Cade’s POV
He’s Alive
“Hit him already!” Arrow loudly yelled.
Lois’ threat about me was true; his older brother has a grudge on me.
After they waited for me at the corner where I often passed by on my way home from work, someone immediately hit me behind me. When I regained consciousness, I was in front of Arrow with his companions.
The first hit was on my face, the second was on my stomach that caused me to cough hard and lastly, they kicked my ankle that made me kneel in pain.
“Where did you bring Piper? Did you hand her to the rebels?” that’s what Lois told me that’s why Arrow was fuming with anger.
I couldn’t sleep all night losing Piper next to me. I didn’t even feel relieved even though Sandra said she might be already home right away because of impatience. But I know Piper is the person who says farewell to everything.
When the morning came, I asked the reporters but they said they had not seen Piper.
“Won’t you say a word? Don’t you have a mouth?!” He punched my lip hard causing it to blew.
“Maybe you are really part of the rebel group. Do you think you can get what you want?” he laughingly murmured then took the baseball bat held by one of his assistants.
“Speak up!” I tasted a strong blow from him. I could not stop the release of blood in my mouth. I smirked at him.
“Whatever I say. You won’t believe it, will you?”
His anger flared up again. He punched me several times until they all helped on hitting me.
“When we meet again, you should make sure you stay away from Piper. If it has to do with her disappearance, I’ll do it even harder.”
For the last time, he kicked me in the stomach. He took my shoe and set it on fire in front of me. A few minutes had passed when the silhouettes disappeared together with their laughters, I followed out of the warehouse. It’s far from my way home, this place is secluded so there is no car. Even though my body was painful and the road was rocky, I tried to walk. That was a painful few hours of walking. Sometimes I step on glass. I didn’t bear the pain every time I removed it.
I sat for a while and rested. I shoved the cellphone in my pocket. Fortunately, its tempered glass is thick. I tried to call Abel but there was no signal. I don’t know which part of El Preve it is.
“Hurry up and walk!” That voice was familiar.
The voice was full and deep as if it were not from a female. She has long black hair and a scarf on her head. Same with the style of her male companions.
Before they could notice me, I immediately hid in the weeds. I endured the itch more than they could see me. They were wearing long sleeves and torn pants. They are armed.
If I’m not mistaken, it’s my cousin Masha. I did not expect her to join the rebels. If she used to be holding barbie and colorful flowers, now it is different.
“Don’t scare them, Masha. It’s good that we have a new recruit,” the tallest of them all but his voice seemed to be suppressed.
They were walking loudly as I watched. Some of them were being held on to the back of their clothes. Just like Masha does with the said new recruit. They did not let it pass even a child or a woman.
I remember someone who also recruited me before. I was almost carried away by my feelings. But I told myself that I would not use violence.
As far as I remember, it was Apong, the new leader of the rebels ever since his father died as a result of the encounter.
That was also the cover-up after my father’s death. The two sides were accusing each other. It was so chaotic that the rebels flared up again.
“Hey! You’ve been walking like turtle there while eating! Hurry up!” Masha said as if she was the leader of the group.
If I’m not mistaken, Loel is the one she scolded. He was holding bread and was walking slowly than the others. They are going up the mountain. I didn’t think that this was their nest. I have to follow them.
Their footprints on the ground have been my guide. I don’t want to blame them but they are the only ones on my mind to be the reason why Piper is missing.
I need to see her. I need to know if she’s okay and I’ll save her right away. I’m sure she is wrapped in fear at this time. My heart ached at my own thought. If I hadn’t left her there, this wouldn’t have happened.
Masha shouted as if she was scolding the comrades. I also heard several shots and groans.
I quietly reached their lodgings. It’s as if what I am witnessing is a ceremony where they are really eager to join.
In the corner of my eyes, someone was approaching me but before I could get up from my hiding place, I recognized him immediately. He motioned for me not to make any noise.
“It’s dangerous here!” Loel roamed his eyes then backed me away from there.
We talked in a mango tree. He gave me water from his bag.
“Cade, this place is dangerous. You can’t come here. If they see you, they will surely kill you.”
I did not feel afraid of his threat.
I touched both of his shoulders. “What about Piper? Did they take her?”
A few seconds before he answered. He removed my hands on him.
“Yes. She’s here but it’s no joke to approach her. Only those who Apong trusts can approach him.”
I thought for a few seconds.
“Apong knows me, maybe I can ask him.”
His eyes dimmed. At the same time the cold air blew to penetrate my skin.
“You know how much he hates politicians, especially the Roshans.”
We bowed with the rustling leaves.
“Cade, you need to leave,” but I wasn’t shaken.
“I’m not leaving until I’m with Piper.”
He stared at me intently as if examining me. He then sighed.
“Tomorrow before noon at the creek, we’ll meet there. I will help you so Piper can escape.”
“Thank you, Loel.” I patted his arm then slowly walked away.
“Loel, are you with anyone there?”
I stopped walking because my body voluntarily turned around. From my spot, he doesn’t see me but I can see them both.
My hairs stood on end when I saw him standing and speaking. How did he come to life?
On one side of my mind is a wonder of why he hasn’t shown up in a few years.