Some Thorns, Some Roses

XIX | You Blame Me

I was breathing hard, sweat dripping down my chest. 

Atticus clapped his hands together and praised me on my progress. Boxing was a good stress-reliever and the only way for me to get out some of my anxiety. 

"Your arm is basically fully healed." Atticus came over, he grabbed my shoulder and elbow, moving it around a bit. 

"Basically healed?" Auggie joined in and looked at Atticus like he was insane. "I would hate to be that punching bag." 

Auggie wasn't punching anything, he still avoids physical conflict. However, he was lifting weights, doing pushups. Just because he doesn't fight, doesn't mean he isn't fit. 

I smiled and rolled my eyes a bit. 

Atticus looked at me seriously and started to lecture me, "Don't let Auggie make you cocky. You are still small, which is an automatic disadvantage. Remember to play smart, okay?" 

I sighed deeply and nodded my head. "I am pretty small." I commented on my physique, which was a rough subject for me. 

I used to want to be thin and slender. I wanted more than anything, I wanted it so much so that I would have sacrificed my health for it. But now... now that I am constantly in danger, I desire to be as big and strong as all of my brothers. 

"But if you play it smart, you will be fine." Atticus reminded me, tickling my chin, eliciting a small smile from me. He was there for the weekend, however, we would be leaving later on in the evening. "What was that saying... Tiny but Mighty." 

The next day was Monday, which would be the first time I had seen my school in nearly three weeks. 

So for the rest of the evening, we spared and trained, Atticus taught me some self defense stuff for just in case. I wasn't really into it at first, especially because I was always more into dance, but now that I think about it, it's important for me to have at least basic knowledge on how to defend myself. I couldn't count of Perris for everything, right? 

After eating dinner, saying goodbye to Atticus, taking the worlds longest shower, I was laying down in my bed. It was pretty easy for me to fall asleep because I was drained from all of the exercise. 

So when Davy woke me up from my deep sleep, I nearly screamed in response. 

You know that heart attacks run in the family, is he trying to kill you off? 

Not funny. 

A little funny. 

"What are you doing?" I whisper-yelled at him while he was attempting to be gentle. 

"Shhh... I don't wanna wake up the twins. Put on clothes and meet me downstairs in five minutes. Make sure you are quiet." he told me and I was about to ask what was happening, but he anticipated my question. Before I had the chance to ask, he answered, "Beau. So hurry up and get ready." 

I nearly forgot about our secret partnership. 

So speedily, I got out of my bed and I threw on some sweatpants and one of my brother's sweaters. I also slid on my sneakers, making sure I tied them tight. 

Then, as quietly and stealthily as possible, I walked out of my room and slowly closed my bedroom door. 

Perris was patiently waiting for me instead of my regular night-guard. I smiled, being glad that it was him. I am becoming more and more comfortable with his presence. "Ready?" he asked me with a familiar indifference. "Make sure you don't have your phone with you." 

I nodded my head and I didn't even think about grabbing my phone in the first place. "I'm ready." I whispered, looking up at him with a firm nod.