Type Three the Cure:

Chapter 5

I stand by everyone, staring at the paper, and barely feel Big Rob’s hands on my shoulders until I hear Mr. Paul and a cop.

“Of course, sir. We’ll keep Kristen safe. Big Rob will make sure of that. Nothing’s going to happen,” he says harshly. “Right, Rob?”

“Yes, sir,” he replies monotonously. I turn to see Joe glaring at the note with hatred and fear in his eyes. I walk over to him slowly and put a hand on his shoulder. We give each other forced smiles and he puts an arm around my shoulder. Nick and Kevin are consoling Brandy, who is babbling in her worry for me.

“No way. No. Nope. Nuh-uh! Kris is fine! She is okay. No one’s gonna hurt her! Are they?” she turns and looks at Kevin, terrified. I finally understand as it hits me like a nail on a train track; someone’s after me. I look at the open door of the gym and run full force out into the cold air. I don’t care about who is worried about me because I only care about getting out and keeping the others safe. I don’t hear anyone behind me until someone tackles me gently to the ground.

“Oof!” I grunt as I hit the ground and lay there for a silent moment. I roll over onto my back to see Joe sitting next to me and staring at me like I am nuts.

“What the heck are you doing?! Do you want to die?” he asks me with a deep exhale.

“I don’t want them to hurt you guys to get to me, Joe. They were willing to hurt Kevin to get to me!” I tell him as I draw my knees up to my chest, shivering half from the cold and half from the fear inside of me. Joe takes off his jacket and gives it to me because my performing outfit is short-sleeved, and he obviously can tell when I need it more than he does. We sit for a few seconds together, and I feel his presence slowly calming me.

“C’mon. Everyone was shouting at the same time to go get you. It’s pretty chaotic in that gym,” he slightly jokes with me. I finally give him a true smile, and he stands up. He leans down and offers me his hand, and I take it to let him pull me up. When we are both standing, he put his arms around me and rubs my arms to warm me up. I lean into him and close my eyes because he’s leading the way for us.

“What were you thinking, you insane person!”

“You just ran out, no telling anyone!”

“You’re so lucky Joe’s a fast runner!”

“Hey, don’t drag me into this!”

“Did you want to die?!”

“Would everyone be quiet?” I finally shout above the questions, and everyone falls silent immediately. Joe backs away from me, surprised at my loud tone, and joins the rest of the crowd.

“Uh, message for Ms. Kristen…” a man dressed in a mailman outfit hands me a letter folded in three and walks out of the gym. I almost tear it in my haste to read it. As i scan the contents of the letter, I frown and glare down at my hands.

"What's wrong?" Joe asks, realizing I'm angry.

"It's from my dad. He's telling me that the police called him and said someone's after me and to stay with other people today. Thanks, Dad, for the forewarning! Aagh!" I start to pace, running my hands through my hair. Big Rob closes in on me and puts his hand on my shoulder.

"Not one person will hurt you when I'm around. I'll make sure of it," he tells me. I look up at him and at all of the Jonas family.

"I promise that he won't hurt you, whoever he is. I'll take care of you," Joe looks me straight in the eye, and I can tell he means it. I smile and hug him, but inside I wonder if my happiness and security will last very long.