{Thursday, September 9th.}

I toss the banana smoothie from Smoothie King in a public garbage can as I pass by, immediately stuffing my hands in my jacket pockets as I continue my walk down the busy street.

My newly adjusted watch tells me it's half past twelve P.M. The crowds in New York only getting thicker, the sounds getting louder to the point it feels overbearing to me.

Quiet. I need quiet.

Which must be how I'm currently now walking into Central Park here in Manhattan. One of the few places they have more greenery than cement.

I feel my chest loosen just a fraction as I walk further down one of the many pathways, only a few people here and there as they go about their day either running or simply taking a walk with a family member.

I stare at the ground as I pass what looks to be a mother and her five year old daughter, smiles on their faces as they talk between each other. A balloon attached to the child's small wrist.

Mentally shrugging off the sudden heavy shadow that's fallen over me, I pick my pace up. More than relived as the city noises seem to disappear a fraction as they fade away in the distance.

I simply walk around the park, my mind not set on any particular destination. I just need to wind down in peace.

If that's possible.

By the time I walk by a large, impressive body of water, I find my stomach clenching in pain every few steps I take. My forehead beginning to perspire.

I blow a slow breath out, fully aware of what's happening to me as I work to push it to the back of my mind.

There's nothing I can do about it. It's not like I can simply walk into a drugstore - me, a teenager - and demand I have these specific drugs I need in order for me to function properly without a filled prescription.

No. That'd be too easy.

I'll just wade it out and hope I can make it back to Ohio before it gets too...bad.

I glance up the pathway from my downward position, my feet almost stopping in place as my eyes land on two guys who're leaning back against separate trees as they talk amongst themselves.

Sure that wouldn't be too odd for around here. But these two are.

I take in the specific way they're standing - like they're ready to pounce at any given moment, the way each of their right hands rest next to the left side of their jackets. Hands twitching every few seconds like they're prepared to draw something.

Some of Ben's minions.

Instead of pausing like my feet want, I take the immediate turn to my right instead of going straight like I'd originally planned. Straight into them.

I watch them from the corner of my eye as I keep my head slightly down. My chest tightens, my breath catching as I spot them glance over at me before doing a double take.

They know.

One of them pulls a crumpled piece of paper out of his jacket, and they both quickly look it over before gazing back over at me. Fifty yards between us.

My pace unconsciously picks up, the only thing separating us being the grass between the pathways and the few trees and lamppost.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Of course Ben would have men out here - a less populated area. Already knowing I'd prefer that.

I practically walked right into their trap.

I suddenly walk around a bend in the path, a large boulder popping up out of nowhere - or I just wasn't paying attention, on the left. The area at the moment: uninhabited.

My feet stop me a little further up the path, the boulder to my left, a park bench and a trashcan to the right along with a assortment of trees and bushes.

If anything's going down it has to be here. Where no one else can get hurt.

I can't let anyone else get hurt because of me -

"Um, excuse me."

I fight not to jump as the slightly annoyed voice comes out of nowhere, my heart missing a beat as I glance to the right. Where it came from.

There's nothing -

"You're in the way."

My eyes go down, landing on the large park bench no more than five feet to my right. Small bushes on either side of it.

There, laying on her back, is what looks to be a deranged teenage girl. Who's by the way, laying under the park bench to the point you have to look closely to actually notice her.

I stare down at her, her own light blue eyes staring up at me from between the bars on the bench she's underneath. A spark of irritation growing inside them.

She raises an eyebrow. "Are you dumb? I said move it. You're blocking out the sunshine." She demands, sounding like she deals with this situation more than you'd think.

I take one step to the left, her eyes wincing as the sunshine immediately falls back over her face. Bars of shadows covering her from the bench.

"What are you....doing?" I can't help but ask, honestly confused as-to why she's laying under a bench in the middle of a park. On a school day.

She rolls her eyes like she gets that question a lot. "It's called perspective, genius." She says in a duh tone, tapping what I now see is a sketchbook against the bench above her.

I open my mouth to add something, but she beats me to it. Her eyes flickering over to where I practically just ran from.

"What're you running from?" She questions, looking back up at me as she waits for a answer. Eyes steady.

I frown, glancing behind me.

"Nothing." I lie, vaguely wondering why I'm arguing with some teenage girl while I've got people chasing me.

She shakes her head, and I get the feeling she would've crossed her arms if she could.

"Oh you are." She states like she simply just told me she likes vanilla ice cream better than chocolate, completely confident.

I shuffle my feet, catching the sound of footsteps close by. I glance around, my stomach sinking as I realize this isn't the best place to confront them. Especially if they have guns.

I can't go back to that place.

