Reasons I Can't Forget You

Chapter XXIV: Locked Up

POV: Avalie

I struggled for air, writhing on the ground. Just as I was able to take a breath, he kicked me again. I curled up, scared. He was kicking me, harder and harder each time.

-This was a mistake.-

I tried to think through the pain.

-Scream stupid!-

I started to yell, "HELP! HELP! HELP!"

I didn't stop, just kept repeating that one word. It seemed like every time I screamed, Jeff kicked me harder. Maybe it was just my body becoming weaker and weaker. My voice was becoming hoarse, but I continued screeching.

Jeff seemed to have enough, he stomped roughly on my hand. Pain fired from my wrist all the way through my fingertips. I let out a painful yelp.

-That was it! Scream!-

I belted out a bloodcurdling scream, causing Jeff to cover his ears and kick me harder.

It was hard to tell through the pain, but I thought I heard people frantically running up he stairs. They would get to me in time!

Jeff heard them too. He got on his knees, beating the shit out of me. The punches kept coming, one after the other.

Finally he paused, glaring at the door. They were beating it down!

I let out the louder scream I had in me. Jeff turned and grabbed my neck. I began to cry, as he squeezed, blocking my airway. I tried to push him off, but he was too strong!

Just when I thought I was dead for sure, the door broke open and three officers swarmed us. They tore Jeff off of me and forced him into handcuffs. I lay on the ground, feeling bloody and broken. The relief from being alive washed over me.

I blacked out.

~~~

I rubbed my eyes slowly, trying to figure out my surroundings. Bright lights caused me to squint and feel woozy. Out of nowhere Char was by my side, followed by...my mother?

"Where-"

"The hospital sweetie," my mom said to shut me up. "You should rest."

The look of concern in my mothers face, had been absent last time I saw her. The emptiness my father's cheating caused, had disappeared. I smiled, "I'm fine mom." I looked at Char and the nurse, "Could I talk to my mom alone?"

They left quickly, leaving us alone.

My mother turned to me, "Avalie what were you thinking? This isn't a movie! That boy could have killed you! You saw him! He was insane! Avalie if you died...I love you! And I need you!" Tears were forming in her eyes, she looked like she was about to start sobbing.

"Mom look I'm sorry! I won't do anything like it again! Okay?"

"If you do-"

"I won't," I was grinning now.

"Why are you smiling? You think this is FUNNY?"

"No! No! Mom, you're back. You're back to your normal self."

"Oh," she whispered sheepishly. "I've been thinking Avalie, I need to raise this baby properly." She was holding her still-flat stomach, "I can't be a zombie, but I think I'm going to need your help. The baby is due June 11th, and I think I'm going to need you home after this year."

I tried not to feel crushed, I loved Jackson Prep. Chat was the first friend that was an actual girl I had had after Cara. Still can't stand that bitch. Plus, I wanted to patch things up with Zach, so we could be friends again. I sighed, "So no next year?" I was fighting off tears.

My mom looked at me sadly, "I'm afraid not, but don't forget about Preston. It'll be fun to be back with Seth."

That was true. I just nodded.

"Alright, I'm going to get the nurse back in here."

They were back in no time.

"So Miss Avalie, it looks like nothing too bad was damaged. Lots of internal bleeding, and I'm afraid the bruising will be pretty painful. You'll heal though! Unfortunately, you do have a broken wrist," She looked at me, processing my expression.

-Damn it!-

It would be hard not to play volleyball for the rest of the season, but I was lucky. And I should be fine for tennis in the spring, right? "So no volleyball?"

"Sadly no. But it will only take about six weeks to heal completely, so you'll be set for spring sports."

I nodded, trying not to feel down about all the news I had gotten today.

A woman knocked on the door, "An Officer White is here to see the patient."

-That was right! What happened to Jeff?-

"Let him in," My mom ordered.

Officer White was a tall man, a little on the plump side.

I couldn't help myself, "Did you get him?"

He laughed, "Don't worry, he's all locked up. Thanks to you two we had enough proof to arrest him. We're going to interview other girls around the area. They're trying to get him to confess. He'll be tried as an adult since he turned eighteen last January. He's also being charged for assault of a minor. Jeff will be locked up for a while."

I was ecstatic! We had done it! "Thank you so much!"

"No, thank you. Both of you," he looked at Char.

I opened my arms to her for a hug. As I hugged my best friend I whispered, "We did it!"

====================

Are you happy with how often I've been updating? I am! So his chapter was more explanatory! But I still like it! Do you want Avalie to go home next year? Or should she stay at Jackson Prep? The good news is Jeff is all locked up! Their plan was a success! Not to mention Avalie's mom is out of her funk! Alright vote, comment, whatever!

-cc