Fighting, Surviving, & Hopelessly Lost

Chapter 14

"Pey, what happened!?" Cassy's voice asked heavily.

"We won't know until she wakes up. She was in a state of shock when somebody pushed her in. Grab her phone and text her aunt that she'll be at a sleepover at your house. We'll go to the cabin instead," Peyton's voice replied sternly.

Who were they talking about? What happened? Why couldn't I see anything?

"Lucas is already there. He's making food for us," Cassy said after a few minutes of silence.

"Good, now help me get her out. We're here," Peyton said as the vehicle that I was in came to a halt.

I felt strong, sturdy hands pick me up bridal style and I was carried until I felt myself lay on something warm and soft.

"God, she's freezing," Peyton's voice muttered.

I heard multiple people shuffling around me, talking in hushed tones, and just standing around. My head pounded as images of my family flooded my train of thought.

'Jul, I miss you so much. I wish we got to say a goodbye," Gabe said.

'J-j, my body hurts. I can't move my arms or legs. I feel like a caterpillar in a cocoon that will never turn into a butterfly," Taylor said with a far-away look in her eyes.

'No! Don't leave me Gabe! Take my place! Taylor!! I'll give you my life! Please!' I wept as I fell down onto my knees.

'You're fighting again aren't you? Shame! Your brother died, your sister can't do anything and you are out there, fighting with women and maybe men who are years older than you! Is this how you are supposed to live your life?' my mom shouted.

'You have to try harder sweetie. School is the right path for you, not fighting. Do you understand?' my dad asked as his face swam into my vision. All of my family members tumbled inside my head until I couldn't take it anymore.

"No!!!!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. I felt myself thrash around and I wanted to sit up but blankets were my barrier.

"Jul, calm down!" Peyton said, alarmed.

The sound of his voice got me riled up even more. My open palms turned into rock hard fists as they flailed around. My fist came in contact with somebody's arm.

"Crap! Pey, you okay?" Lucas's voice asked.

I opened my eyes as I heard a loud ruckus inside the cabin. I frantically jumped up from the couch that I was lying on and ran over to the corner of the room. I was breathing heavily and I'm pretty sure I had a wild look in my eyes.

My vision cleared as I took in the scene before me. Cassy was standing next to a blazing fire place. She had a worried look in her eyes as she looked at me. Peyton was lying in a heap on the floor. When I accidentally punched him, he stumbled backwards and fell down on a table. Unfortunately, the table didn't survive. It lay in wooden shards and pieces while a surprised Peyton stood up from the pile. Lucas was helping Peyton up from the floor and once that was settled, all eyes turned to look at me.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I am so sorry."

"Aw, sweetie," Cassy cooed as she swiftly came to my side and tackled me in a hug. That girl was awesome at making you feel better. "Nothing was your fault. In fact, we don't even know what happened. Do you remember anything?"

"Uh, the bubbles. And the pool with the lights. Somebody pushed me in," I said quietly, avoiding Peyton's gaze.

"Look at me Jul," he commanded. Peyton new exactly why I wasn't looking at him. My eyes traveled up to his face and I gave it all away. "It was him, wasn't it?"