"Ashton, grab my bag?" I call as I walk into the kitchen. He goes into my room and grabs it for me. We're behind schedule, so now we're rushing to get to the meeting on time.

It's finally the day of the swing dance club showcase. After weeks of planning and stupid, horrible meetings with Samuel, it's actually happening.

Ashton and I are literally running this event, and we're going to be late.

"Hurry, Ashton!" I called. I don't know what's taking him so long.

"I'm coming." He yelled, then paused. "Which is what I was yelling earlier,"

"Yes, and it's why we're late, let's go." I have no time for his nonsense right now.

I feel like I'm going to throw up.

I'm a little freaked out over that guy I keep seeing. I thought about telling Ashton about it, but he would insist we cancel the event today and never leave the apartment. He's way too protective of me. If I said anything about what's been going on, he'd never let me leave his room. But I didn't want to cancel because so many people would be disappointed.

"Okay, let's go." We rush out of the apartment and head to school. As Ashton drives, I can't help but look out the window to make sure there's nothing fishy.

"Are you looking for something specific?"

I'm watching the rear view mirrors to make sure all the cars behind us turn. After that scare yesterday, I can't be too careful.

"I'm just watching the scenery."

"We go this way everyday. What could possibly be so interesting?"

I shrug and he grabs my hand. I feel better just being near him and touching him. I feel like nothing can happen to me if I'm with him.

***

We get to school and run into McCreery hall. In the planning meetings we decided that it would be a better place for a private event than Old Main's lobby, especially with all the performances. Having people walking through the middle of the act would sort of ruin it.

"Vi, Ashton, you made it!" Luke called when we walked inside. I put my bag down on a chair and walked into the room.

"Yes, we're here. What still needs to be done?" I asked looking around. I'd sent Luke, Elle, and Chelsea lists of tasks we had that way whoever showed up first could get things started.

"The chairs are mostly set up," Luke begins.

"We're leaving them like that?" I interrupted.

"Vi, stop nit-picking everything!" Ashton called from the stage. He was already up there helping Ali set up the speakers.

"How would you like the chairs, Lady Vi?" Luke asked with a teasing smirk. When we're at swing related events specifically, he likes to bring that up often. 

"Well, I was thinking in a semi-circle around the stage would be better for people to see. In rows like this, the people in the far back corner can't see."

"Ricky, Sonya!" Luke calls. Two people bringing chairs into the room from the storage closet stop and look at him. "Semi-circle, not rows!"

"Got it, chief!" Ricky calls back.

"Vi, are you making them change everything?" Ashton shakes his head as he walks over to us.

"No, she's fine Ashton."

"Yeah," I said. "Some people appreciate me over here." I stick my tongue out at him and try to walk away but he grabs my waist and starts tickling me. I shriek and try to squirm away but he keeps his hold on me. I'm about to stop him with a kiss, when Chelsea stomps over.

"Hey, guys. We don't have time for goofing off today. If you want to fool around, go to the playground."

She walks away and I'm about to make a grab for her and finally give her a piece of my mind, but Ashton pulls me back.

"She isn't worth it, slugger." He whispers. "Just forget her and enjoy yourself."

"You're super, Ashton." I said, relishing in his comfort. 

"Oh, I know." He smirked. I ruffled his hair and then went off to over-see my next project. I'm finding that I like to be bossy.

"Make sure the drinks stay in straight lines," I tell Lucia as I flip through the pages on my clipboard. I'm going through list of everything that's going on in this busy building and I'm going through and making sure everything is set up and as it should be.

"Yes, Vi." She sighs. She's pouring cups of water and lemonade and setting them on the table. We have purple table cloths and banners hanging on the walls. Ashton catches my eye and jerks his head in his direction. He thinks he's in charge, but just to remind him that he's not, I take my time, talking to two more people before leisurely walking over to him.

"Hey, bossy. Remember me? I'm your boyfriend." He says.

"I'm not bossy." I protest with a grin.

"Yeah, whatever."

"Hey, you guys are act 4, right after Ricky and Sonya." Lizzie says as she walks past us. Lizzie is one of the members of volunteer club, and she was in charge of making sure everyone got on and off stage when they were supposed to.

