CHAPTER 16: I'm okay

"Oh my god! Matt!" Amy yelled, kneeling down next to him.

Nicole stood in shock as Shane and Amy helped Matt to the living room.

"Come on Nic, it's okay." Shannon said, leading her into the living room.

"Matt what happened?" Amy asked, brushing away her tears.

Matt sat up and coughed, holding his stomach. "Jeff and I were walking around, looking for anything or anyone that could've did something to the power. I walked ahead of Jeff and started looking. I heard a noise and turned around." He paused, coughing again. "When I turned, someone punched me. It was a really hard punch and I fell. I was feeling around on the ground for Jeff until the guy picked up the flashlight Jeff was holding. He shined it at me. I looked at him, but he was wearing a mask."

Nicole gasped, knowing that it was the same person...

Matt continued, stopping to cough every once in a while. "He kicked me in the ribs a few times. It hurt like hell too. He shined the flashlight on Jeff once, he looked okay. He was lying on the ground, but he wasn't bleeding or anything. I reached for him, but my ribs were killing me and he kept kicking me." He coughed again and continued. "He helped me up and dragged me to the front door and dropped me. I heard him pick up a cell phone and dial the numbers. That was it."

Amy hugged him. "Matty, I'm just glad your okay."

Shannon shined the flashlight on Nicole and he realized that she wasn't moving. He walked over to her and sat down. She still didn't move or blink.

"Shorty, are you okay?" Shane asked, worried.

"No." She whispered, letting the tears fall. Shannon quickly wrapped her in a hug, letting her cry on his shoulder. Nicole wiped her eyes and looked at Matt. "I'm so sorry." She choked out through her tears.

"It's not your fault." Matt said. He slowly got up and walked to her. He sat down next to her and hugged her tightly. "Sis, it's okay. We'll find Jeff and everything will be fine."

Nicole shook her head. "No. He told me this would happen. It's all my fault."

"He told you?" Shane questioned.

Nicole looked at him and nodded. "He keeps sending me notes and calling me. He says it's just a matter of time."

"Nothing will happen to Jeff or you." Matt assured, hugging her again.

Nicole continued to cry on his should until the phone rang. Shane jumped to get it but Nicole stopped him.

"I'll get it. If you answer it, he'll just hang up." She explained. Shane nodded and backed away from the phone.

Nicole slowly picked it up, her heart racing. "Hello?" She said, trying to hide her tears.

"Hello my dear. How are you?" He asked, laughing.

"Where is Jeff?" Nicole asked.

"Don't worry about him. I asked how you were." He replied.

"And I asked where is Jeff." Nicole repeated, raising her voice.

"You might wanna change that tone of voice." The man warned. "Before I have to do something to your precious little boyfriend."

"I'm sorry." Nicole apologized. "Is he okay?" She asked.

Nicole heard the man sigh on the other line. "Yes he's fine. For now."

"Can I talk to him?" Nicole asked, holding her breath.

"I suppose, for a minute." He replied.

Nicole heard silence for a minute, then she heard the man say, "Here."

"Babygirl?" Jeff asked. Nicole felt fresh tears come to her eyes at Jeff's voice.

"Jeffy." She whispered. She saw Matt, Amy, Shane, and Shannon jump when they heard his name. "Are you okay?" Nicole asked, afraid of the answer.

"I'm fine baby. Don't worry about me. Is Matt okay?" Nicole smiled, remembering how sweet Jeff could be.

"Matty's fine Jeff." Nicole looked at Matt, who smiled.

"Okay." Jeff replied. "Are you okay?"

Nicole smiled. "I'm fine Jeffy, I just want you back. Do you know where you are?"

"I'm in..." Nicole heard Jeff start a sentence, then groan.

"Not a smart idea." Nicole sighed when she heard the man's familiar voice. "I'm right here listening, did you really think I'd be dumb enough to let you talk to him and not listen. I knew you would want to get him out, so I listened."

"Why do you need to do this?" Nicole asked, letting her tears fall again.

"This is my way to you, my dear. Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough." He said, laughing. "Bye."

"Wait!..." Nicole yelled, but it was too late. He had hung up. Nicole turned to her friends and collapsed into Shannon's arms. He held her until she had cried herself to sleep.

A/N: ??? Is it good. I actually made myself sad writing this so... I dunno if it made anyone else sad. LOL R&R like alwayz!!! :)Nicole***