Broken Promises

Chapter 5: Wrath of an Ex

I'M ON TIME AGAIN! REJOICE 🎀🎀

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Ethan's POV

My heart drops as I read Marcus's latest messages. How did he find out I transferred schools so quickly? And of course he wants to "talk" after I ignored his pleas to get back together - more like ambush me at my new school.

I glance up at Jason, distressed. Part of me wants to show Marcus I'm not afraid by going out to face him. But the thought of seeing my manipulative ex again so soon makes me feel sick. I transferred to Westbrook for a fresh start, not to have his toxicity follow me here on the first day.

"That was him again, being his usual manipulative self," I mutter, shoving my phone back in my pocket roughly. I'm tempted to ignore the messages and just focus on finishing this algebra problem. Maybe Marcus will get the hint and leave me alone.

But who am I kidding? He's clearly not going to let this go.

To my surprise, Jason puts a comforting hand on my arm. "Hey, you don't have to deal with his bullshit, okay? Especially not here where you're supposed to have a clean slate."

I nod jerkily, more rattled than I want to admit. Jason's kindness and understanding is unexpected but...appreciated.

"Thanks," I say quietly. "I should probably go tell the principal what's going on though. In case he actually shows up looking for a fight."

"You want me to come with you?" Jason offers, green eyes earnest.

I shake my head quickly, needing to handle this myself. "No, it's okay. I've got it."

Jason looks like he wants to protest, but finally just nods. "Alright, but text me if you need backup or anything, yeah? I've got your back."

A tiny flutter goes through me at his words. It's been so long since anyone other than my mom had my back like that. I manage a small smile. "Yeah, okay. Thanks Jason."

I head to the principal's office, trying to tamp down my rising nerves. I really hope Marcus was just blowing smoke and doesn't actually track me down. But I also know how relentless and vindictive he can be when he gets it in his head that he wants something.

After explaining the situation to Principal Whitmore and showing her Marcus's messages, she assures me they'll have security on alert in case my ex does show up looking for trouble. I leave her office feeling slightly reassured, but still on edge.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of classes and worrying about Marcus. I consider texting Jason to take him up on that backup offer, but I don't want to involve him if I don't need to.

By the final period, I'm antsy and distracted, constantly checking my phone. No new messages from Marcus, but that doesn't make me feel any better. Knowing him, he's just waiting to catch me off guard.

When the last bell finally rings, I hurry out to the student parking lot, head swiveling around nervously. I don't see Marcus anywhere and start to relax a little as I unlock my car. Maybe he really was just bluffing this time.

That's when a harsh voice calls out from behind me.

A voice that I really don't want to hear, ever again.

"You really thought you could just leave me behind, pretty boy?"

I whirl around, heart pounding, to see Marcus stalking towards me, jaw clenched with rage. Fuck.

"We're not done, Ethan," he growls, stopping just a few feet away and glaring daggers at me. "Not by a long shot."

I take an instinctive step back, pressing against my car as Marcus advances menacingly. "Just leave me alone, Marcus," I say, hating how my voice shakes. "We're over. Move on already."

Marcus laughs coldly. "Not a chance, baby. I'm not letting you go that easy."

Before I can react, he's on me - hands fisting in my shirt as he slams me back against the car door. I cry out in pain and fear as the back of my head cracks against the window.

"Cmon baby, you still love me so just come back. Say yes and I'll treat you like the pretty boy you are." Marcus's voice was laced with a false sweetness and assurance. I would've swooned over it, but now it makes me feel sick to my stomach.

"You know what Marcus? I have three word for you. You ready to hear them?" I talk back with a false confidence, I actually don't know how I'm talking back.

"I'm listening baby, you'll be all mine so soon"

I hate it. He can't call me baby. That's Jas- No. No. No men, no love, no hurt.

"Alright then. Here," I take a long breath, and with a smirk I continue. "Fuck you Marcus!"

Then his fist connects with my stomach, driving the air from my lungs as I double over in agony. White hot pain explodes through my abdomen.

Another blow catches me in the face, snapping my head back. I can taste blood as Marcus rains down punch after punch, each one harder than the last.

"Marcus, stop! Please!" I beg through the tears and blood streaming down my face.

But he's relentless, like a man possessed. I crumple to the ground, curling in a ball as I try fruitlessly to protect myself from the savage beating.

Eventually, mercifully, the onslaught stops. I hear Marcus say something along the lines of "I'll be back so soon pretty boy, so I hope you have the proper answer." before his footsteps finally retreat. I'm left alone, bruised and bloody in the empty parking lot.

I'm not sure how long I lay there, too scared and hurt to move. At some point, blackness overtakes me and I slip into unconsciousness.

The next thing I know, I'm blinking awake to bright fluorescent lights and the beeping of machines. A splitting headache hits me as soon as I try to move.

"Ethan? Oh thank god, you're awake!"

I turn my head groggily to see my mom at my bedside in the hospital, face streaked with tears. Her eyes are frantic with worry and relief.

"Momma?" I rasp out, my voice scratchy. "Wh-what happened?"

"You were attacked, baby," she says shakily, taking my hand. "They said...they said if that boy Jason hadn't found you when he did and called an ambulance..." She breaks off, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.

Jason? Vague memories start trickling back - Marcus cornering me at my car, beating the shit out of me until I could barely breathe. Ice floods my veins as I remember his vicious blows, the sickening sound of bone cracking.

"Oh Ethan," Mom sobs, clutching my hand tightly. "I'm so sorry. I should have done more, I should have protected you from that monster-"

"Shhh, it's okay," I try to soothe her, but my heart is pounding with terror at the realization of how badly Marcus could have hurt me if Jason hadn't intervened.

Where is Jason? I need to thank him, to repay him somehow for potentially saving my life from my unhinged ex. A lump forms in my throat as I think about how quickly things escalated, how easily Marcus could have...

I shudder, not letting myself finish that thought. The important thing is he didn't get that far, because of Jason. My guardian angel.

"I'm just glad you're alive, baby," Mom whispers fiercely, kissing my forehead. Her lips brush over the bandages wrapped around my head and I wince. "That bastard is never coming near you again, I promise."

I manage a small nod, letting her words wash over me. But a nagging part of me knows the truth - that Marcus doesn't give up that easily. He won't stop until he's taken from me what he wants, no matter how far he has to go.

A cold chill runs down my spine. This is far from over.

~~~🎀🎀🎀~~~

No cliffhanger today, hooray!
So Ethan got his ass whooped...
But anyways, what's everybody's favorite subject?
I like Math or Spanish :)
Hope you're enjoying the book so far,
Xoxo, J.W