EDDIE
Rosa and Mary initially planned to share a room on our journey home. But things took an unexpected turn when we arrived. The scene was bustling with activity as the new recruits were in the middle of their training.
As we parked and stepped out, we noticed Marcus, the new guy, couldnât take his eyes off Mary. She returned his gaze, frozen like a deer caught in the headlights.
Marcus, towering at six foot six and weighing around two hundred fifty pounds, approached Mary. He stood right in front of her, grinning down at her petite figure. She let out a squeal when he effortlessly lifted her up to his eye level.
She whispered something in his ear, causing him to nod and smile. From that moment, Marcus decided to stay, sleeping on Maryâs floor. Rosa moved her belongings to my room.
Caden and Eva made everyone swear off having babies. We all agreed and have been careful since. Weâve had our fun, but weâve made sure thereâs no chance of kids.
Weâve been carpooling to high school. When Caden and Eva went to switch Rosa and Maryâs information, the school gave them a number to call. It was for any future kids they might take in.
The house was getting crowded, so when the house next door went up for sale, they bought it. The guards moved there, freeing up some rooms.
Today was a typical school day until the alarms blared, signaling a lockdown. I was trapped in my room, knowing Mary and Rosa were in different rooms. Rumors spread about armed men on campus.
I called Caden to inform him, and he sent our guards. Gunshots and shouting echoed through the halls. I was going crazy, not knowing what was happening.
I texted Mary and Rosa, but only Mary responded. I called Cadenânow Dadâto tell him I hadnât heard from Rosa. Panic set in when he said the guards were surrounding the school but hadnât found anyone yet.
I told him my location and informed my teacher that my dad was coming. I instructed her to lock the door behind me once I left. I waited by the door until I heard dadâs voice.
He tossed me a gun and I left the room, hearing the door lock behind me. I told him Rosa was in room D2 and we rushed there. The door was broken open and the room was filled with the sound of crying children.
No one was hurt, but Rosa was nowhere to be seen. My heart pounded as the teacher pointed to a closet. Inside, I found Rosa huddled in a corner, crying.
She threw herself at me and I held her until she calmed down.
âBaby, do you know who it was? Who was looking for you?â
âAngelo! He brought his friends to try and take me! The teacher lied saying I was absent today and had me hide.â
âOkay baby, itâs okay. Weâre here now! Letâs secure everything so we can get the students out. Stay here until weâre sure heâs gone!â
We left the classroom, leaving some guards behind. We were heading to the front of the school when the police arrived. We explained the situation and helped search for Angelo and his friends.
They had tried to kidnap Rosa again and wouldnât stop until they had her. We searched for an hour but found nothing. We then helped the students reunite with their parents and I went back for Rosa and Mary.
We piled into an SUV and noticed a few cars tailing us as we drove off. Nate called for backup as they got closer. Jessie, Jace, and I climbed into the back and prepared our guns.
We took some back roads, but they continued to follow. There were three cars and our backup was still a ways behind. Nate moved to sit behind the driver and I handed him a gun.
We waited to see what they would do. As cars sped by in the opposite direction, Dad told us to get ready. He drew his gun and told the girls to lie down on the floor.
They quickly unbuckled their seatbelts and huddled together on the floor, crying. Our backup was almost there when they made their move. One car pulled up on the driverâs side and another right behind us.
They were preparing to shoot when we shattered the windows and fired first. The car on the driverâs side started shooting. I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder and side.
âFuck! Iâm hit!â I shot at the passenger and driver, sending their car careening off the road. The car behind us was also shooting.
It veered off the road as the car behind it exploded. I didnât know what our backup was using, but it worked. We pulled over and I jumped out, running toward the cars and shooting.
I ran into a field and saw a man from the back seat trying to escape. He shot at us and I returned fire, hitting him in the leg and arm. I rushed him, knocking him to the ground.
The pain in my shoulder was excruciating. I punched him in the face and recognized him as Angelo. We struggled for my gun and a shot rang out, searing my side.
I tried to grab his gun while turning mine toward his head. Frustrated, I headbutted him, breaking his nose. This gave me the advantage I needed.
I pulled the trigger as soon as my gun was aimed right. His arms went limp. I checked his pulse and found nothing.
I struggled to stand, clutching my side, and started walking back to the car. My steps slowed as Rosa and Mary emerged from the car, surrounded by guards. Rosa saw me and screamed my name, running toward me.
My vision blurred and I dropped to my knees. She reached me, crying and clutching at me. The last thing I remember saying was âI love you, baby!â Then everything went dark as the screams faded away.