Chapter 18: A Letter

"So, where's our cinema at?" I asked eagerly as Zere, Brecken, Rahim, Libby and I piled out into Floor 19's main hallway and began ascending to the next floor. Given that the only known TV's destroyed.

"My room's just upstairs," Brecken answered. "We can watch it there,"

"May I ask what the rating is for this?" Rahim chimed in, nervously glancing at the only girl in our gang.

"Ooooooh," I muttered in alarm. "Forgot about that, f*ck!"

Cue Imran to respond with "It's rated R, Rahim,"

Hearing this, Libby gave a farewell salute before starting back downstairs. "Have fun, boys!"

"Whoa, hang on, Lib!" I replied worriedly. "How about you still watch it with us and if it gets too much, we can turn it off?"

"That makes sense, Crane," Brecken agreed, addressing the young girl with "What do you think?"

My surrogate daughter (It felt very surprising to refer Libby by that, initially!) playfully rolled her eyes with an amused sigh. "Bl**dy hell, you've topped it,"

"Good," I shot back with a smirk as the five of us continued on up to Floor 20. There, Brecken took the lead and led us down the left hallway into a room which looked similar to my one, area and colour wise. The only differences included multiple framed pictures of England and Turkey, a dark brown wardrobe against the right wall and a decently sized black television sitting on top of a black set of shelves with a matching DVD player. The final aspect included a double sized dark and white bed with lighter brown shelves perched next to each side.

Suspicious. I wonder who Brecken's lucky lady is?

"Nice room you've got here," I commented with intrigue.

"Thanks, mate," The Tower's leader replied positively. "It's not the best in the Tower, but it will do,"

"Welcome to my world, bud," I said, feeling bad for him.

Hearing this, Brecken shot me a confused look. "You haven't been down to your room, recently?"

"No, why?"

"We spiced it up a bit, whilst you were gone," Rahim butted in. "Think of it as us saying Thank You for helping us out,"

I couldn't help but grin when I heard the older teenager's words. "Thanks guys,"

"It's no problem," Brecken replied, busy scavenging through the set of shelves. "So, you're a fan of Jaws - what other stuff do you like?"

"Well," I began. "For starters, one of my favourite video games is GTA V,"

"No!" Rahim shouted excitedly, whilst Brecken and Libby both shot me surprised yet intrigued looks. I take it they're fans of the game too. Sweet!

"Yep,"

"Who's your favourite out of the three guys?!" The older kid asked happily.

I scoffed. "That's easy. Trevor, though Michael's not so bad as well. You?"

"Franklin,"

"Nice!" I responded positively, turning to address Libby with "How about you, kiddo?" Aren't you a bit too young to playing GTA V as well, since it's rated 18?

"Trevor," She answered, sensing what my thoughts are. "And sadly, I haven't played it myself yet. I just watched my Dad play it,"

"You'll get your chance soon, Libby," Zere reassured her. "You've only got to wait four weeks, anyway,"

"I get that," The young girl responded kindly, playfully rolling her eyes with annoyance. "It's just... If only my birthday could come a tad faster!"

Hearing this, I laughed and earned a stifled chuckle from Libby. Meanwhile, Brecken closed the set of shelves he scavenged through and opened the DVD case to slip the disc into the player. "Okay, I've got it,"

"Yes!" Rahim and I both cheered as we all excitedly sat next to each other, followed by the Tower's leader after the TV switched on to reveal Jaws starting up.

Here we go!

(Two Hours Later - Floor 19 in the Tower - 13:00...)

I'd say that the next two hours were the most fun I ever had; watching one of my favourite films with my family and conversing about our favourite video games, movies and television shows. Rahim enjoyed Jaws a lot and whilst Libby could see how Brecken, Zere and I thought of it as a classic, she wasn't too sure how she felt about the movie herself. Why? Well, the reason is very simple yet f*cking hilarious. During the first half, the young girl smugly remarked that if Jaws was truly desperate to scare her, it was fired … only to get jump scared twice in the finale! That was the funniest thing I had ever seen!

But, the guys and I also felt bad for the poor girl. Kudos to her for making it through the whole thing, though!

I couldn't help but grin happily as I reminisced on the way to my room, receiving a pleasant surprise once I entered. It looked a lot more lively than last time; my zip-up bed was now atop a white mattress and a brown billboard was engraved into the wall next to it. Oh nice, I'll take that! I'll take that. The final aspect was a folded piece of written white paper perched on my bed, prompting me to walk over and pick it up with a confused frown.

What I found was shocking! What the f*ck?!

Kyle,

I know I'm the last person you'd be interested in socialising with right now, which is why I'm writing this. I don't want to hurt you any more than I already have.

I want to explain to you my side of the story. I pushed you away because I didn't want to lose you like I lost Amir. You're both different men, but you're just as good, kind and decent as he was. I don't know what told me to save you, last month. Maybe it was an impulsive move on my part or... my mind telling me that there's something decent about you. I don't regret saving your life, but I do regret accusing you of murdering Amir when he gave himself up for you. You see, that was my way of coping with his passing and looking back, I should have done that differently.

When I supported Libby after she returned to the Tower, she told me how she willingly shielded you from that Bomber with herself and how grateful she was that you were there to stop Rais from capturing her. She looks up to you so much, and so does my brother. You're right about them too. They should be allowed to head out and Rahim should learn to be more responsible.

I am so sorry for the way I treated you. I wouldn't blame you if you decide to cut all ties with me, because it's what I deserve.

If you don't, then maybe we could have a fresh start?

Think about it.

I honestly didn't know what to think! The first time I got rejected, my ex-fiance attempted to desperately apologise to me but I was too focused on how betrayed I felt, hence why I cut all ties with her. Jade rejecting me brought those feelings back and... I didn't know what to do, this time. I didn't know if I should give her a second chance or leave her behind out of fear that I'll get hurt again!

What the f*ck should I do?!

"Kyle?"

A knock greeted my ears, and I looked up to see Libby. "Hi, kiddo. Come in,"

"Thanks," She replied appreciatively, approaching me and noticing Jade's letter with a confused frown. "What is that?"

This prompted me to hand her the paper in question and Libby began reading. The result? Complete and utter shock, mirroring my own. "Wow,"

"I have no idea what to do," I confided anxiously.

"Okay, okay, so," Libby began with concern, attempting to remain calm for my sake. "What is it you're most nervous about, first of all?"

I sighed worriedly, struggling to steel myself together. "I'm just scared that I'm gonna get hurt a second time,"

Hearing this, the young girl tried racking her brains. "L-Look, I don't know anything about this... lovey-dovey scenario, but if Jade's serious about a fresh start - then you'll know that she's the right woman for you," A nervous smile. "Sorry, I know that's cheesy,"

"It's fine, Lib," I replied appreciatively. "I guess there's only one way to find out then, isn't there?"

"True, true," Libby agreed.

A sudden blare of static from my radio interrupted us and once I switched it on, Zere's voice came through. "Hello Crane, do you have a moment?"

"Yes, of course, Doctor," I answered. "What's up?"

"I'm on the first floor with Brecken and Jade has just returned with someone who was formerly a part of Rais' faction," Zere began explaining. "I believe you and Libby may know him?"

Cue Libby and I to share a shocked look, knowing exactly who Imran was referring to. F*ck! "Yes, you're right. We'll be down in a minute,"

What the hell does Henry want?!