It's been a few days, and I knew the guys would be home soon. I hadn't talked to any of them, I refused to speak with Alex since he made me leave. I couldn't call Jack...not yet. I had picked up my phone so many times, gone to his contact, and just stared at the screen before setting it back down.

What would I even say? Sorry I made you mad while you were insane and triggered you to almost kill me? Sorry our friends made me leave cause they thought it was best? All of that just showed how fucked up this whole situation really was.

“Ember, hunny.” Hayley walked into our living room where I was sitting, holding two plates of food. “Dinner's done.”
“I'm not hungry.” I mumbled, but she set it in front of me anyway, before taking a seat next to me.
“You haven't eaten a thing since you got here. Four days ago. Alex told me before that they couldn't get you to eat much either.” She rubbed my shoulder. “You're getting thin, too thin. You look sick, hun. Not eating and constantly staring at your phone won't help Jack you know.”
“Don't say his name.” I muttered.
“Look, they'll be back in town soon right? Maybe....maybe I can talk Alex into letting you see him.”
“He won't listen.”
“I'll make him listen.” She assured. “I get it, you two really do need each other. Separation is not working, and Alex needs to see that.”

She handed me a fork, and moved the plate to my lap.

“I'll even call him right now. Just please, eat.” I looked over at her and sighed.
“Okay.” I stabbed the bit of meat and took a bite.Hayley smiled and got up, digging out her phone. I watched her walk back to the kitchen dialing Alex's number. I continued to choke down the food. It was good, but I didn't care. It's been so long since I bothered eating, it was weird to just be doing it again. I started on the vegitables when I could hear Hayley start talking.

“Hey Alex. Look we need to talk. What do you mean this isn't a good time? Alex, seriously, I really do. Yes, it's an emergency, it's about Ember. I want you to let her....wait. What? Yeah? He...he did what? The hell I'm not going to fucking tell her. I knew this was a bad idea. Yes it was Alexander! I told you the minute you said you were sending her home that this would only backfire.”

“Hayley?” I got up, worried. “What's going on?”

“Yes that's her you dimwit. I'm going....fine.” He handed me the phone. “He has something to tell you.”
“A-alex?” I spoke into the phone.
“Ember....uh, hi.”
“What's going on?”
“It's Jack.” He stated, and didn't go on. Clutching the phone, I felt my heart start to pound.
“What. Happened.”
“He's gone. He ran off and we don't know where.”

I dropped the phone, Hayley quickly put a steady hand on me in case I fell. He was gone? He just left? Jack was missing? How could....what the fuck were those guys doing? How could he just disappear?

I could hear Alex trying to talk through the phone. I walked away from Hayley and grabbed my phone, heading for the door. I heard her pick up her phone and try calling after me.

“Alex, we're still here. -Ember, where are you going?- I don't know, why do you think I asked? -Ember, stop- I'm trying Alex.”

I ignored her and opened the door and leaving quickly. I ran down the flight of stairs and went straight to my speed dial. Before putting it to my ear. I listened to the ringing, praying and hoping to God he'll at least answer to me. It went on forever before-

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm dancing naked, leave me a message! Beep!

No no no, I tried again. It rang and rang on a I finally made it down the stairs.

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm dancing naked, leave me a message! Beep!

“Fuck.” I swore, and tried again.

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm dancing naked, leave me a message! Beep!

I knew exactly where I was going. If he didn't answer, I was going to-

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm dancing naked, leave me a message! Beep!

Dammit Jack, please. I don't want to get them involved. Please.

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm dancing naked, leave me a message! Beep!

I was driving in my car, phone still on as I kept repeated calling.

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm dancing naked, leave me a message! Beep!

Pulling up to the familiar street, I held on to the hope that he would answer.

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm dancing naked, leave me a message! Beep!

I stopped, looking at the house. One more time. Just one more time.

Hey, it's Jack-o! I'm da-“Ember, stop calling me.” Jack voice finally rang through.
“No, please, just listen to me.” I begged, breaking down. “I didn't want to leave, and I'm sorry I did. Alex made me, Jack. I didn't want to go, but he made me. I wanted to call, but I didn't know what to say. I wasn't even sure if you wanted me to. Please, just, please. Tell me where you are. I won't even tell the guys if you don't want me to. I just need to know you're okay.”

I started crying, sitting in my car. In front of the house I moved into when I was 17. Hoping to God Jack would listen to me.


“I love you so much.” I said, voice cracking. “I still do, I really do. Please, Jack. Where are you?”

Notes

Yes yes, another short chapter. But, we're getting somewhere! Intensity all around!