I look at Ashton.

"Didn't I tell you we're performing tonight?" He asks sheepishly.

"No." I growl.

He shrugs.

"Oh, hey Vi?"

"Yes, Ashton?" I ask angrily.

"Did you know we're performing today?"

"Oh, right! Totally forgot about that." I punch him in his absurdly muscled arm and he yelps, but he's grinning.

"Hey, boyfriend abuse. This is mutiny!" He cries.

I look at him, confused.

"That's not even the right use of that word."

"Yeah, well," he puts his hands on my hips and slowly closes the distance between us, "It distracted you from your anger and took you away from your running around for a few minutes, so I'd say it served its purpose."

I roll my eyes.

"Whatever." The door opens and I see someone walk in. My breath catches for a second until I realise they aren't grown men.

"Vi, what's going on? You're acting strange. " Ashton grabs my arms and makes me look at him. My lip quivers and I hug him. He wraps his arms around me. I sigh.

"I feel safe in your arms." I whisper without realising it. His grip on me tightens a little.

"Well that's sweet. Do you feel unsafe without me?"

I nod into his chest, unable to remove myself from his grasp. He laughs, thinking it's a joke.

"Is me just being here enough or would you feel better if I followed you around the whole time?"

I force out a laugh.

Yes.

"No, I think I'll be okay. But...make sure I can at least see you."

"Of course, dear." He says, rolling his eyes a little, but I know he loves the attention. He reluctantly lets me go when someone calls him. I try to stop trembling and take a deep breath and get ready for this event. I see people walking inside, probably somebody's family, since the event starts in about twenty minutes. I walk over to them.

"Hi, welcome!" I greet.

***

"That went so well you guys!" Luke says. He, Ashton, Chelsea, and I are standing on the stage. The event ended about half an hour ago. All the guests finally left, and now it's almost time for the "staff party".

"Special thanks to the volunteer club for helping serve the drinks and do set up." Luke says.

"And thanks to the swing club for having this event and letting us help." Chelsea says, running her hand down Luke's arm. He scrunches his nose and shifts away awkwardly. She's still flirting with him, but he ignores her efforts. Sammi was even here tonight, so Chelsea knows he has a girlfriend, she actually saw them together, but she's still determined. Whatever.

Everyone claps for the two groups.

"And now, let the fun begin!" The lights go out and I gasp. I can't see anything. How am I going to know if something goes wrong? Ashton must sense my panic because he grabs my hand. A disco light with bright colors turns on. Everyone cheers and gets up. The chairs have been cleared away to the sides and people start dancing. During the performance, swing club did a mini lesson, so everyone knows a few basic moves, but even if they don't swing, they still dance.

"Vi, you have to relax." Ashton says as he leads me to the dance floor. I've been looking around the whole time, making sure no one slipped in here in the dark. Earlier in the afternoon, I scouted out all the ways a person could enter. There's a door in the front of the room and one in the back. There are also three windows a person could fit through. That's five ways a person could get in. But it's also 5 ways I can escape if need be. "It won't be fun for either of us if you keep this up, you didn't even seem like you had much fun during our performance. What's going on with you tonight? The stressful part is over, it'll be fine!"

"Y-yeah," I stutter, trying to calm my racing heart. But what if he comes here tonight? I've just got a really bad feeling.

"Hey, are you all right?" He cradles my cheek with his palm, looking in to my eyes, both of us slightly illuminated by the glow from the disco ball. "If you want, we don't have to stay. We can go home right now and watch TV or something on your couch."

He's put so much effort into tonight, I don't want to ruin it for him because I'm anxious about probably nothing. He deserves more than that. I can get over my feelings if it means he can have a good time.

"You know what? You're right. This whole event wasn't fun because I've been nervous the whole time. I'm just going to have fun and enjoy the night. Nothing's happened so far, it'll be fine." I hope that saying it out loud makes it true.

Ashton grins and dips me. Taking advantage of my position, he bends closer and kisses me. He sets me back on my feet and I'm dizzy with happiness.

