "I am so proud of you my little girl " and kissed her head.

11. "The bonfire night !"

They left at dawn. Buses loaded with backpacks and slipped out of town and into green fields. 

The campsite smelled of pine and fresh dirt — sounds were different here: wind in the trees instead of the city’s distant hum.

The hiking made Stacey's leg ache, Rehaan was next to her more than usual — helping tie her laces, sharing his jacket when it turned cold. The group laughed and joked all through their hike.

When they reached the campsite,

“Alright, everyone!” Coach Darren clapped loudly. “Pls gather around , girls you can upload your selfies later , tents first. If you end up sleeping under the stars tonight, don’t blame me!.”

Groans and Laughter, echoed throughout the group.

Blake lifted a tent kit like it weighed 50 kilos,

“Why does this bag feel like it has a dead body in it?”

“Because you’re weak,” Mia responded sweetly, high-fiving Aaron.

Aaron smirked. “Let’s hope he doesn’t die."

Stacey stood quietly beside Rehaan, watching the chaos unfold.

Coach demonstrated, threading rods through loops.

“Just follow the instructions—”

“Instructions??” Blake choked. “Who reads those?”

“People who can read?” Aaron teased, dodging the twig Blake threw at him.

Mia tugged Aaron’s collar.

“Stop it . We need to get these tents ready , focus.”

Aaron dipped and kissed her cheek.

“Fine..”

Mia rolled her eyes, but her grin stayed.

Stacey knelt to unroll her tent material, pretending she knew what she was doing. She absolutely did not.

Rehaan crouched beside her, sleeves rolled up, smile playful,

“You know this looks like a parachute that’s given up on life, right?”

She huffed. “I’m trying.”

He nudged her lightly with his shoulder.

“I know. Move over, professional tent engineer coming through.”

“Professional?” She raised a brow, “You’ve done this before?”

“Nope. But confidence is 90% of survival.”  said Rehaan .

Stacey shook her head with a smile on her face

Their fingers brushed when they both reached for the same tent pole. She froze. He didn’t move either.

That tiny moment— warm skin, shared breath, —sent a quiet flutter through her chest she wished she didn’t feel.

He cleared his throat and handed her the pole,

“You hold it. I’ll lock the frame.”

She swallowed. “Okay.”

Across the camp, Mia gushed dramatically at them,

“Look at them, they look so cute!”

“Mia!” Stacey glared, cheeks burning.

Someone scoffed near them and it was no other than Sandy summers - The Queen B, Mia was about say something but Aaron hold her back saying , "Ignore her babe"

"Yeah Mia , its not worth it " Stacey said .

 Everyone went back to the task at hand .

"Really, don't let her get to you," said Rehaan.

"Don't worry , and anyways there is nothing going on between us for her to scare me  , right" said Stacey while working through the tent .

She didn't notice how Rehaan paused for a few seconds when she said that and stared at her. he didn't say anything for some time,

"Yeah right "

When Rehaan said that , it felt really bad , like it confirmed Stacey that nothing is going on between them , but she ignored that feeling and kept working.

At night, they gathered around a bonfire. Faces lit by amber light, shadows dancing and falling to sleep in uneven waves. Mia sang off-key to songs, Blake dared Aaron to roast the perfect marshmallow, and Rehaan kept stealing glances at Stacey — like he was memorizing her.

The bonfire crackled, tiny sparks lifting into the cold night sky before disappearing like secrets swallowed by the dark. Laughter drifted from the other side of the beach where Aaron and Mia were locked in a heated debate over marshmallows, and Blake was filming them for fun. All their other classmates were scattered around them.

Stacey sat on the log closest to the fire, hands stretched toward the warmth. The flames painted her face in gold and orange — soft, shifting, restless. She didn’t notice Rehaan sit beside her until he spoke.

“You're quiet tonight,” he said, passing her an unopened chocolate bar.

She blinked at it, surprised. “I… don’t usually talk much.”

“I noticed,” he said, but not in a rude way — more like he’d been paying attention.

She hesitated before taking the chocolate. “I don’t really fit in with… people like you.”

Rehaan raised an eyebrow. “People like me?”

“You know.” She shrugged, staring at the fire. “Popular. Loud. Seen.”

He studied her for a moment. “You see us like that?”

“Well, yeah.” She laughed softly. “From the outside, you guys look… untouchable. Like nothing really ever gets to you.”

“That’s the thing about outside views,” he murmured, leaning back on his hands. “They lie.”

Stacey turned to him. The fire reflected in his eyes — warm, but shadowed too.

“What lies about you?” she asked before she could stop herself.

Rehaan didn’t answer right away. The ocean waves rolled in and out as if they were listening.

“People think I have everything,” he said finally. “Perfect house, perfect family. Money. Friends.” His jaw tightened, just slightly, “Sometimes I feel like if I breathe wrong, I’ll break that illusion.”

Stacey's breath hitched — not out of pity, but understanding.

“I know that feeling,” she whispered, “Trying to hold it all together so no one sees the cracks.”

He turned fully toward her then, and his voice dropped, gentler, “You’ve got cracks?”

Stacey laughed, but it wasn't a happy sound, “I’m practically made of them.”

Silence settled between them — not uncomfortable, but heavy, honest.

Rehaan nudged a pebble with his shoe. “You don’t have to tell me anything,” he said quietly, “but if you ever want to… I’ll listen.”

The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard. She was used to people looking through her, not into her,

“I don’t really do friends,” she said.

“Yeah,” he smirked lightly, “I noticed that too.”

A small smile tugged at her lips. “You notice a lot.”

“Maybe,” he said, gaze softening as the wind shifted her hair, “just about you.”

Her heart stuttered. She looked back at the fire quickly.

“Why?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

Rehaan didn’t look away from her, “Because you look like someone who carries storms in silence. And I don’t think anyone should have to do that alone.”

Heat prickled behind her eyes, embarrassing and warm all at once. She swallowed hard, steadying her voice.

“I’ve been alone for a long time,” Stacey murmured.

“Not from now ,” he said simply.

And for the first time in longer than she could remember —

Stacey believed it !

12."Stacey's Mom!"

Next day , early morning , everyone wrapped their tents , cleared the area by picking up all the trash and cleaning all the mess they had created last night.

Once everyone was settles in their seats on the bus , they left for their town, a 2hrs of ride !

Back home , Stacey was excited to tell her mom all about the trip and her friends especially Rehaan !

When Stacey entered her mom's room she seemed asleep but Stacey knew as soon as she entered the room that something was off. Panic rose in her body, she dreaded this , still she went near her mom, slowly she lifted her hand like it was physically paining, and placed it on her mom's shoulder and tried to wake up her mom but no response , she went on her knees near her mom's bed and with tears streaming down her face she kept trying to wake her mom up but all attempts went in vain .

"You cant leave me mom , not like this , I told you I should have stayed with you , " she cried .

Then she stood up wiped her face and called for an ambulance , She again went near her mom and tried waking her up .when the doorbell rang , she rushed to open the door and directed the medics to her mom's room. They checked her mom and then without saying anything carried her mom to the ambulance , Stacey tried asking many questions but the medics said to hurry and go to hospital.

At the hospital , they rushed to the emergency room and Stacey was stopped from entering the room and was told to wait outside, she didn't know what to do , she knew she couldn't sit , her emotions were all over the place , she thought,

"Why did I have to go on that trip, its all my fault , its all my fault that  my mom is in that room," and she started sobbing , she wanted to talk to someone , she knew she cant handle this alone and only one person came in her mind in that moment,

"Its all my fault " she said as soon as the call was received.

"What....what happened Stacey , are you okay, where are you ?" came the worried and sleepy voice of Rehaan from the other end,

"Its all my fault , I should have stayed with her , instead I was out there enjoying while my mom ...my m..mom!" she started sobbing again.

"Stacey , where are you tell me pls" asked Rehaan , while getting out of his bed and taking his car keys.

"I am at the hospital.....Ashfield city hospital"

"Okay now be on the call with me till I come there" said Rehaan.

"Okay "came Stacey's sobbing voice ,

In 15 mins Rehaan was at the hospital parking , getting out of his car he asked Stacey where she exactly was,

"I am at the third floor , emergency room , at the last of the corridor to your left."

"Okay I am almost there, I will hang up now, okay," said Rehaan.

"Okay" said Stacey.

When Stacey saw Rehaan coming , she ran towards him and hugged him tightly and started crying , Rehaan was taken aback because Stacey never showed emotions but then he thought it was her mom how can she not show emotions. He was actually thankful that she was not bottling it up like she did it with other complicated things in her life. He let her cry , rubbing circles on her back.

When the doctors called out for her , she and Rehaan rushed immediately towards the doctor, Rehaan right beside her,

"How is she, doctor pls tell me, she is okay, right"

"We cant say anything yet , right now the situation is critical" said the doctor.

" But will she be okay"

"We can't say anything right now , excuse me " said the doctor in his professional voice and walked away.

"What do you mean you can't say anything, " asked Stacey.

"Stacey she will be okay, " Rehaan took hold of Stacey went she tried to go behind the doctor,

"Didn't you hear him Rehaan , he is saying he can't say anything , I mean he is the doctor , if he can't say anything than who will" 

"I know , I know but pls calm down , everything will be all right , you don't have to worry about anything " he said hugging her

"How I cant worry , I don't know if I will be able to talk to her again or not ," and like that Stacey again started crying. He made Stacey sit on the chair and let her rest her head on his shoulder.

It had been a few hours they have been seated there,

Rehaan wanted to go and buy coffee and something to eat for Stacey but he didn't want to leave her alone, so he texted Mia about the situation and told her to bring 2 coffees and a sandwich for Stacey.

To distract Stacey for sometime , Rehaan started showing her his dog Ronnie's photos and videos. Stacey didn't have it in her to smile but she kept looking at the photos and that was also enough for Rehaan to continue .

After about half an hour later ...Mia came with Aaron carrying the coffees and Blake with the sandwich behind her. As soon as  Mia came near she hugged Stacey,

"Why didn't you call us earlier"

"I did not want to bother you with my problems "  Stacey said, "I feel enough guilty for calling Rehaan,"

"Its all nonsense, but no worries now we are here and we are not going anywhere" said Blake handing her the sandwich.

"And you don't have to feel guilty for calling me , in fact if you wouldn't have called us then I would have definitely been hurt" said Rehaan, genuinely.

"Here," said Aaron holding the coffee towards her.

Stacey didn't know what to say , she was so overwhelmed , she started sobbing again and everyone came and they all hugged her.

Stacey didn't want to eat anything so she just took the coffee but Rehaan and Mia forced her in eating the sandwich.

Stacey didn't know what she did to deserve such good friends!

13. "The Funeral !"

The clock on the waiting room wall ticked to loud. Each second felt like a hour. Everyone had fallen into a tense kind of quiet. 

Mia's head rested on Aaron's shoulder , both of them half-asleep but refusing to leave. Blake sat slouched on the floor, his jacket bundled under Stacey's head like a pillow. And Rehaan, he hadn't moved from beside her in hours.

Stacey sat with her knees drawn up to her chest , chin buried in her arms , her eyes were fixed on the corridor where her mother had been taken hours ago.

A doctor appeared , the same which they had talked to previously, he was a little older and had kind eyes.

Stacey stood up too fast when she saw the doctor appear, others also gathered around her ,

"Is she okay !" asked Stacey , desperately.

He stopped a few steps away, exhaled and said , "I'm sorry"!

Two words , That's all.

Her lips parted but no sound came.

The edges of her vision blurred.

 Mia's hand flew to her mouth.

Aaron muttered something that sounded like a prayer.

Blake looked towards Stacey, with worried eyes.

Rehaan caught her just as her knees gave out.

Her body went cold, "No" she whispered, over and over, voice crackling, "No, no, , she was just....she was getting better...."

He pulled her close, holding her against his chest while she broke apart,

"I've got you, " he said, "You are going to be okay, everything is going to be okay."

Mia sat beside her , wrapping an arm around Stacey's back, tears rolling down from her face, Aaron placing his jacket over her shoulders , Blake slipping away to talk with the doctor about all the paperwork and all.

Grey clouds pressed low against the sky and a soft drizzle hung in the air. Rows of people stood by the open grave , the pastor's voice was calm and steady, reading verses. Stacey stood at the front - silent, pale, her hands gripping the black shawl wrapped around her, so tightly that her knuckles had gone white.

Her mother's coffin sat beneath a spray of white roses , the wood slick with raindrops. Someone had placed a framed photograph at its head- her mother smiling, it looked so alive !

Mia's hand wrapped around her arm , Aaron and Blake just behind with faces unreadable, and Rehaan stood still with eyes never leaving her.

The pastor's voice faded into silence, one by one people stepped forward, dropping flowers into the grave. When it was Stacey's turn her knees nearly buckled but she stepped forward anyway.

She placed a single lily on the coffin and whispered , "Rest peacefully now , mom, I love you."

After the ceremony the crowd drifted away , Rehaan stayed until the last.

"You don't have to be strong right now" he said quietly, by now only they were left there , everyone else had left.

Stacey looked at him, tears came right after, slipping down her cheeks , Rehaan reached up, brushing the tears away with his thumb, his hand trembling slightly.

She whispered, "I don't know how to go home without her."

And under the pale grey sky, surrounded by the scent of wet roses and earth,

Stacey leaned into him - not to be saved but to remember that she could still stand!

After the funeral was over everyone gathered around at Stacey's place, they all decided to stay with Stacey tonight.

Mia and Aaron were in the kitchen making tea for everyone , Blake was on his phone and Rehaan was sitting on the sofa going through a random magazine he found lying around there and Stacey was just sitting quietly on the floor with her back resting on the sofa and staring at the rain through the window in her view.

It was 11pm when they heard a noise outside the door , outside the main door. It was Blake who questioned first, "Did you hear that."

Stacey was broken out of her thoughts, "What?!"

Rehaan said at the same time , "Yes , what was it ?"

"Wait let me go and check, " said Blake getting up.

Mia and Aaron also came with the teas in their hands for everyone, "What happened ?" they inquired.

Just then Stacey's phone blinked , "Keep it safe, when and where to delivery will be informed."

At the same time Blake came , in his hand a small parcel , "Its a parcel, I guess for Stacey."

"At this time, who delivers parcel so late!" asked Mia.

Stacey froze, every inch of her skin felt like ice.

Rehaan noticed it , "Stacey are you okay!"

Blake dropped the parcel on the coffee table, "Creepy !" he muttered, "You want me to open it! "

"No, " Stacey 's voice came out too loud, too fast, everyone turned to look at her.

"Mia frowned, "Stacey...what was that, you look like someone who had seen a ghost!"

Stacey's breathing grew shallow.

"You know what is in the box , don't you?" Rehaan asked like he knew the answer to that.

Stacey looked at Rehaan, she shook her head, still frozen in place, "No...i mean yeah ,,, I guess..I just."

Aaron had already picked the box. He tore it open before anyone could stop him,  a small plastic fell out - tightly wrapped  in it was, 

White powder!!

The room went silent!

"Stacey !" Mia whispered , voice trembling, "What the hell is this?!"

Stacey's lips parted but no words came out.

Rehaan came beside her, "Stacey, you have to tell us what is going on, you can trust us, what is it that you are hiding ! "

Stacey looked at Rehaan then at Mia and Aaron and then at Blake , she knew she could trust these people , but she was ashamed , she was embarrassed about telling her truth to them.

She took in a deep breath, "I...I've have been doing deliveries," she began , her voice low and steady, "For a past few months , ever since my dad died , there were people at doorstep who said that my father took a huge amount from them and I had to pay it now, with my mom's sickness there was not much I could save from my jobs so then they told me by working for them I could pay the debt. I didn't have any right asking questions about these packages that was the rule, I didn't know they were selling drugs but I knew whatever it was it was illegal, but I just needed the money , it was the only way then to survive!" Her voice cracked at the end.

Mia rushed beside her and hugged her so tightly that she was not able to breath but Stacey didn't mind.

"I kept telling myself I'd quit after she got better," Stacey whispered, "But now when she is gone and  I don't need the extra cash anymore,  I could officially quit and get out of this mess!"

"What will you have to do for all this to stop?" asked Rehaan.

"I just need to contact them on the number they contact me, I guess" said Stacy.

"Whatever you have to do , just know you are not alone , I am there , we are there , whenever you need us " said Rehaan, everyone else agreeing with him.

"Thank you guys , really , " said Stacey truly grateful.

14. "The Meeting!"

