weatbumpershoot

Chapter Eleven

"Are you sure it was him?" Josh asked as he poured me a cup of tea. I nodded. We were back in the apartment, and I had just finished telling Josh exactly what had happened.

"It was him, there was no doubt about it," I confirmed. Josh set the cup of tea in front of me, and I stared at it emotionlessly.

"There's no way he knows you're in this apartment though, Hayley. He can't get you," Josh sat down next to me at the kitchen table and began to fiddle with his hands. We were both silent for a few minutes.

"Josh," I began, breaking the silence. "I...I don't want this to put my sisters in danger...or you."

Josh stared at me for a moment. "We should call the police," he said.

"No!" I exclaimed. "If you call the police, they'll send me back to Las Vegas! I'm not supposed to be here, remember?"

"Hayley, we can't just sit around pretending like nothing's happened," Josh said. "I sure as hell don't want you to go back, and I'm not going to let them send you away, but we need their help."

I gripped the tea cup, letting it burn my fingers slightly. "Okay...call them."

Josh pulled out his black cell phone and dialed the non-emergency number for the police. He put the phone on speaker in the middle of the room as we waited for someone to answer.

"Franklin County Police Department," a voice grunted on the other line.

"Uh, hi," Josh said. "My name is Josh Farro, and I...um...have a...er...situation..."

"My name is Hayley Williams," I interrupted him. "I'm lead victim in case 367, taken up by the Witness Protection Program." I saw Josh shift uncomfortably in his seat.

"Right, Miss. Williams," the office responded on the other line. "I know who you are, I know your case. What seems to be the problem?"

"Well, I..." I broke off for a second, glancing at Josh. He moved his hand to rest on top of mine, and I continued. "Four years ago, when I was first initiated into the Witness Protection Program, I was relocated to Las Vegas, as you might be aware of. About two weeks ago, I moved back to my original location of Franklin, Tennessee, where the crime took place."

"Miss. Williams," the officer cut in, "you are aware that having moved back to Franklin puts you in prime danger of the suspect?"

My eyes met Josh's, and I cleared my throat. "Yes, I...I am aware," I muttered. "That is not the reason am I calling, though. Earlier this afternoon, I saw the suspect."

I could tell Josh was having a hard time following what we were saying, because we were using the proper terms to describe everything. This was how they taught me to deal with situations when I was first taken in by the Witness Protection Program.

"You saw the suspect?" the officer asks. I can hear him typing something into a computer on the other end of the line.

"Yes, and the suspect saw me."

"Where are you currently located?" the officer asked. I gave him the address to Josh's apartment. "We'll send someone over there immediately, Miss. Williams. Just stay there for now."

I nodded even though the officer couldn't see. "Thank-you," I said, relieved. At least help was on the way. Josh hung up the phone and pocketed it. We sat in silence for a few seconds, before Josh spoke up.

"Hayley, don't forget that I'm still here. I'm here with you every step of the way. You're not alone."

I smiled softly at him, and he returned it. Josh was right. I'm not alone.

***

"Miss. Williams, can you describe the suspect for me?" the police officer asked. I began to give a general description of him, feeling my voice shake as I did so. Just picturing him terrified me.

The police officer I had spoken to on the phone earlier had come over to Josh's apartment and was questioning us on exactly what had happened. Jeremy had gone to pick up Erica and McKayla from Josh's parents' house and brought them back to the apartment. He, Josh, the officer, and I were now standing in Josh's living room whilst McKayla and Erica stayed in the guest bedroom. They didn't need to hear this.

"I think that's all I need to know, note wise," the officer said, pocketing his notepad and adjusting his police cap. "Now, about your living arrangements-"

"She's staying here," Josh cut in. "She, and her sisters. They're staying here."

"I'm afraid that you have no say in the matter, sir," the officer shot Josh a glare, and Josh's fist clenched. I rested my hand lightly on his arm, letting him know I didn't want another fight.

"I don't want to be relocated again," I said. "I can't do that to my sisters."

