I Hate You...I Think Read online

  Jake squeezed my shoulder in a way of reassuring me. Jason was kneeling now. Blood running down his chin from his busted lip. He wasn't far from where I stood. A glint of metal caught my eye. I gasped and lunged forward pressing myself against the cage.

  "Oliver," I yelled in warning, but as I did so Jason launched at Oliver with the knife. Oliver jumped out of the way but not before receiving a large gash across his chest. It wasn't very deep but Oliver clutched his chest hissing in pain.

  Jake was cursing behind me still yet to release me, perhaps in fear I would somehow climb over the side of the metal fence. Jet stepped up on my left side ready to climb in the ring if needed. Oliver dropped his hand and took fighting stance again. Jason sneered shifting the knife in his hand for a better grip. I couldn't take my eyes off the bloody gash. Oliver's shirt was ripped and I could see it running down his chest.

  "Jake, does Oliver have freaking knife? If not give him one, dammit," I growled angrily glaring at Jason. What a freaking coward!

  "Relax Ever, this is how it goes. Nothing is legal or illegal in street fighting. Oliver can hold his own, trust me," Jake told me, but his face was strained as he watched Oliver and Jason circle each other.

  "Has Jason ever pulled a knife before?" I asked holding my breath as Jason lunged at Oliver. Jake tensed.

  "No," he told me gruffly. I stared at him in horror. I watched as Jason lunged at Oliver again. Oliver dodged. It seemed like Oliver was waiting for him to get tired. Jason looked over across the ring at his gang. I followed his gaze and meet Sam's eyes. Sam smirked and nodded his head to the other guys. They dispersed half going left, half going right around the ring this way.

  "Jake," I muttered keeping my eye on the group. Jake half turned his head to me.

  "We have problems," I looked to my left Jet was up against the ring not even paying attention. Jake looked back at me then up at the men coming up. They were a few feet away. Jake grabbed my arm and pushed me behind him so I was stuck between him and the cage.

  "We come to take what belongs to us. We did find her first the other night," Sam sneered.

  Jet had turned around and was facing the group now. Alex and Logan were definitely in no shape to fight but they were there prepared to jump in along with Tyler. I had no idea where Eien was. Noticing the tension the crowd began to back away.

  "You’re not taking her, get lost," Jake told them his jaw was clinched. It happened in a slit second Jake and Sam were on the ground and everyone else followed suit. I was left trapped between the mayhem and the cage. Jet slung some guy toward the cage and I dove out of the way rolling on the ground to get out of the middle of the all-out war, only to be lifted into someone else's arms.

  I twisted to get out of whoever's arms I was in. However, they tightened their arms around me crushing my ribs making it hard for me to breath. I was lifted off the ground and I knew instantly who had me.

  "Nice to see you again, girly," Aaron whispered in my ear.

  "Let go of me," I demanded struggling. I tried grabbing a hold of his arm and prying it off but none of my Kuk Sool Won training was going to help. While I was busy trying to get away I wasn't aware I was being carried away from the ring.

  I glanced back to see both the gangs in an all-out brawl. Oliver and Jason were still going at it. Oliver kept glancing at me as I was being carted away. I didn't stop struggling but the more I did the tighter Aaron's grip became. I felt light headed and it hurt to breath.

  Bringing my leg back I caught Aaron in between the legs. He grunted losing his grip on me enough so I could bring my elbow back into his face. He slung me to the ground I hit the dirt on my hands and knees. I kicked back into his stomach but he had recovered and caught my ankle twisting it painfully. I gasp as he jerked my leg and left me sprawled on my back.

  "You little brat," he growled. Aaron raised his foot bringing it down on my ribs. I screamed as fire ripped across my side. He didn't stop there though. He kicked again sending me flying over on my right side. I covered my head in protection. He grabbed my hair and started dragging me. He was moving too fast for me to get my legs underneath me not that I could if I wanted to anyways.

  Running footsteps reached my ears. Aaron was suddenly taken down hard to the ground by Jake. Glancing back at the ring it seemed everyone was in on the fight now and weapons were out in full swing. Literally. Jason and Oliver had broken up their fight to take on others with bats and chains.