I try as hard as I can to forget my worries and focus on Ashton. While I'm dancing it's easy, and I try really hard not to think about it. After 20 minutes, I forget everything and just enjoy myself. I'm so glad Ashton was able to convince me to do so.

"Okay, everyone, it's time for the last dance!" Luke announces a little while later. Everyone boo's but it's getting late and we still have to pack everything up. It's almost 1 am.

When the song ends, I hear a bang from outside the door, and my fears come flooding back. The lights go back on and people start dispersing to clean up a bit. I stay still and stare at the door. I have a really bad feeling in my stomach. I'm rooted to the spot. The door swings open and two men appear.

It's him. No one has really noticed what's going on yet. Only me.

"Hello?" One of them says loudly. People start looking at them in confusion. Ashton immediately looks around for me and once he located me, makes his way over from his position at the snack table.

"Stop right there." One of them says. He pulls a gun out of his jacket and aims it at Ashton. He stops in his tracks. Someone screams. By now everyone has stopped what they're doing to focus on the two new guests.

"Now, now. We don't want any trouble. We just want the girl." The other says. It's completely silent.

"What girl?" Luke asks, voice surprisingly calm. "There are a bunch of them here."

"Right." Ashton says, using his words as cover to take a couple steps towards me. "And you aren't taking any of them." That's my Ashton, always brave.

"Oh, you know exactly who we're here for, Ashton, don't you?" If Ashton is surprised they know who he is, he doesn't show it.

"No. You can't have her, or anyone." He repeats adamantly. He's only a couple feet from me.

"Yes, we can, because if you don't cooperate," He grabs the first person he can reach—Aaron. "We start killing people." He holds the gun to Aaron's head and Aaron yelps.

"Stop it!" I cry. I can't take this. No one can be hurt on my account. I'd never be able to live with myself.

"Ah, there you are, Viola." Both of their gazes lock on me and I force myself to stay calm and levelheaded.

"I go by Vi." I say sassily. I have no idea where this nerve came from, but it's better than cowering in the corner like Chelsea's doing.

"We'll call you whatever we want, won't we?"

His partner nods. Why do I recognize him too? Has there always been two of them? I only remember one person following me around.

"Come with us and no one gets hurt."

"She's not going anywhere." Ashton says. He and Luke almost make it to me, but the man cocks the gun. Aaron starts shaking. They stop. There's no movement in the room.

"Hey!" The other man pulls a second gun and points it at Maria. She pulled her phone out and was dialing a number. "Everyone put your hands in the air. Don't even think about calling anyone." Slowly, everyone did what he says, except me. "Drop it." He said to Maria and she complied. Ashton looked at her but she shook her head. She didn't do it.

"All right, Viola. Let's go."

I start towards the door. I don't know what else to do. I would rather have something happen to me than to any of my friends.

"NO!" Ashton yells. "Vi, don't go!"

"Ashton, I have to!" I protest. I feel tears wet my cheeks. I don't want to leave him. What if I never see him again? "If I don't people will be hurt."

"Vi..." he whispers. He turns to the men. "Take me instead."

"Yeah, no. We don't want you." The blonde man says.

"If I go," I say to the men, never taking my eyes off Ashton, "Do you promise none of my friends will be hurt?" Ashton is shaking his head.

"Oh, of course. You're the one we want."

"Vi, we have to think of something." Ashton pleaded.

"Ashton, what can we do? I'm not  Superwoman. I have no super powers. You have to let go of me and move on with your life. I love you." It's too late now. The time to do things is over. Now I have to go with them or they hurt my friends. I try not to think about what they'll do to me.

"No, Vi. Please! This isn't goodbye."

"Oh, but I'm afraid it is," one of the men say.

"Ashton, please promise me you'll move on."

"No, Vi, don't go!" He started crying too and fell to his knees. Lots of people in the room are in tears, whether from fear or watching me and Ashton, it depends.

"I have to." I start to walk over to them, but Ashton gets up and rushes towards me. He grabs me and kisses me. I wish I could stay in his arms forever, but someone comes to separate us.

"Vi, don't go," Ashton pleads, trying to hold onto me.

