Chapter Twenty-Three

Abby's POV

I knew it was little dangerous what I was doing, but I dragged the interferer outside to talk with him. As soon as the door was shut, I leapt at him.

"What the hell are you playing at?" I asked. "What are you doing here exactly?"

"My dear, if I told you, it wouldn't be safe for me." He was snide as he spoke. "And it's a surprise for you, wouldn't want to wreck that, would we?"

"Look, Abby don't trust you as far as she can throw you. And she's not buying your excuses." I glared at him. He merely smirked, and held me against the wall.

"You may not trust me now, but you will in due time." He replied. "I have high expectations from such a fine girl like you."

"Abby already said she ain't fighting for you, or with you for that matter." I spat.

"Who said I needed your approval?" He replied, making my pupils dilate. He was seriously not on our side, and he had big plans by the sounds of it. before either of us could do anything, I pulled the gun from my leg, and pointed it directly at his head.

Bad move.

"Ah, nice weaponry you have there." He stated. "Tis a little big for you though, isn't it?"

"It's not the size that counts." I clicked the trigger. "It's what you can do with it."

We heard voices, and I put the gun back without another word. And as the door flung open, I felt him grope me and passionately kiss me. He was forceful, and I couldn't break free. And as I finally got away, my team had seen everything. Nigel seemed the most disappointed, Kuki a little shocked, and Wally ready to punch someone. I backed away from him, and left without another word. I took my shoes off, and broke into a run. I ran through Patton and Rachel, who seemed a little confused about my sudden urge to run. Through teary eyes, I saw Fanny attempt to grab me.

"Abby, come back!" I heard her cry.

I kept running, ignoring Virginia's cry for me to slow down, Bartie's attempt at following me, and Hoagie's hand shooting out and a grabbing my arm. I pulled away from him, and kept going. I didn't want to be there, and I didn't want to face Albert again. So I ran back home. I ran past my house, and continued down the street. I reached the tree house, and fell onto the grass in exhaustion. I sat there and breathed heavily, trying not to let the tears flow. I knew that it looked bad to them, and I had no idea how to explain what exactly happened. I knew that Nigel wouldn't believe me. Kuki maybe, and Wally? He'd listen to me, but I don't know about believing. I got up after a while, and headed for my room, where I could sit on my balcony and analyze the night.

I don't know how long I was sitting on the balcony railing and watching the stars, but it must've been a while. I heard the rest get home, but I didn't move. I didn't want to face any of them right now, and not because they caught me getting harassed. No, it was because I was going to be used against them somehow, and the further I distanced myself, the less likely I'd be that one.

"Numbuh 5-T?" I heard Wally's voice from my door. It seemed concerning and sympathetic, which I found surprising coming from him. I heard him step out to my side, and leant on the railing. "What was all that about tonight?"

"Look, Abby doesn't wanna talk about it." I said with sharpness in my tone.

Wally didn't back down. "Look, I know you would never kiss that frog any day, so tell me why you ran."

I looked in his eyes, and I knew he wasn't going to leave until I told him. "Fine. But promise you'll keep this between you and me, alright?"

"Well, you just spoke in first person, so it must be serious." He replied, helping me get down. "Ah promise I won't tell anyone."

"Ok then." I breathed in deeply, and started. "Albert's been harassing Abby for a few days, saying weird things. If Abby's intuition is right, he might to use her against you. But as to why, she hasn't figured out yet."

"What?" Wally said, grabbing my hand. "You sure he said that? It doesn't make any sense."

"Which is why Abby doesn't know what he's planning." I replied. "I thought if I just play low for a bit, he might not go ahead with plans."

Wally looked in concern, his frow burrowing by the second. "Well, if you need anyone to look after ya, ah'm here for ya."

"Thanks Wally. Abby appreciates it." I replied. We embraced each other tightly, and when we let go, we faced a few unhappy faces. Kuki and Nigel looked a little angry, and the rest seemed a little confused. I slapped my forehead in embarrassment.

How was I gonna explain this?