Shuck Face (A Dylan O'Brien Story)

Chapter 20

I slid the phone in my pocket and turned around to head back inside. When I fully turned, I ran straight into a hard body.

"Shit, I'm so sorry." I looked up to see who I had run into, thinking it was one of my friends who had been standing so close to me.

"Well I'll be damned. Is that you, Charlie?"

My heart froze. My breathing stopped.

"Sorry, you must have the wrong person."

I stepped to the side to go around him, but he stepped in front of me before I had the chance.

"Ha I don't think so. I'd know that ass anywhere."

I glanced at the window and saw Hartley pointing at me. Dylan turned around and I shook my head, praying he wouldn't come outside. He and Hartley shot up from the table. I turned my attention back to Pete.

"Doesn't seem like you've changed a bit in six years, Pete."

Pete took a step closer, so close I could smell the mixture of alcohol and the same cologne he wore all through high school. When I tried to step backwards, I hit another hard body. Please, don't let this be who I think it is.

"Guess it was her you saw at Molly's the other day!" He came around to stand in front of me. "Long time, no see, Charlie."

This is one particular time I wished looks could kill. "Wish I could say it's nice to see you, Mark, but it's not."

"Is Hartley with you? It could be like old times again. Remember all the fun we had?"

"Charlie?"

I peered around Pete's shoulder to see Hartley, with Dylan and Thomas behind her.

"Go back inside now, I'm coming."

Pete's eyes widened at the sight of Hartley. He glanced back at Mark with a sadistic grin and then looked to me again.

"Guess it is like old times. What do you say we go... celebrate? Come here Hartley!"

I could see Mark moving towards Hartley.

"Don't be shy, baby. You know you've missed me."

"Thomas, get your asses inside right fucking now. Get her away from them."

Thomas was hesitant, but eventually complied. He gently pushed Hartley inside and was trying to pull Dylan in with him.

"Let go of me. Go inside."

Thomas released Dylan's arm and stepped inside. Dylan came around and stood in between me and Pete.

"I think you guys are bothering Charlie here. Why don't you move along?"

The guys ignored Dylan and kept trying to talk to me.

"You know everything Mark and I did, you and Hartley loved it. Just admit it."

"There isn't an ounce in either of us that enjoyed any part of our relationship with you two. Pete, you are scum of the earth. I pity any girl you manage to get your claws into."

Dylan stepped further in front of me, completely blocking my view.

"Move the fuck out of the way now."

"Is this your boyfriend now? Major downgrade. Bet he doesn't know to fuck you like I did."

Dylan shoved Pete. Mark's fist connected with his face, sending him into the wall. I bent down to check on Dylan before standing up and sizing up the two guys in front of me.

"He also doesn't beat the shit out of me like you did. So I would say major upgrade. I think it's past time for you two to grow up."

Anger poured of Pete. His fist made contact with my face, sending me on the ground. It took me a little time to see clearly. I'm assuming the group had been inside watching. When I finally was able to see straight, a full blown fight was happening in front of me.

Kaya, Hartley, and Rosa were pulling me away from it. I could see Ki, Thomas, and Will were fighting Mark. Pete was getting the shit beat out of him by Dylan, Dexter, and Jacob. Giancarlo was standing off to the side on the phone, calling the cops maybe? I could hear a siren. I hopped up and pulled Dylan off Pete. Hartley ran over and pull Thomas away. Once they were off, the other guys fell back. Pete and Mark's faces were covered in blood. I quickly bent down to Pete.

"Can you hear me?"

He shoved my hand away. "You're all going to pay for this! Every single one of your pathetic friends are going to jail."

I gave him a wicked smile. "I doubt that. If you ever see us in public," I rolled back on my heels and grabbed Mark's shirt, directing his attention to me. "This goes for both of you. If you see us, it would be in your best interest to keep walking. You will not ever speak to us again; do you understand?"

Hartley put her hand on my shoulder, causing me to turn around. Three EMTs were running towards us. I stood up slowly, not wanting to spook them. There were a few cops taking everyone's statements and assessing the scene. An EMT came up to me. My left eye was so swollen; I could barely see out of it.

"Who hit you?"

I nodded over to Pete. "He hit my boyfriend too." I turned around and pointed at Dylan, who had a small cut on his cheek.

The EMT shook his head. "I guess that's why those two got beaten to a pulp then?"

Trying to hide a smile, I nodded but said nothing. He poked my face, causing me to suck a sharp breath in through my teeth.

"You and your boy need to go to the hospital. You're gonna need stitches. I'm pretty sure he broke his hand. Actually..." He paused looking at my friends. "You all might need to come in. I see way too many bloody hands here."

I squinted up at him. "Do we have to?"

He gave me an annoyed look. "Or you can leave your cheek just hanging open, risking infection. They're all actors, right?" He rolled his eyes when I raised my eyebrow at him. "I've seen Maze Runner. The last thing they need is deformed hands. Once the police are done with you, go to the hospital. That's an order. Don't make me force you."