  Jake appeared at my side and tilted my face to look at him. I couldn't fully see his face due to the spots clouding my vision. I gasped as a searing pain shot through my side... I was then scooped off my feet quickly but gently. Looking up I expected to see Jake but instead it was Oliver. The others close on his heels. Aaron was trying to pull himself to his feet but as Jake passed by he gave him a boot to the face.

  Not a word was spoken as we got to the bikes. I cringed when Oliver swung his leg over his bike with me still in his arms. He placed me in front of him and started the bike peeling out of the arena. The gates stood open as we passed through them. I wrapped my arms around Oliver's neck tight and hid my face in the bend of his neck.

  "I'm sorry I brought you here. It was a bad idea," he told me.

  "You didn't know this was going to happen," I reassured him. He didn't speak another word, jaw clenched and his lips in a hard line. I wish I knew what to do to tell him it was okay. I thought about it a moment and pressed my lips to his throat. He jumped a little and relaxed.

  "What was that for?"

  "So you know it's not your fault. I'm okay."

  He looked down at me giving me a hard look. "You’re not okay. I could hardly lift you without your cringing," he glared back at the road. "I wouldn't be surprised if your ribs were broken."

  The rest of the ride Oliver didn't speak, after a while of riding I fell asleep.

  I woke in a warm comfortable bed. Snuggling into the sheets further I tried to remember how I had gotten here.

  I shot straight up. Fire ripped through my side and head. I let out a squeal of pain. There was instant movement beside me and a hand shot out and pushed me down gently. I laid back down on the pillow looking up at who was with me. Oliver's face came into view. His hair was messed up and he looked half out of it. My eye slide down to his bare chest where a white bandage covered the wound he received.

  "Don't try to move around much. Your ribs are bruised," he told me frowning. Looking around the unknown room, the walls were dark blue and posters littered them.

  "Where..." I brought me hand to my throat. It was scratchy and hurt.

  "You’re in my room. Let me get you some water," Oliver said standing up. The blankets fell from around him. He was only in boxers. My face burned with embarrassment. I can't believe I slept in the same bed as him. He left the room. Glancing down at myself I saw that my clothes were changed, which made me blush even more. When had I been changed? For that matter, who changed me?

  My question was answered when Kimmy came bounding into the room. I flinched hoping she wouldn't jump on me.

  "Ever! Are you okay?" She squealed worried.

  "I will be if you don't bust out my ear drums," I told her groaning and holding my head.

  "Hang on I have medicine to help with the pain," Kimmy said running out of the room. Oliver came back staring after Kimmy looking worried.

  Walking to my side of the bed and he sat the glass on the dresser and proceeded to help me sit up.

  I hissed in pain as Oliver accidently hit my side. Instinctively I smacked him in the chest. Which, in return he hissed in pain.

  "Watch it will ya. I'm sorry," Oliver told me handing me the glass. I gulped down half of it; the cool liquid ran down my throat instantly making it feel better. Oliver sat down on the bed next to me.

  "Ever," he started, but Kimmy came back into the room. She handed me a pill. I looked at her questioning.

  "Don't ask just take," she ordered.

  "Yes ma'am," I muttered downing it. Through the bottom of
the glass I saw we weren't alone. The guys had gathered at the doorway.

  "Hey munchkin, how you feeling?" Logan smiled.

  "Like I'm in a display case. Either come in or go somewhere else. Just don't stand in the door like that, it's creepy," I told them holding my head. They all came in scattering about the room. Alex was leaning against the wall a bandage wrapped around his head.

  "What happened to you?" I asked him curiously. I don't remember him getting hit in the head during the match that would cause him to have his head wrapped like a mummy.

  "He went after a guy with a bat," Jake smirked.

  "What made you think you could deflect a bat with you head?" I joked. Alex grinned at me.

  "I thought my head was hard enough to with stand it. Clearly I was mistaken," he chuckled.