My eyes scan the near surrounds for any possible place to stash myself away until they pass by, assuming I kept going.

"You need a hiding spot, huh?" She guesses, observing my antsy behavior and searching eyes.

I look back down at her, feeling like I suddenly have a over enthusiastic narrator that doesn't know when to shut-up.

"Tell you what." A small smile grows on her lips as she stares at me, an idea most likely sparking in her brain.

"If you promise to help me with something afterwards, I'll give you a hiding spot no one will find you in." Something mischievous glints in her eyes.

I glance back one more time before looking back down at her.

I've got three options; A, being where I stand my ground here even though they'll probably come around that corner guns a blazing. B, where I keep going in hopes I either lose them or find a better ambushing ground. C, I simply agree to her terms and hope she's not lying.

I make my mind up, really hoping I'm not going to regret this later.

Giving her a hard stare through my shades, I step closer to her. "Fine."

"Promise."

I rolls my eyes - though she can't see them. "I promise." I deadpan, a hint of urgency filling me as I mentally count down how much longer I have.

She smiles with satisfaction, quickly crawling out from under the bench. Stepping around it from the back, she pushes her way through a bush, coming to stand next to me.

She motions towards the bench. "Well, get a move on. You know how to crawl underneath stuff I assume."

I raise an eyebrow up at her, not really seeing how hiding under a bench is going to help me.

She sticks her hip out, placing her hand on it as she reads what I'm insinuating. "You didn't see me." She reminds me, her face cheeky.

Point taken.

Quickly pushing past the bush, I position myself behind the bench, kneeling down as I crawl underneath the wood planks on my stomach.

She immediately sits down on the bench, placing her right leg up on her left knee as she leans down over her sketchbook. Face scrunched in concentration.

I hold my breath, going completely still.

No more than five seconds go by when there's suddenly movement to the left, those two men appearing around the corner at a fast jog.

They abruptly slow down as their eyes land on what's-her-name, resorting to a fast walk as they quickly scan the area. Avoiding her.

They walk past her without another glance, not once looking down under the bench like any person would normally do. Why should they when there's a teenage girl happily sitting on it like nothing's disturbed her drawing haze in the last ten minutes.

Smart strategy.

I watch as their back disappears around bend in the pathway, undoubtedly picking they're pace up once more.

Waiting almost a whole agonizing minute, I then slowly crawl back, grabbing the back of the bench as I stand myself up.

I stare over where they disappeared, my arms tense as I unconsciously wait for them to double back.

It doesn't happen.

She stands up from the bench, a triumphant smile on her face as she tucks her now closed sketchbook under her arm. Sliding her pencil back behind her ear.

I take a second to look her over.

She stands around average height, small and petite. Somewhere between fifteen and sixteen I'd say. She wears a pair of pink jeans torn at mid thigh to make shorts, a pair of black leggings underneath which are tucked into pink sneakers. A simple T-shirt with the words; Insert Coffee To Begin, spelled boldly out on the front. The large shirt most likely a size or two too big seeing as she has the right side tied in a knot at her hip.

Her slightly round-ish face has a dusting of freckles over and around her thin nose, her skin lightly tanned. Light blue eyes stand out against her face as dark red hair - naturally red, frames her face in long ringlets. A pair of what looks like handmade bead earrings dangling from her ears, an extra diamond one a little higher up on her right ear.

Her style making me believe she's one of those 'I-stand-out-in-a-crowd-and-I'm-proud-of-it' kinda person. Loud and proclaiming.

"Alright," She looks me over again, pursing her lips. "James Bond." She nods to herself, like it's a fitting match.

I frown, chest squeezing.

"Time to make good on your promise." She rocks back on her heels, crossing her arms as that cheeky smile shows back up on her face.

Blowing a breath out, I stuff my hands back in my pockets, hiding a wince as that small movement sends a stab of pain through my stomach.

"Well?" I drawl out as she just continues to stare at me.

She walks back to the bench, grabbing a brown backpack off the ground. "Oh, well since you're obviously on the run." She waves her hands as she states the obvious, throwing the backpack up on her left shoulder.

She flashes me a large, determined smile. "I'm now your new partner." She throws out like it's nothing.

"I'm going with you."

Her words hit me like a sledgehammer, and I stare at her in disbelief.

"And why do you think I'm going to let you do that? Why do you even think that's a good idea in the first place?!" I exasperatingly ask, honestly confused about this girls logic.

Why would you want to go along with a person that you believe is being chased for unknown reasons? A complete stranger.

That's doesn't make sense.

She holds her hand up, face hardening. "No if, and, nor, or buts." She states. "You promised, and I don't let anyone go back on a promise." She glares at me. "Anyone."

