Chapter 7: Desperation Sets In

As Nick's words echoed in his mind, Andrew knew they had to act fast. He subtly nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on Judd, who was still ranting about his twisted feelings. Mrs. Birch, sensing the tension, took a step back, her eyes darting between Judd and the two boys. "We need to get out of here, now," Nick whispered again, his voice barely audible over Judd's monologue. Andrew's gaze flicked to the pool, and he saw that Nick was still clinging to the side, his legs trembling with fear. He knew they couldn't stay there, but he also knew that making a move would be suicidal. Judd's eyes were fixed on him, and Andrew could sense the possessiveness emanating from him like a palpable force. Without taking his eyes off Judd, Andrew slowly began to back away from the pool, trying not to draw attention to himself. Nick, sensing his movement, followed suit, his eyes fixed on Andrew's. Judd's gaze narrowed, his eyes flicking between the two boys. "Where do you think you're going?" he spat, his voice dripping with menace. Andrew tried to think fast, to come up with a plan. He knew they couldn't outrun Judd, but maybe they could outsmart him. "We're just... we're going to get some towels," he stammered, trying to sound nonchalant. Judd's expression didn't change, but Andrew could sense a flicker of skepticism. He took a step forward, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "You're not going anywhere," he said, his voice low and menacing. Mrs. Birch intervened, her voice firm. "Judd, let them go. They need to dry off and get warm." Judd's gaze flicked to her, and for a moment, Andrew thought he saw a glimmer of uncertainty. But then his expression hardened again, and he shook his head. "No," he said, his voice firm. "They're not going anywhere." As Judd took another step forward, Andrew knew they had to act fast. He grabbed Nick's arm and pulled him towards the pool house, hoping to find a way out. But as they reached the door, Andrew realized it was locked. They were trapped. Panic set in as Andrew frantically searched for a way out. He spotted a window and made a split-second decision. "Nick, come on!" he whispered, grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the window. As they squeezed through the narrow opening, Andrew could hear Judd's angry shout behind them. "You can't escape me!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the pool house. Andrew didn't look back, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew they had to keep moving, to find help and get as far away from Judd as possible. But as they dropped to the ground outside, Andrew couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that Judd was waiting for them just out of sight.