45 BULLETS IN THE AIR ARIEL’S POV “Tomorrow? Are you really sure about that? I mean, your grandfather’s funeral just took place today. We can’t just go ahead with a wedding,” I brought out to Luke. Of course, I did like the fact that we were about to get married once again. The vengeance was surely going to take place. But I was still human, and I had feelings. Since Sir Reynold’s funeral took place today, I think the wedding should be shifted to next week, to avoid heartbreaking moments, and unnecessary talks from different folks. Luke looked at me, his eyes were all red. “I know. But that’s what he wanted.” “What?” I blurted out immediately. “I saw it in one of his letters when I went to the hospital. He wrote that I should get married to you the day after his funeral.” “He said that?” I arched an eyebrow. “Yes he did. Do you think I’ll be in a hurry to get married to you?” “What do you mean by that? Am I not beautiful than your girlfriend?” I gave him a sardonic smile. “I do not have a girlfriend,” he answered coldly, turning his face. “What about Harriet?” “She’s not my girlfriend.” “Oh, you guys broke up?” I taunted, knowing fully well that they were no more. He glared at me. “Don’t try to be so funny around here.” Crap! Mason told me the same thing. Was I that bad? I mean, come on, it’s not like I was trying to crack jokes or something. “Need a drive home?” Luke asked. It was quite surprising that this man was trying to act nice now. “Nah, I’m good,” I replied. “Take care, okay? And don’t think too much. But just know that whatever you do, Sir Reynold is watching you, and he will always be proud.“ Luke nodded slowly to my words, and I smiled at him, before walking away. My phone started ringing so I halted, to check who was calling. “Ariel look out!” Luke screamed, and as I turned around to look at him. He pushed me to the ground, getting on top of me. Yup, we dodged a bullet. Bullets were released in the air, terrorizing everyone present at the scene. Some people were hit with bullets, and I felt so sorry for them. The bullets were still being released, nad I couldn’t help but wonder the people responsible for such act. 1/3 13 45 BULLETS IN THE AIR 2/3 Just when I struggled to catch my breath, I realized that Luke was shielding me from the upcoming danger. The deafening sound of gunfire pierced the air, and I watched in horror as bullets whizzed past us, their deadly intent sensible. Around us, chaos unfolded like a scene from a nightmare. The individuals who attended the funeral, were now scattered in every direction, desperate to find cover from the relentless rain of bullets. Fear was written all over their faces, they all scampered up and down. Yet, not everyone was fortunate enough to escape the bullets. And I felt so sorry for them. I was still laying on the ground, my heart pounding in my chest, my senses heightened by the upcoming threat. The air was heavy with the hard scent of gunpowder, blending with the scent of fear. I couldn’t help but wonder who could be responsible for such a senseless act of violence. What could drive someone to unleash such terror on innocent people? Sometimes, I wondered why some people came to this world. Still in the turmoil, I caught glimpses of wounded individuals, their pain clear in their anguished cries. My heart ached for them, and a deep sense of sorrow washed over me. How could anyone be capable of inflicting such harm upon their fellow human beings? This was absolutely brutal. I hope karma finds the bastards responsible for this. The bullets continued to rain down, and I clung to Luke. I didn’t know, but his presence was providing a feeling of security in the core of this storm. We huddled together, seeking solace in each other’s arms. The gunshots seemed like it was never going to come to an end. And I didn’t know if it was the end, but if life was ready to take me, then so be it. “We need to get out of here,” Luke whispered. “I shot him a crazy look. “Are you kidding me? Do you want to get us killed? “You fear too much. No one’s going to die.” “How are you so sure about that?” I quizzed. “Don’t get me wrong here mister, but can’t you see the dead bodies all over the ground? Do you want to die?” “Why are you so scared of death?” “I’m not scared of death. It’s just that I’m still too young to die.” “If I’m not mistaking, you should be in your early thirties.” He replied, with his eyes fixed at a different spot. “What?” I gaped at him, and another gunshot echoed through the air. “What you trying to say, huh?” “If we continue to be in this same spot, we might be killed,” Luke said, ignoring my question, as he surveyed the whole surrounding. “We need to run from here.” 45 BULLETS IN THE AIR The both of us rose from the ground, with the idiot leading the way, his hands tightly clasped around mine. And we both moved forward together, while the chaos continued to take place. I couldn’t help but relish Luke’s manly hands which held mine. He was providing a sense of security, as the bullets continued to land like hell. Yes, I was terrified, but the mode which he used in leading the way was so awesome. And his touch was gentle and firm at the same time. Luke’s strides were confident and effortless, as if he knew the path to safety by heart. And although I was following his lead, I still needed to ask where this guy was going to. Because it looked like he was scampering to anywhere, known or unknown, but just to keep us safe. “Can you please be a little bit faster?” Luke gave me that annoying tone, which I hated so much. “Hey, this is the fastest I can go,” I told him. We ran straight to the woods, and I kicked something hard on the ground, maybe a stone or whatever. But I almost fell, and then Luke’s hands reached out and firmly grabbed me in a flash. And at this moment, we looked into each other’s eyes, I could see his beauty right there. His captivating features were impossible to ignore; they held a mesmerizing charm that drew my attention. I found myself completely immersed in his gaze, unable to tear my eyes away. And to my goddamn surprise, it seemed that he too was captivated by me, as his unwavering gaze mirrored my own. But these were all nonsense. Pure nonsense. I quickly shoved him backwards, breaking the moment, as he let go of me. “What was that for, huh? I saved your life, and this is how you repay me?” Luke barked to a certain degree. I couldn’t help but give him a confused face. “What did I do?” “What did you do?” He repeated my question. “You forceful push just now, almost caused me to land on the ground. What if I got injured or something?” “I wouldn’t care anyway,” I retorted. “Oh, shut up!” Someone snapped, and we both turned to look at him. It was a baldheaded man and he had his gun pointed at the both of us. 33 3/3 46: OLD POPS DICKSON
