Lexi's POV
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I woke up early, leaving a not for Char. I had another deal today, I didn't want Char to come with me. But I didn't want her to worry.

I just went out to do something really quick. It shouldn't take long. Save some breakfast for me.

Love, Lexi.

I put the note on the ladder for our bunk bed. I gave her a small smile. She looked so peaceful when she slept.

I walked calmly trying not to worry about anything.

I sat at the cold, stone table. As usual I was early. I held onto by backpack tightly.

"Well hello, Lexi"

I turned around to see Jack. I'm not supposed to meet with him anymore. I've told him this. He's an addict, well most customers are. But he almost got caught, with me.

"What do you want Jack? I told you I'm not dealing with you anymore. You said you found someone else anyway."

He chucked, as if I had just said something stupid.

"He works for me"

A tall man in a black coat stepped out.

I recognised him. It'd been so long since I saw him last. He was older now. He was smart, I knew that.

Him.

"Right okay. But what do you want from me?"

He shrugged.

"Same thing I wanted from your parents, Lexi."

I clenched my fists, trying to contain my anger.

"You can pay, can't you? It's been a long time though, I'm afraid you'll have to pay more."

I took a deep breath, and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"How much do you need?"

He smiled. I hated it. I wanted to punch that smile right off his face.

"Oh let's see....hmmm.."

I tapped my foot, impatiently.

"Maybe around 25,000"

I gulped. I knew I had money, but I just bought my motorcycle... I wasn't sure if I had enough. What were the consequences?

"Or what?"

"Oh you sly girl. Just like your mother."

That's it.

"Don't you dare mention her like that! It's your fault she's dead!"

His face was still. He showed no emotion or remorse for his actions.

"Nevermind her."

He just disregarded her like that. It made me want to yell and hiss.

"If you can't pay in exactly 30 days, let's just say your dear friend Charlotte might have to instead."

Now I was furious. How could he? First taking away my parents. Now he wanted to take her too.

"How do you know about her?"

"Silly silly. I have connections. You two were spotted together at a hotel yesterday."

Damn it.

"She doesn't mean anything. She's innocent. You don't need to bring her into this. She was a one nighter"

Please believe that. Please. I can't let him hurt Char.

"All the more reason. You don't want someone innocent to be hurt, do you?"

He looked at me, expecting an answer. But I couldn't.

He handed me a paper with the date and address I was to pay him at.

There was nothing else to do.

I ran, despite all the strange looks I was given. I needed to get to my Char.

"Char?"

I whispered softly, not to wake her.

"Mmhm?"

"You're awake?"

She nodded. She pushed a plate of grilled cheese toward me. I wasn't hungry. I was just worried about her.

"Char, after breakfast you need to stay with a friend okay?"

She looked at me, concern washing over her face.

"I'm okay. It's just not safe here for you."

"Lexi.."

I took a deep breath.

"Char. The man who killed my parents, he want money from me. He said if I didn't pay he'd hurt you. It's not okay for you to be here. Stay at Demi's place for a few days while I get the money. Okay?"

She nodded vigorously.

"Thank you."

She embraced me, for a long time. It was nice. Comfort in a storm. A blanket to shield me from the lightning. She was my relief.

She went off packing.

I went to the basement to collect as much drugs as possible. I needed to sell all of it for the money. I'd sell it all. I won't be a dealer anymore. I'm done with this life. I'll get the answers I needed soon.

Maybe if I didn't have enough I'd give him my motorcycle.

Heck. I'd sell my house just to keep my Char safe.

Woah man. Intense!

Hope y'all liked le chapter.

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Love yall!
~ Willow