Night had fallen, and Ezekiel's worry for Abigail grew. He decided to call Ann.
"Hello?" Ann answered.
"Hi, it's Ezekiel," he said.
"Really… how—" Ann started, but he interrupted.
"I just need to know… is Abigail back?"
"She isn't?" Ann asked, realizing something was wrong.
Ezekiel panicked. "I have to find her myself."
He dialed Abigail's number. It buzzed, but she didn't pick up. "Come on, Abi… please," he muttered under his breath. Finally, a faint voice answered, muffled by music and chatter.
"Hello…?"
Ezekiel's heart sank. That's music… a club? I need to get there fast.
He quickly tracked the location with the help of his AI assistant, Mac.
Minutes later, Ezekiel arrived. Abigail was struggling to leave the club, unsteady on her feet. A group of rough-looking men approached, sensing an opportunity.
"Hey… are you okay?" one asked.
"I'm fine. Stay back," Abigail said, backing away, her voice trembling.
Before the men could get closer, a shadow moved swiftly. Ezekiel stepped in, his presence alone making them freeze.
"E-Ezekiel…" one stammered.
"Back off!" Ezekiel shouted. The men scrambled and fled without a word.
Ezekiel rushed to Abigail, who had crouched on the floor, crying softly.
"Don't touch me! I hate you!" she yelled, even as he gently reached for her.
"Stop it!" he said firmly, gripping her wrist lightly.
Instead of pulling away, Abigail threw herself into his arms, sobbing. "I waited for you… I waited for so long, Kiel. Why did you push me away? I love you!"
Ezekiel held her tight. "Let's go home… we'll talk properly when we're safe."
"Do you promise?" she asked, still trembling.
"Promise," he said softly, lifting her like a princess and carrying her to his car.
Back at Ezekiel's home, Abigail remained emotional but safe.
"You need to rest, Abi. You're not thinking clearly," he said calmly.
"I am thinking clearly! I just… I hate that you left me back then, and now you push me away again!" she said, tears streaming down her face.
Ezekiel took her hands gently. "I never wanted to hurt you. I just… didn't know how to handle everything."
Abigail's anger softened as she listened. "You should have trusted me," she whispered.
"I'm here now," he said. "That's what matters."
The night ended quietly, with Abigail finally asleep on the couch, exhausted from emotion. Ezekiel watched over her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
The next morning, Abigail awoke with a headache.
"Ugh… what happened last night?" she muttered, looking around. She wasn't home.
Ezekiel appeared in the kitchen. "Morning. You're awake already."
Abigail's frustration boiled over. "What did I do to deserve all of this?" she exclaimed, slapping him lightly in mock anger.
"Are you still upset about yesterday?" he asked, trying to stay calm.
"I… I can't forget what happened! You pushed me away years ago, and now you…" she trailed off, turning away.
"Abi… I'll never push you away again," he promised.
"Should I just go to school?" she asked, still fuming.
"Do what you need, but take care of yourself," Ezekiel said.
Abigail stormed out, her emotions still raw, but her heart a little lighter, knowing Ezekiel truly cared.