"When will you msg them, " asked Rehaan handing Stacey her coffee. They were in the kitchen , everyone else was still asleep, Rehaan took his cup of coffee and sat on a chair beside Stacey,

"Should I msg them now, " asked Stacey, "I will msg them now" she confirmed taking her phone in her hands and typing the msg.

"Done!" smiled Stacey looking at Rehaan.

"You seem to be in a good mood, " asked Rehaan, while sipping coffee.

"Yeah I don't know, I feel light like there is no more hiding now, no more secrets,.... is it a bad thing I feel this happy."

"No... no of course not , you deserve all the happiness," said Rehaan looking into her eyes, Stacey also looked into his eyes, Rehaan started leaning in , Stacey almost closed her eyes ,

"Oh god , I am sorry guys but isn't it too early," said Mia entering the kitchen.

"Buzz off Mia, " said Rehaan a little disappointed and Stacey was all red.

 Mia narrowed her eyes at Rehaan but didn't say anything.

"Stop right here!" said Stacey looking into her phone, "This is it !" she said.

The location she got for the meeting with guys was a abandoned warehouse. They stopped the car a little far so they wont be seen,

"You don't have to do this alone, " Aaron muttered for the fifth time.

"I have to." Stacey said.

When Stacey was about to get out of the car, Rehaan said, "Stay safe. "

Stacey looked at Rehaan , smiled and nodded at him and then left.

Rehaan gripped the steering wheel tighter than he realized, Mia sat chewing her thumbnail, Aaron and Blake both staring out the window as if expecting someone to jump out of the dark.

"What if they hurt her, " Mia turned around , eyes worried , "we all should have went with her!"

"She knows them," Rehaan said quietly, "She'll be fine."

Stacey reached the side door of the abandoned warehouse, knocked twice. The door opened a moment later. A man with a scar along his jaw looked her up and down before letting her in.

Inside the air smelled of cigarettes and damp concrete. A table stood in the middle of the room, three men around it, their faces half lit by a single hanging bulb,

One of them - tall , sharp-eyed, leaned back in his chair and said, " What is it that you needed to see us."

Stacey placed the parcel on the table, "I want to quit ."

The guy looked at her up and down ,

"You know right, that it's not your call , we say when you quit , and you can quit when the amount is received which your dad took from us !"

Stacey closed her eyes, took in a deep breath, "I will pay that money , but I don't need to do these deliveries for that, I will pay off all the debt with my other jobs , don't worry about that."

The guy thought for a while and said, "Okay !" 

"What" muttered the other guy .....the guy talking to Stacey gave him a look and the guy backed away, 

"You can quit but after this one last delivery" , said the guy, turning towards Stacey, pushing the parcel towards her.

Stacey thought for a second, then said , "Okay this one delivery and then I am out. "

"As you wish, " said the guy too calm. Stacey took the parcel and left the warehouse and straight to the car.

Rehaan started the car and they sped away,

"What happened ! why is the parcel still with you? " said Mia.

"They said I still have to do this last delivery and then I can quit !"

"Thats great !" said Blake.

"One last delivery, that's good! " said Aaron.

"What are you thinking? " asked Rehaan.

"Just that I didn't think it would be so easy!" said Stacey looking at Rehaan .

"What's there to think, its good naa, it went easy!" said Mia , happily.

"I guess." said Stacey.

"It will be alright." assured Rehaan. 

Stacey smiled and him and nodded.

15."Late night dancing!"

It was late afternoon , the sky outside their classroom turning a dull orange. Most of the school had already emptied out, the hallways quiet except for the faint sound of lockers shutting and shoes echoing against tile.

Stacey had stayed back to finish an assignment. Mia had said she do meet her in the library - but that was twenty minutes ago.

When Stacey finally decided to look for her,  she went through the hallways , checking the classrooms, that's when she heard a faint voice coming from the washroom while passing through it, she decided to check it!

"Mia?" Stacey called softly while entering the washroom.

No reply came.

Mia turned around slowly , standing at the sink , shoulders shaking. She looked pale and eyes red-rimmed.

"Mia ....," came Stacey's unsure voice.

Mia shocked, wiped her face quickly, "Hey, sorry, I....didn't hear you!"

Stacey stepped closer, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah ," a too-quick answer followed by a forced smile , "Just a bad day."

Stacey's eyes flicked to the sink and back to Mia.

Something clicked inside her,

"Mia ," she said softly, "How long you have been doing this !"

Mia froze.

For a second her mask slipped, "Doing what," she tried to laugh it of.

"Mia , I have seen you push your food around each and every lunch break, I have seen you always make excuses like how you have already eaten or you are not hungry, you don't have to lie to me Mia, you can trust me."

Mia's throat worked as she swallowed hard, eyes filling, "I can't stop , trust me I want to but its like, it is controlling me !"

Stacey's chest tightened, "Does Aaron know?"

She shook her head, "No one knows and pls don't tell him or Blake or Rehaan , pls."

Stacey hesitated but then reached out and took her hand,

"I won't tell, " she said quietly , "But also I wont be pretending like I don't know, we have to work through it. "

Mia smiled faintly and said, "I just want to feel okay in my own skin stace! Everyone else looks so perfect but me ....!!"

"You don't have to be perfect Mia. You just have to be yourself! "

Mia hugged Stacey and said , "that's the most difficult thing to be. "

Stacey muttered, "Its not even that difficult, it might take some time but you will reach there , we will reach there! "

When they pulled apart Mia managed a faint smile, "You won't make me eat right now, right?"

Stacey gave a small laugh, "Not right now but maybe later, something small, something you like. "

Mia nodded again , gratefully, "Okay!"

As they walked out together, the sunlight had almost faded, leaving only a soft golden hue across the hallway.

Stacey felt somewhat good , this moment has brought her and Mia close, their bong has grew stronger and also because for once she wasn't being saved but she was the one saving!

It was almost 12 pm at night . Stacey kept tossing and turning in bed, not being able to sleep she got out of bed and went downstairs. She glanced at her mom's room , she didn't know for how long she stood there staring at the door of her mom's bedroom. She was broken out of her thoughts when her phone blinked in her hands , it was a msg from Rehaan,

Rehaan: "Have you slept?"

Stacey: "Not yet!"

Rehaan: "Come out then! "

Stacey: "What!"

Rehaan: "Come out!!!! "

Stacey went out the front door and Rehaan was there in his car, parked in their driveway!

Stacey went towards his car, Rehaan came out of his car,

"What are you doing here!" asked Stacey.

"I was passing by here , thought I should say hi!" said Rehaan, while rubbing his neck.

"Where were you so late at night," asked Stacey.

"My dad needed me at the office , it took a little bit longer than expected," said Rehaan.

"Oh!" muttered Stacey.

"Why weren't you asleep yet?" asked Rehaan.

"Not able to sleep," said Stacey.

Rehaan thought for second and then said , "lets go! "

"Where that too at this time !" asked Stacey.

"C'mon trust me ! " said Rehaan.

Stacey hesitated and then said , "Okay but let me get changed first."

She rushed inside, put on her black tracks and a white t-shirt, coming downstairs , she put on her shoes , took the keys , locked the door and settled inside Rehaan 's car.

Rehaan pulled out from their driveway and sped away,

"Where are we going?" asked Stacey.

"Somewhere." answered Rehaan.

"Where somewhere ?" Stacey asked again.

"Somewhere.... nearby."  answered Rehaan , glancing at Stacey.

"Where somewhere nearby? " Stacey asked again.

"Shut up women and enjoy the ride! " said Rehaan.

"Okay! " said Stacey rolling her eyes. 

Stacey looked out the windows and at the night sky and a smiled played on her lips.

Rehaan parked outside the park where she met Rehaan's dog Ronnie for the first time.

Getting out of the car once Rehaan parked the car, they entered the park , it was mostly an abandoned park , rarely someone came there.

"Why did you bring us here?" asked Stacey, glancing at Rehaan while both walked in the park.

"I don't know, I just like this place ! " said Rehaan, looking around.

"Even I like this place , my dad use to bring me here. In those days this parked was always filled with people ," said Stacey , her mind filled with the memories of her childhood with her dad.

"I found it, only recently , and it was always so peaceful that it became my place of escape " said Rehaan.

"What do you need to escape from." asked Stacey, looking at him.

Rehaan looked at her then at the sky, "Forget it........ let's  dance !"

Stacey knew he avoided her question but she let it pass away , "Dance! "she laughed , "Why? "

"Just! " he put on a song , it was "Up all night" by One Direction!

"Seriously! " blinked Stacey.

"Yes!" Rehaan said, more like shouted.

Stacey gave in seeing Rehaan dance. He was trying too hard to dance and she was laughing too much . 

Two teenagers struggling in their own way, but for just a few moments, forgot everything!

Rehaan mouthed the lyrics dramatically - "I wanna stay up all night and jump around until we see the sun!" and Stacey threw her hands in the air , spinning under the faint glow of the streetlight.

When the song faded , she was out of breath, hair a mess, cheeks flushed from all the laughing.

Rehaan grinned looking at her. 

The song which played next was a slow song, "Little bit better" by Calen Hearn and ROSIE.

Rehaan bowed, "May I have this dance, Miss Lewis !"

Stacey looked at him , laughing,  she slid her hand into his , he placed a hand lightly on her waist , her other hand rested on his chest, she could feel the low thud of his heartbeat under her palm.

They just swayed as the song continued.

I met somebody selfless and kind,

she got a smile even when she isn't fine,

she can be hurting but she's got enough love to fill up tenessee.

Her forehead brushed his jaw when she leaned closer and his breath caught. Stacey closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the moment melt all the noise in her head.

The course rang through the speakers,

But now you hold me in the darkness,

hold me till it hurt less, you,

tell me that i'm alright,

show me where the light shine through,

please stay love me through the weather,

pls say this will be forever.

The  song continued. The lyrics felt too personal, hitting the right nerve. Stacey looked at Rehaan and Rehaan looked at Stacey, there were too many emotions in that moment !

When the last note faded , they didn't move apart, they stood there - forehead to forehead- neither of them said what they were really thinking but both knew - something had shifted!

16. "The Last Delivery!"

It was around 7 am when the alarm went off in Stacey's mobile. She groaned and with eyes almost closed she tried to find her phone and turned off the alarm, and slept again.

 It was Saturday today so she didn't need to get up early. But once the sleep was broken she found it difficult to go back to sleep. She got off her bed and she looked down at her clothes, she slept without changing into her pajamas yesterday after coming from  their late night adventure!

Automatically a smile broke on her face thinking about last night, how crazy it was of them to dance in the middle of the night in an abandoned park, but it felt so good!!!  She could never forget last night. She had never done something like that before .

With a smile that didn't want to leave her face, she continued with her daily routine. After brushing her teeth and taking a bath , she changed to fresh clothes and then went downstairs, she tried to ignore the feeling she always gets when she passes her mothers room. She knew it would take time to come in terms with her mom not being around her anymore.

She made herself a peanut butter sandwich and coffee. After eating she washed the vessels and cleaned the platform. She went back to her room and took her bag and left for her job at the cafe.

The day was slow at the cafe today, not many customers came , she was scrolling through her phone when she got a msg for the parcel to be delivered tonight.

She took in a deep breath and messaged  in the group,

The crew!

Stacey: tonight is the delivery! I just got the msg.

Rehaan: at what time?

Mia: where?

Stacey: 12pm , location is attached with the msg, I just have to follow it.

Blake: then lets meet at 10pm, at your place @stacey.

Aaron: perfect!

Mia: okay!

Rehaan: done!

Stacey: guys I think I should go alone.

Rehaan: no way !

Mia: not happening !

Stacey: no listen, if we all go it will cause attention and thats not a good idea!

Rehaan: I think Stacey is right, guys.

Stacey: See!

Rehaan - but I will go with you @stacey.

Aaron: yeah you have to atleast bring Rehaan with you.

Stacey: but....

Mia: Rehaan or we all are coming , your choice!

Stacey hesitated , she didn't wanted to drag them more than they already were but she knew she won't be able to win with them.

Stacey: Okay.

Rehana: Its decided then, me and Stacey will go tonight and be done with it forever.

Stacey: yes.

Mia: that means we need to celebrate tmrw!

Aaron: yes this calls for a party!!!

Blake: yup!

Mia: I will plan the party,  Stacey and Rehaan focus on your work and msg us as soon as you come home, okay?

Stacey: sure!

Mia: be safe!

Rehaan: will do!

(REHAAN CALLING)

"Hello," Stacey said.

"So when should I come to pick you up?" asked rehaan.

"At 10pm. We need to reach there a little really so I can delivery exactly at 12pm!" answered Stacey.

"Okay! Will do, I will be at your house by 10pm." said Rehaan.

"No, not at my house, I am working at this cafe, I will send you the location, come here to get me." said Stacey.

"Oh okay!" said Rehaan.

"See you then!" said Rehaan.

"Yup! See you!" said Stacey.

Just then the door jingled and came in some  customers, so Stacey got busy with them. The  evening at the cafe was quite busy. By 10pm Stacey had cleaned and locked the place, she was alone today at the cafe so the day seemed very long to her. She stood there waiting for Rehaan after locking up the cafe.  She was just about to msg him when she saw his car approaching.

She smiled and went around the car as she parked it and got into the passenger seat. She buckled herself and Rehaan started the car.

"You look tried!" said Rehaan.

"Yeah it was a long day and I was alone so it was quite tiring! " answered Stacey.

"Where were the other employees?" asked Rehaan.

"Took an off!" said Stacey, resting her head on the window.

"Oh!" Rehaan said nodding his head.

He stopped the car at Stacey's place.

"I'll bring the parcel, 2 mins!" said Stacey , getting out of the car to get the parcel.

"Take you time! " shouted Rehaan.

Stacey rushed inside and took the parcel from the drawer in the living room and rushed back to the car,

"Lets go and get done with this ." said Stacey, putting on the belt.

"Yess! lets go!" said Rehaan.

Stacey took out her phone and put the GPS  on and kept directing Rehaan . It took them to a strange and silent road which led to a small dirt road....Stacey turned towards Rehaan,

"You wait here." said Stacey.

"No, I will come with you, I will stay behind hidden." said Rehaan, removing the safety belt.

"No Rehaan , I have to do this alone, pls. " Stacey said which left no place for an argument.

"Okay! " said Rehaan.

Stacey took the parcel and opened the door , looked towards Rehaan , he nodded at her she nodded back and left. She put on a poker face, and walked towards the  dirt road. She waited at the said location and in a few minutes at exactly 12pm , came a guy with black mask and black clothes, took the parcel from Stacey and left. She waited, then a msg came in her phone that her task was done, she left and when she was walking she felt like she was leaving her past behind and starting fresh, tears welled up in her eyes, she let out the breath she was holding in and rushed towards Rehaan's car, as soon as she got in the car,  Rehaan started the car and they left, for good. 

Rehaan parked the car outside Stacey's place and Stacey was totally still throughout the ride that it scared Rehaan,

"Stacey !" he muttered softly, cautiously.

Without saying anything Stacey hugged Rehaan, Rehaan was taken aback for a second there and then hugged her back.

"I am so happy Rehaan. Its like its all over just like a bad dream and now I am free. I can't even express what I am feeling!" saying this, Stacey hugged Rehaan even tightly , like if she let him go all this will disappear.

"I know, I know and I am so happy for you and now you can have a simple, normal and beautiful life !" said Rehaan.

"I just wish my parents were here with me! " said Stacey.

"They are watching you from above and  are very happy looking at you win all these battles on your own, trust me! " said Rehaan.

"Are they, are they proud of me? " Stacey asked looking at Rehaan.

"They are!" said Rehaan.

Stacey hugged him again,

"I will let you go now. " said Stacey, removing her hands from around Rehaan.

Rehaan nodded, letting her go.

"Good night !" said Rehaan, as Stacey opened the door to the car.

"Goodnight!" said Stacey and got out of the car.

Rehaan stood there looking at Stacey safely enter her house and then left. This act of Rehaan didn't go unnoticed by Stacey. She smiled and danced her way to her room.

Stacey halts no her way to her bedroom, she stood in front of her mothers room, slowly opening the door she entered the room. It was the first time she was here since her mother died. She couldn't bring herself to enter this room without her mom being in that room but tonight something felt different, Stacey felt different. She really wanted to move on from her past and start fresh from here onwards. She wanted to face each and everything in her life and not run away from it or numb it or ignore it, because now she knew if she ever falls down there would be people who would help her stand up. She was not scared anymore!