The officer nodded, the look on his face grim. "I don't believe it is safe for you to stay here, in this apartment. Most likely, the suspect already knows your whereabouts. It's only a matter of time before he tries to come after you."

I felt my throat clench up, and I didn't say anything. Josh wrapped one arm around me, pulling me against him.

"So...where should Hayley go?" Jeremy asked, his arms crossed.

"There's an empty apartment located about two blocks away," the officer said. "We would pay for the expenses, but we think it's best that Miss. Williams stays there."

"What about my sisters?" I asked. "I don't want to put them into any kind of danger..."

"The best choice would be for them to stay with someone else. A relative, perhaps?"

"I don't...my mother's still in the hospital, and I don't have anyone close enough..." I trailed off, my eyes flickering towards Josh.

"They can stay with me," he said.

"Like I said before, the suspect probably knows of this location. It wouldn't be safe."

"They can stay at my place for a bit," Jeremy offered. I smiled at him gratefully.

"Right," the officer said. "So I suggest you get out of here. Sooner, rather then later. And don't hesitate to call us if you have any concerns."

"Thanks, officer," I shook his hand.

"Now, if you'd like, I can drive you to the apartment I was telling you about. We can get you set up in there immediately."

"That would be great," I said, and I grabbed my coat. I saw McKayla and Erica come out of the bedroom. McKayla ran over to me, and I knelt down to her height.

"Haywee, what's happening?" she asked softly. I felt my heart break as I looked at her. I didn't want to be separated from my sisters. I gave her a hug, feeling tears start to form in my eyes.

"You're going to stay with Uncle Jeremy for a little bit, okay? You and Erica."

She nodded, then pulled away from me and ran over to Jeremy, who picked her up. Erica walked towards me, a frown on her face.

"What's going on, Hayley?" she asked.

"I can't...I can't explain, Erica," I mumbled. "I just need you to cooperate with me. Listen to Jeremy, okay?"

She nodded, and began to walk towards Jeremy, before suddenly turning back around and giving me a hug.

"I love you, Hayles," she told me. "You're the best big sister ever."

I felt my tears began to fall. "I love you, too."

The officer cleared his throat and I knew it was time for me to leave.

"My stuff?" I asked.

"I can bring it over later," Josh said. I nodded towards him and followed the officer out the door. I had no idea what was going to happen to me, or to the ones I loved. But I couldn't let anyone get hurt because of me. I wouldn't let anyone get hurt because of me.

***

Everyone was crowded around the small dining room table inside my new apartment, laughter and cheers filled my ears a small smile gracing my face. Josh sat at the end of the table, a huge grin spread across his face as he eyed the extravagant cake that sat in front of him. He laughed when Jeremy cracked a joke, clamping his hand on Joshs shoulder.

I rolled my eyes; boys will be boys I guess.

"Dude, can you believe it!" Taylor exclaimed, sitting beside Zac who was, to the left of Josh, staring right at the delectable cake I had made. "You're gonna be 22!"

The candles adorning the cake flickered wildly accenting Joshs face and I caught my breath for a moment. Since when did he I shook my head quickly.

No, Hayley, no. No. No. No. No. No.

Just.

NO.

I sighed quietly turning around to shut off the lights.

Why was I even thinking that? That was just wrong.

"Ok! Let's sing to the birthday boy!" I announced, thankful that I had such a powerful voice so that I could be heard over loud parties like these. I flipped the lights, grabbing the silly little party favor hat off the cabinet last minute. I hurried over to Josh, slipping it on his head before he even knew what was going on. I could feel him staring at me as I ran back to the opposite side of the room and twirled around, folding my arms across my chest shooting him a small grin.

He stared at me, in shock, with that hat sitting on the top of his head. I couldn't stop the snort that escaped.

He looked like a tool, but an adorable tool...

Hayley.

Right, I can't be thinking like that. He's my best friend for crying out loud.

I saw his lips curve into a small, mischievous smirk and I instantly knew I was in for it.

