{Thursday, September 8th, 2016: 7:15 P.M.}
Polly's (POV)

I sigh, leaning back against the railing that's attached to the wood deck I'm currently sitting on. A cool ocean breeze blows over my face, the setting sun warming my skin one last time as it prepares to leave for the day.

My eyes gaze out over the shimmering blue ocean that's no more than three hundred yards away, waves repeatedly curling up before falling back down in a endless cycle.

What it must feel like not to have any care in the world. To just simply exist in the present.

Another sigh leaves my lips as I wrap my right arm around a wood pole, my left hand tightening around the wood beads of the necklace I hold firmly clasped in my fist.

Another breeze - harsher than the last, catches the bill of my camouflage cap, tugging it in a attempt to steal it away.

Forty-eight days. It's been a whole forty-eight days - almost a month and a half, since that fateful day Ben and his underground gang ransacked the Brown's property.

Since Alex was kidnapped.

And not a day's gone by where I haven't thought about it - haven't relived it over and over in my mind.

Forty-eight days since Mrs. Jones showed up out of nowhere and rushed us out to this secluded beach house in North Carolina.

Strange woman by the way.

Sure I've always wanted to go vacationing at an actual beach - seeing as I've never been. But not like this. Not where I've got to be cooped up in this so-called 'safe house.' Only allowed outside around the property.

My parents aren't even here.

Mrs. Jones had insisted both the Brown's family - including Mack and mine to come to this safe house. Only explaining that she'd made a certain promise with a certain blonde that she'd keep anyone he cared about safe if anything ever happened to him.

Which is sweet and thoughtful, - you know, leverage stuff - but kinda annoying at the same time.

How am I supposed to help look for him if I'm stuck here 24/7?

My parents were here for at least two weeks - even Macks parents too. But then mine went back to work, mom insisting she couldn't leave her clinic that long no matter what.

And Mack's parents being them, just had to get back to their life of traveling. Duty calls I suppose.

So now it's just me, Mack, and the Brown's here in this three-story southern styled beach house.

Which is pretty nice if I do say so myself.

But nothing - not even the serene ocean front view I wake up to every morning now, can distract me from the ever present pain in my heart.

I miss him.

How could I not? Sure I didn't know him that long. Heck, I don't even know that much about him.

But this relationship both Mack and I have with him is one of those rare ones that just kinda....clicks into place like a puzzle. Extra words were never needed.

Thoughts about him occupy my mind anytime I let it stray. Pushing me to question every small possible thing.

What's he doing right now? Is he okay? Is he scared? Worried?...Hurt?

I want to believe Ben wouldn't hurt him, that the Ben I knew is still the same Ben.

But he's not - that night proved it, and god only knows what he's forcing Alex to do right now.

Underground fights. The most violent type.

A shudder races up my spine, my thumb running soothingly over one of the wood beads as I concentrate on the calming sounds and views around me.

It's just not fair!

He's doing who-knows-what, possibly slaving away while we sit around on a beach. A freaking Beach!

What I wouldn't give to be able to go out there and solve this mystery that apparently no one else can solve.

Yup. You heard me. Not a single police station in the US have any leads towards him. Even Mrs. Jones and all her MI6 stuff can't figure out where they took him.

And now - barely hitting the month and a half marker, Mrs. Jones is telling us not to 'hope' too much.

The nerve. I could barely control myself when she decided to announce that. Not giving Alex a chance even though they have a history which means she knows about everything he's done, that he's been through.

And yet she doesn't think he'll make it.

Though, the more I think about it, the way her face was set, her eyes. The more I'm beginning to believe she might not have been suggesting he might not make it back home physically.

No, more like she was referring to his....mental state. Like the longer he's gone, the more he has to witness after everything else he's been through already.

And that thought just serves to make me more antsy then I already was.

Time is literally at a essence here.

I keep my face forward as the screen door to the deck squeaks, soft footsteps walking along the aged boards towards me.

Mack pauses next to me, standing there in quiet for five straight seconds before taking a seat beside me on the staircase.

His shoulder brushes against mine, his thigh resting next to my own as he leans forward on his knees. Arms holding his weight up as he gazes out towards the ocean also.

I glance to my left, keeping my face still as I look him over.