The air inside the room still smelled faintly like lavender that instantly reminded her of her mom. The moonlight filtered through the lace curtains brushing over the small wooden dresser where everything was still in place - her reading glasses folded neatly beside a half read novel.

Stacey walked in slowly, she sat on the bed, the same side of the bed where her mom used to rest.

For a while, she didn't move, just sat there, staring at the framed photo on the nightstand - her, her mother and her father. 

Her fingers traced the photo frame, "Its done, mom and dad!" she whispered, voice shaking, "I'm done with all this mess. Now I am going to focus on my life, on my studies and lead a normal, simple life. There is some debt felt to pay but I will take care of it with my part time job at the cafe." She took in a deep breath and continued, " I miss you mom, I miss you dad!" 

She placed the frame back in its place when her eyes fell on a folded note below the frame. She took the note in her hands and saw her name written on it in her mom's handwriting.

"For Stacey."

Her breath caught. She unfolded it slowly, her hands trembling.

"By the time you get this, I would have been long gone. I couldn't hold until  you get her so I am writing this letter.

First of all don't be too sad of my passing. I wanted to be there, see you grow up, go to college, find love , settle down , have kids someday, but this pain was already killing me and also you!

You have been my greatest joy and my calm in every life's storm, Ihave watched you grow from a shy little girl who use to hide behind books to this young women who faces the world with quiet courage.

Lately, I have seen a spark in your eyes which went missing after your dad - the way your eyes seem more alive than before, the faint smile you try to hide. You never told me what has changed but I am sure this change is because maybe you have found people who make you laugh, who make you feel seen and  make you feel loved! 

Hold on to them sweetheart. Real friends are rare and I am so glad you found yours!

Please don't carry the world alone on your shoulders!

Your dad and I are always with you - in the warm sunlight, in the quiet moments, in every victor of yours. We are proud of you, so so proud of you!

Keep living, my love!  Keep loving!

With all my heart,

Mom (and Dad too).

She pressed the letter to her chest, curling up on the bed, shaking as quiet sobs escaped her.

Stacey stirred in her sleep. She opened her eyes and found her in her mothers room. She didn't realize she slept there, in her mother's room. Her eyes found the note from her mother  lying on the bed. She took it and got out of her mother's room and went upstairs to her room. After keeping the letter in her drawer safely, she went to the washroom and got freshened up, then went downstairs and made herself a cup of coffee. Settling on the sofa in the living room, she  placed the mug on the coffee table and took her phone in her hands, there was a new notifications from the same number she got messages for delivery. She opened the msg and it was a msg for new parcel drop at her home.

She straightened up and messaged back,

Stacey: Sorry but I guess you forgot I am not going to do any more deliveries.

Unknown number: you don't get to choose that.

Stacey: but we talked and you  agreed .

Unknown number: but now I changed my mind.

Stacey: you cant do this to me!

Unknown number: I can and I will.

Stacey: see I will pay off all the debt, I promise,  just let me go!

Unknown number: see you have already broken a rule by involving your friends in this, now we can't trust you.

Stacey was shocked, how come they know about her friends!

Stacey : what friends.

Unknown number: Don't act smart. you think you can fool us .

(2 photo attached )

Stacey put a hand on her mouth looking at the photos sent by them. It was a photo of her friends in a car waiting for her at the abandoned warehouse and another photo was of Rehaan waiting for her near the dirt road when she went to do a last delivery.

Unknown number: last warning. keep your friends away from this business, otherwise it won't be good for them.

Stacey didn't know what to do now.....

Unknown number: the parcel will be dropped at your place by night. When to deliver and where will be notified  and don't involve anyone else otherwise you don't know us what we can do, your friends safety is in your hands! 

Just when she thought she was out of all this mess and she could start fresh, she was back in this shit hole!

17. "No More Running!"

After reading the texts filled with threats and fearing the safety of her friends Stacey decided that she would stay away from them. So when everyone messaged on the group to meet and celebrate Stacey's freedom on Sunday, she declined saying she was busy at her job and could not take a off. 

On Monday, during lunch she avoided sitting with them by making an excuse that some professor was looking for her so she would not be able be there at lunch. She kept her distance from Rehaan which she knew hurt a lot to Rehaan by the look on his face but she had no other way. She can't afford anything happening to them. She knew how dangerous they were and the photos they sent to her were a proof that she was being watched.

She was successful in avoiding them for a week. She do come late for school, leave early by giving excuses like - "project work" or "a headache". Her friends laughed it off first few times but then they knew something was off with her but whenever they tried to question it, she avoided them like a plague.

On Thursday, Rehaan waited for her outside one of her class. When he saw her exiting the classroom he came in front of her and said, "You have been ghosting us. "

"I've have just been busy." she said without looking at him in the eyes.

"Too busy to say even a hi! Its like you are running away from us! " said Rehaan, leaning on the wall and folding his arms.

"Something like that." She shrugged, clutching her books tighter.

The threats she got were on auto-play in her mind, making it difficult for her to even look at her friends.

Every part in her body wanted to tell the the truth, atleast to Rehaan, but she can't risk it.

 It was Friday, she was sitting on the bleachers, hiding away from her friends during  lunch break, 

"You can't keep running away from us, you know right!" said a voice, startling Stacey.

She looked up and saw Blake walking towards her, but she just shook her head, "You don't understand."

"What we don't understand? " questioned Blake with eyebrows furrowed.

Without saying anything Stacey took off, glancing one last time at Blake, she was out of the bleachers.

Stacey was on her way home from a convenience store, after getting off her job at the cafe she went to get some essentials, as she cut through the small lane, she froze.

Someone was sitting on the curb, halfway hidden. Shouders hunched, head in his hands. Even from a distance she recognized that messy hair and varsity jacket.

"Aaron!" she called softly.

No response, just the sound of his uneven breathing.

She stepped closer, "Aaron!" she said again, kneeling beside him.

He flinched but didn't look up. His chest was rising and falling too fast, his fingers trembling where they clutched his knees.

"Hey, hey" she said quickly, "Its just me!"

He tried to speak but his breath kept breaking apart.

"Alright, slow down, just breath, in out in out, breath with me, take it slow." She murmured, steady and calm.

A few moments passed, when he finally found his voice, he spoke,

"What are you doing out so late! " asked Aaron, getting up from his position and standing staright.

"Just going back home from work." said Stacey.

"I didn't......" Aaron looked at Stacey.

"You don't have to explain but if you want to talk I am here" said Stacey.

He gave a broken laugh,

"Its just my dad." He continued after a pause, "Everything about my life looks perfect from outside, rich dad, perfect house, perfect money, latest cars, but no one knows what its really like. My dad might seem a perfect dad, a successful dad but its all fake. He always just makes me feel like I am such a disappointment and because of me mom did what she did, I can never be successful, I will always be a failure and what not!" said Aaron.

"What...what did your mom do ?" Stacey asked, softly.

"She left us." He continued "And he puts all that blame on me, like she left because of me but no I was just ten when she left, how can she leave because of me." He spoken with a frustrated and broken voice.

She let him continue without interrupting,

"I try so hard stace, to be this version of myself that he is not ashamed of , but no matter what I do, its never enough!" He huffed.

"Then stop trying to be his version of perfect, be your own version of perfect, who cracks jokes, who is always there for his loved ones, who tries even when its hurting, that's enough. No matter what you do someone will always be unsatisfied of you, you have to decide what and whose opinions matter to you. And I am sure those who love you are proud and happy with who your are! " said Stacey.

"Really?" asked Aaron. 

"Really!" Said Stacey, with a soft smile.

"Thank you stace, it means a lot!" said Aaron with a smirk.

"You don't have to thank me!" she smiled.

"Enough about me, what's going on with you?" questioned Aaron.

"What's going on with me ?" said Stacey pretending she doesn't know what he is speaking about.

"The busy week you had, what's that keeping you so busy." asked Aaron.

"Nothing just school work and assignments." said Stacey, looking down at her feets.

"Oh! that's the reason you sit in bleachers and library staring at nothing but thin air." Said Aaron, with a smirk. 

"You are stalking me!" said Stacey, looking at Aaron with wide eyes. 

"Not just me, we!" said Aaron.

"What!" said Stacey, she thought she succeeded in making them believe her lies!

"We all know you are avoiding us and trust me Mia is not happy with it and soon you would have to hear an earful from her! " said Aaron.

 He continued,

"This shutting us out is not going to work Stacey, you will just end up standing alone and you know we won't let that happen." said Aaron.

That hit her harder than expected!

For a moment she couldn't look at him.

Then she forced a smile and said, "Where are you going from here, is there some party tonight." She said changing the subject.

"I know what you are doing Stace, and no, no party tonight, I am going home. " said Aaron.

"If you want you can crash at my place." offered Stacey.

"Nah! I am good, I can't avoid going there." said Aaron.

She nodded, and both went there own ways.

Stacey could have never imagined that Aaron's life was a mess. His life really looked perfect from outside but inside he was fighting his own battle just like she was and just like everyone else was!

The next morning there was a knock on the door which broke Stacey out of her sleep. She went down thinking who might have come so early on a Sunday morning. When she opened the door it was none other than her friends she was avoiding this whole week,

"What are you all doing her so early?" asked Stacey, shocked.

"Good morning to you too!" said Rehaan, going inside past Stacey.

They all entered the house one by one and took a seat in the living room. Stacey all confused, closed the door and went behind them in the living room,

"Okay so tell us what is it that's bothering you?" said Mia.

"Nothing." said Stacey.

"Stace, dear, we gave you enough time off, now c'mon say what's going on ?" asked Blake.

"Just the.... " before Stacey could give a lame excuse like before Rehaan said, 

"The truth Stacey!" 

Stacey looked at Rehaan. She didn't know what to say now.

"We are waiting!" said Aaron when she didn't speak for sometime.

"I didn't want to tell you guys before," she finally said, voice low, "because I have already bothered you all alot and also because I didn't want you all to get hurt."

"Hurt?" said Blake, with furrowed eyebrows.

"How ?" asked Rehaan.

She hesitated but then continued, "They threatened me, it was all a lie, they are not going to leave me out of it, I have to keep doing deliveries for them, and they know how you all accompanied me to the warehouse and how Rehaan came with me to the delivery, they sent me photos, its all too dangerous than I thought, I am being watched, they might be seeing us right now, who knows, so I decided to stay away from you all, that was the only way to keep you all safe!" said Stacey, with tears rolling out.

"Oh my god!....Stacey, honey!" said Mia, going beside her.

Blake muttered angrily, "Those bastards!"

Aaron clenched his fists, "You should have told us already."

"I couldn't, I was scared okay," said Stacey , trying to hold back her tears.

Everyone was silent for a few seconds when Rehaan spoke,

"Guys I see only one solution to get Stacey out of this forever." said Rehaan, looking at Stacey.

"What?" asked Blake , everyone looked at Rehaan.

Rehaan looking at Stacey and said,

"Exposing them."

"What do you mean by exposing them?" asked Stacey.

"Finding proofs against them and getting them arrested!" said Rehaan.

"Yeah that's a good idea." said Mia, excited and happy.

"No but it would be very dangerous and won't I also be arrested for doing this work ?" questioned Stacey.

Everyone thought, then Blake spoke,

"No you won't, because we would say you were blackmailed and as a proof you can show those messages!"

"Fantastic, yeah we could do this!" said Mia.

"Guys, guys, it is not that easy" said Stacey, shaking her head at them.

"We know and we won't even pretend that it is not hard or risky but what else we have." Aaron continued, looking at Stacey, " Only this way we can put an end to this."

"Yes. So how will we plan all this." said Mia.

"Yeah we will need a proper planning to move forward." said Blake.

"I don't get this" said Stacey, looking at everyone, "Why you guys doing this, why are you risking your peace, your safety and everything for me, you could all just walk away."

Rehaan said with soft eyes, "Because you are one of us now and we protect our people."

"We are family, babes" said Mia, putting an arm around her.

"I have just made things worse for you all" said Stacey looking down at the floor.

Aaron leaned forward, elbows on his knees, "Worse? Are you kidding me, you help me realize how I don't have to be perfect to be loved! "

"You helped me with my eating disorder and I am so much better now which would not be possible without you!" said Mia softly.

"Eating disorder?"  Aaron asked, looking at Mia confused.

Rehaan and Blake also looked at each other confused.

"Yeah I was suffering with it for quiet a long time but Stacey here helped me with it without judging me and I am so thankful to her!" said Mia on the verge of tears. Stacey put her hand on Mia's and nodded at Mia. Mia smiled back at her.

"You should have told me babe! Why did you hide it from me?" said Aaron, feeling betrayed.

Mia instantly went beside Aaron and said,

"I was just scared, ashamed of myself, I was trying to get better!" said Mia.

"Next time you tell me anything that is bothering you okay !" Aaron said putting an arm around her shoulder.

"Yes!" Mia nodded with a smile as Aaron kissed her forehead.

"Awwww!!!!!" said Stacey , " You both are so adorable!"

"So its official, we are going to expose them and set you free Stacey " said Rehaan.

 As Rehaan said that, they all stood up in a circle and placed their palm on one another between them and cheered.

Just five teenagers without a plan and any idea what and how they were going to move forward but with hope and fate in Lord and their  determination to save one of them from this mess was enough!

But they don't know what awaited for them !

18. "Stuck!"

The Next Morning,

Stacey woke to the smell of coffee and the sound of low voices. For a second, she thought she was dreaming — until she heard Mia laughing softly in the kitchen and Aaron arguing about how much sugar should go into coffee.

She sat up, hair messy, heart strangely full. For the first time in months, her house didn’t feel empty.

When she walked into the kitchen, the others were already gathered around the dining table — messy notebooks, coffee mugs, and Blake’s laptop spread out.

“Morning, sleeping beauty,” Rehaan said with a grin.

Mia handed her a cup. “We made coffee. Blake almost burned your toaster.”

Blake rolled his eyes. “It was one piece of bread.”

Stacey smiled weakly, leaning against the counter. “What’s all this?”

Rehaan looked up, calm but firm. “Working on the plan.”

“The threats. The people you’ve been working for,” Aaron added. “We know we can’t just run to the cops without proof. So we find it.”

“Find it?” Stacey frowned. “But how?”

Blake cut in, “You said they texted you, right? Calls, messages — something we can trace.”

Rehaan nodded quietly. “We need to figure out who’s behind it. So tell us everything you know.”

She hesitated, looking at each of them.

Aaron leaned back. “We’ll need details, routes, anything you remember about the deliveries.”

“I don’t want you to get dragged into this,” she whispered.

Rehaan met her eyes — steady, protective.

Something in the way he looked at her made her heart twist. No hesitation, no fear. Just certainty.

She sat down. “Okay… once I delivered a parcel at the old shipping yard on the east end. They never tell me who I’m meeting — just hand over the parcel and walk away. The guys are always in black, nothing distinct. But that night, one of them… he wore a black ring with a silver crest.”

Blake’s fingers flew across the keyboard. “That might mean something. Could be a family mark or symbol. Could you recognize it again?”

“Yeah. If I ever see it again, I’ll know.”

“We need to track them,” Aaron said. “Follow them. That’s the only way we’ll get a lead.”

“When’s the next delivery?” Rehaan asked.

“It should be soon. Every two or three days I get a new parcel — last one was Saturday, so… any time now.”

“Then we wait,” Blake said.

“Let’s get ready for school in the meantime,” Mia added.

Mia decided to get ready at Stacey’s. “You’ll find something in my closet,” Stacey said before heading for a shower.

Later, at school, just as they reached Rehaan’s car, Stacey’s phone buzzed.

She froze. Parcel will be dropped tonight at your place. Delivery time will be informed.

“Guys! I got the message,” Stacey said, eyes wide.

“Perfect. Tell us as soon as you get the delivery time,” Aaron said.

That night, Stacey texted the group:

Stacey: got the msg. delivery tmrw at 12pm
Mia: did you get the parcel?
Stacey: yeah, just now.
Aaron: great. after school, we meet and plan again. we’ll tag along.
Rehaan: wear black — we’ll stay hidden.

The Next Day,

After school, everyone gathered at Stacey’s place to finalize the plan.

“You’ll go like you always do,” Rehaan said.
“We’ll follow right after,” Mia added.
Aaron nodded. “I’ll take photos of the car or anything suspicious.”
“And if anything happens, we get out. No risks,” Stacey said firmly.

“Ready?” Rehaan asked later that night.

“Yeah,” Stacey said, clutching the parcel.

“Keep your location on,” Blake reminded her.

“Got it,” she said, giving a small two-finger salute before stepping into the dark street.

