It's alright to cry, even my dad does sometimes

So don't wipe your eyes, tears can remind you of life

Hold On by Ed Sheeran

The lights are too close, too bright, too obvious.

'You know we're being followed, right Joe?'

'Yes.'

My bum is starting to hurt. Hey, Zach's knees are not great for the bones. Trust me. We've been driving Joe's Toyota for the past 3 hours and the cramped backseat is made even more uncomfortable by my presence on Zach's lap.

On the road, Joe was pushing his car to the limits, without being too obvious. The winding road twisted and turned through an unfamiliar dark forest and the same pair of headlights shone through the night behind our car. I still had no idea where the final destination was, as the stars were obscured by the roof ahead. Joe sat silent like a statue, brow furrowed and pedal to the metal as he drove along. Bex, in the passangers side was knocked out with her feet in the dashboard.

Macey was sleeping peacefully against the window, Liz's head on her shoulder.

They seemed nearly normal, like a group of friends driving back from a late night outing.

Zach's chest cradled my head as I rested gently back on his muscled shoulder. His head rested on mine and we fell into a graceful harmony of breath. The rise and fall of his chest was comforting- like the steady beat of a drum, assuring me the worst things in life were still overshadowed by the great.

I stare out the window and wait. Waiting for the inevitable, for the time when we would confront… Them.

I had a sinking suspicion I knew who it was.

I thought she had died, I was there.

But something inexpressible kept me from accepting her death, something lurking deep inside my mind told me to be weary.

On and on we drive, deep into the velvet night. I'm so tired, so tired. So tired.

And I wake to Joe's frantic voice, urging me to wake.

'Run.' He says, pulling Macey and Bex out of the car.

'Run.' He says, helping Liz to her feet and nearly pushing her after Macey and Bex.

'Run' He says, and he squeezes me tight.

'Keep her safe.' He looks at Zach.

Do I look like chopped liver? The Chamelon may just be the best spy in junior operative history, but she can't handle herself in a mad dash to safety? I think not.

But there's no time to argue the finer points of my abilities. The skidding of tires behind me tells us the time to go has long passed.

Zach pushed me forward and I run, conscious of his fingers lingering at my back as he urges me onward, away from the dark-clad figures chasing our shadows.

And Joe's behind, fighting off the first of the attackers. Zach pushes me forward as I slow, wanting to help.

'You know what they want.' He says, and I can't argue with logic. Because it's true and I know it is.

I push on. Zach seems to know where we are headed, though I've never been this way before. The terrain is unfamiliar to my feet. Up ahead I see Bex and Macey pull Liz into the cover of the trees.

'There!' Zach points and I'm guided to the edge of the forest. Behind me, Joe is still holding back the enemy agents.

'Go help!' I want to push Zach away from me. How could he stand by and watch as Joe is being attacked?

'I can't, Gallagher Girl. I've gotta stay with you.'

'No. It's not worth it for Joe to be attacked. I'm right behind you.' His reluctance is overcome by my sheer force of will as we turn and race back up the hill.

But Joe, sensing our approach, yells louder than ever before:

'Remember your promise!'

Zach's face is set and he slings me over his shoulder and runs, full speed down the hill and towards the woods.

Joe watches us recede, with me still draped over Zach's shoulder. He turns to face the approaching agents.

Bex beckons us to safety, but I can't see through my tears as I watch the swarm of fists surrounding Joe thicken.

I pound Zach's back, my fists balled, but the energy has drained from my body, leaving me unable to muster the energy to fight.

Zach pushes on, trying to get me out of the field of vision.

But it's too late.

I watch as Joe is pulled away, limp and unconscious.

The tears stream down my checks unashamedly.

The black line of agents files back up the hill, receding into cars like a line of ants, carrying their food to the queen bee.

When he finally puts me down, Zach's strong arms surround me and I bury my face in his chest. When I look up, his eyes read my sadness.

He looks away slowly.

'Come on. I know the way.'

It's alright to cry, even my dad does sometimes

So don't wipe your eyes, tears can remind you of life

Too many people started to like Joe so I had to... remove him. Mwahaha. #sorrynotsorry

Anyways... Long updating will be fixed in... less than 17 more days! Celebrate because I have summer vacation :)

Also.. I have nearly 100 review at this point. ERMHGAD... I am fangirling over this. So help me raise it to 100 because I know how mad you guys are about Joe being kidnapped.

Also, if you have any plot twists or ideas, just let be know! I will incorporate them. Promise :) And maybe I will respond to your reviews next time!

Thanks for reading as always. It's great to feel loved that so many people have read this story. It's crazy actually.

Have a great week (Hope its better than mine)