Everyone I think's changed some since Alex's abduction. Mack being no conception.

His face seems more mature than it did a month and a half ago, a slight weariness to it. He's grown his hair out slightly, it now longer than his usual buzzcut I'm so accustomed to.

He's surprisingly grown a inch or two - much to his delight, apparently having a sudden growth spurt. He's even leaner than before, all his weight going up instead of out.

Then there's the changes in his behavior. The big change if you ask me. The one I miss the most.

He doesn't joke around as much as he used to. Instead keeping to himself as his eyes grow distant. His smile is less frequent, a impassive expression usually plastered across his face nowadays.

He kinda remind me of how Alex acted actually.....Withdrawn.

I think he somehow feels like this is all his fault...somehow.

Why is it someone's always blaming themselves for something?

Then there's the Browns. Lucy seems to just sit around either crocheting or knitting now, eyes withdrawn as she stares at a wall. She likes to put a fake smile on her face whenever Mack and I are around. But we're not fooled.

Don sits around with Lucy, absentmindedly reading the paper, his knuckles white as he holds the paper much tighter than necessary. Always jumping for the phone each time it rings in hope it'll be good news.

And I know without a doubt both of them are the ones that really feel guilty about the whole predicament.

What if they'd never have gone to NY in the first place. What if they'd just figured out Ben a little sooner.

What if, what if, what if.

They both feel responsible even though they shouldn't.

Lucy was in tears when she came back and Sheriff Taylor informed them, Don quiet and reserved as he attempted to comfort Lucy. Pure bewilderment and guilt deep within their eyes.

Because no matter what they tell themselves; They've lost another one.

Mack lets a long breath out. "So apparently Mrs. Jones called." His voice comes out low, a mature sound about it.

He's growing up...Though I guess we all are. I wonder if Alex is any different?

"She's given us the all clear to head back home. Start school. House is fixed. Typical yada, yada, yada." He wryly shakes his head with each mocking word, his right hand opening and closing like a mouth.

Such a sense of humor.

"The Brown's said to pack. We're leaving in the morning." He shrugs. "I think they're past ready to get back to the country life."

I blow another breath out. "It's high time we left." I confirm, feeling a twinge of homesickness hitting me.

Silence stretches between us, only the sound of seabirds and the crashing waves surrounding us as a whole minute ticks by.

"What do you think he's doing right now?" I abruptly question, looking down at the necklace in my hand.

Mack looks over at me, thinking as he watches me fiddle with the necklace.

He reaches over, grasping my dainty left hand with his larger right one. He absentmindedly plays with my fingers, staring down at the necklace.

"Oh, knowing him, he's probably beating up anyone they throw at him with his kickass ninja moves." He answers, looking back out towards the ocean as a ghost of a smile flickers across his lips. Fond memories undoubtably returning.

I stay silent for a moment.

"Do you....do you really think he'll make it back?" I hesitantly question, peering up at his taller head as I squeeze his hand.

He squeezes it back, turning his head to meet mine.

His dark brown eyes that remind me of Hershey's chocolate - because that makes sense, stare back at me, meeting my gaze head on.

A flash of worry floods his eyes a split second before he reverts back to his 'attempt at comforting' facade.

I lean to the left, laying my head down on his right shoulder as I stare back out at the sea. The solid contact and warm body heat easing the tension inside me just a bit.

I feel his own head softy tilt down so it rests on top of mine, his hand now firmly grasping my hand.

"No doubt about it."

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{Thursday, September 9th: 6:15 A.M.}
Alex's (POV)

My head jerks up from its downward position as a loud noise echoes out from the door, my heart jumping from the surprise.

I blink the sleep away from my eyes, tightening my hold back on my legs I have pulled up to my chest.

I'd been fast asleep in my curled up position in the corner of the 'dark room,' this marking my tenth time of sleeping in here.

The cold floor soaks in through my pants, a permanent shiver making my teeth chatter as the damp room soaks up any possible heat like a vacuum.

The old door jiggles before popping open.

My muscles tense, eyes flickering down to my knees as footsteps walk towards my still form.

I fight to control my racing heart - the tightening, hands fisting as they keep the shaking at bay, teeth clamping down to stop the shivering.

All signs of weakness.