The street was dimly lit, shadows stretching long under the flickering lamps. Stacey stood still, parcel in hand.
At exactly 12 p.m., a man dressed in black approached. No words — just the usual exchange.

Her phone buzzed with confirmation.

She turned and walked away, joining the others hidden nearby. They followed quietly until the man reached a car. Aaron zoomed in and clicked photos of the number plate. Then the car sped off into the night.

“Shit, we should’ve brought our car,” Rehaan muttered.

“Next time,” Stacey said. “Tomorrow we meet and  find out who owns that car. Lets call it a night for today!”

The Next Day,

By morning, Blake hadn’t shown up at school. Calls went unanswered.

"Where is Blake," spoke Mia when she heard the bell ring for the first period.

“He probably overslept,” Stacey tried to say, but her voice wavered.

When school ended, Rehaan’s phone rang. A woman’s voice asked, “Is this Rehaan?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know a Blake Jefferson?”

Rehaan straightened. “Yes, why?”

“Blake was in a minor accident this morning.”

“What? Where is he?”

“Ashfield City Hospital.”

Rehaan hung up, stunned. “Guys, get in the car. It’s Blake — he’s in the hospital.”

They rushed there. Stacey’s phone vibrated three times as she stepped out of the car. Her heart dropped when she read the messages. Everything blurred — her breath, the sounds, the world.

Her phone rang again. Rehaan’s voice cut through. “Stacey, where are you?”

“In the parking lot,” she whispered.

“Come up — second floor, room 204. Blake’s okay, minor accident. Hurry.”

She nodded, hung up, and walked inside. Each step felt heavy.
At room 204, she paused, hand on the door handle, trying to steady her breath. Then, finally, she pushed it open.

19. "The Silver Crest!"

Seeing Blake with bandages wrapped around his head, Stacey couldn't hold back her tears. She rushed to him and hugged him, repeating over and over that it was all her fault.

"Stacey, Stacey — how is it your fault that I got in an accident?" Blake asked, confused. The others looked just as bewildered.

Rehaan came up behind Stacey and rubbed her back. "What happened, Stacey? Why are you crying so much? How is Blake getting hurt your fault? Please, say something."

"Just before we came here I got a message from the same unknown number," she said, showing the phone to Rehaan. "It said if I don't stop involving you all, this will turn out very bad — and this Blake getting hurt is only a demo."

Rehaan passed the phone to Aaron and Mia, and then to Blake.

"God... now what?" Mia murmured, worried.

"They sound dangerous," Aaron said.

"Yeah — and that's why we need to stop whatever we're doing."

"No. We can't — or you will never get out," Rehaan snapped.

"You don't understand, Rehaan. This isn't about me. Blake getting hurt is serious. I don't want saving if it risks you all getting hurt. This is not a high‑school prank — they're real criminals and we're just ordinary kids with no power over them."

"Then what will we do? What will you do?" Mia asked.

"I don't know, okay? I don't know what I'm going to do, but this mission stops right here."

"But—" Rehaan began.

"Stop it, Rehaan. I don't need your saving. Just stop." Stacey looked at Blake. "Sorry," she whispered, and left, tears rolling down her face. No one knew what to do — they didn't want Stacey to be trapped in this forever, but there was nothing they could do.

Stacey left the hospital and went straight to her mother's grave.

"Hey, Mom. How are you? I hope you and Dad are happy," she said, breaking down. "I'm really tired of everything. I just want it to stop, but I don't know if there's anything I can do to get out of this mess."

She sat there crying for hours. Around six in the evening she left the graveyard and considered visiting Blake again.

When she entered his room she found him awake and scrolling on his phone.

"Shouldn't you be resting and avoiding screens?" Stacey asked, coming in with a bag of fruit.

"Hey, you're here," Blake said, taking a banana from the fruit bag.

"Where is everyone else?" Stacey asked.

"They left — more like I told them to rest. They might come back later," Blake replied.

"I'm sorry," Stacey said after a while.

"Don't be. It's not your fault."

"It is. You got pulled into my mess."

"That was my choice. I don't regret it for a second." Blake smiled.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, anything." Blake returned her smile.

"I don't want to intrude, but why isn't any of your family here?" Stacey asked.

Blake's expression softened. "You don't know? I don't really have a family. What I had were my grandparents — they died last year. I was left in a box outside their place when I was a baby. They took me in; they didn't have a son — their son had died — but when they found me that winter night they saw their son in me and didn't give me away. They named me Blake after their son and raised me as their own grandson. They were amazing. they always said i looked like their son. They were every bit of a family I had. Now in the name of family all I have is you guys otherwise I'm all alone."

"But how can you stay alone? How did you not go in foster care?"

"I was already eighteen when they passed. I'm a year older than you all."

Stacey sniffed and hugged him. "I guess we all have messed‑up lives."

"Yeah." Said Blake with a chuckle.

"Except Rehaan — he's truly gifted." Said Stacey , looking at him.

"You may never know," Blake said.

Rehaan's POV,

Two days had passed since they halted their plan to dig deeper into Stacey's situation. Rehaan was hell‑bent on continuing — even if he couldn't risk his friends' lives. He was frustrated; he wanted to help Stacey, no matter what. He even thought of asking his father for help — his father had connections.

He got out of bed and reached for the bottle on his bedside table, but it was empty. He went to the kitchen for water, then headed back to his room when he noticed his father's study's light on. He knocked and walked in. There was no sign of his father, but an envelope on the desk caught his eye. It bore a silver crest. Immediately he remembered the ring he had seen on the man's finger in Stacey's story.

Someone knocked the study door and his father stood there, looking at him as if surprised. "You're not asleep yet?"

"I— I was going to my room when I saw the light, thought I'd say hi," Rehaan stammered.

"How's school?" his father asked, taking a seat at the desk.

"Good," Rehaan replied, confused. His father never asked about school.

"How are your friends?"

"Good, good," Rehaan said.

"Good," his father said, eyes on his phone. "Don't stay up too late. Good night, son."

"Goodnight dad." 

Rehaan left the study with a knot in his stomach. What was his father doing with that envelope?

Once he was settled in his bed and was trying to sleeping, his phone blinked with a message in the group chat. Checking his phone he saw a message from Blake in their group chat , it was a photo of a car with a closeup of a silver crest. Rehaan's blood ran cold; the pattern matched the one on the envelope in his father's study.

Group chat :

Blake: can you recognize this @stacey

Stacey: yeah, it's the same I saw on the guy's finger. But why are you looking into it? We decided to stop.

Blake: I couldn't sleep so I went through photos and found this. If you want, I can try to find who it belongs to.

Rehaan's breathing was uneven. He texted quickly:

Rehaan: everyone meet me before school tomorrow at Stacey's. I have something important to tell.

Stacey: is everything okay?

Rehaan: maybe or maybe not.

Mia: what?

Stacey: you're scaring us.

Rehaan: just meet tomorrow. Don't ask any questions. Period.

Aaron: okay.

Mia: okay.

Stacey: okay.

Blake: okay.

The next morning everyone gathered at Stacey's.

"What's going on? Tell us now. I couldn't sleep," Stacey said.

"Me neither," Mia added.

Rehaan swallowed and told them about the envelope with the silver crest he'd seen in his father's study.

"What do you mean your father might be involved?" Aaron asked.

"I don't know. I'm having the worst thoughts right now. I need answers. We can't stop the mission — not yet."

"No," Stacey said, cutting him off. "We can't afford anyone getting hurt just because we need answers Rehaan!."

"Guys look what I found?" Blake said. The others gathered around the screen.

"This is the same silver crest I found on the car and what Stacey says she saw on the finger-ring of the guy during the delivery," Blake said. "It's under the name 'The Blacks.' Guys, this is a dangerous gang. It's more than a few people — it's an organization."

"A gang? We're trying to go against a gang?" Mia whispered.

"Yeah, and they're almost all over the world," Blake said. "I think the crest is their symbol. There are variations in color — probably for different regions."

"More reason not to go against them, Rehaan," Stacey said.

"Why don't you ask your dad directly, Rehaan?" Mia suggested. "Mr. Williams wouldn't hurt a fly."

"Exactly. Ask him. He might have a reason."

Rehaan looked at his friends. They were right. It seemed the safest, most logical step.

"Everything will be okay. Talk to him," Stacey said softly, coming beside him.

He nodded, hoping the answers wouldn't be worse than his fears.

20. "Messed Up Rehaan!"

Rehaan's  pov,

After coming home from school Rehaan couldn't think about anything else: how to ask his dad about the silver crest on the envelope. He had to know.

“Rehaan,” his mother called.

“Hey, Mom,” he said, entering the kitchen.

“Dear, can you help me put these groceries away?” she asked.

“Sure — where’s Maid Linda?” Rehaan took the bag of sugar from her.

“She’s on vacation with her family. She’ll return in a week. Your father said to hire someone, but I told him it’s fine — I get bored sitting at home anyway,” she smiled.

A few minutes later they were done and Rehaan went back to his room.

Around ten that night he slipped down to his father’s study. His dad always worked after dinner, often late.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hey — what brings you here?” his father replied without looking up.

“I wanted to ask you something.” Rehaan swallowed and looked at the desk; the envelope wasn’t there.

“Seems interesting,” his father said, turning his full attention to him.

“So — what is it?” his father prompted.

“There was an envelope here yesterday on your table,” Rehaan said.

“What envelope?” his father asked.

“The one with this silver crest.” Rehaan showed the crest photo on his phone.

His father took the phone and studied it carefully. “Where did you get this?”

“My friend Blake found it online,” Rehaan said.

“Why are you kids poking into things that don’t concern you? You should be studying, thinking about college, not this.” He handed the phone back and returned to his work.

“Do you know anything about this crest, Dad? Why would you have an envelope like that?” Rehaan pressed.

“Go back to your room, Rehaan.”

“Dad, please — I need to know.” Rehaan’s voice trembled.

His father stood, closed the study door, then walked back slowly and stopped in front of him. Rehaan had never seen him like this; he felt a cold twinge of fear.

“The silver crest. You might have found out who it belongs to, right?” his father asked.

“The Blacks — that’s what we found,” Rehaan blurted.

“Why are you so interested?” his father paused, then continued. “Is it because of that girl?”

“What girl?” Rehaan asked.

“Stacey.” His father’s tone was flat.

“How do you know about Stacey? I never said anything to—” Rehaan started.

“I know everything, son,” his father said. “And if you want to keep her safe, you’ll stay away from this.”

“Don’t tell me you’re involved,” Rehaan said, stunned. “How could you, Dad?”

“Shut up!” his father snapped. “You know nothing. Yes, I’m involved. In fact, I run it. Your friend works for me. All those mens in black  you tried follow — they work for me.”

“But why?” Rehaan’s voice cracked. He was shocked - how did his dad knew about them following those men ?

“To survive.” His father’s face hardened. “After your grandfather died, the business was failing. The Blacks saved us, but they demanded a favor: someone to run their operations here. I had no choice. It was a deal to keep the company alive. Everything you have is because of that.”

Rehaan stood frozen, trying to reconcile this man whom the town revered. 

“And I’m warning you, son — I will go to any lengths to keep our business alive. I need the Blacks protected and their work kept running. If you try anything, I will not hesitate to hurt that girl Stacey.” His father’s voice was eerily calm.

“You’re the person this town worships,” Rehaan whispered. “You’re my dad — the man I looked up to.” His dad met his gaze but said nothing.

 Rehaan left the study and ran to the park where he and Stacey once  danced almost the whole night. He sat on the swings and cried, imagining his father as the cause of Stacey’s suffering. How could his dad sink so low?

He fell asleep on a park bench that night. The next morning he went back home after he was sure his father had left.

“Rehaan — where were you? Why aren’t you ready for school? Your dad asked for you,” his mother said.

“Mom.” Rehaan hugged her.

“What’s wrong, dear?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” he admitted.

“Tell me, you can tell me anything.” She cupped his face.

“It’s just… my friend is in trouble and I can’t help her,” Rehaan said.

“Mia?” his mother asked.

“Not Mia — Stacey,” he answered.

“Oh, Stacey — a new friend?” she asked.

“That’s not the point.” Rehaan’s voice wavered.

“It is the point. It depends on how important that person is to you. If they matter, you do whatever you can. Even if you think you can’t, you at least try — because it’s rare to find people who truly mean something to us. Never let them go.” She smiled gently.

Rehaan nodded, but the fear stayed. He wasn’t sure he could go against his father — and he knew, deep down, that his father might truly do anything.

Rehaan was lying on his bed when someone knocked on the door. Before he could respond, his father stepped inside and sat down beside him. Rehaan immediately sat up, staring at him warily.

“What are you doing here?” Rehaan asked.

“I hope you understand why I’m doing what I’m doing,” his father said quietly.

“I can never understand it, Dad,” Rehaan replied, shaking his head.

“Then learn to understand it,” his father said firmly. “Because one day, you’ll have to take it over.”

“We’ll see,” Rehaan muttered.

His father sighed, stood up, and turned to leave.

“Dad,” Rehaan called after him.

His father paused at the doorway.

“Can’t you leave Stacey out of this? Please,” Rehaan asked, his voice breaking slightly.

“I can’t,” his father said without hesitation. “She’s the best I have. No one suspects her — no one would ever imagine she might be carrying something illegal.”

“For me, Dad… please,” Rehaan pleaded.

“I’m not doing this for myself,” his father said coldly. “It’s for the business. And now that you’re old enough, start thinking about the business before yourself.”

Rehaan stared at him, disbelief and anger twisting inside him. “Is there really no other way to save the business? Or is this just the easiest way?”

His father didn’t reply. He simply turned and walked out, closing the door behind him.

Rehaan fell back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His chest felt heavy, his thoughts tangled. He didn’t know how he would ever face Stacey again — not when she was unknowingly caught in the middle of everything his father had built.

21. "Quiver in the Night !"

“Rehaan, where were you yesterday? No call, no message — I was so tense,” said Stacey, worry clear in her voice.

“I wasn’t feeling well,” Rehaan replied, avoiding her eyes. Stacey immediately knew something was wrong.

“Did you talk to your dad?” Mia asked, glancing between them.

“Yeah… but he said that letter was meant for someone else. Not for him.”

“For whom?” Aaron asked, just as the bell rang for first period.

“He didn’t say anything,” Rehaan sighed. “He told me we should all stay away, and that he doesn’t know anything more about what’s inside that envelope.”

Stacey’s POV,

From that day on, Rehaan was… different. It was like something inside him had shifted.

He barely looked her in the eye anymore. Whenever they mentioned anything about the deliveries, his shoulders stiffened, and he’d suddenly go quiet. Stacey could tell — he was hiding something. Something that was eating him from the inside.

She had already accepted her own fate — that she could never truly escape these deliveries. College plans, dreams, freedom — all of it felt like smoke slipping through her fingers. She didn’t even know if the people she worked for would ever let her leave this town.

It was Saturday afternoon, and Stacey was behind the counter at the café when she heard a familiar voice.

“Hey girl,” said Mia, walking in with Aaron and Blake.

Stacey smiled, surprised. “Hey! What a nice surprise. Where’s Rehaan?”

“We’re here to talk about him, actually,” Blake said.

Stacey froze. “What about Rehaan? Is he okay?”

“Yeah, he’s fine,” Aaron said quickly. “But he’s been acting really weird lately.”

“You noticed that too?” Stacey asked softly. “Ever since he talked to his dad, he’s been tense. Zoned out.”

“Exactly,” Mia nodded.

“Should we ask him directly?” Blake said.

“I don’t think he’ll tell us anything,” Stacey murmured. “If he wanted to, he already would’ve. This is Rehaan we’re talking about.”

“You’re right,” Mia sighed. “Still… I’m worried about him.”

“Me too,” Stacey said, forcing a small smile. “Okay, let me get you guys something. It’s on the house.”

“Cold coffee. No sugar,” said Mia.

“Same — but with sugar,” Aaron added.

“Chocolate milkshake with whipped cream on top,” Blake grinned.

Stacey laughed faintly. “Coming right up.”

Rehaan’s POV,

It was Sunday noon, and Rehaan was bored out of his mind. He didn’t want to see anyone — not after what he’d learned from his dad.

He couldn’t meet Stacey’s eyes without feeling the weight of guilt pressing on his chest.

He spent the whole day shut in his room, playing video games and eating junk food. By night, he couldn’t sleep. The silence felt heavy. He sat by the window, staring at the night sky that always managed to calm him — until he heard something from the driveway.

A voice. His father’s.

