Chapter Twenty Two - Snake Pit

I smooth down the material of my jumper as I take one last look in the mirror. I'm going to meet my family today so that I can put an end to their harassment. They've been calling and texting nonstop, even going as far as showing up to my workplace and college. I'm thankful that they don't know mine and Hunter's address because they even showed up to my old house.

I walk out of the room to see Hunter frowning deeply at his phone screen. He looks up at the sound of my footsteps and for a moment his eyes widen in surprise before he shoves his phone back in his pocket. I catch the flicker of sadness in them before it's gone and it makes me worry.

"What's wrong?" I ask as I wrap my arms around his waist.

"Nothing." He shakes his head with a smile but I don't buy it. "Where are you off to? I thought we were going to spend the weekend together."

"We are but I need to take care of something first. Then I'm all yours." I grin as I peck his jawline. "I'm just going to my parent's house."

"Oh..." He nods with a harsh gulp. "I can get Zeke to drive you?"

"That's okay, I'll be fine." I smile as push my bag higher onto my shoulder. "I'll be back in an hour or so. Do you want to order takeout or cook?"

"Takeout's fine." He replies a bit hoarsely before coughing and I frown in confusion when he seems off.

"Hunt...do you feel unwell? I can stay home –"

"No, I'm fine." He grins but it doesn't reach his eyes. "I'll have the food ordered for when you get back. Mexican okay?"

"Sure, we still have to finish the rest of The Hunger Games so you better have that ready to go too." I tease as I make my way to the door.

"I'll try my best to get through it this time." He chuckles as we remember how he fell asleep last time.

"Alright, I'll see you in a bit." I kiss him goodbye before making my way down the hallway.

But just as I make it to the elevator I'm spun around and Hunter's lips come crashing down on mine. I whimper in surprise before melting against him. He holds me tight, as if he never wants to let go which makes me smile. The kiss is passionate and hungry, making my toes curl in pleasure. Eventually he pulls away and smiles although his eyes tell a different story.

"I love you, Red."

"I love you too, Hunt." I caress his cheek before pecking him again. "Are you sure you're –"

"I'm just acting needy." He laughs softly before pressing the button for the elevator.

"Okay..." I chuckle before stepping inside when the doors open. "I'll text you when I'm leaving okay? I'll get Zeke to pick me up."

"Bye, Red."

"Bye, love you!" I shout just as the doors close.

Sighing heavily, I make it downstairs to the reception area before calling a cab. I tell the driver the address and stare out the window at the passing scenery throughout the entire journey. I'm a pile of nerves but I need to get this over with today once and for all. Then when I get back I'll tell Hunter everything that's been going on. I didn't want to worry him, he's done so much for me as it is. I need to handle this on my own.

Eventually, I arrive in the gated community and pay the driver. Walking up to the familiar house that I haven't seen in years I tell the guard my name and after checking he lets me in. Making my way up the driveway I take everything in as memories of my childhood come rushing back. But instead of bringing me joy all they bring is pain.

I knock on the door and blink in surprise when a different butler greets me. Smiling uncomfortably, I ask for my parents and he guides me to the sitting room where everyone sits including my sister. They all greet me with warm smiles and tight hugs which makes my heart even heavier.

"Zoe, we'd like to try and rebuild our relationship with you. We were wrong for not supporting you." Dad starts with a heavy sigh.

"We're so sorry for not believing in you, honey." Mom adds with a sad expression that I have a hard time believing.

"Why do you suddenly want to have a relationship with me after all these years?" I question and watch them glance at each other.

"Well, your photography being a hit online opened our eyes and made us realize how wrong we were to not support your dream." Cynthia answers with a smile and confirms my assumption. I quickly text Zeke to come pick me up.

"There's so many people who want to meet you, Zoe. Your work in incredible!" Dad grins before mom cuts him off with something that horrifies me. "Plus, there's this handsome bachelor who's passionate about art too. We've set up a little dinner date for you two tomorrow night!"

"I have a boyfriend!" I sputter in shock at how she could even suggest that.

"Oh, Hunter's not a good match for you sweetie. You need someone who shares the same interests!" Mom brushes me off and I feel anger rise within me.

"You don't even know him so stop assuming things! Hunter is perfect for me!" I retort only for Cynthia to scoff.