The dark haired man points his gun at Luke telling him, "If you don't restrain him, we kill the boy." Luke looks at me in anguish and I nod. He has to, to protect Ashton. He's not going to let me go easily, but there is no other choice.

"I'm so sorry, Ashton." Luke whispered, grabbing his arms and pulling him off me. Ashton thrashed around as hard as he could to get away, but Luke gets the help of Ricky, and they're able to restrain him. The other man holding Aaron shoved him away. He released a choked sob and fell to the floor. Lucia rushed to him.

One man said, "Now wasn't that adorable?"

"Don't be a jerk about it. I'm cooperating. Just shut up and take me away. And don't hurt my friends." I'm surprised my voice isn't shaking, but I know I have to be strong for everyone. Later I can cry.

"Listen here, little lady. That bossy attitude might work with your friends around here," The man says, pulling my hair and forcing my face close to his. "But not with us."

I gulp and step back.

"All right. We're leaving." The one man leaves, and I'm pushed through the doorway. As I leave, I say, "It's okay everybody, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."

Ashton shouts as I leave. "I love you, Vi. I'll never stop looking for you. I'll find you!" The door shuts as we step into the foyer and I don't hear anything from the other room.

"We're going to go out that door and you're not going to make a sound, is that clear?" The man with the blonde hair says. He seems familiar, but I can't place him yet. I nod. "Our car is parked in the handicap spot. We will walk over to it and you will get in the back seat. If you try anything at all, a punishment far worse than anything you could imagine will be waiting for you later. Is that understood?"

"Yes." The blonde one slaps me in the face.

"I said, not a sound."

I nod, glaring as I bring a hand to my smarting face, and they open the door and push me out. It's a warm night, and bright. The moon is full and shining down on the peaceful campus. I look around, hoping for someone to see me, but no one's there. Campus is dead.

I'm shoved into the back seat of their car and one of them shuts the door. It smells like cigarettes, but not the comforting smell of Ashton's truck. It's harsh and stings my nose. I look towards McCreery hall to see if anyone is coming for me, and the door opens. The man shifts the car in reverse and backs out quickly, tires screeching against the pavement. I try to open the door and jump out, but it's locked.

"Child lock. Don't be stupid." The blonde says. Ashton tries to chase the car, but they speed off too quickly. He rushes to his truck, but he doesn't get in, kicking his tires angrily instead. They must be slashed or something...I watch him until they turn a corner and I can't see him anymore. I'm terrified of what's going to happen to me, but I'm determined not to let them see me cry.

"Where's your phone?"

"I-I don't have it." I lie. I was hoping they wouldn't think of that, and Ashton could track me from that. He turns around in his seat, his uncaring eyes glaring at me.

"If you don't listen, you're going to get punished even worse, girl. Where is your phone?" I sit in my seat, not wanting to listen, but he aims the gun at me and I flinch. I reach into my pocket and grasp the phone. Maybe I can call 9-1-1 if I freeze like this. I try to press the buttons with the phone still in my pocket, but he clicks safety off and I feel my breath hitch. He seems serious. I offer him my phone, but he shakes his head.

"Toss it out the window." He rolls the window down a crack, keeping the gun on me while I push it through the small gap, letting it fall to the ground below.

"Put this over your head." The one in the passenger seat with the gun throws a black ski mask at me. I think about not doing it, but he curls his finger around the trigger so I slide it over my face. I breathe in and my head feels fuzzy. I'm really tired all of a sudden, but I try not to sleep. If I want to...escape, I have to...figure out...where I'm...I'm...I'm.

But I...

***

OMG I'M SO SORRY FOR THIS!! (can you imagine if that was the end of the book like I'd originally planned lol) Pretty much everything that's happened so far has lead up to this moment. I do have some ideas for part 3, which will be uploaded soon. 

Anybody got any ideas on what's to come? I love hearing your predictions, y'all always have some great ideas. 

Also....Ashton releasing a solo album.............amazing. I have so many thoughts, and can't express any of them so dhfgijo[pukjfdgshkj;lhgnc

Anywayyy, keep a lookout for part 3 <3

~ashtonfortherwin