My eyes close on their own accord as the footsteps stop in front of me, my body automatically leaning away as-if that would help escape the 'session' Frances more than likely is getting ready to dish out.

No. I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want ANY of it!

I can't handle anymore.

My eyes grow warm as my thoughts seem to scream at me from inside my head. All more demands I can't do.

"Alex."

My eyes snap up at the sound of Felix's voice - just a above a whisper, a burst of relief exploding in my chest with the realization.

No Frances.

I can escape the sure-to-come pain a little longer.

I arch an eyebrow up at Felix, confused as to why he's here instead of Frances.

"Felix, wh-" He cuts me off, shaking his head as he glances behind him. A urgent air about him.

My breath catches as my sharp mind puts two and two together, dread replacing that relief as I stare up at him.

"What'd you do?" I hesitantly question, keeping my voice low as I look at him with searching eyes.

He crouches down in front of me before pausing as he listens. He leans closer, placing a hand on my knee.

"Alex, I've been here for awhile now." He starts off with, staring me in the eye with all
seriousness.

"I've done things I regret, seen cruel, inhuman things I could've stopped." His eyes sadden, pointedly looking at me.

"I've said I can't get out of here without consequences, ones I don't even want to think about." He nods to himself.

"Which is true." He lets a breath out. "But it's mostly because I've been a coward." He looks down a little.

I make a face. "You're not a-"

"Please don't interrupt, time is at its essence." He glances back again, only confirming my suspicions.

"I've been a coward." He repeats. "And that's stopping right now. Along with this whole damn underground organization."

My breath catches. No.

"What they've done to you, it's not right. And who's to say after you they won't continue with kidnapping and training other kids to fight for them?" He shakes his head.

"I won't allow it while I'm still breathing." His eyes harden.

He reaches into his jean pocket, pulling out a small object. "Alex, don't lose this." He holds his hand out, and I slowly accept the object from him.

I look down at the small computer drive, my eyebrows furrowing.

"This is the only copy left. I deleted everything else." He closes my fist around it, looking me in the eye again.

"This contains all the files they have on you about your life. No other one - besides maybe in MI6, exists."

My mouth hangs slightly open, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins with the realization.

It can't be.

"It also holds enough information about this organization for your friends with MI6 to put a stop to all this...permanently." He rushes out, wincing as he takes an extra large breath.

That instantly puts me on high alert.

I take in his waxy complexion, a sheen of sweat on his forehead, eyes dilated with obvious pain.

"What's wrong?" I urge, pushing myself up from against the wall.

He waves the question away. "You think getting this was....easy?" He attempts a joke, only to break out in a fit of coughs.

I lean forward in concern, reaching out.

He waves me away again, shaking his head. "There's no time. We need to move now or else we've already lost the opportunity." He stares, wrapping his left arm around his right side.

I stare at him, wondering if this is truly happening or if I'm hallucinating, dreaming, or if this is just some sick joke.

He stares back, nothing in his face to show that this isn't what it is.

"Are you with me, Alex?' He pauses. "Are you ready escape?" He slowly stands up, holding his hand down for me.

Escape. Freedom.

After all this...could it finally be time to....go?

I harden my face, grasping his outstretched hand as I use it to pull myself up. I face him, a look of gratitude most likely spreading across my features as a whisper of my old self touches my mind.

"I thought you'd never ask."

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A/N

Oh my gosh! I didn't realize how much I missed Polly and Mack! (My poor kids I've neglected.) Then their little 'ending' scene. 😏 So cute! (Who else is getting a vibe that screams a-little-more-than-just-friends now?)

Anywho.

Questions:

1.) Who's happy with the little Polly and Mack scene? Did you miss them?

2.) Is it finally going to happen? Is Alex finally getting out?

3.) Who's excited for the next chapter? (Part 2 of this one)

Also! For those of you who didn't know this, (I don't remember if I ever actually said it.) this book is actually set in 2016. (along with the last one.) I actually started the first one (After The End) last year, which us why it's 2016. So no, I didn't mess up up there XD.

VOTE ⭐️⭐️ IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE NEXT CHAPTER THIS WEEK!! I can't leave y'all like this for a whole week! 😱

Comment!

Peace out,
Maggy