She suddenly looks much too threatening for such a dainty and flamboyant person.

"Besides," she recrosses her arms, looking away. "It'll only be for a little while. I've just got to get somewhere then you're home free, buster." She pulls her other arm through the backpack strap, pulling it up to the middle of her back.

I run a irritated hand down my face, not believing this one minute.

"That's it." I mutter, turning around to head back the way I came from. Completely ignoring her sudden crestfallen face.

I walk back down the pathway, only to hear her footsteps quickly approach me from behind. I keep my face straight ahead, hoping if I leave her alone she'll eventually disappear.

Only she doesn't.

"Hey, buddy, I ain't letting this slide so easily." She huffs from beside me as she matches my pace, already growing slightly winded just from the quarter of a mile we've already walked.

"I didn't agree on having some deranged straggler follow me around like a lost puppy." I dourly state, immediately earning a death glare from her.

"First, I'm not deranged." She points out, obviously offended. "Second, I'm practically in the same boat as you." She shrugs. "I'm running away also."

I blow a slow breath out.

There's too many questions to that one sentence: running away.

"Though I don't think it's nearly as severe as your little....problem." She pulls on her arm strap. "But that's fine with me. I just need to get out of here."

I abruptly stop, facing her now somewhat taken aback expression.

"Look, I don't know who you are, or why in the world you're running away." I lean in closer to her. "But take my advice, and don't follow me." I let that settle a few seconds before resuming my walk forward. Eyes scanning for anymore possible threats.

She blows a angered breath out, following behind me despite my words.

Geez, she's like a fly that won't leave you alone no matter how much you swat at it.

"Alright,"

I swing my head over towards her, mildly surprised. She has her hands behind her back, swinging them slowly as she hangs her head despondently.

"I didn't want to resort to this, but you, sir, have forced me." She dramatically says, lifting her head up to face me. A sly spark in her eyes.

What...?

She turns her head away, looking up to the left. "Guess you won't be needing that random - and honestly suspicious, computer drive you had in your pocket then."

My heart stops, blood running cold.

No. She couldn't have.

My hand automatically goes up to pat against the specific pocket in my jacket, chest only tightening as I realize one thing.

It's not there.

I furiously pat it again, only feeling the crinkle of paper from the letter. I quickly check my other pockets, only to find them empty also.

She didn't.

She smiles, that sly gleam in her eye. "What's wrong? You look a little pale." She teases, walking ahead a few steps. Satisfaction in each step.

When did she even get close enough to even attempt to pickpocket me?

I speed my steps up, coming up close next to her. Almost touching. "Where is it?" I demand, my facial features hardening as I disguise my panic.

She looks away from my face, hers completely impassive. "Oh don't worry, I've got it. But you don't get it until you," she looks back over at me, poking the center of my chest with her finger. "Make good on that promise." She quirks a eyebrow up, removing her hand.

My nostrils flare as I feel a bubble of anger and helplessness grip me, my emotions all twisting together as my mental exhaustion begins to take it's toll.

How much more of this is there going to be?

I step closer, snapping my arm out to grab her wrist. She immediately stops, and we face each other. Both of us glaring.

"Give. It. Back." I hiss, tugging her arm closer to me as I feel my patience wear thin.

She simply pushes against my chest with her free hand, stepping back. "I'd watch what you're doing there, chum." She looks up at me with a innocent face.

"One scream and you'll have others to deal with then just your friends back there." She glances around, keeping her face as innocent as possible.

I tear my gaze away from her, shoulders scrunching together as I realize the population in Central Park has grown.

People bustle around, some sitting at some benches while they play a game of checkers on a stone table, family's with their younger children out enjoying one of the last decent summer days. A few set of eyes on both of us.

I swallow, slowly releasing her hand as I step back. Glancing around once more, I ignore her snide expression as I push her forward to get her walking once more.

We walk side by side, passing back by that large lake.

Great, what am I supposed to do now? I can't exactly pat her down or physically harm her while looking for it. I'm not that desperate.

Which leaves only one option. One I know I'm going to regret.

"Alright." I amend, and she immediately lights up like a Christmas tree at night. "But as soon as we get there, you give it back. Undamaged." I clarify.

I can't believe I'm allowing this.

She skips a step. "Great! I'm glad we've come to a understanding." She smiles, bitter sweat after that stunt.

I let a dark chuckle out. "Yeah, if you call 'blackmail' a understanding." I deadpan.

A word I know only too well.

She rolls her eyes, shrugging me off as she continues her - now growing annoying, skipping beside me.

I wait a minute before glancing off to the side at her. "So where exactly do you need to go?" I question, because obviously I've got to know that simple fact she's neglected to tell me.