He leaned closer and saw his dad walking toward the car, phone pressed to his ear. A few moments later, the engine roared to life.

Without thinking, Rehaan slipped on his jacket and crept out the front door. His heart pounded as he started his bike and followed the red taillights fading down the empty street. He didn’t  know why he was doing it, following his own father but some part of him just felt the need to.

The road stretched into silence until his father’s car finally slowed near a half-constructed three-story building. Rehaan parked behind a tree and watched as his father stepped inside.

Something about the place felt wrong.

He followed quietly, staying in the shadows, until voices echoed from the main hall. A group of men stood in a circle — and at the center, a man was on his knees, bruised and trembling.

Rehaan’s stomach turned.

Then he saw his father among them. Calm. Cold.

“What should we do with him?” one of the men asked, holding a gun.

“The same thing you did with that Reynolds guy,” his father said.

Rehaan’s blood ran cold.

Reynolds.

“No… no, it can’t be,” he whispered. His vision blurred. The walls seemed to close in.

Before anyone could notice, he stumbled back, heart pounding, and ran. He didn’t stop until he was on his bike again, speeding through the dark streets — as if distance could erase what he had just seen and heard.

22. "Home !"

Rehaan found himself standing on Stacey’s doorstep.

He didn’t know why… but this was the only place his mind dragged him to. He couldn’t go home—not after everything. He needed space, air, something that wasn’t the chaos of his messed-up life and his father.

It was almost 1 a.m.

He had called Stacey once, but hung up after two or three rings. What was he even doing here? Standing in front of the girl whose entire life his dad had messed up. How did he still have the guts to show his face?

The thought made him step back. He sank onto the cold stairs of her porch, burying his face in his hands. He was completely broken, alone with this horrible new truth about his father. He didn’t even notice the tears sliding down his face… or the soft sound of the door opening behind him.

When Stacey saw him sitting there—head down, shoulders shaking—she didn’t hesitate. She immediately walked to him and knelt by his side.

The moment Rehaan looked up, her heart cracked. His tear-streaked face was something she never wanted to see in her life.

Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her waist from where he sat. She held him, folding her arms around his shoulders and resting her chin on his head, letting him cry as long as he needed. No questions. No pressure. Just warmth.

After a while, she gently helped him inside and closed the door.

“Do you want something to drink?” Stacey asked softly.

“Water is fine,” Rehaan said, avoiding her eyes.

She brought him a bottle and handed it over.
“Here.”

Rehaan took a sip and exhaled shakily. “Aren’t you going to ask why I’m here?”

“I know you well enough,” Stacey said. “You’ll tell me when you want to. And if you don’t want to, then no matter what I do, you won’t tell me.”

She hesitated before adding, “But everyone’s worried. You’ve been acting strange ever since you talked to your dad.”

“I… actually… my dad…” He stopped. He couldn’t say it.

Stacey placed a hand on his shoulder. “Rehaan… it’s late. We’ll talk tomorrow, okay? There’s a spare room upstairs. You can take that.”

“No, I’m good here.” He sank into the couch.

Stacey had just reached the stairs when Rehaan whispered, “Thank you, Stacey.”

She turned, gave him a small nod, and went to her room.

The Next Morning,

Stacey walked downstairs to the warm smell of waffles. She rushed into the kitchen and found Rehaan standing at the stove.

“Morning,” she said, smiling softly.

“Hey. Morning,” he replied.

“Thank you,” she said as he placed a plate in front of her.

They ate in silence.

“Are you coming to school?” Stacey asked when she finished.

“I’ll skip today.”

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly.

“Yes,” he said, eyes still on his plate.

“Sure?”

“Positive,” he answered, forcing a smile.

Stacey sighed, heading toward the door. Before stepping out, she turned and said,
“I know the difference between a real smile and a fake one, Rehaan. So stop pretending. Whatever you’re dealing with… I hope you find peace with it soon.”

Then she left.

Rehaan didn’t move. Stacey had seen right through him—again.

Last night, when he hugged her… it felt like coming home. The way she didn’t ask anything, just let him stay—like it was normal for him to show up crying at 1 a.m.—it broke him and healed him at the same time.

She was the only place he wanted to go at the end of a bad day.

She was home.

She deserved the truth. She deserved freedom. And if exposing his father was the price… he’d pay it.

With that thought, Rehaan texted the group to meet after school.

4 p.m. – At Stacey’s Place,

Everyone sat in the living room when Rehaan finally spoke.

“We need to reboot the mission,” he said.

“No, Rehaan—” Stacey started.

“Just hear me out.” He took a shaky breath. “The night I asked Dad about the silver crest… he told me he knew what it was.”

“But you said—” Aaron began.

“I know, I lied. Just listen.” Rehaan continued, voice cracking. “He knew about the silver crest, the men in black, the night we followed them… everything. And the truth is—my dad runs their operations in this town.”

“No way,” Mia whispered. “Mr. William? That’s impossible.”

“There’s more,” Rehaan said quietly. “He threatened me. Said if I keep helping Stacey, he wouldn’t hesitate to hurt her.”

Stacey’s breath caught.

“I wanted to stop the mission… I didn’t want any of you in danger.” Rehaan swallowed hard. “But last night—I saw something. Something that made me realize I don’t even know who that man is. I watched him kill someone like it meant nothing. No regret. No hesitation.”

Everyone went silent.

“I can’t stay in the same house as him. So I came here,” he said, glancing at Stacey.

She reached out and squeezed his hand.

“I need to expose him,” Rehaan whispered. “Otherwise I’ll carry this guilt forever. And I won’t be able to look at you, Stacey… because every time I do, I feel like it’s my fault you’re in this mess.”

“You’re being stupid,” Stacey said firmly. “It’s not your fault what your father has done.”

“That settles it then,” Blake said. “We’re back in business.”

“Yes,” Aaron added. “And it’s bigger than we thought.”

“But this time,” Mia said, “we’re not backing out. We expose Mr. Jones. We free Stacey from this mess. And we free Rehaan from his guilt.”

They all nodded with new determination.

Blake opened his laptop. “I’ll re-check the photos.”

“I think we can get clues from Dad’s study,” Rehaan said. “But it’s always locked.”

“What if we find the key?” Mia suggested.

“We can try. But we’ll have to do it late at night when he’s asleep,” Rehaan said.

“Okay,” Stacey agreed.

“But there’s a problem.” Rehaan paused.

“What?” Aaron asked.

“He keeps the key with him. Always.”

“That means he’s hiding something big in it, I guess,” Stacey said.

“Can you get the key somehow?” Aaron asked.

“I can try,” Rehaan replied. “Here’s the plan—come to my place around 1 a.m. Stay hidden outside until I signal you. Once I have the key, you can climb up to my room. Then we break into the study.”

“Isn’t it too risky?” Stacey asked.

“I know,” Rehaan said, meeting her eyes. “But it’s the only way.”

She nodded slowly.

Everyone agreed.

23. "Secrets that Break Us !"

Rehaan paced his room for the tenth time. His friends were already waiting in Aaron’s car on the side street, hidden by the trees. He kept glancing at the clock.

12:58.

Any minute now, his dad would go to sleep. And he still had no idea how he was going to get the key.

Taking a shaky breath, he slipped downstairs. The lights were off except for the warm glow coming from his father’s study. Rehaan could hear his father speaking to someone, but the words blurred together.

Think. Think.

Just then, the study door opened. Rehaan pressed himself into the shadows.

His father stepped out, locked the study door, and walked toward the kitchen. Rehaan followed silently, heart pounding.

In the kitchen, Mr. Jones grabbed a beer while scrolling on his phone. The keys slipped from his hand, clinking onto the counter. He bent to pick them up, placed them on the island, and kept scrolling, sipping his beer without much attention.

Rehaan stepped inside.

His dad looked up.
“What are you doing up so late, son?”

“I… needed water. I was just going to sleep.”

“You should sleep early. Not good for your health.”

“I know, Dad.”

Rehaan needed a distraction—anything to keep his dad from grabbing the keys again. But before he could think of something, his father’s phone rang. Mr. Jones frowned, answered it, then hurried out of the kitchen.

Too easy.

“Thank you, God,” Rehaan whispered, reaching for the keys.

“Rehaan?”

He froze. Slowly turned. The keys were clenched behind his back.

“What are you still doing here? Go sleep—you have school tomorrow.”

“Right. I’m going. Goodnight.”

Only after the bedroom door of his parents’ room shut did Rehaan breathe again.

 He called his friends.
“Now.”

He rushed upstairs, opened his window, and waited. Within minutes, he saw his friends creeping up the driveway. Rehaan pointed toward the ladder leaning against the side wall.

Aaron set it up quietly. One by one, they climbed into Rehaan’s room. They waited almost an hour—until they were sure the house was silent.

At 2:00 AM, they slipped into the hallway and toward the locked study.

Rehaan unlocked it. Shut the door. Locked it from inside.
Torch lights flicked on, beams slicing through the dark.

Everyone began searching—drawers, shelves, files, even behind framed pictures.

Stacey opened a cupboard and looking through it, she froze.
“Guys…”

Everyone gathered around her.

“I can’t believe this,” she whispered, stepping back.

“What is it?” Mia asked.

“The files. The papers… everything is in my father’s handwriting.” Stacey’s voice trembled. “Every line.”

Rehaan felt the world tilt. His throat closed up.

“Show me,” Mia said, flipping through the file.

“Maybe it looks like Mr. Reynolds’ writing, it can be someone else's , people can have similar writings!” Blake offered weakly.

Stacey shook her head. “No. My dad always writes his A’s like this. See? It’s his.”

Aaron frowned. “But why would your dad’s files be with Mr. Jones?”

“Maybe they had some business together,” Mia said, though she didn’t sound convinced.

Rehaan’s mind flashed back to the night before.

Same what you did with the Reynolds guy. - these were the words his father spoke before the guy was shot dead!

He hadn’t been able to stop replaying those words.

“Rehaan?” Mia said gently. “Do you know something?”

He didn’t move.

Stacey stepped in front of him. “Rehaan.”

He blinked. “Yeah… yeah?”

“Are you okay?” She looked scared for him.

“Y-yeah.”

“Guys, look at this,” Blake called.

He held up a cap.

“That’s my dad’s!” Stacey grabbed it. Her breath stuttered when she saw the dark stains. “Is this… blood?”

“I think so,” Mia whispered.

“There’s more,” Blake said, pulling out a plastic bag. Inside were a book, a ring, and a cloth soaked in dried blood.

“That ring is also my dad’s…” Stacey turned to Rehaan, eyes wide, breaking. “What is all this, Rehaan? Do you know anything about this?”

He couldn’t speak.

“Rehaan, at least say something,” Mia pleaded.

Blake lifted the book. “This probably belonged to your dad too.”

Everyone stared at Rehaan.

He stared at the floor.

“Yesterday,” he began quietly, “when I saw my dad… he ordered some guy to do the same thing to the man on his knees that they did to ‘the Reynolds guy.’ His exact words.” Rehaan swallowed hard. “And then the man was shot dead.”

Silence.

Stacey’s voice cracked. “He killed my dad…”

Rehaan nodded. Barely.

“You knew,” she whispered. “And you didn’t tell me?”

“I just thought—”

“You thought what?” Her voice rose, shaking. “What else are you hiding? Rehaan, speak!”

When he didn’t, she stepped back.

“Sorry. I can’t do this anymore.” Her voice was empty—beyond anger, beyond pain.

She unlocked the study door and walked straight out of the house, not caring if Mr. Jones saw her.

She walked all the way home, up to her room. The moment she shut her door, her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the bed.

She cried until her throat hurt, until her eyes burned, until there were no tears left.

24. "On my Own !"

Rehaan’s pov,

Rehaan stood frozen in the same spot. Mia had tried to run after Stacey, but she was too fast. Blake finally stepped in and said they needed to give her space. Everything around Rehaan felt like it was moving too fast and too slow at the same time. His mind was blank except for one truth—
he should have told her everything.
It was his mistake.
And he would fix it. Whatever it took.

They locked up the study, tossed the keys on the kitchen island, and went to his room. The four of them sat there, replaying how they thought the night would go… and how horribly it had actually gone.

Rehaan hadn’t spoken a word since it happened. His silence scared all of them.

“Rehaan, at least say something,” Mia whispered.

“You’re scaring us,” Blake added.

“Rehaan,” Aaron said softly.

“What should I say?” Rehaan finally spoke, voice cracking. “I have nothing to say. Because of my father, she doesn’t have her dad. Because of my father, her whole life is a mess. So indirectly, I’m the reason her life is ruined. God—I just… I hate him so much for doing this.”

The words poured out of him like he’d been holding them back for years.

“How can someone go this low for money? For fame? How are people so blinded by material things that they can’t see the innocent lives they’re destroying? And the worst part—” his voice broke, “the person I’m connected to, the man I call my father… he’s the one running all this. I used to look up to him. I wanted to be like him. Now I don’t even want his shadow touching me.”

Mia hugged him first, then Aaron and Blake joined. And only then did Rehaan finally break—really break—because he knew his friends were there to hold him up.

“I need to get through this,” Rehaan whispered. “And I need to get Stacey out of this mess.”

“And we will,” Blake said immediately.

“Yes.” Mia and Aaron nodded.

The next morning,

They gathered outside Stacey’s house. They rang the bell, knocked, called—nothing. Finally, after several attempts, the door opened.

Stacey looked… destroyed.
Swollen eyes, red nose, pale face.
None of them had slept, but she looked the worst.

“You look horrible,” Mia tried to joke gently.

Stacey didn’t smile. “What is it?”

“We came to plan what’s next,” Blake said cautiously.

“I said already—I can’t do this anymore,” Stacey murmured, staring at the floor.

Rehaan’s heart cracked at the sight of her.

“But—” Aaron began.

“No but,” she snapped. “I said stop. I don’t want anything to do with this. Go back to your lives. Forget we ever knew each other. I’ll deal with my life on my own. I don’t need your sympathy.”

“Sympathy?” Mia repeated, hurt flashing across her face. “Do you really think that’s why we’re here?”

“Yeah. Sympathy. Just go.” Stacey’s voice shook at the end, and she slammed the door.

Stacey's pov,

On the other side of it, she slid down slowly until she was on the floor. When she heard the car engines start and fade away, she broke—again.

She knew how Rehaan felt. She knew how hard it was for him to stand against his own father. She didn’t want him to fight that battle for her. If she hadn’t walked into their lives, they’d still be carefree—laughing, teasing, living normally.

Since knowing her, she had only dragged them into danger.

So she needed to let them go.

She would go on this mission alone.
She would expose everything alone.
And yes—Rehaan’s dad would end up behind bars.
But at least Rehaan wouldn’t have to be the one putting him there.

She wiped her tears, tied her hair back, and headed to the attic. Her dad’s things were there. She needed answers. She needed proof.

Turning on her phone torch, she opened the first box—clothes. The next—more clothes. After three boxes, she finally reached a box of papers and files. She dragged it downstairs, nearly dropping it.

“Let’s see,” she muttered, sitting on the floor and spreading the documents in front of her.

Rehaan's pov,

Rehaan was the first to walk to the car. He sat behind the wheel until the others joined.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Mia snapped as they drove away.

“It was no use,” Rehaan said quietly. “Stacey won’t budge. Not this time.”

“But how can she think it’s sympathy? How many times do we have to prove we’re her friends?” Mia’s anger was mostly pain.

“It’s Stacey,” Rehaan replied. “Don’t take her words literally. She’s just trying to push us away so we stay safe. She won’t let me go against my dad. And she won’t let us walk into danger when she knows how complicated this is.”

“That… does sound like Stacey,” Blake admitted.

“I know,” Mia whispered. “But it still hurts. Every time things get bad she shuts us out. And we’re just left… waiting.”

“Not this time.” Rehaan’s voice was firm. “We continue the mission—with or without her.”

“We will?” Aaron asked.

“Yes. We will.”

“Where do we even start?” Blake asked.

“Where we stopped last night,” Rehaan said. “The study is our only lead.”

“Same plan as last night?”

“Yes. But this time we don’t need to steal the keys.” Rehaan smirked.

“What do you mean?” Blake asked.

Rehaan pulled out his phone and showed them a picture of the keys.

“This is the key?” Mia frowned.

“No, smartass,” Rehaan rolled his eyes. “I know a guy who can make a duplicate just by looking at a picture.”

“That’s perfect,” Blake grinned.

