Don't Forget Me ~ Emblem3 Fan Fiction

Chapter 6~ The First Beating

Skyler POV

I was still crying quietly when Carl came to give us our meals. I wiped off the tears on my face and got myself together. Anything that would attract attention to myself was just asking for a beating. I scarfed down a stale biscuit and gulped the small portion of water given.  They tasted horrible, but it was something to get my mind off Hazel.

I was surprised that Keaton would cross the line that far. When I first met him, I didn't think he was that kind of person. I assumed he'd be quiet and respectful of my space and personal life, but obviously that wasn't the case. He barely knew me. How dare he ask about something like that?

Though I was disappointed, I wasn't angry at him. I'd probably have to tell him at one point or another in the future. Now my big secret was out. My biggest regret, besides trusting Carl in the first place. In a way, I felt relieved. It might be awkward between us in the few days that follow, but it won't last forever. I'd much prefer that rather than him finding out through Carl or another kid here.

I looked over at Keaton for the first time since our argument. His knees were folded to his chest, and his head rested on them. I wasn't sure if he was sleeping or not, so I didn't bother him. He was probably frustrated enough, at himself and at me. 

I sighed. We were both exhausted and obviously not used to having to live with a roommate. It would surely take some getting used to. I wanted to talk to him more, about the outside world, what it's like. But I knew we had to mend things before chatting. Hopefully we could forgive each other easily. Just as I was about to speak, slurred words interrupt my thoughts. 

"Sssskyler, c'mere." Carl stumbles down the hall, fumbling with the cell keys in his pocket. Ugh. He could not have come at a worse time. I obey, knowing it would only be worse if I didn't.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Keaton jolt his head up to see what was going on. Please, don't do anything stupid. Too late. Keaton stood up and walked towards us. I gave him a look, but he didn't seem to notice. His eyes were glued on Carl's, with a look of pure hatred.  He really had to learn to control his temper if he wanted to live. Honestly, didn't we just go over that?

"Can I just ask you one question?" Asked Keaton, his voice harsh and impatient. 

Carl seemed surprised. He shrugged, then smiled, showing his nasty yellowed teeth. "It better be good," He said back.

"Why didn't you just find yourself another wife, and have some nice little kids of your own to beat to the pulp? Huh? Too scared to lose another one?" He paused, watching for Carl's reaction, which was not looking too nice. His upper lip twitched as he glared at Keaton, and he started breathe heavily. Keaton laughed a little. "I guess that's understandable and all, given that-"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Carl screamed and him, and he flinched. He may have just talked like he was tough, but that look in his eyes was proving otherwise.

His keys shook in his hands while he unlocked the door. Keaton backed up to the corner of the cell, but I stayed right where I was, watching in horror. Carl's thoughts were no longer focused on me- it was all about Keaton. Carl madly stormed in and grabbed Keaton by the hair. He winced, and I did too, knowing how much that hurts. Keaton struggled to stay standing, his feet tripping under him as he was half-walking, half-dragged down the hall. 

I tried to ignore the groans that came from the room throughout the beating. Why would he say something so stupid like that to Carl? He knew he was unstable. But then I think... did he do that on purpose? To protect me? Or so I'd have to forgive him? I sighed, wishing I could analyze people's action's better.

Should I have done something to stop it? I wondered. No, that would've just made Carl angry with both of us, who knows where that would end up. I should've been thankful to Keaton, but I couldn't stop thinking about what he had said before. Anyway, his first beating would've happened sooner or later.

Keaton POV

Carl's hand swung down and hit me square in the jaw. I fell toward the floor with a moan.

At first, I had tried to fight him back, but I've never actually learned how to fight. Wes always wanted me to work out with him and learn self-defense. He said we'd need it someday when a crazy fan would attack us, and I had just laughed it off. Little did I know that might've been beneficial to me.

I got myself back together and stood up. I gave a few blows to Carl, but they were weak and didn't affect him much. He returns with a strong punch to my stomach, knocking me right back down. I felt like he had just hit all of the air out of my lungs, and I struggled to breathe. For such a drunk, he was a pretty decent at fighting. 

Every time I would try and get up, Carl would hit me back down. I finally gave up and pretended to be unconscious, hoping he would stop there. But he didn't. He just continued to punch and kick. Pain spread everywhere throughout my body.  

Did I really have to do this? And for what? For Skyler's forgiveness? To have a friend? Trying to pretend the pain wasn't there, I began to think about if it was really worth it. I felt stupid now. I mean, I know it may sound selfish, but I would have rather skipped out on this one. I should've just let Skyler come in here. She's used to it, anyway. But then I imagine Carl kicking her and punching her and shiver. It's hard to think of her, or any of the kids out there, getting beat when they did nothing wrong. 

I hope she would appreciate this. 

The constant punching stopped. I looked up, seeing that Carl was panting. He was tiring himself out, and I wanted to laugh at him, but I couldn't find it in me. I could barely even move, everything hurt so badly. 

He glared at me. "I hope," He growled between breaths, "that you learned your lesson today." He made a fist and gave one more blow to my head. He then grabbed my hair and pulled me back out to the hallway. This time, I didn't even try to stand up and walk. My whole body felt like jello, and I doubted I could support myself at that point. I gritted my teeth, wishing I could have just been knocked out so I wouldn't have to suffer this.

Carl let go of me for a brief moment while unlocking the cage. I saw my chance to escape, but knew I would never make it out  in my condition. Next time, I thought to myself. When you're stronger.

Carl pulled me into the cage, and as soon as he locked it, Skyler came rushing up to me. "Wow, Keaton," she breathed. "You okay in there? Your face is black and blue."

When I responded with a moan, she laughed quietly. "I hate to tell you, but you got off pretty easy, for making such a stupid comment like that." 

I moaned again. 

"Oh, don't be a baby," She said, with a hint of mockery in her voice. I wasn't sure if I should take this as forgivness or taunting. I decided she had forgiven me, that way I don't have feel like that was all for nothing.

"Now," She said. "What hurts the most? Let's get started."

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