Downfall

Chapter Three

                                                                                     Stanley's POV
*EDITED*

     Shit. Ava please don't die on me. Those were my main thoughts as I ripped off any piece of clothing I could to tie around the deep gashes in her shoulders. Her face was still bleeding but it wasn't as bad as her shoulders. Yes, I know her real name. I know almost everything there is to know about Ava Clark. Fucking cougar. I looked down at her pinched up, pale face and tried to steady my breathing. So much blood. Too much blood. I half-walked, half-ran to my horse Buck and tried to put her on him but every time I got close to getting on him, she would either almost slide off or fall forwards. "Running it is then," I said, my voice wobbly the more I realized how much blood of hers was on my body. I slapped Buck's rear end and he took off running in the direction of the ranch. Panic set in, causing my lungs to squeeze. I ran as fast as possible, hoping the others would get the hint that something was wrong.

     I first met Ava three years ago when she was dropped off at Mackey Ranch in the middle of the night. I had only been there about a year myself. I had just finished my evening chores when I heard the familiar voice of Miss Mackey. I knocked on Clyde and Jacob's doors and ran up to the house. There, in Miss Mackey's arms, was the most skinniest and sickly looking girl I had ever seen. Her cheeks sunk in so much that you could see every dip and curve of her skull. Her arms were so thin, you could see every joint and bone. Her skin as pale as the moon. I had come to find out that the famous Hendricks Gang was the one to drop her off that night. From then on, I wanted to know everything about her. Her habits, her story. I was completely smitten with her, after I talked to her of course and after she was used to me wanting to be around her. I know how bad she was treated. Her father is a sadistic bastard who deserves to be gutted slowly. She started trusting me after the first year. When she was well enough to start doing chores, I offered to show her how to do things. I wanted to take care of her. I had asked Miss Mackey if I could help look after her and she had that twinkle of mischief in her eyes. From then on, I haven't left Ava's side. I never plan to. She is the reason I get out of bed every morning. Just seeing her gorgeous hazel eyes and the way she puts me in my place is enough to drive me to insanity.

     The thing with blood is, you can always wash it off but it will forever be stained to your skin. My father was a doctor and he had often taken me to the Lemoyne Medical Practice every occasion he went. He made me sit there and watch a woman scream and cry as the doctors took off her arm. I will never forget her screams. I later found out that she had died a couple of days later. From then on, I avoided going anywhere with my father. That's not something a ten-year-old shouldn't ever need or have to see. I heard hooves thunder in front of me, snapping me out of a memory.

     "What the fuck happened Stanley?" Jacob's voice boomed as he came to a full stop in front and hurriedly slipped off his horse and came over to me.

     "I-I," I couldn't get the words out. Hopelessness spread through my chest, constricting any sort of vibration in my throat. Jacob tried to take her from me, but I backed away and continued running to the ranch. Jacob let out a long string of curses and got back on his horse. My lungs begged for air, but I was not stopping until I got to the ranch. I need her alive.

     "Stan, you need to tell me what happened," Jacob said again, his voice more irritated than anything.

     "Cougar," Was all I said and Jacob cursed again, urging his horse into a gallop towards the ranch.

     Several minutes later, the ranch came into view and I pushed myself to run even faster. I was not a fit person, but I had to make it. I had to. I couldn't fail again. As soon as I got to the ranch Clyde took her from me. As soon as she was rushed away into the house, I stood there, standing at the door. I didn't know how long I stood there, numb. I shrunk away when someone touched my shoulder.