Chapter 63

I rang the doorbell and waited for it to be answered. The guard from the gates let me in easily when he recognised me. I look at my escort beside me. One of General Briggs’ men was ordered to accompany me to my little trip. He was stoic and observant at the same time. I even let him change from his uniform not to grab any attention from other people. But he was huge, muscular and a have stupid haircut that I hated when you’re a soldier. I sighed. This is the last stop before I go. I already informed my family. They were happy and at the same time sad. They wanted to see me but I denied their request. General Briggs’s flight was tonight and he wanted me to come with him right away. I was actually quite relieved that I was unable to see them. I can’t face them knowing I commited a horrible crime. The door finally opened and in came my best friend. She attacked me with her hug and squeezed the life out of me. "Avery!" She whimpered. She then let me go with her hands remained on my shoulder. "Are you alright? I’ve been anxious waiting for your call you know. I thought you’re not getting out." She was all over the place. Her eyes and nose are red and her face morphed in worry and sadness. "We need to talk." She glanced at the man beside me. "I’ll explain everything to you." I said as I cut her thoughts off. We sat in her living room. I know for sure Ashton isn’t around. It’s in the middle of the day. The man is always at work. "You look like a mess, Ave. You look..." She shook her head, sad for my sake. I know I look horrible. I haven’t even taken a bath since that night. My eye bags were so dark and deep. My skin was so pale. I feel like a walking zombie. I couldn’t sleep at all. I told Sierra straight of what happened. She was an emotional wreck. Her being pregnant triggered her emotions more. She even blamed herself. I told that those guys targeted me. I told her what truly happened why they wanted payback. I told her that I lied about Stefano helping me and instead told her to keep quiet about this. Not to tell anyone even if it’s Stefano. I knew I was giving her a huge baggage but I wanted this favor. I’m tired and I just wanted to escape. When I thought I could finally settle down and be happy, things went down the hill again. I can’t really make things right no matter how much I try. I just mess it up. This is my only shot to escape. Maybe I don’t truly deserve it and this... this is what I’m destined to be. "Avery... please don’t go..." Sierra sobbed on my shoulder. She was against me leaving. I can’t give her what she wants this time. "I’m sorry, Sierra. This is the only way." I was trying to hold back the sadness and hurt in my voice. I was trying to be strong for her. I was so touched that she would feel this way for me. We’ve been friends for almost a year now but she has become my best friend. For a tough girl like her to be crying over me... "But this isn’t your fault. They attacked us first, you’re just trying to protect me. Oh, Avery. There must be another way for this." She wailed. I refuse any help from them especially from Stefano. I don’t want to escape the law just because I’m friends with a billionaire, more so because I’m Stefano Ranallo’s lover. I don’t want their names or their money to help me. It’s just not right. I noticed Marcus looking at us across the sofa while trying to keep his face straight. But one look at his eyes, I know he pitied me. I know he feels sad for my friend who was crying over my state... for my sake. I shook my head. "I already said everything, Sierra. There’s nothing much we can do." I continued to rub her back to sooth her. "I’m just sorry that I have to leave you. Just so you know, you are my best friend. You and Jenna are the only true friends I got." "Oh, Avery." She hugged me again and sobbed. She was just an emotional wreck. "You, too. I love you so much. I might not be able to survive without you." She cried and I just laugh at her little drama. After our talk, we needed to go. I still have some packing to do. She walked us to her door. When we reached the threshold, I faced her. "Promise me, Sierra." My tone and face was serious as I looked at her hazel eyes. She nodded. "Yes." She then hugged me and squeezed me tightly. This will be the last hug before I go. "Please take care, Ave. Don’t put yourself in danger again. I don’t want to see you in a hospital ever again." "I’ll try." She smacked me in my arm as she let me go. I chuckled. We then said our final goodbyes and walked towards the gates. It went farther and farther as we walk. I can feel my heart dragging back towards Sierra. "Avery, wait!" Sierra called, still in their front door. We were only a couple of meters away from her. I turned to her feeling confused. "You were right, Ave." My head tilted to the side trying to think of what she meant. "Ashton and I talked. And you were right all along." I nodded at her and smiled, finally understood what she meant. I knew she was trying to hold back her tears but it was probably too difficult for her. It was spilling from her eyes like a waterfall. I waved at her one last time and finally walked out of the gates. "You’re a friend is a keeper, Miss White. I hope you treasure your friendship." Markus, who was quiet all the while, finally commented. I smiled but I couldn’t hide the fact that it was out of sadness rather than pride. "I know."