On the Run: The Texas Files ✔

Chapter 8: The Fight on All Fronts

I'm standing there with Tyler's fist in my hand. His hand looks monstrous compared to mine. It took all of my might to hold back his arm going at full speed. My hand stings like hell and it will probably bruise.

I took the liberty of catching the punch with my left hand. You never catch a punch with your dominant hand, especially if the person punching you is massive. It's Fighting 101.

I still can't believe I just did that. Why did I do that? Parker could have defended himself. Why did I step in? Usually, I just turn the other cheek to keep myself from getting noticed. Now, people are going to question why I'm so freakishly strong...

Years and years of being beaten up on will make you stronger. Your body, hell, your mind, has no other option than to take the beating because you know, in the end, you can't and won't win, and fighting it will just make it worse.

His expression, in a split second after registering that it's my hand, turns from burning anger to what I can only describe as...fear.

I let go of his fist and he pulls back. A blush is rising in his cheeks.

I turn around and back up, so I can face both of them. Parker looks impressed but slightly afraid. Tyler looks embarrassed and horrified.

I take a deep breath and shake out my hand. "God, Tyler. You pack one hell of a punch."

He looks down at the floor and the blush deepens. I've never seen him so decomposed before. It's so unlike him. The way he's handling it, it's like no one has ever just stood up to him. I guess he's suffering from shock.

Good.

"Look," I say to both of them. "I get that you guys have beef with each other, and that's fine. I don't want to be part of any of it. But violence isn't going to solve any of what you're feeling towards each other."

Trust me. I know all about violence and rage. It pretty much fuels my existence, and every day, I wish I didn't.

I shift uncomfortably. I have no idea why I'm talking to them about this. I can't be actually starting to care for either of them... Can I?

I look around to make sure we're still alone in the hallway. After glancing at a clock, I know that we are for a few more minutes.

I cross my arms and sigh. "Before either of you start pointing fingers about who started this, I want you to stop and think that is this worth getting suspended for?" I glance at Tyler. "Is it worth losing your rank as captain on the baseball team?" I glance at Parker. "Is it worth a mark on, what I can only assume is, a flawless record?"

I don't even know what I'm saying. Maybe it'll work...

That's when I noticed Tyler's jaw. It's bright red and starting to darken. It's going to turn into a bruise. I put two and two together.

I get right in Parker's face. Well, since he's almost a foot taller, I really can't, but I stare up at him with disappointment. "You started this?"

He looks down at me. His face drops from impressed to ashamed. "Jackie... I don't know what happened. I just-"

"You don't just go around hitting people. I don't know what he said or if he said anything, and I don't care."

He runs his hand through his hair. "But I was just-"

Tyler snickers from behind me. I whip around and put my hands in my hips. I know not to look him in the eye, so I focus on one of his ears to make it look like I'm making eye contact.

"Oh, you think you're so innocent?" I practically spit. "You were going to hit him back!"

His smirk drops.