I'm scared to death when I hear a buzz nearby. I scan the room and I see that it's Lawrence's phone! I cautiously move towards it, and the brightness makes me squint. The time appears on the screen. 10:27PM. Day 1, almost down. Two more to go.
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The phone buzzed because it received a text from a blocked number.
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«If you want to save your friend, you must obey my commands. I'm sure we'll get along fine… Jade. Reply within 2 minutes, or else you'll hear the gunshot.»
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As I read the words on the screen before my eyes, my back slides against a nearby wall. And I ponder.
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10:29PM. Is it too late? I scramble to type as fast as I can:
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«If you hurt him, you'll go back to jail.»
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A nearby candle flickers. It illuminates the clock above it.
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I've always loved clocks. It's so similar to friendship. So similar to what I have—er, had…— with Edward. The second hand moves the fastest, so it represents endurance, because it's the quality you'll need the most. You'll always have ups and down, so you'll always need to endure the downs, the arguments, the "separating factors"...
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The minute hand doesn't move as quick, but it still moves constantly. This hand equals forgiveness. It's not everyday that you need to forgive a person, but it still is a quality you'll need to master to have everlasting friendships.
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Finally, the hour hand is love. The hour hand moves slowly, just like love grows overtime. Slowly. But it's there. You might not realize the hour hand moved until the hour changes. You might not realize you've come to love someone until the circumstances change. Like if that person is brutally beaten to death for standing up for a person being bullied. Yeah.
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Buzz.
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«Who's going to tell? You? I can easily shoot a bullet right through your head, little one. So careful you don't step on my toes. Now, do you agree to be my temporary slave?»
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No. Of course not. Me? A slave to save someone I just met?
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Buzz.
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«I'm running out of patience.»
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This is going to be a long weekend...
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«As long as Lawrence's safety is guaranteed... Then I agree to be your slave...»
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What kind of slave will I be?
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«Great. Your first task starts tomorrow. Remember, Lawrence's and your lives are on the line.»
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11:04PM. I go to one of the reclining armchairs, hoping I wake up alive.647Please respect copyright.PENANAGGVnw0Q5lP