Gripping the Lines

Be Better

Warnings: swearing, mentions of blood

"Judging not, lest we too be judged."-- Daphne(The Bridgertons)

*523 words(BELOW)*

Berry ran to the nearest alleyway and hid around the corner, ducking down when the group of boys passed by. Tears fell gently down her face, her breaths lurching and uneven from fear. "Phew," she breathed quietly. "I thought I was gonna die just then..."

Berry waited for a half-hour before daring to peek her head out from her hiding place. The coast was clear, so she stood up carefully, though no longer shaking. She was wary, but not necessarily scared. It seemed the danger was past, for the most part. She just had to get home safely. Berry pulled out her phone. Home was only 2 miles away, thank God. The young red-head began her trek along the quiet roads, glancing to her side every now and then.

For a while, nothing happened. Berry could walk in a straight line and never know what was coming, and it would be fine. However, soon enough, there was trouble.

The gang of boys was back. They were a little bit behind her. She could tell because she recognized the sounds of their voices and rowdy, inappropriate jokes. Berry also knew it was them because who else would be out this late? No one, that's who. But she had to ignore them and get home. 

But the boys were slowly gaining on her. Berry started walking faster, stealing a swift glance behind her. 'Great. Now they know it's me for sure.' And they were most certainly gaining on her. 'Fuck.'

She turned back around and started running. There was only a mile left to go. Furious stomping could be heard behind her. They were running too. 'Shit! They're gonna catch me!'

Suddenly, Berry fell, pushed to the floor by a strong arm. "Hey, stupid girl! You're the lesbian bitch from the high school, aren't you?" One of the boys smirked. "Oh, we're gonna have fun with you, queer."

"No, please! I just wanna go home!" Berry whined and pleaded. "I don't want any trouble!"

"Well, it sucks to suck. You're gonna get some anyway, sweetheart!" the tallest boy snarled, raising his fist to land a blow. His fist flew, but it never reached Berry. A small annoyed grunt could be heard.

"Hey!" the voice shouted. "What're a bunch of punks like you doing out here!? You've got no business beating up a little girl!" Berry opened her eyes to see another girl with brunette hair. She looked skinny at first because of her baggy biker jacket and loose black slacks, but upon further investigation, Berry could see somewhat toned arms and a strong, upright posture. Her shoulders were a little broad, as well. 

"Well, duh! She's a lesbo!" one of the men cackled. "We need to teach her a-"

"You've got no business here," the brunette snarled.

"Why should we listen to y-"

"Judge not, lest you too be judged," she said. "You've got no business here."

The group just stood dumbfounded at her quote before one advanced forward. The taller brunette threw her hands up from inside her jacket pockets, displaying beautiful brass knuckles. You could barely see the slight bloodstain on the edges of the right one. Once again, she growled at the boys.

"Go home."