Please Don't Set My Heart Aflame

Chapter #25: On My Own

"Help me..."

"Jessica?!? Where are you?!?"

Then it hung up.

"See you later, asshole." I punched Danny in the stomach one more time before sprinting out the door.

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"JESSICA! PICK UP THE PHONE!" I kept calling her over and over again, but no answer. I tried once more... Someone picked up.

Jessica POV

"Do it."

"N-NO!" Tears posted down my cheeks as I held the knife in my hand. I was holding it so tight that it caused a bruise to form in my palm.

"I said do it, you suicidal bitch!"

"I said no, you jerk!"

He grabbed my hand with the knife and pressed it against my throat, just enough to make me choke and draw a small line of red across my skin.

The phone rang, making me cry out once again.

He made the mistake of answering it.

"ALLEY!!! I'M IN THE A–"

He smashed my phone on the ground before anything was said. One of the few things I had left...

"Just do it. You have no reason to live, anyway."

"...Ryan."

"Um, he's my best friend. The day I let someone steal him from me is the day I die."

"Sorry I'm late." One of Ryan's "friends" showed up, Danny I think his name was. He has bruises all over him for some reason. "That bastard beat me."

"It's fine, just help me." He left another small cut on my neck as I winced. Not only did it hurt, but it itched like hell.

"I didn't mean to..."

"Well, you did. End it, you should feel terrible."

"I TOLD HIM I WON'T!"

"Oh? So you obey him, but not us...? I'm offended," he added with an eye roll. "Strange how the nice girl would choose to listen to the asshole who wants them just so he can sleep with every girl over the two who are trying to put her out of her misery. That's sad, really."

Danny yanked my hand and sourced another knife in its grip, not helping my anxiety.

"I told you... I won't!"

Ryan, where are you?!? Help me!

"Keep your mouth shut. Words are meaningless in situations like this." He placed the blade between my lips, cutting the corners of my mouth. I wouldn't dare talk.

"Good girl."

There was a sudden crash elsewhere in the alley, and my eyes lit up.

RYAN?!?

I couldn't see that far out of the corner of my eye... But they could they turned their heads toward the sound, something I was incapable of doing. I just knew he wasn't there, but just like before, I wouldn't dare scream for him, let alone say a word. That didn't stop me from being the reckless teen I can be. I snapped my head, cutting my cheek on the knife, but bit Danny's wrist. Hard enough to draw blood.

My face lit up as he yelled in pain, until his friend strangled my neck. I could feel myself get light-headed as my oxygen was cut off, but then I was saved.

By myself.

I kneed him in the groin and sprinted away as fast as I could.

I thought Ryan would've at least tried to help me... Well, looks like I do have to fight for myself, after all.