"This guy is much more influential Zoe, you'll be so much more successful if you date him." She rolls her eyes before all of them shake their heads.

"You know what? You all can rot in hell for all I care!" I seethe as I stand up. "The fact that my photography is taking off and it's only now that you care about me is pathetic! You all disgust me and are no family of mine!"

"Zoe! What are you talking about?!" Dad thunders as they all stand with shocked expressions.

"You have always been greedy and fake! All you care about is the fame and the success I can bring you, nothing else!" I shout before turning to my mother and sister. "And you two wanting to set me up with some dickhead when I'm perfectly happy with Hunter is disgusting! If he's so influential and shit why don't you two kiss his ass and see where it gets you?!"

"Zoe!" Mom screams in rage as I grab my bag.

"Oh, fuck off!" I yell as I make my way to the door. "Don't ever try and contact me again!"

I'm shaking in anger as I race down the driveway and through the open gates. My family yell at me to come back and talk it out but I ignore them. I'm done with them. Zeke is thankfully waiting outside and I quickly get into the car before telling him to step on it. Silent tears stream down my cheeks and I stop trying to wipe them away at some point. Zeke glances at me worriedly from the rear-view mirror a few times but I'm grateful that he gives me my space instead.

The permanent divide between my family and I hurts like a bitch but I'm also relieved that I'm free of them now. No more calls, no more texts, no more meeting them to do their bidding, nothing. The greed in their eyes over my recent success is clear to see. They know that I'm with Hunter yet they still want to set me up with someone solely for their benefit. It's sad to see how horrid and cold hearted they've become.

"Are you going to be okay, Zoe?" Zeke asks softly as we pull into the garage at home.

"I will, thank you Zeke." I smile weakly as I wipe my tears away with the tissue he offers me.

I bid him goodbye before making my way inside. Taking the lift upstairs I walk down the hallway, yearning to be in Hunter's comforting hold again. All I need is him. Unlocking the door, I step inside to see takeout boxes on the coffee table in the sitting room. A smile lifts my lips when I see that he has the second movie in The Hunger Games series ready to play. He's too good for me, I think to myself.

"Hunt? I'm home!" I call as I put down my bag and check my phone to see missed calls and texts from my family. "Hunter?"

I frown when I'm greeted by nothing but silence. Making my way throughout the apartment I become confused when I can't find him. I call him again a few times before deciding to call his phone. He doesn't pick up. My heart starts to race as worry seizes me over what might have happened.

"Hunt, please call me back. I'm worried." I leave him a voicemail as I make my way into the kitchen.

I find a note on the kitchen island that I hadn't noticed before when I passed by it on my search for him. Picking it up I open the folded page only for my eyes to widen as I start reading. My heart shatters into pieces as tears stream down my cheeks for the second time today.

Red,

I know you went to work things out with your family today. Lately you've been sad and I can only assume that you've been missing them. Your father has been texting me too since Cory and Jordan's wedding. I know he doesn't approve of our relationship. Maybe that's why you've been so stressed?

He's been telling me that I'm getting in the way of you rebuilding your relationship with them. I know the things they did and how they treated you over the years hurts you deeply. I don't want you to have to choose between your family and me.

I'm leaving for a little while. I hope you guys can work it out. I'm sorry and I hope you can forgive me. Don't be mad, Zoe. This is for the best and you'll finally be a family again, like you've always wanted.

I don't know when I'll be back. My biggest fear is that they'll take you away from me. Your dad said that another man is interested in you and is a better match than I ever will be. I don't want to lose you but I feel like I already have.

I love you Red, more than you will ever love me. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and it hurts me to leave you. I don't want to but I understand that it's for the best.

Someday, when it doesn't hurt as much, I hope to see you again.

Love, Hunter.

"Hunter!" I let out a strangled sob as I fall to my knees. "Oh my God! No! No! No!"

I read the letter again through blurry eyes with trembling hands. The apartment echoes with the sounds of my heartbroken cries. I should have told him. I should have reassured him that I would never even think of leaving him. I was stupid to think that everything would be fine after handling my family on my own. I've brought this heartbreak upon myself. No-one else is to blame.

I quickly call a familiar number since Hunter won't pick up. "Zeke! Do you know where Hunter went?"

"No, Zoe. He was at the apartment when he told me to collect you." I can hear the confusion in his tone. "Why? What's happened?"