Taylor started off the "Happy Birthday" song and everyone joined in, each voice more obnoxious and louder than the first. We were a bunch of tone deaf fools, but I love each and every one of them. I couldn't keep a straight face when Zac went off into some ridiculous opera man accent setting the whole room into a mess of noise, we couldn't even finish off the song. Josh shook his head, and couldn't stop smiling as he stared down at the cake. He paused a minute before he blew out the candles.

Out of nowhere, Joshs' chair was suddenly lifted and he was carried out of the room by whooping Taylor, Zac and Jeremy. I snorted, shaking my head.

They were crazy, that's for sure.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bekah and Hannah helped me clean up the empty plates and cups that scattered the table when there was a loud screeching noise from the living room that made everyone wince and cover their ears.

"Sorry!" I heard Taylor shout and then one of my infamous mix CD's pumped through the speakers.

"I have a new found respect for you, Hayley," Hannah laughed jumping up onto the counter, swinging her legs back and forth idly.

I raised an eyebrow, "Oh do you now?"

She smirked, "Yes. You put up with them like there's nothing to it. I have no idea how you do it because just being in the room with the four of them for five minutes drives me up the wall, but you spend entire weeks with them. And yet you haven't gone insane yet. How do you do it?"

I laughed placing the last of the dishes in the dishwasher. I wiped my hand with the dishcloth removing the last bit of water on the palm of my hand. "I just do. I don't know."

She grinned, and glanced at Bekah, who nodded. She then turned back to me, "I knew it."

"Knew what?" I asked, suddenly getting nervous.

I hated when they shared glances like that. They worried me. I wasn't a mind reader so I couldn't tell you what they were thinking.

"You already are insane."

I rolled my eyes, feeling the need to fix everything in sight in my kitchen.

Nearly an hour later, I dared to enter my living room. I was scared about what I was going to be walking into. Much to my surprise, it was fairly clean, a little too clean for a bunch of boys who were wired on sugar to believe they didnt make a mess. Jeremy and Taylor were too involved in a heated game of 'Guitar Hero' to pay attention to anyone else. Zac was referring and trying to psyche them out. Josh sat on the couch, watching them in amusement, still wearing that silly little hat. I absentmindedly let out a snort and he quickly turned to look at me, his bewildered expression fading into a smile.

"Hey."

I carefully stepped over a few plates lying on the floor and flopped beside him on the couch. "Hey," I finally said, in a breath.

He chuckled softly and reached out brushing my hair out of my face. "You look exhausted. Take it easy, girl. I don't want you passing out on me. It's a party. Have fun." I rolled my eyes. "Don't you be rolling your eyes at me," he warned, I rolled them again just to spite him and the next thing I knew he wrapped his arms around me pulling me onto his lap setting me off into a fury of giggles as he tickled me until I could hardly breathe.

"Josh," I breathed, completely winded.

He smirked, "I suppose I'll let you off the hook...for now anyway."

I slid off him and shoved him lightly. "You're a weirdo."

"That's my job."

I looked at him weirdly, "Your job is to be a weirdo?"

He laughed, "No, you dork." He turned to look back at the ongoing game but I waited until he told me what he was talking about. He half glanced at me out of the corner of his eye and sighed, "You want me to tell you, don't you?"

I nodded, "You think?"

"Ok, he took a breath. He paused a minute, then mumbled something. "You happy now?"

"Josh," I said sternly. It was hard to take the kid seriously when he was wearing that stupid hat. "Why are you still wearing that?" I asked, reaching over to take it off but he was quick and clamped his hands over it protectively.

"I like it."

I snorted, "But you look ridiculous in it."

"So?"

I rolled my eyes, turning my attention to the game as well. I sat back kicking my feet up onto the coffee table. "Hey Josh?" I asked, quietly.

"Yes, Hayley?"

"What did you wish for?"

He slowly turned around and simply stared at me, his eyes wandering my face a few times before meeting my eyes. He whispered, "Something I can't have," and then he turned away.