The Mute Fighter | 3

016

016 - Survivor

Two weeks later, I resumed staying out of the underground. I had kept on the safe path, my parents hadn't seen my knuckles when I'd fought those girls and they didn't need to know.

"Are you going to the gym after school?" Fran asked and I nodded. "Yeah, can I ride with you after school?" I ask her and she nods. "Of course. So, how's your first month been here at Jacksonville High?" Fran asked.

Celina stuck a spoon in her mouth as she ate the yogurt on her tray. "It's been a bit chaotic, but fine" I said, I hadn't told either of them about Mitch.

Our training had stopped and we only saw each other in classes and when we had to work on the project.

West was also back in school, he was better than ever and we worked out together at the gym. He was also there often to practice fighting with the group in the ring.

"What happened to you and Mitch? I thought you guys were close for a second" Celina asked and glanced back at Mitch who stabbed his food with his fork.

I looked away and scoffed a little. "No, I don't know the guy," I said and shrugged. Melanie was still on my ass from time to time, but she quickly learned we weren't as talkative as before.

On cue, West stood up and ditched the guys, all of them watched as he walked over to our table and sat down.

He swung his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his side. "Are we on for training after school?" He asked and I nodded without looking back at the eyes staring holes in the side of my face.

West smiled and leaned his mouth into my ear. "What is wrong with you and Mitch?" He asks, I clench my jaw a little. "Nothing" I said and stood up, despite West's protests to pull me back down next to him and the girls pleas for me to stay, I left the canteen.

I opened my locker and pulled my phone out. My brows furrowed as I saw the multiple missed calls from Chase. I dialed his number instantly. He picked up right away, he was breathless when he answered the phone.

"Nick, we need you, someone jumped Ward and I. Ward is in the hospital, you have to get your parents and come back" He said.

My heart dropped and I hung up. I slammed my locker shut and I began running down the hall. "Nick! Where are you going?" Oliver called out.

I didn't look back, I just ran out of school, I had everything in my bag. I dialed my mom's number as I ran across the parking lot.

"Nick!" Francesca shouted, but I didn't stop. "Mom, it's Ward" I said, but I heard her sob on the other end which meant she knew. "Mom, I'm on my way home" I assured her and hung up.

I ran faster and didn't stop till I was back home. My father just came home as well. "Chase called me, I'm ready to go," I said breathlessly.

Frank and Erin both nodded and headed out the door. My mom was crying violently. "Can you drive, sweetheart?" My father asked, I nodded and threw my bag of clothes into the car before getting into the driver seat.

I backed out of the driveway and raced down the street, I knew the way back to West County like the back of my hand. I could drive there while sleeping. I raced past the school only to see Fran, Celina, West and Mitch outside. Fran looked at the car and pointed it out to the three, all of them watched as I raced past them.

My parents were worried sick, my mother was bawling her eyes out. My father shook like he had been outside in a snowstorm for a month.

What should've been a four hour drive, turned into barely three with the short cuts I took. I arrived at the hospital and we rushed in. "Chase!" I shouted and ran up to him as he sat on a chair out in the waiting hall.

"Where is he? Is he okay? Are you okay?" Erin asked and looked Chase over. He had many bruises, it was clear he had been beaten to shit. "I'm okay, Ward is sleeping, but you can go see him" He said and guided us to his room.

I saw my brother laying lifeless in a hospital bed. I stayed back as my parents rushed up to my brother. "Who did this?" I asked Chase who stood beside me.

"Daniella's gang, as I mentioned a month ago, he's been holding your spot and Daniella became impatient and told her brother. Who gathered his friends it was twelve to two" Chase said with a slight wince

"Take me there tonight. It's friday. I know the drill" I said through gritted teeth. Chase's head snapped up towards mine. "Lina, you can't-""-That's my brother right there. I'm going" I snapped at him.

I left his side and walked up to my brother. Chase knew he couldn't stop me, so he decided to help me instead.

He gathered all of our friends. Announcing that I was back to handle what had happened.

I stayed with Ward till I had to leave. My parents had booked a hotel, I had gotten a keycard as well when they came back.

Then my parents went back to the hotel to get some rest. It was dark and late while I remained unbothered by my buzzing phone.

Until I saw Francesca call. I finally answered.

"Nick? Are you okay? Where are you?" She asked with worry, I heard hushed voices in the background and I knew she wasn't alone.

"I had a family emergency. I won't be back before Sunday" Is all I say. "Nick, tell me what happened? We're worried about you" Fran said.

"Nick, what's going on?" I hear Celina call out. "They fucking beat him up, they left him like trash" I snapped into the phone.

"Nick, Mitch is here. He's worried sick" Fran said in a low voice. "I'll be back on Sunday if things goes as planned" I say.

"If things go as planned? What do you have planned?" Fran asks. Chase walked into the hospital room. "It's time" He called out.

"Nick? Who is that? What is it time for?" Fran shouted into the phone. "I'm sorry" I said and hung up. I silenced my phone and squeezed Ward's numb hand.

He hadn't woken up yet.

I got up from the chair and kissed his cheek. "I'll finish this, once and for all. Don't worry" I assured him, my brother was only laying here because of me. If I hadn't let him down, I would've beaten Daniella and Ward wouldn't be in the hospital right now. "I love you" I whispered in his ear and gave his hand another squeeze.

I walked out of the room without a second glance. Chase followed me down the hall and outside. I saw multiple familiar faces, cars and motorcycles parked around waiting for us.

"Let's go" I said to Chase, he nodded and threw me the keys to his Mercedes. I got in and raced to the underground parking lot. Everyone parted as we drove in. We were about twenty people, all ready to put the ones who put Ward in the hospital-in their place.

"DANIELLA ORTIZ" I shouted with force. I threw the car keys at Chase who backed me up. Everyone stepped out of their cars and off of their motorcycles as they followed me. People parted for us and I pulled off my leather jacket and hoodie, revealing a black sports bra. Chase grabbed my things as I didn't slow down once I saw her.

I charged at her once people abandoned her, I slammed my shoulder into her stomach, and slammed her body to the concrete floor. An ear deafening scream filled the parking lot as her back collided with the floor.

Her brother and his gang stepped forward, but my own friends stepped forward ready to fight. Shit was about to go to hell and I was ready for it.