[My humblest and deepest apologies, I got a little swamped with work and school projects that I didn't have enough time to update you guys. I'll try to make up for it. This is the chapter I missed, Enjoy...]
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Back at the tree stump...
"Could you guys just explain to me, what the hell is going on?" Michael asked getting frustrated.
"Let's just go to the hospital, we'll explain everything there" Cal' said
"What about the other guy and that girl?"
"Right, we need to take them too"
"We'll just wait for them" Sally said
"In the mean time, why don't you explain?" Michael said again
With a deep sigh, Sally explained everything to him.
"So, what you're saying is, you're not going to tell me anything until i get my memories back"
"Yes"
"Then, why did you act like you were about to tell me what I asked?"
"Just wanted to mess with you"
"Gosh, you're annoying" He said
...
"You good?" Duke asked. Charlotte looked at him and nodded
"Can I ask a question?" He asked
"What is it?"
"Why did you go through all this trouble just to bring me back? You could have just made new friends."
"I wanted you. You were the only one who understood me and you're also the only one who knows how my family died so I could talk to you freely"
"How did they die?"
"They were murdered. That was also the day we met"
"Oh, I'm sorry about that"
"It's okay, it was a long time ago"
"So, how exactly did you bring me back?"
"The place of the sacrifice"
"What sacrifice?"
In an attempt to change the topic, Charlotte asked.
"How long has it been since you woke up?"
"Um, I think about 30 minutes?"
"Then, it's almost time"
"Almost time for what?"
"For your memories to come back. By the way, brace yourself"
"For what-" Duke tried to ask but was interrupted by a sharp pain in his head. He held on to the tree and his knees buckled, Charlotte held unto him to prevent him from falling.
"It's okay, it'll soon be over, just a bit more" she said trying to console Duke, who had his hands on his head.
At the same time, Michael was also in pain. With his hands on his head, he was held by Sally.
"What is going on?" Sally asked trying to hold him steady.
"I don't know, but we need to get him to the hospital"
"How do we move him?" Gwen asked
"Cal', call your mom, tell her to come with an ambulance, we can move him that way"
"You're right"
Cal' said moving away to make a call. Gwen turned to Sally and asked
"Do you think this is also happening to Duke?"
"It probably is"
"I'll go find them. I'll call you if anything goes wrong"
"Okay, stay safe" Sally said and Gwen headed in the direction Charlotte ran in.
"Where is she going?" Cal' asked
"To find Duke, this might also be happening to him"
"Good idea"
.....
"Shhh... It'll be over soon. Just a bit more" Charlotte said rubbing Dukes hair
"It's actually not that bad, it just caught me off guard" He said getting up off the ground
"Oh, I thought it would hurt?"
"It does, I just don't feel it anymore. I have a pretty high pain tolerance"
"I know, you told me the last time"
"What last time?" He asked
"Your memories aren't completely back yet, we've known each other for quite a while"
"Then why did you react like that?"
"A normal person would react like that"
"You're not exactly a normal person though"
"Hey, I may have problems but I'm considered normal, at least compared to you"
He let out a chuckle as he wrapped his hands around his ankles
"Hey, are you guys okay?" A sudden voice interrupted, it was Gwen
"Yeah, we're fine. What are you doing here?" Duke asked
"I thought something was wrong with you" She said
"Oh, the pain isn't it? I'm fine"
"How did you know about the pain if you're fine?"
"I do feel it, I just nave really high pain tolerance"
"oh... Well let's go then, we can't stay here forever" Gwen said and turned around
"Am I coming too?" Charlotte asked
"You, are going to jail'
"You can't put her in jail" Duke said
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want her there"
"She's a murderer"
"That's why she can't be in there"
"She walked into a library, murdered a guy and stabbed Lizzie 7 times! What do you mean she can't be in there!? Why are you protecting her anyways?" Gwen asked folding her hands on her chest.
"First, you don't talk to me like that, second I remember her now"
"What? Was she your little girlfriend?"
"That was disgusting to even think"
"Awwwnnnnnn, oh stop it" Charlotte squealed
"He just insulted you" Gwen said
"That's okay, he has a bit of an issue expressing himself"
"She's still going to jail though, she has to. The case already made it to the station, we can't just cover it up. And personally, I don't want to" Gwen said and walked away.
In a flash, Duke was in front of her, his hand wrapping around her throat "Like I said, you do not speak to me like that, you may have gotten high on the power those kids have given you, but know your place. You can boss them around and do what you want, but, not with me. I can snap you little neck right now, if I so wish. I will not warn you again."
"I thought you said you don't hurt women?" She said
"That's why I'll make it quick and painless. Don't test me Gwendolyn"
"I'm sorry"
"Apology accepted" He said letting her go. Finally being free, Gwen gasped for air, sucking it greedily into her lungs. She looked ahead and saw Duke walking away without sparing her a glance.
"You are lucky you're alive, you know. He's not usually this merciful" Charlotte said stopping beside Gwen
"You released a monster"
"Loneliness does things to you" She replied and walked away.
Getting down the mountain, they met with the others waiting there. Tyler, who sat at the drivers seat, got out and addressed them.
"We're going straight to the hospital. The sheriff would meet us there to take her away" Tyler said
"No one's taking her away" Duke said in a low voice
"Tell that to the sheriff, I don't have the time nor the patience for this. Get in the car, let's go"
"We can get there on our own"
"Just get in the car you crazy son of a- haa... Just get in"
"I don't find your tone respectful, change it" Duke demanded
"What the- Excuse me?"
"I won't repeat myself"
"Look kid-"
"I'm not a kid, maybe because I've been in that kids body, you think I'm one. I'm not, I'm actually older than all of you combined."
"haa... Would you please get in the car so we can get to the hospital, your majesty?"
"A bit dramatic, but I'll allow it" Duke said "I'll meet you guys there"
"Get in the freaking car, Duke"
"I said, I'll meet you there. Don't test me" He said, his eyes flashing white for a moment.
"Fine, suit yourself" Tyler said
They all got in the car and left, leaving Duke there.
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[I also changed the book cover, what do you guys think? Tell me in the comments!!!]