  "No, you head it hard enough," Jake muttered. I snarled as Oliver suddenly stood from the bed. The movement made my side hurt.

  "You’re such a wimp," Oliver muttered half-heartedly.

  I made a gesture to come closer. He looked at me confused and leaned down. I wacked him upside the head and he just took it without flinching.

  "Shut up, I'm entitled to be wimpy."

  Oliver frowned deeply. "I'm sorry about that, Ever," he said softly. He straightened back up and Kimmy took his place on the bed.

  I pulled my eyebrows together in frustration. "Don't be. You didn't kick me," I told him.

  "No, but I shouldn't have taken you out there in the first place. It was a bad decision and I will never let this happen again," his tone had a since of finality to it. I was a little unsure whether he meant that he would never take me back out to the arena or he would never let me get hurt. It was probably just me but it sounded like he meant both. Looking around I realized someone was missing.

  "Where's Eien?"

  Oliver's face darkened for a moment it seemed.

  "He's not here."

  It was dead silent in the room making me more confused. Was he hurt during the fight?

  "I'm hungry," Logan complained breaking the silence.

  "You’re always hungry," I smiled.

  He nodded, just as my stomach growled angrily.

  "How about some take out?" Jake asked propping his feet up on the coffee table that was in front of the couch he was sitting on in the corner. Oliver nodded.

  "Chinese!" Logan grinned.

  Oliver looked at me questioningly. I nodded.

  "Alright, I'll go get it," Oliver muttered leaving the room.

  "I'm coming too," Logan jumped up running after Oliver. Alex bid me goodbye and left the room.

  Chapter Nine

  "But Oliver!" I whined.

  He shook his head. "You’re not going anywhere now go to sleep," he ordered.

  I crossed my arms glaring at him. It was Monday morning and he was refusing to let me go to classes.

  "All I have to do is sit in a room for an hour," I protested. He shook his head and continued digging in his closet for something to wear.

  "No Ever, and that's final. Your ribs are bruised and need to heal."

  "I'm not a baby. I'm grown and I can do whatever I want to," I spat standing I resisted the urge to cringe and started for the door. Oliver wrapped his arms around me and lifted me up.

  "Put me down," I ordered thrashing in his arms. I regretted it instantly and bit my lip as not to cry out.

  "See, you’re in no condition to go anywhere."

  He laid me on the bed and pinned my arms to either side of my head.

  "Am I going to have to tie you down?" he smirked. His face was a few inches from mine and I had stopped breathing.

  "No," I breathed.

  "Good girl," he approved and pressed his lips to mine. He pulled away all too quickly as Logan bust in the door.

  "Oliv...oh..." Logan said and turned running back out the door shutting it behind him. I laughed a little; Logan acted like such a little kid sometimes.

  "Well, what can I do? I'll be bored all day," I scowled at the ceiling.

  "You can watch TV and stop complaining, you’re worse than my little sister."

  "You have a sister?"

  He was halfway to his closet when he turned and gave me a silly lopsided grin.

  "Yes, she is six, and she seems more grown up then you," he chuckled.

  "Aww..." I smiled ignoring his remark. "Does she look like you? Like dark hair?"

  "No..." he began, he set his jaw. I frowned. I guess she was a touchy subject.

  "She looks like her mother, and no we don't have the same mom," he added.

  "So do you see her?" I asked curious to know about his family.

  "We'll talk later, Ever. I'm going to be late," he laughed coming around my side of the bed. He had a nice blue button up shirt and loose blue jeans.

  "Like what you see?" he smirked. I peeled my eyes off him to look up into his eyes. He chuckled and kissed me quickly.

  "Bye," he said kissing my forehead. I resisted the urge to awe at that.

  I lay glaring at the ceiling for about five minutes after they left. Throwing the blankets off I climbed out of bed determined to get out of here before Oliver got back just to annoy him. The only problem...how would I get home? Walking in this condition was a bad idea. Grabbing my phone off the dresser I was surprised to have six missed calls and a voicemail. I dialed the number and listened.

  "Lyly, it's your Aunt May. I know you are busy with school but hunny you need to call me."

