Chapter 15

“Okay, I’m on my way,” Josiah said, hanging up the phone. He felt completely overwhelmed. It was the middle of the night, and Sienna was in trouble again! Ever since she returned, there hadn’t been a moment’s peace. The police station and assault? New tricks, huh? he sneered, irritated.

Grinding his teeth, Josiah left the house and rushed to the South Jerity Police Station. The late-night roads were clear, and he arrived in less than half an hour.

At the entrance, Stephen stopped him. “Who are you? You can’t just walk into the station.”

“You guys called me,” Josiah replied, his handsome face serious. “Is Sienna inside? I’m her… friend.”

“Sienna? Alright, you can go in.” Stephen allowed him to pass, shouting inside, “Jackson, Sienna’s friend is here!”

“Really? Bring him over,” Jackson replied.

Sienna, startled and confused, sat there. As she turned, she saw Josiah’s angry yet still good-looking face. She was even more puzzled—why was he here?

“Sienna, level with me. Did you do this on purpose? Are you trying to stir up trouble, make things difficult for me? Is this your new way of clinging to me?” Josiah’s questions came like a barrage.

How familiar this scene is, Sienna thought. Four years ago, when Yvette fell downstairs, he was just like this—accusing me without any evidence.

She opened her mouth to explain, then gave up. Forget it. Let him think what he wants. Soon enough, they’d go their separate ways. How he saw her didn’t matter at all.

Josiah laughed irritably. “Say something, will you? Did I hit the nail on the head? And to think Grandma said you’ve changed, matured!”

He muttered under his breath, a sneer tugging at his lips as anger simmered, “Even I fell for it once. But it was all a sham, a mirage!”

Jackson finally intervened, pulling Josiah aside. “Calm down. Let me explain the situation.”

“Okay,” Josiah nodded, restraining his anger. “Go ahead.”

Jackson explained, summarizing, “We recommend a settlement—pay some money and be done with it. Going to court without evidence is a waste of time and resources, right?”

Josiah fell silent, looking at Sienna. She was bullied by Mike? Is that why she fought back? So, she wasn’t trying to cause trouble?

Reflecting, he realized she’d only met Mike because he hadn’t given her a ride. His face darkened. He turned to Jackson. “Okay, I agree to settle.”

“No way!” Sienna stood, firm and facing Jackson. “I don’t know him! He has no right to decide for me. I won’t agree to a settlement. I don’t have a single penny!”

Jackson looked visibly troubled, at a loss for words.

“Enough, Sienna! Just for a mere $1,500, you’re going to keep causing a scene?” Josiah snapped, turning to Jackson. “Don’t listen to her. I’ll handle the paperwork.”

“Okay, this way,” Jackson nodded immediately.

Sienna glared angrily at Josiah. “Stay out of my business, Josiah! I told you, I won’t settle!”

“Not done yet, huh?” Josiah’s face darkened; a wry smile touched his lips. “Oh, really! What’s your plan, then? Because I’m definitely taking care of this my own way.”

“Josiah Flynn!” Sienna yelled, but it was useless. Her eyes welled up; her heart ached at the thought of losing fifteen hundred dollars.

In the end, Josiah paid the money, signed the papers, and concluded the matter.

“Alright, head over there to collect her things, then you can leave,” Jackson said.

“Okay, thanks.” Josiah found Sienna. “Let’s go get your things.”

Sienna ignored him, walking to Stephen.

“Here you go. Check if everything’s there,” Stephen handed her a bag.

“Okay.” Sienna looked inside—phone, keychain, pepper spray, a half-brick, and more. “It’s all here.”

Josiah’s eyes widened at the half-brick. It’s normal for girls to carry pepper spray, but a half-brick? He shook his head, clearly taken aback.

“Seriously, you carry this thing around?” Josiah asked, lifting the half-brick, noting the dried blood on it.

Sienna didn’t respond. She took it from him, preparing to put it back in her bag.

“Wait,” Stephen interrupted. “Sienna, bricks are considered dangerous items. You can’t take it with you.”

Sienna paused. “Really?”

Stephen chuckled. “Yep. Even though it’s not a metal weapon, it can still do some serious damage. Normally, you wouldn’t get through subway security with that. You got lucky this time, but don’t bring it again.”

“Alright, I get it.” Sienna bit her lip, looking sad. She finished packing her bag. “See you, Officer.”

Stephen smiled. “See you.”

Sienna practically glided out the station. “Hey, Sienna!” Josiah called, hurrying to catch up. “Wait for me, I’ll drive you back.”

“Don’t touch me,” Sienna spun around, her charming eyes flashing a warning. “Stay away.” Josiah paused, raising his hands. “Okay, I won’t touch you or get closer. Just relax.”

He’d never seen Sienna like this—like a scared little animal, baring its teeth. Instinctively, he lowered his voice. “My car’s over there. It’s late; should we head back?”

Sienna calmed down. The night was wearing on, and she was tired. She really didn’t want another incident. Clutching her backpack, she nodded.

“Let’s go,” Josiah sighed in relief, leading her to the car and opening the passenger door.

However, Sienna walked around to the back seat, opened the door, and climbed in.

Josiah paused, then closed the passenger door and got into the driver’s seat. As they drove, he glanced at the back seat through the rearview mirror. Sienna was curled up, her eyes tightly shut, clearly not interested in talking.

Josiah frowned. This Sienna didn’t match the one he remembered.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Silver Beach. He stopped the car. “We’re here.”

There was no response.

“Sienna…” Josiah turned, seeing her half-lying down, mouth slightly open—she’d dozed off.

Without thinking, he got out, opened the back door, and gently tapped her shoulder. “We’re here. Wake up.”

But Sienna remained asleep.

Josiah tried again, then hesitated. It was his fault how the night had gone. With a soft sigh, he decided to carry her inside.

He reached out, slipping one arm under her neck and the other under her knees. Just as he was about to lift her, she opened her eyes.

Their eyes met. Josiah felt a sudden flutter, throwing him off balance. He stumbled toward her, his lips landing on hers.