Love, Hate and the Line

Chapter 14

Owen's POV

Ben stormed through the door of the supply room as I followed him swiftly, trying to suppress my concerns about Anna's safety. Sadly, she is the least dramatic person I've ever known, always downplaying whatever she was going through, which meant that she might be in an even worse state than she had sounded over the phone.

While both of us didn't utter a word, we were undoubtedly thinking the very same thing. Anna had been hurt, badly, and someone had done this to her.

The obvious difference between Ben and me was the way we expressed our worry. While I was biting my nails, comforting myself and incessantly attempting to call Anna, Ben was looking like he wanted to punch a wall. His back was tensed, as well as his arms and his fists and jaw were clenched. He clearly didn't notice me going with him, lost in thoughts.

When we walked out of the school, straightly to the parking spots, Ben finally acknowledged me and directed us to a sleek black sports car and a matte black SUV. "Which is fastest?" I stuttered, not knowing anything about cars. He nodded to the sports car.

We only noticed someone sitting in it when we where very close due to the darkened windows. The man, dressed sharply in a suit, immediatelly stepped out to open the back door for Ben but he had other plans. "Out," he gestured hastedly, opening the door to the drivers' seat. "Take the SUV and the day off."

The driver moved away obediently and Ben didn't wait for me to close the door before stepping on the gas pedal and making our way to King's street.

The car ride continued in silence, the sound-proof doors keeping out the noise the sports car must be making considering the dazzling speed with which we where driving.

For some reason he seemed to know exactly how to drive so I didn't utter a word.

Ben pulled over with screeching tires and we ran on to King's Street, not bothering to lock the car.

Luckily, it didn't take long for us to spot a petite figure lying in the shadows in one of the alleys.

All we could see was a lot of blonde hair spread out on the undoubtedly stone-cold bricks and a part of a neck, the rest of the body positioned out of our sight. It was hard to see if it was really Anna or just some junkie because it was winter and fairly late, so there wasn't many light present. Ben seemed to instantly recognize her though and we swiftly crossed the street.

Reaching the alley, we ran to Anna and I wasn't prepared for what I was seeing.

Her shirt was stained red from blood, as well as her ivory skin. She had her eyes closed, and because her head was turned to her side the fresh bruises on her neck were clearly visible.

Ben lost it. "Anna? Anna, say something! For god's sakes, Anna, tell me if you're okay! Anna!!"

She let out a small whimper, her eyes only opening slightly. "Don't yell at her!" I hissed, opening the water bottle I had taken with me and holding it to her mouth while Ben slowly lifted her up so that she was seated, her back resting against a poster on the wall of the alley.

"I'm fine, seriously," Anna muttered softly.

Ben ignored her. "Jesus Christ, who did this to you," he said through his teeth, looking at her red-stained shirt. I moved to lift it up slightly but Anna backed away from my touch. With long lashes decorating her big, afraid eyes, she looked like a deer caught in a headlight.

"It's okay, Anna. We just need to see where you're bleeding so that we can apply pressure and stop it," Ben said, gently lifting her shirt. Anna didn't back away this time.

Hmpf, you'd think she'd be more comfortable with a gay guy touching her but whatever.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when her shirt revealed multiple fresh-looking bruises and a deep cut that was severely bleeding. Ben growled softly in shock, immediately taking off his sweater and using it to stop the bleeding.

As he took off his sweater, the shirt underneath it moved up slightly, revealing stone-hard abs. I'd swear I saw a hint of disappointment in Anna's eyes when the shirt fell down again.

He tossed his phone on my lap. "Call an ambulance."

I proceeded to call 911 while Anna regained consciousness and protested weakly. "Don't call- no, no ambulance, not the hospital, please, I'm fine!"

"Stop saying you're fine," Ben and I chorused.

"Fine- I mean, okay, but just don't call an ambulance," Anna pleaded.

"911, what's your emergency?"

"Yeah, hi, I need an ambulance at 850 King's Street."

"All right, I've sent one on their way. ETA is 6 minutes, just hold tight sir."

"Thanks," I muttered before tossing away the expensive-looking phone before turning to an annoyed-looking Anna.

"You were saying?"

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A/N

Yes, I know, it's short and it's been a while and I'm reeaaaaally sorry, I've just been ridiculously busy with school and all. I hope you all understand 🐼

Please point out grammar and other kinds of mistakes, I haven't edited this or proof-readed it yet. Thank you so much!

Love,
M