  I frowned at the message. Aunt May only called me Lyly when I was in trouble or if something bad was wrong. I quickly called her back.

  "Hello," she answered, she sounded as though she had been crying.

  "Aunt May its Ever, what's wrong?"

  "Oh Ever," she wailed and started crying hysterically into the phone. Aunt May was known to be loud and emotional but this was bad.

  "Your ma she's gone," Aunt May cried. I couldn't hear a word she said through her tears.

  "Who? Who's gone?" I asked confused not full understanding her.

  "Your mama," she choked finally speaking clearly.

  "My mom?!" I asked shocked.

  "You need to come home," she said softly. "I...I have to go."

  And with that she hung up. I stood staring at the phone a moment. My mom was gone? Dead? Is that what she meant? Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I sank to the floor. I mean the woman had always been a little off, and was a horrible alcoholic but...she was still my mother.

  The bedroom door opened. Alex stood in the doorway.

  "Ever? Are you okay?" he asked.

  "I..." my voice broke. I cleared my throat and faced him. "I thought you guys left for school?"

  "Yeah the guys did but I still have this thing wrapped around my head," he said pointing to the white bandage around his forehead. He came in and knelt down on the floor next to me.

  "What's wrong?"

  And with those two simple words a waterfall of tears fell. Alex looked bewildered but pulled me into his arms and started rocking me.

  "Ever, breathe, dear lord. Hunny breath," he told me patting my back. After a moment I calmed down.

  "Should I call Oliver?" he asked unsure. I shook my head.

  "Kimmy. I have to call Kimmy."

  I looked around at the messy apartment I use to call home. That wore out brown couch that I use to take the cushions off and throw in the floor in front of the TV during Saturday morning cartoons. My favorite family photo still hung over the entertainment center.

  The wall behind it dull yellow from the years of mom smoking in the house. Dad always hated her smoking in the house, but once he was gone she didn't care. The carpet use to be a light brown now had stains and cigarette butts lying around. The kitchen was piled with dishes, trash and empty beer bottles littered the cabinets and floor.

  "This is where you lived?" Alex asked appalled.

  "Yeah, it might not seem like much but...it was home," I smiled remembering how it once looked. I headed down the hall to my room. I wasn't
sure what I'd see when I opened the door. Maybe she had thrown everything out? She didn't use her bedroom anymore. Not since dad died. Neither one of us had set foot in there.

  Pushing open the bedroom door I wasn't surprised to see my things littered across the floor. I know I had not left it this way when I left a year ago. The walls were still the same pink my dad and I painted it when I was six. The little pink footsteps still in the corner where I had fell in the bucket of paint and tracked it around on the white carpet. But, over those pink walls were posters of different fazes I went through, Scooby-doo, Harry Potter, and random boy bands.

  "It seems she got a hold of your room to," Kimmy commented walking past me. She began picking stuffed animals and ripped up drawings off the floor.

  "Yeah," I muttered walking to my dresser mirror and pulling the picture of me and my dad off. It was of when I got my blue belt in Kuk Sool won training.

  "So when is your Aunt going to be here?" Alex asked leaning against the bedroom door. He was a lot calmer now than he had been an hour ago when Kimmy had forced him to come with us. He had not been happy about it but now he didn’t seem to care.

  "When I talked to her she said she would be here in fifteen minutes. So she should be here soon," I told him sticking my picture in my pocket.

  "Is there anything you want to get before we go to your Aunt's house?" Kimmy asked looking around the room.

  "The photo in the living room above the TV. Can you get that, Alex?"

  He nodded and headed out of the room. Sighing I turned to Kimmy. She frowned.

  "You wanna go in..." she motioned her head to the wall behind her. To my parents room. It had to be done. I needed to see it one last time before the land lord of the apartment building came in and cleared everything out. My mom had been behind in rent for two months and he was ready to rent it to someone who would pay.

  The door was a little tough to open. It was like the years of dust had somehow sealed it shut. One good shove and I got it open cringing as my sore ribs hit the door.