Stacey… you can’t fool me, Rehaan thought.
I know exactly what you’re trying to do. You’re pushing us away so I don’t have to go against my dad. And you’re planning to go alone. But I won’t let that happen. I promised you at the bonfire—you will never be alone again. And I’ll keep that promise.

Stacey’s pov,

“God, there’s nothing here,” Stacey muttered after going through almost every file. Just a few left.

Then her phone buzzed.

A message.
From an unknown number.
A location. A time.
And instructions to deliver a parcel.

She leaned back on the sofa and exhaled shakily.

Rehaan’s pov — That Night,

They all gathered at Rehaan’s house again except Stacey. They waited for his father to sleep, but at 1:10 a.m., the front door opened.

A moment later, the car engine roar, hearing the engine come to life, Rehaan, Mia, Aaron and Blake rushed to Rehaan's bedroom window and they saw his father, Mr. Jones , driving away.

“Should we follow him?” Blake whispered.

“No,” Aaron said. “This is our chance to search the study.”

“Blake is right,” Rehaan agreed.

They rushed downstairs, slipped into the study, and Rehaan switched on the lights.

“Let’s get to work,” he said.

And all of them started searching—papers, drawers, shelves—anything that could expose Mr. Jones or link him to The Blacks.

25. "The Photo !"

Rehaan’s pov,

"Guys, this drawer is not opening," Mia said.

Rehaan, Blake, and Aaron all tried pulling it, but it didn’t budge.

"Mia, do you have a bobby pin?" Aaron asked.

"No," Mia shook her head.

"We need something like a bobby pin to unlock this," Aaron muttered.

"Let me try," Rehaan said, already heading out of the room. A few minutes later, he came back, breathing a little fast, a bobby pin in his hand.

"Here," he said, handing it to Aaron.

"Where did you find it?" Mia asked.

"Mom’s room. Her sleep is super deep—once she’s out, she wakes up only in the morning," Rehaan replied.

"Oh…" Mia murmured.

"It's done," Aaron finally said after a few failed attempts. The drawer clicked open.

"I hope we find something." Blake whispered.

Inside was only a single photograph and a pendant. Rehaan took the photo in his hands.

It was Mr. Jones (Rehaan’s father) and Mr. Reynolds (Stacey’s father).
Smiling widely. Arms around each other.
Looking like… best friends.

Confusion hit them all at once. First the blood-stained clothes of Mr. Reynolds… and now this?

"If they were friends… then how could Mr. Jones kill him?" Mia said softly.

"Maybe they had a fight," Blake suggested weakly.

"Or maybe Mr. Reynolds found out Mr. Jones was working for the Blacks, and because of that he—" Aaron started.

"But what about this pendant?" Mia asked.

Rehaan took it. It opened with a soft click. Inside was a tiny, old picture of Stacey, her mom, and Mr. Reynolds.

"I’m guessing it’s his," Rehaan said. "A family locket."

Suddenly, they heard the sound of a car engine outside.

Instant panic.

Rehaan placed the photo and the pendant back in the drawer, Aaron shut the drawer, locked it again with shaking fingers, and turned the lights off. All of them rushed out of the study—just as Mr. Jones opened the front door.

They hid under the stairs, shadows swallowing them whole, heartbeats loud in their ears.

Mr. Jones walked toward the study.

Then… turned and walked upstairs.

A door opened. Closed.

Only then did they crawl out of hiding, muscles trembling, and sprint to Rehaan’s room. Blake fell onto the desk chair, Mia and Aaron collapsed onto the bed, and Rehaan leaned against the door, chest rising and falling fast.

"What do we even make of that photo?" Blake asked.

"And the pendant?" Mia added, "Should we tell Stacey about this."

"Not yet," Rehaan said firmly "These aren’t proofs. They don’t prove anything. Let’s keep this between us for now."

"Guys, it’s already late. We have school tomorrow," Mia sighed, after a few minutes of silence.

They climbed down the ladder quietly, whispered their goodbyes, and left.

Rehaan lied down on his bed and closed his eyes. His mind went back to Stacey's photo in the pendant.
It was like Little Stacey was smiling  up at him from inside it—the same innocent smile she had before everything broke.

This year… her eyes had changed.
Her innocence was gone.
And all because of his father.

He had always noticed Stacey. If she was in a room, his eyes found her. He had watched her grow from a shy, soft-spoken girl to this brave, observant young woman fighting battles no one her age should ever have to fight.

"I promise you, Stacey… I’ll get you out of this mess," he thought.

Stacey’s pov,

Stacey rushed to school the next morning—she’d barely slept.

English period was torture; she almost dozed off.
By third period, she had given up trying to pay attention at all.

It was the last lecture now. She avoided her friends the entire lunch break.

After school, she tried to sleep, but her mind wouldn’t stop spinning. Two cups of coffee later—with no appetite for dinner—she grabbed the parcel and left home at exactly 10 p.m.

She cycled to the drop-off location, hid her bicycle, and stood alone in the cold night air, hood pulled low.

At exactly midnight, a man dressed entirely in black—mask, gloves, everything—approached, took the parcel silently, and walked away.

Her phone buzzed: Parcel received.

Stacey pulled her hood further down and followed him. She trailed the man until he entered a car, then cycled after it, pushing herself until her lungs burned. Sweat trickled down her spine despite the night chill.

The car swerved right, then left, and finally entered a warehouse area.

Stacey hid behind a tree, clicked the photo of the man and the warehouse and  watched the men disappear inside. She tried to find another way in, but every entrance was guarded.

No. There was no way.
Defeated and exhausted, she backed away quietly, mounted her bicycle, and rode home.

"What will I even prove with photos of a warehouse?" she whispered to herself.

Her chest tightened.

"God, help me. Mom… Dad… help me."

She reached her room and collapsed on the bed. Sleep swallowed her instantly.

Rehaan’s pov,

He knew Stacey would avoid them today. When the others insisted on trying to sit together at lunch, he told them to leave her alone.

She needed time.

"Rehaan, dinner is ready!" his mom called.

He went downstairs. His father sat at the table.

"Hey Dad… hey Mom."

"How was school?" his mom asked as Martha, their maid, set the plates.

"It was good," Rehaan replied. "Thanks, Martha."

"Let’s begin," his mom said cheerfully, completely unaware of the truth about Mr. Jones.

Rehaan’s stomach twisted. His father’s presence suffocated him.

"Why aren’t you eating?" his mom asked.

"I am… it’s just I had some snacks earlier. Not very hungry."

"I always tell you not to eat junk before dinner," she scolded gently.

"I won’t repeat it," Rehaan forced a smile.

Dinner passed in small talk—from his parents. Rehaan stayed silent, eyes down, careful not to meet his father’s gaze.

"Mom, my friends might come tonight," he said.

"Which friends?" Mr. Jones asked.

"Aaron, Blake, Mia."

"Okay, dear," his mom smiled.

Rehaan took his plate to the kitchen and went upstairs.

Later that night, his friends gathered in his room.

"I don’t know what to do," Aaron said, frustrated. "It’s like there are no leads."

"The only place we might find something is Stacey’s house," Blake said. "Now that we know Mr. Jones and Mr. Reynolds knew each other."

"That’s out of the question. And Stacey wants nothing to do with us right now," Mia sighed.

"Rehaan, you’re so quiet," Aaron said.

"I’m thinking about the photo. They looked… genuinely close. My dad would never keep that picture and the pendant unless it meant something. There’s more to this story," Rehaan said.

"Maybe. But to find out… we need to talk to Mr. Jones," Aaron said.

"That was useless last time I tried," Rehaan muttered.

"God! Why is this so hard?" Mia burst out. "Movies make this look easy. Clues, leads—and we have nothing!"

"It’ll be okay," Aaron reassured her.

"I’m worried about Stacey. How will she go to college like this? How will she live? I’m scared," Mia whispered.

"She will go to college," Rehaan said quietly. "She will live a good life. I’ll make sure of it."

"Yes. We’re all here for her," Blake added.

"Yeah," Aaron said, hugging Mia. "Don’t worry."

26. "The Letter !"

Stacey pov,

The next day , Stacey didn’t feel like going to school. Her hands felt heavy, her head heavier. Instead, she settled in the living room, spreading the remaining papers on the coffee table. There wasn’t much left—just scraps and random bills—until her eyes fell on something unusual.

A paper neatly folded.

On the front: “To Rey.”

Rey? she frowned.
Reynolds… Rey… could be Dad. But who calls him Rey?

Heart thudding, she unfolded the paper. It was a letter. Addressed to Rey.

She stood up without realizing it, pacing as she began reading.

Rey,

I know what you’re going through but please don’t take any decision in haste. These are dangerous people. The Blacks. Once you work for them, you can never back out.

With your wife sick, I know what you’re feeling but please don’t do this. They’ll kill you. Worse—they’ll make me do it. They’ve already called me and given the order.

We’ve come a long way. I trust you more than anyone. So listen to me—don’t do this. Please don’t.

I love you, brother. I can’t lose you. They’ve threatened my family, so don’t put us both in danger.

– William Jones

Stacey froze.

Her blood ran cold.

William Jones. Rehaan’s father.

He had called her father brother. They… cared for each other. Protected each other.

Then why did he… have her father’s belongings hidden in his study?

Her throat tightened. Everything blurred. She didn’t even realize when her legs started moving.

Shoes on. Letter crushed in her hand.

She ran.

All the way to school.

Bursting into a classroom mid-lecture, hair tangled, chest heaving, eyes red and wet. Everyone stared, but she only searched for one face.

Rehaan.

The moment he saw her, he stood up, worried eyes looking at her,

“Sir—two minutes, it’s an emergency,” he said before the teacher could respond.

He grabbed her wrist gently and led her out, closing the door behind them.

They walked to the parking lot before any of them spoke.

“What happened, Stacey?”

“It’s… it’s… your dad—this letter—” she tried, but her voice broke.

“Stacey, hey, breathe.” He stepped closer, steady, calming.

She clutched his hand. “Rehaan… your dad and my dad… they knew each other. They were like—like best friends. Everything is messed up. I didn’t want to drag you into this and now— I don’t know what to do—I’m sorry—”

She didn’t make sense anymore. But Rehaan didn’t need her to. He simply wrapped his arms around her. She melted into him, crying into his shoulder.

After a long moment, he spoke softly, still holding her.

“The day we searched the study again… we found a photo and a pendant. A photo of my dad and your dad posing like buddies. And the pendant—”

“The pendant with the photo of me, my dad, and my mom,” she finished, pulling back to look at him. “That’s my dad’s. I thought he lost it.”

“There’s more to this story than we’ve imagined,” Rehaan said quietly.

“And only our dads know the truth. Mine is… not an option. So it has to be yours,” she whispered.

“Blake said the same thing,” Rehaan nodded. “We’ll go together this time—with the letter, the photo, and the pendant pictures.”

“You have the pics?”

He pulled out his phone, showing her. Stacey blinked. “That’s really them. I never knew my dad even knew Mr. Jones.”

“Me neither,” he admitted.

“So what now?” she asked.

“We wait for the others.”

"I don't know what would I do without you!" said Stacey after a few minutes of silence.

Just then, footsteps echoed.

Stacey turned.

Mia, Aaron, and Blake stood behind them.

“Only him?” Mia said with a raised brow. “We don’t matter? We skipped an entire lecture to come save your dramatic self.”

“Ay, we’ll leave then,” Aaron added, shrugging.

“No—guys—” Stacey almost laughed through the tears. “I’d be a mess without you all.”

“It hurt, you know,” Mia said, crossing her arms. “What you said to us last time.”

“I know,” Stacey whispered. “And I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to drag you all into my mess.”

“If you call yourself a mess one more time, I’ll slap you,” Mia said flatly.

“Okay, sorry,” Stacey said, opening her arms.

Mia groaned but hugged her tightly. Then Aaron, Blake, and finally Rehaan joined.

“I love you guys,” Stacey murmured.

“You sure that was for us?” Mia teased. “Or just Rehaan? We don’t mind, by the way.”

“Miaaa shut up!” Stacey hissed, cheeks turning red.

The worst part was—Rehaan was red too.

That was all Mia needed.
“OH MY GOD, LOOK AT THEM—both blushing—”

Aaron and Blake joined in. Rehaan rolled his eyes. Stacey covered her face with her hands.

And somehow, even in the middle of this storm, Stacey felt —

A sense of home.
A sense of completeness.

27. "Before the Storm!"

You found this letter among your father's belongings?” asked Aaron.

“Yeah,” Stacey nodded.

“This letter clearly shows that Mr. Jones was friends with Mr. Reynolds,” said Mia, looking up from the paper.

Blake took the letter from her, studying it carefully. “Rehaan… you might recognize it. Does this handwriting belong to your father?”

“Yeah,” Rehaan said quietly, looking at the letter once again. “It is my dad’s.”

After meeting in the parking area of their school, all of them ditched their lectures and now they sat together at Cobblestone Café.

“Here are your drinks,” the waitress said, placing the glasses on the table. “Enjoy.” She walked away.

“I guess our next lead is Mr. Jones, only he can give us some answers now!,” Blake said.

“But how? And when?” Mia asked.

“We'll figure that out later. For now, let’s just chill,” Stacey said, leaning back on her chair and letting out a sigh.

Under the table, Rehaan reached for Stacey’s wrist and gently squeezed her hand. She looked at him, and their eyes held an entire unsaid conversation.

“Awwwww!!!”

That snapped them out of whatever moment they were in. They looked up to see Mia grinning at them.

Stacey instantly tried to pull her hand away from under the table, but Rehaan didn’t let go.

“Guys, let’s make Stacey have some fun. What do you say?” Rehaan said, looking at the group.

“Of course, let’s do it,” Blake agreed.

“So what should we do?” Aaron asked.

“Let’s go bowling!” Mia suggested instantly.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time,” Blake nodded.

“Let’s do it. This time I’m definitely beating you,” Aaron said, pointing at Rehaan.

Rehaan smirked. “Let’s go.” He looked at Stacey.

“I’ve never gone bowling…” Stacey admitted, embarrassed.

“Then it’s even more important that we go,” Mia said.

“Yes,” Blake agreed. “Come on!”

Stacey hesitated for only a second before smiling. “Okay… let’s go.”

At the Bowling area of lunar mall,

The neon lights glowed purple and blue, soft music humming in the background. Stacey looked around, wide-eyed.

“This place is so cool,” she whispered.

“Told you,” Mia bumped her shoulder. “Chaotic and fun. Just like us.”

Rehaan walked beside Stacey, close enough that their shoulders brushed. “Don’t worry, it’s easy. I’ll teach you.”

Stacey nodded with a tiny smile.

When the Game Began,

Aaron cracked his knuckles dramatically. “Watch and learn, people.”

He threw the first ball… and it rolled straight into the gutter.

“BRO.” Blake bent over laughing. “Every time. Every. Single. Time.”

Mia recorded him. “Gutter champion!”

Aaron scowled. “That was a warm-up.”

Then it was Stacey’s turn.

She picked up a light pink ball, holding it awkwardly.

Rehaan stepped behind her, gently adjusting her stance. “Hold it like this,” he murmured, guiding her fingers. His hand brushed hers—her breath hitched for a moment.

“Relax,” he whispered. “Just aim straight.”

Blake elbowed Aaron. “Look at them!.”

“I ship it,” Mia whispered loudly.

Stacey shot them a look, flustered, but Rehaan only smirked and nudged her. “Ignore them. Just roll.”

She swung the ball forward… and knocked down four pins.

“Yes!” she jumped slightly, surprised at herself.

Round After Round,

Laughter filled the air.

Blake and Aaron argued over scores.
Mia did a ridiculous dance every time she hit a strike.
Stacey and Rehaan stayed in their own little bubble—whispering between turns, brushing shoulders, sharing small smiles.

At one point, Stacey almost slipped after throwing the ball—and Rehaan caught her by the waist.

Their eyes met.

Everything else faded into background noise.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

“Yeah,” she whispered.

He didn’t let go immediately.

“OH MY GOD!” Mia squealed. “Stop being so cute!”

Stacey covered her face which was as red as a tomato while Rehaan laughed.

Final Round,

Rehaan stood behind Stacey as she prepared for her last throw. “If you knock down at least six pins, you beat Aaron.”

Aaron gasped. “This is targeted.”

Stacey focused… rolled the ball…

Seven pins.

“No way!” she shouted, jumping excitedly.

Mia and Blake cheered.

Rehaan grabbed her hand and spun her lightly. “You did it!”

Stacey laughed, breathless. Even after the cheering faded, her hand stayed in his.

For the first time in a long time… she felt light.