What's it matter to me if I'm helping some kid run away? I shouldn't care.

She stares ahead. "Oh, it's just Ohio." She absentmindedly answers as she watches a pair of geese float by on another small pond we pass. "Just help me get there and I'll do the rest," she give me a sidelong glance. "Alone."

Ohio? That's quite the....coincidence. Though I guess it only helps me.

Silence lapses between us, thoughts beginning to plague my mind.

She has the drive, the drive Felix practically died for, the drive that holds so much information in it. All that now in the hands of -

I look back over at her preoccupied face, a small smile on the end of her lips as she now watches two children run repeatedly around a large rock like it's actually fun.

- her.

What if she loses it? What if she drops it and crushes it under her foot? What are we even supposed to do now? We're two teenagers - that should really be in school, wondering around in New York of all places. One of the busiest cities in the country.

How are we supposed to get transportation to Ohio?

I'm suddenly broken from my ever growing list of worries as she speaks up.

"So what exactly is on that drive that's so important, huh?" She absentmindedly questions, hands back behind her.

I tighten my jaw, keeping my eyes forward. "Nothing of any importance to you." I state, moving my legs faster.

I might be stuck with her for now, but that doesn't mean I've gotta be nice and like her.

Her eyes abruptly widen from the corner of my eye, her face growing excited. "You're not some like undercover agent or something that's infiltrated the underground and is now taking some top secret evidence back to HQ while being hunted down by said group?" She rambles in one breath, sounding way too excited.

I almost sputter as her whole hypothesis basically hits home, head turning towards her.

Quickly masking the surprise that's undoubtedly on my face, I face forward again. Trying for cool and collected.

She gapes. "No way! I'm actually right?!" I wince at how loud she sounds, though it's probably just me.

"No, you're not right." I correct, raising my hand up to run it though my hair. "Though how do you even know about the...underground?" I inconspicuously question, feeling a invisible shudder run down my spine at the word as images flash across my mind.

She shakes her head, letting a laugh out. "Oh no, I do believe I'm right - at least on some of it. You denying it just confirms it, squirt."

I redirect my attention on her, swallowing the sudden clump in my throat.

Frowning at yet another nickname she's come up with, I open my mouth to reply, only for it to suddenly dwindle out to nothing.

What's the point? All this extra arguing is painful not to mention annoying.

A headache pulses somewhere back in my skull, invoking a pressing sensation. My stomach sends stabs of pain throughout me every few minutes, my fresh cut on my side smarting.

"And to answer your question, pretty much all natives of New York know about the underground. It's just a known fact. People simply choose to ignore it." She shrugs, not finding it necessary to elaborate.

Her choice of words earlier makes me suddenly confused. Undercover agent?

"Wait," I look back over at her, searching. "How old do you think I am?" I ask, genuinely curious.

She looks completely confused I'd ask that. "Uh, well...." She narrows her eyes, looking me up and down real quick. Lingering on my face; my newest scar.

"Eighteen at the youngest?" She tilts her head to the side, nodding her head to herself.

I keep my surprise inside, facing forward again.

I seriously look that old? I'm going to have gray hairs before I'm thirty.

Blowing another breath out, I resist the sudden urge to laugh. "Not even close." I mutter to myself, earning me a curious glance from my newly acquired 'partner.'

She shakes her head, scuffing the bottom of her toe on the ground a few times. "So I'm Dare by the way, just Dare." She abruptly introduces, peering up at me.

That's an....odd name. Though I guess that's why it suits her so well.

I stay silent, and she lets a annoyed huff out. "And you are...? Assuming that's not classified." She makes a face at the word.

Giving her another sidelong glance, I straighten my shoulders.

"Alex."

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A/N

Gasps! We now have a new character! Ding, ding, ding, ding! VOTE! If you want to see another update soon! (More ⭐️ = More 📖) Comment!

So, I'm sorry for the late-ish update. (It's still this week.) But I'm happy to report that my wisdom teeth operation has done well, and I'm basically back to normal! (Uh, sorta.) And though it was bad in the beginning, it still doesn't compare to my tonsils and adenoids experience. (Not even going to go there.) 😜

Questions:

1.) So, what's your opinion on Dare?

2.) Who's ready for the adventures of Alex and Dare?! (Duh, duh, duuuh.)

3.) Who thinks Alex is in a real pickle now between both Dare and the threat of Ben finding him?

So, as it turns out, my birthday is actually in a couple days. Yup, turning a big 18. An actual adult! 😱 Oh snap, that looks much more intimidating on paper. (Or screen lol.)

A girl enjoying her last few days of being 17,
Maggy