new beginnings

Protected

That night, all of us were full and ready to sleep. But just as we were about to go upstairs, Denise comes in the house.

"Carl?" she said, getting my attention from the living room. I got off the couch, handed the beer to Ron quickly, put the crutches under my arms, and went into the kitchen.

"Oh, hey Denise," I said as Ron and Jordan followed me in. Ron must've hid the beer somewhere.

"Just letting you know, you're still on suicide watch. You'll have to have someone in your room tonight," she said.

"Okay," I replied, forgetting I was still being 'monitored'.

She turned to leave, when she stopped.

"By the way, that dinner was fantastic," she kind of smiled. 

"Thanks, glad you liked it," I said and she walked out of the door.

A few seconds later, thinking the coast was clear, Ron went into the living room and returned with my beer. I balanced myself before taking it from him. I took a huge swig and sighed.

Someone then walked on the door and came in. It was Joel. I scrambled to hide the drink behind my back but it was no use.

"Hey guys," he smirked. "did I startle you?" 

I rolled my eyes and took a sip from the bottle. "No," I jokingly said.

"Didn't know you drank," Joel chuckled.

"Ah, well, a lot happened today," I replied and forced a smile.

"So, Jordan, you coming to our house tonight or you spending it with these two?" Joel continued and nodded towards Ron and I.

"I, uh, don't know," she replied nervously. 

"You have to know," he said.

"I... I want to stay here," she shakily said.

"Seriously? I barely know these boys. I don't know whether to trust them or not," he lowered his voice.

"They're trustworthy," she said.

"Well, maybe because you're a pretty girl and they're being nice. Who knows what they'll do with you?" he got closer to her.

"They were fine last night," she quietly said.

"Carl probably was too drained to take advantage of you," he said, and I was mad. I resisted saying anything, and Ron noticed, stepping closer to me.

"He wouldn't do that," Jordan defended me.

"You don't know that yet. You're coming with me," he said.

"No," she replied.

He looked stunned. "Yes, you are. Come here," he grabbed her forearm and tugged toward the door.

"I'm not," she grimly said and tugged the other direction.

"Listen, damnit," Joel urged forcefully.

I had enough of resisting speaking out.

"She doesn't have to go with you," I said assertively.

Joel cocked his head to the side. "Who do you think you are?"

"She doesn't have to go if she doesn't want to," I said.

"And I'm supposed to trust you?" he tightened his grip on her arm.

"Let go of her," I sternly said.

"What the hell will you do about it?" he pulled Jordan closer to him.