After bowling they all decided to go for ice-cream, 

“Okay, champion,” Mia said dramatically, throwing an arm around Stacey’s shoulders as they exited the bowling alley. “First time bowling and you beat Aaron. This calls for celebration.”

“I told you that was a warm-up!” Aaron protested behind them.

“Sure, bro,” Blake chuckled. “Gutter King forever.”

Aaron shoved him lightly while the rest laughed.

The chilly evening breeze brushed against them as they walked toward Scoopy-doopy ice-cream palour, the  ice cream place glowing with fairy lights. The air smelled like waffle cones and melted sugar.

“Order whatever you want,” Mia said. “My treat!”

“Finally,” Blake grinned. “Use that scholarship money for something real.”

Mia smacked his arm. “Idiot.”

They reached the counter, each deciding between the dozens of flavors.

Stacey hovered near the display, studying the glowing tubs.
Rehaan stood beside her, hands in his pockets.

“What do you usually get?” he asked.

“ choco-chips,” she admitted.

The guy asked from behind the counter for their orders,

Mia stepped up dramatically. “One double scoop of brownie fudge and caramel swirl.”

Blake: “Cookie dough. Extra cookie.”

Aaron: “Chocolate chip. Make it large.”

Rehaan glanced at Stacey. “You go.”

“Um… choco-chips,” she said.

“And I’ll take the same,” Rehaan added.

Stacey looked at him. 

The group settled on the wide stone steps outside the shop. The fairy lights above cast a warm glow.

Aaron and Blake were busy arguing over who actually won the bowling game (“Stacey won, you clowns,” Mia kept repeating).

Meanwhile, Stacey savored her ice cream slowly. “This is so good,” she said.

Rehaan watched her, amusement tugging at his lips. “You’re adorable !”

She paused mid-bite, cheeks warming. “Don’t say stuff like that.”

“Why?” he asked softly.

“Because… I don’t know how to react.”

“Then don’t react. Just stay.”

She looked at him.

He looked back.

Their knees brushed lightly on the step.

For a moment, the noise of the others faded, and it was just them—two people sitting under soft lights with cold ice cream and warm feelings.

Mia suddenly leaned forward from behind them. “Guys. Guys. Selfie time!”

Everyone groaned but gathered in.

Stacey sat in the middle—Rehaan right beside her, their shoulders pressed together, his hand brushing hers every few seconds like it was accidental… but wasn’t.

The selfie came out good, they were all having a good time eating ice-cream and  goofing around, but in between all their chit-chat and laughs , Rehaan eyes found something unusual...........

 

28. "The Story of two Broken Men!"

Outside the ice-cream parlour, Rehaan’s eyes suddenly fixed on a familiar figure—

his father, walking quickly down the alley across the street.

“Guys, guys—” Rehaan muttered, already standing up.

The others looked at him in confusion as he started walking away.

“Rehaan? What—?”

“Shhh.” He held a hand up sharply. “My dad.”

That was all it took. The questions died instantly. They followed him quietly into the narrowing alley, street sounds fading behind them. A few turns later—right, left, then straight—the streetlights grew sparse. Trees clustered overhead, swallowing whatever light remained, like the city didn’t exist here at all.

A few steps deeper into the darkness, they saw him—
Mr. Jones, standing alone as if waiting for something.

Rehaan, Stacey, Mia, Aaron, and Blake ducked behind the trees, barely daring to breathe.

A car rolled up the dirt path. A man stepped out. He and Mr. Jones exchanged a handshake, a quiet conversation, and something small passed between their hands.

“Guys,” Stacey whispered, eyes widening. “Look at his fingers… that ring. The silver crest.”

Blake inhaled sharply. “The Blacks. He’s one of them.”

The man got back in the car and disappeared into the dark.

Before anyone could stop him, Rehaan stepped out of the shadows.

“Dad.”

Mr. Jones froze, shock splashed across his face.

“What was that?” Rehaan demanded. “What is going on? Just tell us the truth.”

Stacey, Mia, Aaron, and Blake stepped out behind him. Mr. Jones’ eyes flicked over each of them before landing on Stacey.

“Did you know my father?” Stacey asked, her voice barely a whisper. “Did you know  him Mr. Jones ?”

Mr. Jones stared at the ground. The silence was suffocating. The five teenagers stood unmoving, their eyes locked on him.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about,” Mr. Jones said flatly.

“Lie,” Rehaan snapped. “You knew Mr. Reynolds. You were friends and you betrayed him. You stabbed your own friend in the back.”

His voice trembled with anger, the hate in his words unmistakable.

Stacey gently placed a hand on his shoulder. He exhaled, shakily. Her own eyes were bright with unshed tears.

Mr. Jones glared at his son. After a long moment, he spoke.

“Follow me.”

No one argued.

He led them back to his car—far from where they'd walked— and drove in silence until they reached an enormous, abandoned warehouse.

“This… this is where I ended up when I followed that guy during my last delivery,” Stacey murmured.

“You what?” Rehaan snapped, turning to her. “You followed someone alone? Are you out of your mind?”

“I had to do something,” she said, hurt flashing across her face.

“Both of you, enough.” Mr. Jones cut through the bickering like a blade.

They followed him into the warehouse and into a small office inside. Mr. Jones gestured to the man outside.

“Close the door. No one comes in.”

The door shut with a heavy thud.

Mr. Jones stood behind his desk. “Sit. Get comfortable. This is a hell of a long story.”

Confused and anxious, they obeyed. Rehaan sat directly opposite his father, then pulled out the chair beside him for Stacey. Blake, Aaron, and Mia huddled together on the office sofa.

Mr. Jones inhaled slowly.

“Rey—Jack Reynolds, your father,” he said, pointing at Stacey, “and I met at university. King’s College London.”
He paused. “I didn’t know he was from here infact I didn't know anyone from this town back then. I’d been homeschooled all my life. Rey was the first real friend I ever made.”

His eyes softened at the memory.

“We became inseparable. Same dorm at first, then we moved out in second year and got our own apartment. It was… a good life. We understood each other in ways I can’t even explain.”

Stacey’s face tightened. Rehaan gently took her hand under the table, rubbing circles on her knuckles. Mr. Jones glanced at them—something unreadable flickering across his expression—before continuing.

“After uni, we came back home. I joined the family business. Rey reunited with Amanda—his high school sweetheart.” He looked at Stacey again. “Your mom. They were so in love… to their very last moment. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Stacey blinked as tears streamed down her face, uncontrollable despite her efforts.

“After you were born,” Mr. Jones said softly, “Amanda was diagnosed with cancer. Stage II triple-negative breast cancer. Aggressive. Fast-spreading. Brutal.”

The room went silent.

“Rey quit his job and took care of both of you,” Mr. Jones continued. “Amanda got better after treatment. She recovered. But Rey couldn’t get his job back. He took odd jobs. I offered him a place at the firm, but he refused— saying Amanda was still weak and he wanted to be with her.”

He swallowed hard.

“And then, after a few years… Amanda got cancer again. Worse this time. The doctors here were useless. Rey needed money. At the same time, my own business was failing. My father… died from the stress. Heart attack. Everything was collapsing.”

He rubbed his forehead.

“We were desperate. Both of us. One night, we got drunk—really drunk—and wandered near the outskirts. And that’s when… it happened.”

FLASHBACK — Mr. Jones’ POV,

“I don’t know what to do!” I yelled into the night. It felt good to scream—to laugh and cry at the same time.

“I love her, man,” Rey slurred, wiping his face. “I love her so much it hurts.”

“Hey.”

A voice drifted out of the darkness. We turned—blurry, unfocused—trying to locate it. Eventually, a silhouette sharpened into view. A tall man in all black, hands tucked into his coat pockets, expression carved of stone.

“Yes…?” Rey called out.

“I heard you two talking about money,” the man said calmly.

“So… what about it?” I asked, unease crawling up my spine.

“If you want to make some,” he said, “I have a way. Easy money.”

“What way?” Rey asked.

“You’ll understand when you’re sober.”
He pulled out two black cards, each embossed with a silver crest. “Call the number.”

Before we could say anything, the man turned and vanished into the darkness—literally gone.

“That’s bullshit,” I muttered.

“Maybe,” Rey mumbled, staring at the card like it might save him.

“Let’s go home,” I sighed. “We’re done.”

But a few days later, desperation pulled us back.
We called.

They answered immediately. As if they’d been waiting.

The address led us to a hotel. A handler escorted us into a room. When the door closed, the same man from that night stepped out from a hidden doorway.

“Welcome. I knew you’d come.”

He poured himself a drink and sat down.

“Let’s get to business. I have a flight to catch. The task is simple—you make deliveries.”

“Deliveries?” Rey repeated.

“What kind of deliveries?” I asked.

“Packages. No questions asked. That’s rule one.”

“More rules?” Rey asked.

“One more—tell no one.”

“That’s enough. We’re leaving,” I said, standing.

He smirked. “You can come whenever you want. But you don’t leave unless I say.”

A gun materialized in his hand.

“You both need money. A sick wife. A dying business. I’m offering a lifeline.”

“We didn’t know—” I stuttered.

“Choose,” he said, scrolling lazily through his phone. “Say yes… or say goodbye to your lives.”

Rey looked at me, then at the gun, then back at me.

And he said, “Okay.”

“No—Jack, what the hell—”

“It’s the only way,” Rey insisted. “For Amanda. For your business.”

And that was it.

The moment everything changed.

BACK TO PRESENT,

“That was how we got tangled in the Blacks’ mess,” Mr. Jones finished quietly.

“So the guy who approached you… he was Black?” Rehaan asked, voice tight.

“He was the Blacks,” Mr. Jones said. “An Italian crime family. His father—the previous leader—was tolerable. The son?” He shook his head. “Ruthless.”

Stacey swallowed. “Then what happened?”

Mr. Jones leaned back, eyes heavy.

“Then what…” he murmured. “We worked. At first one or two deliveries a month. Enough money to survive. Amanda was getting better treatment. My business recovered.”

He paused.

“But then…”

29. "The Story of two Broken Men Pt-2 !"

FLASHBACK — Mr. Jones’ pov,

“Hey Rey, we need to meet,” I said through the phone.

“Okay. 10 PM. Regular place.”
He hung up.

These days this was how it always was. Short calls. No conversations. He spent every waking minute with Amanda and their daughter Stacey. Nights were only for deliveries. His whole life belonged to them.

At exactly 10 PM, we met at the pub on the outskirts of town.

“So, what is it?” Rey asked as we sat down with our drinks.

“They want us to make this their base,” I said quietly. I had gotten the call just before phoning him. “The Blacks” didn’t ask—they ordered. We never had a say.

“What does that mean for us?” Rey took a sip.

“It means we build a storage area, hire more delivery boys, increase security… more operations. More money—only good part in all this.”

“Okay.” Rey sighed. “So as usual, we don’t get to choose anything.”

I exhaled, exhausted. “Rey… I’m tired. I can’t look my family in the eyes anymore.”

“I know,” he said softly. “But what option do we have? I need the money, Will. Amanda’s treatment… Stacey’s future… this is the only way I can be there for them and still survive.”

“I know,” I muttered. “And even if we wanted out… we can’t.”

“Then let’s just do what we can,” Rey said and stood up. He looked disturbed, but I assumed it was Amanda’s illness and the stress of raising Stacey alone.

Within days, the warehouse was built. More people hired—not forcefully. They needed money, and in exchange they took delivery jobs. We didn’t realize how deep we were sinking. Truthfully, it was already too late the day we accepted those cards and went to meet them.

YEARS LATER,

One day, Rey came to me. I was in a meeting, but seeing him like that… I walked out and took him to my private office.

“Amanda knows,” he whispered.

“How?” I froze.

“I’m out most nights… she questioned how I manage money for her treatments. And then… I told her.”
His voice broke.

“Will… Amanda doesn’t have much time left. And she asked me for one thing—just one.”
He swallowed.
“She wants me to leave it all. Come home. Get a normal job. And be there for Stacey… when she’s gone.”

Amanda. Even though we weren’t close, I had met her enough to feel crushed. And Stacey… that poor kid.

“But Rey, you know we—”

“I know,” he cut me off. “I know they won’t let me leave.”

There was silence.

He turned away. “I’ll call them. I’ll tell them.”

And I knew—if both of us backed out, neither of us would survive. But maybe… maybe if only Rey pulled out, he’d have a chance.

That night, just as I got out of my car to enter my house, my phone rang.
The Blacks.

“Hey,” I answered, already sweating.

“You have a task.”
That cold voice always froze my spine.

“What?”

“You have to take care of the Reynolds guy.”

“…take care? What?” I murmured, confused.

“Shoot him. I want that guy dead by tomorrow night. I’ll call you at 12 AM.”
The line cut.

End of flashback,

Present - Mr. Jones pov,

“I still remember… I just stood there, frozen,” Mr. Jones said, his voice trembling. “My brain shut down. When I finally moved again, I drove straight to Rey’s house.”

He swallowed as everyone listened, motionless.

“I told him. And he said… he knew. He knew he messed up.”

“What did he do?” Stacey whispered.

“When he called The Blacks to back out… he argued with the leader. You don’t do that. Not with a gang like them.”

Mr. Jones wiped his eyes.

“We had an argument in the car too. I told him he was reckless, he told me I was overreacting… and then he stormed out.”

Flashback - Mr.Jones pov,

NEXT MORNING,

I was on my way to work when the call came again.

“So what have you thought?”
The icy voice sent shivers through me.

“Sorry… what?”

“What is wrong with your memory?” the voice snapped. “When are you taking care of the Reynolds guy?”

“Oh…”

“Yes, oh. Today. 12 AM. If it’s not done… say goodbye to your son. Ashfield High, right? And your wife? Home right now. Baking something. Smells delicious.”

Call ended.

I nearly crashed the car. He knew everything about my family.

I called Rey—no answer. Again. Again. Again.

Then a message came on my phone:

“Stop sitting in your car. Get to work. Your family’s lives depend on you.”

It was from none other than the Blacks!

I rushed to my office, shut the door, wrote a letter to Rey, and sent one of my trusted guys to deliver it. I knew  I can't go and talk to Rey as I was being watched and so was Rey. 

Then Rey finally called.

“Hey…” his voice was broken.

“Rey, we’re doomed.”

“I know. There’s no way out.”

Silence.

“What if you run?” I whispered. “Hide somewhere. Just disappear for a while.”

“But Amanda… Will, she doesn’t have long.”

“Rey! Save yourself first! Stacey will lose BOTH parents!”

Silence again.

“…Okay,” Rey said.

“Okay?”

“I’ll hide. Somewhere. But you look after Amanda. And keep Stacey safe.”

“I will.”

At 8 PM, an unknown number texted me a location. The Blacks’ crest confirmed it was them. I couldn’t ignore it. You can never ignore the Blacks!

It was an abandoned warehouse. Empty.

“Hello? I’m here!” I shouted.

“William.”
Rey’s voice echoed.

“Rey? What the hell are you doing here?”

“I got a message… from you. From an unknown number. Thought it was important.”

My heart dropped.

We were set up.

A video call came in. At the same time, the warehouse doors slammed shut. Shadows moved outside.

It was him. The leader.

“Let’s begin,” he smirked. “William, I brought him to you. Your job’s easy. The gun is on your right.”

A gun lay there. Cold. Waiting.

“Now.”

I picked it up with trembling hands. “Please, sir… don’t make me do this. We’re sorry. Rey’s sorry. He won’t leave—”

“No,” Rey said suddenly.

“What?”

“I’m not staying. It’s Amanda’s last wish. I die today or tomorrow—doesn’t matter. I’m not staying.”

I stared at him like he had stabbed me.
How could he make me do this?

“William,” the leader said calmly. “You know your family is right there… your kid… your wife… don’t make me do anything. Just pull the trigger.”

“Wills, do it.”
Rey gave a faint smile. “It’s okay.”

“I hate you, Rey,” I whispered, shaking, tears spilling.

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Rey exhaled. “Just do it.”

“William,” the leader snarled. “Do it.”

“Take care of Stacey and Amanda… after I’m gone,” Rey said softly.

I closed my eyes.

Pulled the trigger.

Thud.

I collapsed. The call ended. I crawled to Rey and held him. Screaming. Broken.

END FLASHBACK.

Present - Mr, Jones pov,

Mr. Jones was crying uncontrollably now. Stacey sobbed, Rehaan’s eyes glistened, Mia, Aaron, and Blake all cried silently.

After a long moment, Mr. Jones wiped his face.