"He's gone." I croak as another round of tears fill my eyes. "Hunter left me."

Zeke tells me he's going to check the nearest airports, train and bus stations for him. While he's doing that I call Michelle who picks up on the third ring. I can barely contain my tears when I hear her voice.

"Michelle, have any of you heard from Hunter?"

"Zoe? No, the last time we talked was yesterday morning. Why? What happened?!" She asks worriedly as I cover my mouth to stifle my sobs. "Honey, why are you crying?!"

"H-He's gone. H-He left me a letter s-saying that h-he's leaving for a while –"

"Why on earth would he do that?" She asks in a shocked tone.

I take a deep breath before explaining everything to her. By the end of it she's cussing Hunter out for being stupid which makes me smile momentarily. She assures me that she'll get everyone to contact him and to hold on tight. I thank her gratefully before ending the call.

Picking myself up from the floor I make my way over to the couch and sit down. Then I spot another note which I snatch up quickly. The words make me burst into another round of sobs and my heart aches painfully over the knowledge of him gone.

Red,

Please eat something. I know you're mad but don't forget about your health.

Plus, I spent money on the takeout and I'm going to be pissed if I find out you let it go to waste. I got you your favorite tacos too.

Love you,

Hunter.

I try calling him again but it goes to voicemail every damn time. "Hunter, please come back home! Don't leave me, please! I'm not going to rebuild anything with my family, please just come back and I'll explain everything! I'm sorry, I should've told you sooner but I thought I could handle it on my own! Please Hunter –"

My throat tightens with emotion and I cut the call before texting him repeatedly. He doesn't respond to any of them and I scream in frustration. Burying my head in my hands I try and rack my brain for what I can do. I call Cory and Jordan before trying his office, all places coming up empty. I had to explain everything to Cory and Jordan who immediately get started on trying to contact him. Hunter's boss tells me that he had requested some time off but didn't give a reason.

He had this planned for a while, I think to myself in shock. I remember his behavior from this morning and it all seems to click in place. He was acting weird because he knew he was going to leave me. He ran after me to kiss me one last time because he knew. I'm so fucking stupid!

I keep trying to contact him through calls and texts but it's no use. At some point, late in the evening, my calls won't go through anymore and I can only assume that he's on a flight somewhere. The thought of him leaving me alone here makes my heart squeeze in pain. Zeke calls me back saying that he couldn't find a trace of Hunter anywhere. With a heavy sigh I tell him to take the night off as I conclude that Hunter has left New York. I also receive calls from Michelle and Cory who tell me that they can't get through to him but they promise to keep trying.

"Zoe, sweetheart, why don't I come up and stay with you for the time being?" Michelle suggests and I smile at her thoughtfulness.

"No, it's alright Michelle. He said he's only going for a little while so I'll stay here and wait for him to come back. I'll be fine." I reply as I fiddle with the hem of my jeans.

We talk for a little while more before I receive a call from Ella. She starts crying immediately because of her hormones and both Ryder and I struggle to calm her down. Both assume that if Hunter has flown out of New York then he might either be going back home or coming to Canada. They promise to keep me updated if he shows up at their place before I get an earful from Ella about not having dinner yet.

"I'll eat after our call, I promise!" I smile weakly and she nods her head in satisfaction.

"It's going to be okay, Zoe. You have all of us and we certainly won't support that idiot!" She seethes furiously which makes me chuckle. "Eat and get some sleep. I'll check in with you tomorrow, okay? Love you."

"Okay, I love you too El." I smile before hanging up.

Sighing, I trudge to the kitchen and warm up the food Hunter had brought me. I don't think I have any more tears left to cry. In a daze I eat the food with the television blaring in the background. I'm struggling to process what happened and I can't believe that he's really gone. If only he had waited I would have explained everything and he would still be here. Or better yet if only I hadn't tried to solve the matter with my family on my own I wouldn't have lost him.

After clearing up, I make my way into the bedroom and change. I try calling him again only for the monotone voice to say that his phone is switched off and unreachable. Endless tears escape the corners of my eyes and wet my pillow as I lay down. I look over to his side that's empty and cold, wishing that he was here and would hold me until I fell asleep.

"Please come back Hunter, I need you." I whisper as I hug his pillow to me. 

Update schedule is: twice weekly whenever I find time!

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