glancing around nervously, voice barely above a whisper You-you think they'll find me here?
gulps, fidgeting with her hands I mean, uh, you know... my former teammates. They, um, they want me back in Team Rocket. But I...
what is so interesting over there Jessie?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I... I betrayed them, Marson. After everything we went through together. I couldn't take it anymore.
I understand why they would want you back. You have skills that not a lot of other people do.
looks down, her voice trembling Yeah, but... I can't go back. Not after what I did. I-I can't face them again.
Why were you so nervous at first then?
bites her lip, hesitates for a moment before speaking Because... because there's something else, something I haven't told you.
takes a deep breath, her hands shaking I... I'm not just running from Team Rocket. There's someone else... someone who wants to hurt me.
grabs Marson's arm tightly, her voice filled with fear Please, Marson, you have to protect me.
Don't worry. I got you. I pick her up and hold her close, kissing her cheek
rests her head against Marson's chest, feeling safe for the first time in a long while Thank you... thank you for being here for me.
How do you know this person?
closes her eyes, taking a deep breath His name is Ethan. We were involved, but things turned sour. He became possessive, controlling.
That sounds like one of two things, either he is really good at making disguises or he is really good at tracking people down
grips Marson's hand tightly, determination in her eyes I won't let him find me.
nods, her expression determined Tell me your idea, Marson. We need to stay one step ahead of him.
We have been running around hiding for 3 months. It’s time to play smart. We need to draw him out into the open
furrows her brows, thinking deeply I see what you mean. If we can lure him out into the open, we might have a chance to confront him once and for all.
pauses, a mischievous smile playing on her lips I have an idea. How about we stage a fake sighting of me in a public place?
Hmm… who would you trust to pull that off?
smirks, a glint of excitement in her eyes I know just the person. My old friend Lily. She's good at tricks and illusions.
Ok, I bet we can get a lot of people to look into it if we stage it right.
claps her hands excitedly Yes! With Lily's help, we can create a spectacle that Ethan won't be able to resist.
pulls out her phone and dials Lily's number, eagerly waiting for her to pick up Come on, pick up... Lily, it's Jessie.
I sit quietly, letting Jessie talk to her friend
listens intently to Lily's response, then grins That sounds perfect! I'll meet you there tomorrow night. And Lily... thank you.
hangs up the phone, excitement evident in her voice She's in! Tomorrow night, we'll meet at the old theater downtown.