in pieces

8. lost in the echo

Something had changed in Mike.

Something terrible.

I could see it in his eyes when he got up. There was nobody around to stop him from doing anything. I sniffed, watching him get closer. His hand went to the collar of my shirt and he held me there. I gulped, feeling like I was going to die. A blow to the face was the first thing I felt. I let my eyes close. If I closed my eyes, it would make it less scary, right? Mike dragged me across the carpet, leaving red burns across my skin. Blow after blow against my skin just left me numb. I gave up on caring that he was hurting me like this. Then, I felt a sharp pain in my ass. He was doing it.

It was dark but I assumed it was Mike. It couldn't be anyone else, right? The guitar scarred hands confirmed it. I gulped, closing my eyes. He was just having an episode, right? This wasn't him. It wasn't really him.

"Good boy," he whispered and I let the tears fall. It was him. I couldn't help but get erect at his touch because it was him. But it wasn't him. I suddenly felt hot liquid but it was restricted by a condom. Tears continued to spill as he pulled out and blood poured. He took ropes and tied me to the bed and continued to beat me, finally taking a glass vase and smashing it into my side. A sob escaped me and he covered my mouth, taking his foot and digging the glass deeper.

"Be a good boy and stay here, okay?" He growled. I whimpered and nodded.

He left me and I heard his car leave. Brad was here somewhere. I cried out for him, unable to move because of the ropes and the pain. I heard rushed footsteps and Brad came in. With him here, I could finally let the tears loose and relax. He examined me carefully, and I gave him pleading eyes not to go to the hospital. Mike would be arrested.

"I know those eyes. Listen, we're going to the hospital, okay? I will speak to them and tell them about his condition. He won't get arrested and they'll treat you. Afterwards, I'll have a firm... talk... with Mike."

I nodded sleepily and leaned against him. I felt Brad hum as he got the last of the ropes untied and picked me up. I hissed at the pain, but didn't fight him. Brad helped me get some clothes on. He was very gentle and careful.

"Okay, let's get you to the hospital," Brad smiled and grabbed some towels so I didn't bleed on his seat. I sniffled and looked at him as he laid the towels down and sat me down, buckling my seatbelt. He grabbed me a blanket that he didn't care much for and covered me up with it as I was clearly cold.

The drive to the hospital was somewhat silent, but Brad checked in on me and assured me throughout the entire thing.

"You're doing so well, Chaz," Brad looked over. I nervously smiled.

The intake to the hospital was painfully long, literally. However, I was seen immediately due to the terrible injuries I had sustained. They pulled every... fucking... shard... while I was awake. Brad was there for part of the time but had to leave. Mike wasn't there for me to hold onto. Mike had hurt me.

Every test... every swab... every fucking thing they done hurt. I screamed at the ass swabs, immediately shutting myself off. It was too much. Too real. Nurses tried to stop me and hold me down but I overcame their strength. I just wanted to go home. I covered myself in the hospital blankets and hid. They tried to get to me, even leaving me alone. But I just sobbed. I heard familiar whispering and a familiar touch but I whimpered. It hurt to be touched.

"Do you wanna come out? No more tests, okay? You just need to come out because they wanna run an IV. They want you better, alright?" Rob gently spoke.

"Home..." I whispered.

"No Chester, you can't go home. Not right now. I know what will happen when you go home." I groaned loudly at Rob,

The cover lifted around my face. I frowned, putting my face into the pillow. Soft strokes at my hair were met with a sigh. Rob was really trying to help me. Mike was too... at least I thought. Speaking of Mike, he was there, in the doorway. I was already on edge and my body didn't feel right. I was so tired but there he was.

"Chester I-"

"Get away!" I screamed, tears pouring down my face.

"I didn't do it!" He cried. "It was my brother!"

"J-Jason?" I squeaked. I started to feel weak. He paid me to... he was one of them. I sworn I could never tell Mike. I felt myself fall off the hospital bed... and it went black.

I opened my eyes and felt weak so I closed them again. My ears were ringing and I knew I was gonna go down again. I heard someone try to get me to stay awake but I went under again.

I woke up confused and drowsy. My ears were still ringing and I had a terrible migraine.

"Mr. Shinoda... we wish for you to bring his seizure alert dog in. It will help..." I felt myself drifting off but I felt a hand on my cheek.

"Hey bud, let's get you some food, okay?" It was Brad.

I shook my head. I wanted to slip away again but Brad took my cheek. He wiped my tears and smiled.

"Chester, you're gonna be alright, I promise," was the last thing I heard before all went black again.