“His last words were… give Stacey the pendant he always wore around his neck. And keep her safe.”

Stacey’s jaw clenched. “My dad told you to keep me safe… and you made me do deliveries?”

“That was the only way,” Mr. Jones whispered. “If you didn’t work for me… The Blacks would’ve killed you long ago.”

Stacey didn’t respond. She just stared, shattered.

“After that,” Mr. Jones continued, “Rey’s body was taken by The Blacks. Police found a few belongings but nothing else. Amanda told me to never come near them again. So the only way to keep you safe… was to make you part of the work. Otherwise they would’ve killed you and your mom !.”

Just then—
Chaos erupted outside.

Shouts.
Footsteps.
Then—
Gunshots.

30. "The Night Everything Changed!"

It all happened so fast.

Masked men appeared from every direction, surrounding us before any of us could react. They grabbed me, my dad, Stacey, Mia, Aaron, and Blake. On the way out, I saw Dad’s office men lying on the ground… all dead.

Before we could even scream, they shoved us into their cars and drove us away—twenty long minutes of fear and silence.

They forced us into a huge hall, white walls, one giant projector on the front. The door slammed shut. Aaron and Blake tried to question them, but they were shoved to the ground like toys.

“Just do as they say,” Dad whispered.

The lights snapped off. The projector flickered on.

A man appeared on the screen. Black suit. Fifty-ish. Sharp eyes. Powerful enough that even through a screen, he made my whole body freeze.

“Hello,” he said.

“Why are we here?” Dad asked, his voice steady.

“Oh, you don’t know?” the man mocked. “Don’t act smart with me, Jones. You should’ve known better than coming clean to these kids.”

His eyes shifted.
“You’re Stacey, right? Reynolds’ daughter.”

Stacey nodded—small, terrified.

“And you must be Rehaan.”
I nodded.

“And your friends—Mia… Aaron… Blake.”

He knew everything. Who we were. Where we lived. What we were doing. The fear settled deep in my bones.

“You coming clean to them was a very dumb step,” he said. “And now… face the consequences.”

The screen went black. "What consequences!" I thought.

The lights came on.

Two masked men stood in front of us, guns raised. My heart dropped. I looked at my dad. Dad, however, looked strangely calm.

Gunshots echoed outside.

I turned to Dad—he nodded.
So he had called for help.

“This is not going to be good,” one of the masked men muttered—and fired right at me.

I froze. My friends screamed my name.

The bullet rushed toward me—I squeezed my eyes shut , tight!

Then suddenly I was shoved aside. I hit the floor hard. Just then the door burst open and Dad’s men stormed in. More gunfire. Chaos. 

Then I heard the sirens. Police.

But none of that mattered.

Because when I opened my eyes…

Dad was lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

“Dad!” I screamed so loudly it echoed. I ran to him, lifted him into my arms, but he didn’t respond. My friends gathered around, horrified.

The police rushed in, medics followed. They pulled Dad away from me.

We were taken to the hospital. Dad went straight into surgery.

We waited—covered in blood, silent, numb.

Mom came running, crying. I hugged her, both of us shaking uncontrollably.

 She sat beside Stacey while I stood there leaning on a wall, staring at the closed operation doors. Inside that room was the man I had once hated. The man whose past I had never tried to know. A man who was living with the burden of  killing his own best friend—Stacey’s father—to protect his family and friends. A man who had made deals with devils just to keep his family alive.

He had survived through all that!

He would survive this too. He had to.

Four hours passed.

Mia and Aaron were taken home by there parents when they came to see us. Blake and Stacey went out for coffee.

Finally, the doctor came. Mom and I rushed to him,

“Stable, but still critical,” he said.

Stable.
Good.
Good enough.

Stacey and Blake returned with coffee and sandwiches.

"What did the doctor say?" asked Stacey , seeing the doctor came out. Blake stood there beside Stacey.

"Stable. He is Stable" I said .

"Thats good!" said Stacey and Blake.

We met dad after he was shifted to a room, he was still unconscious. Mom stayed with him in the room , me , Stacey and Blake came out and sat in the waiting room. Blake was sitting, more like taking a nap on the chair, head leaned back on the wall, I said him to go home but he won't  go ! I was standing at the window when Stacey came and pushed a sandwich at me, but when I asked if she had eaten, she stayed silent.We both laughed weakly and stared out the window, pretending the world outside still made sense.

A nurse approached us,“Mr. Jones is asking for you two.”

We rushed to Dad’s room.

Machines beeped around him. Oxygen mask, wires everywhere. Mom holding his hand. He asked her for a moment alone with us.

“Dad, how are you feeling?” I asked.

“I’m okay, kiddo. But I need to tell you both something.”

A lawyer entered. Dad introduced him as Mr. Jay.

The lawyer handed Stacey a pendant—the same pendant from the study.
“This was your father’s,” Dad said. “His last wish was for you to have it.”

Stacey opened it, saw the picture inside, and tears spilled down her cheeks. “Thank you.”

“And… I’m coming clean with the police,” Dad said. “Stacey, you’ll be free from everything.”

“But won’t you get in trouble?” Stacey asked softly.

“No,” Dad said gently. “Trust me.”

The lawyer handed her papers.
“A trust fund,” Dad explained. “For your education. And an apartment near whichever university you choose.”

“Mr. Jones, I can’t—” Stacey tried.

“Please,” Dad said. “It’s the only way I can keep the promise I made to Rey. Otherwise he won't let me die in peace!" 

“Dad, don’t say things like that,” I whispered.

“And you too, Rehaan,” he said. “There’s a trust fund for you as well.”

"Okay dad but why talk now , we will talk when we go home " I said , but dad just smiled weakly at me and tighten his hold around my hand.

Suddenly the machines began to scream.

“Dad!” I yelled as Stacey ran for help.

Dad grabbed my hand with the last of his strength.
“Take care of Stacey for me, okay?”

“Dad, please don’t talk like this. Stay with me. I need you, okay? I need you!”

“I’m sorry, son,” he whispered. “I wasn’t a good father. I’m sorry for the threats… I only ever meant to protect you.”

“I know, Dad. I’m sorry too. For ever doubting you. I love you. Please… please stay… Dad… please…”

Doctors rushed in.

But it was too late.

31. "Broken Rehaan!"

Everything around me moved, but I felt… still. Too still.
Like my body had turned into stone and everyone else was made of air, rushing, crying, collapsing.

They pushed me out of the room, I saw Stacey also being pushed out of the room - her eyes wild, wet , breaking, 

 The doctors kept shouting things I couldn't understand. And then

I looked around me - I saw my mom collapse into Mia's  arms, Stacey trying to hold her steady, and suddenly I felt two hands on me , when looked   -  Aaron’s hands were on my back, Blake’s on my shoulder.

I looked at their faces—wet with tears, shaking—and I lifted my hand to my own cheek.

Nothing.

No tears.

Not even that burning feeling behind the eyes.
It was like grief got stuck inside me, refusing to spill out.
Like there was a thunderstorm trapped in my chest but outside… nothing. Just silence.

Everything after that night was a blur for me. People moved me around like I was sleepwalking. Someone handed me a suit. Someone told me to get ready. Someone told me it was time.

And suddenly I was standing there.

In front of his coffin.

My father’s coffin.

I stared at it, waiting for the world to crash, for something inside me to shatter loud enough for everyone to hear, but the room simply hummed with low sobs and soft prayers. I didn’t even recognize half the faces around us. His colleagues, our relatives… shadows passing by.

I saw my mother go first, placing flowers with trembling hands. Then it was my turn.

My hands didn’t tremble. They should’ve.
Why weren’t they?

I placed the flowers mechanically—like someone else was controlling me.

Then the relatives went, his old friends, people he’d laughed with, fought with, trusted.

And then I saw them—my people.
Aaron. Blake. Mia.

And her.

Stacey.

She looked at me like she could hear the storm that wasn’t making any sound.
Like she knew I wasn’t crying—not because I didn’t want to, but because something inside me had broken too deeply to spill out.

And for the first time since all of this began…
I felt the tiniest crack inside me.

Not enough for a tear.

But enough to hurt.
Enough to remind me I was still human.

After the last person left, the silence felt heavier than the sky itself.
The air smelled like fresh mud and fading flowers, but none of it felt real.
Nothing felt real.

I just stood there, staring at the grave like maybe—if I looked long enough—he’d sit up and tell me to stop being dramatic. Tell me to go home. Tell me any of the things fathers were supposed to say.

But the ground stayed still.

My chest tightened. I swallowed hard, again and again, trying to push down the ache that kept rising like a wave I wasn’t ready for.

Then I felt —
a hand on my right shoulder.

Stacey.

She didn’t say a word. She didn’t have to.
Her touch was quiet… steady… exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

A second later, another hand rested on my left.

Mia.

Then arms wrapped around me from behind—Aaron—and another one from the side—Blake.
They didn’t try to talk.
They didn’t try to make it better.

They just… held me.

Something inside me cracked.

Then it shattered.

My knees buckled so fast I didn’t even try to stop myself. They hit the ground, hard, and I felt my friends fall with me, their arms tightening around me as if they’d known this was coming all along.

And that was it.

The dam broke—completely.

I collapsed into them, my forehead pressing against someone’s shoulder, my fingers clutching onto whoever I could reach. My breath came out in harsh, shaking bursts, and then the tears came—rushing, unstoppable, years’ worth of strength crumbling all at once.

I cried.

Not quietly.
Not gracefully.
Not like the calm son everyone had seen all morning.

I cried like someone whose heart had finally realized what it had lost.

We stayed there—five people on our knees in the dirt—holding onto each other while I finally let everything out.

I don’t know how long we stayed like that. Minutes. Hours.

I stayed kneeling long after the tears slowed, my breaths still shaky, my friends’ arms around me like the only things keeping me from falling apart again.
But the moment I tried to stand, reality hit me in the chest like a punch.

How do I say goodbye to him?

The question echoed in my head, louder than anything.
I looked at the fresh dirt on his grave, too new, too wrong, too silent.

How do you say goodbye to the person whose voice filled your house?
Whose footsteps you could recognize from a room away?
Whose presence felt like safety even on the days you fought?

And whom I had known my whole damn life! 

My throat tightened painfully.

“I don’t… I don’t know how to do this,” I whispered, not sure if my friends heard or if the wind just carried it away. “I don’t know how to come home and not find him there. I’m scared of… of living a life without him in it.”

My voice cracked on the last words.

I blinked hard.
More tears fell.

“If I ever knew this would happen,” I thought,
“I wouldn’t have wasted so much time hating him… doubting him… pushing him away. I would’ve told him—every damn day—how much he meant to me.”

The guilt twisted in my stomach like a knife.

“I thought I had time,” I whispered. “I thought… I thought he’d always be there.”

The wind carried the scent of the cemetery flowers. My hands clenched into fists.

Now all that time… all those chances… were gone.

“What do I do now?” I said, barely able to breathe. “How do I take care of Mom alone? How am I supposed to know what to say to her… how to hold her together when I can’t even hold myself?”

My friends tightened their grip around me.

Stacey kept looking at me, with tears in her eyes, with her hands in my hands,
Mia placed her head on my shoulder
Aaron pressed his palm to my back.
Blake squeezed my arm.

Their warmth didn’t fix anything.
But it kept me upright. It kept me grounded.

For a long moment, I just stared at the grave.
At the name carved in stone.
At the finality of it.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye,” I whispered, voice breaking again.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”

32. "My Goodbye to Him !"

“I would like to end my speech by thanking those people without whom I would not be standing here today, holding this award.”

My voice trembled only slightly, but my hands were shaking.

“So thank you, Mia, Aaron, Blake, and Rehaan. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the friendship. We’ve shared challenges and triumphs that have shaped us forever. And as we close this chapter and move forward, I hope we carry these memories with us throughout our lives. Thank you—and congratulations, guys.”

Valedictorian.

The word still felt unreal as it echoed in my head.

By the time I stepped away from the podium, tears were already rolling down my cheeks.

And when I saw them,

Mia.

Aaron.

Blake.

Rehaan.

They stood up together.

Clapping. Whistling. Smiling through tears that refused to stay hidden.

Mia was openly crying, wiping her cheeks without even trying to stop it. Aaron wore that proud, emotional grin, Blake nodded at me—small, steady, like he was saying you did it.

And Rehaan—

Rehaan looked at me like this moment meant more than just an award.

Like it was proof.

That we survived.

I ran. Right off the stage. Straight toward them.

The moment I reached them, I broke.

We collided into a hug—arms tangled, bodies shaking, laughter mixing with sobs. It was messy and loud and imperfect. It was us.

For a second, the whole world faded away.

After the dramatic hug and hundreds of photos—some with classmates, some just ours—we went out for lunch.

It felt strange, sitting there after everything. Like time had pressed pause just to let us breathe.

It had been three months.

Three months since Rehaan’s dad died.

Three months since I was finally freed from all the deliveries.

Three months of learning how to exist again.

Rehaan had tried—really tried—to come back to himself. But some things change a person permanently. He was quieter now. More guarded. Like he had grown years older overnight.

Maybe it was the responsibility.

Maybe it was grief.

Maybe it was learning, too young, that life doesn’t wait for you to be ready.

He took care of his mother the way his father once had.

And I loved him for it, I was so proud of him !

After lunch, we said our goodbyes.

Aaron and Mia were off to Australia—Denver University.

Blake was heading to London.

I was going to Ireland—Trinity College.

Rehaan as off to NYU, New York.

We promised to meet. To text. To call.

Rehaan drove me home.

The car was filled with silence—not awkward, just heavy. Like words were lining up in our throats but none of them wanted to be first.

When he parked in my driveway, he finally spoke.

“I declined my university applications.”

“What?” I turned to him, shocked.

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “I’ve decided to work on my dad’s business. I’ll study at the community college here. This way… I can stay close to my mom.”

“Oh, Rehaan,” I whispered. “It was your dream to go to NYU.”

“Dreams change, Stacey,” he said. “Now I just want to build what my dad started. I want to see it flourish.”

I nodded slowly. Because I knew that look in his eyes.

“If that’s what you want,” I said softly.

There was a pause.

“I was thinking about us,” I said, before I could stop myself.

“Don’t,” he said immediately.

“Why?” The word slipped out, sharp with hurt.

“Don’t give me that look,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “I want nothing more than to be with you. But this isn’t the right time. You’re going to Ireland. I’ll be here. And besides… we both need time.”

He took a breath.

“We’ve been through too much. There’s grief in us. If we start something now, I’m afraid we’ll destroy something that’s already so beautiful.”

I hated how right he was.

“I hate you,” I said weakly, tears burning my eyes. “But what you said is true.”

He smiled sadly.

“So goodbye, Stacey. Be good. And always remember—you may be leaving this town, but you’ll always have a place in it.”

I was leaving this town, it was true. I was selling this house. I was starting over in a new country.

But I would always have a place here, I knew what he meant by that!

because that place was his heart.

“Bye, Rehaan,” I whispered.

I stepped out of the car.

I didn’t look back.

I ran inside the house, my chest aching, my heart full and broken all at once.

And as the door closed behind me,

I cried and smiled at the same time, looking around this house were I was born and had some of the best times of my life!

"Epilogue!"

Years Later,

Years went by smoothly , I was still in contact with everyone , but we just all got so busy in our lives that could we were never able to meet . Me and Blake often met as we lived closer to each other than others. But all these years , I was never even once able to forget Rehaan, I was always thinking about him but he was so busy in building his dreams that it felt like he forgot all about me !

It was when I parked my car near a café, I was visiting Chicago for some work. after graduating college , I got a job in a publishing house , so now I was on a business trip here to negotiate with a client ,

That’s when I saw him. even after so many years , my heart was beating the same way like i was back in high school.

Rehaan.

He’s standing across the street, keys in hand, talking to someone. He looked grounded. he was in a proper suit and all, looking like a business man.

There’s grey at his temples now, barely noticeable, but it suits him. He’s broader, calmer, like life has tested him and he’s passed without needing applause.

Our eyes meet.

The world doesn’t stop. It doesn’t spin either.

It simply softens.

We walk toward each other slowly, like we’re afraid sudden movement might break something invisible between us.

“Hi, Stacey,” he says, " how are you and what are you doing here in Chicago!"

“Hi, Rehaan.”

“I came for a meeting with a client here ,” I said.

He smiles.

I smiled.

“Coffee?” he asks, gesturing toward the café.

“Yeah,” I say. “I’d like that.”

As we walk inside together, it felt like it was all the same , like the distance and the years apart had changed nothing!

THE END.