The Mute

Chapter 13

Ashely's P.O.V.

I sat anxiously in my seat. I was waiting for him—Waiting for those burning blue eyes to make me lose my words.

I pushed my hair to one side, and before down to my bag to get my lipstick. When I sat up right, I noticed everyone filing in. The bell was about to ring and still two empty seats.

Tyler and Mitchell... Oh no!

The bell rang.

I knew something bad was about to happen. I could feel it.

Tyler's P.O.V.

I got a text from my football coach a little bit ago. He texted, "Soldier, we need to have a talk in the locker room. Come alone."

I had about fifteen minutes till debate class which I concluded was plenty of time for this talk.

Walking into the locker room, I heard some clanking of the locker doors closing. I looked around for coach and I called out his name.

I felt someone walking behind me. Next came a hard hit to my back.

I collapsed with my head face down. I looked at the preppy boat shoes and I knew who my assailant was.

"Man it's amazing. He didn't notice his phone was gone. He's too busy boning the secretary in the copy room.. I mean just like I was when I boned Ashley," Mitchell snarled. He kicked me again as I tried to get up.

My teeth clenched. He's wrong about her..He has to be.
He did something to her.

I spun my body around and kicked his ankles. He crashed on the ground. I stepped a foot on his chest to hold him down.

"Stay away from her," I warned. "I mean it."

I heard a door slam abruptly and some giggling which stopped once they approached me. My eyes looked up to see Coach and Ms. Reid the secretary. They were adjusting their clothing.

"Get to class. I don't care who started it. You both will be paying for it in practice later," barked Coach.

I nodded, removed my foot, and grabbed my backpack. Mitchell chuckled and gave me a scorn as he walked ahead.

I felt a pain in my stomach and then lifted my shirt to see a large red area that extended to my back. I bruise very easily.

At that point, I didn't really care about the pain. All I cared about was her.
What did he do to her?

I felt this strong urge to reassure her that everything will be okay. Then I realized that I could never really make her believe that without reason. She would never be safe until she was away from those who insult her.

Mitchell is the major culprit.
I see the way she cringes when he's near; the way he talks about her almost as if he owns her. She isn't a piece of property.

I knew I needed to do something to help her. I just didn't know what yet.

I just can't imagine why anyone would ever want to hurt this tiny, fragile girl with a smile who lights up the room.

I pulled out my cell.

Hey Ash. Didn't make it to class. Can you meet after school today?                                     1:34pm

Hey. Yeah I can. Where?                           1:36pm

Jitterz café in town? 3:00?                     1:37pm

Sure. See you.                                            1:50pm

I knew I needed to get to the bottom of this. And I will.