Right Uppercut

Chapter 16

When my heavy eyes finally opened, it felt like one of those weird out of body experiences. I recognized where I was, but everything felt fuzzy. I couldn’t tell if the room was just dimly lit or if my eyes were still adjusting to my unclear surroundings.

I opened my mouth to speak, but instead of my voice, this ugly croaking noise came out. Ain’t that attractive. It had probably been a while since I had something to drink, making me wonder how much time had passed. I tried sitting up, fumbling with my spaghetti-like arms before falling back to the couch from dizziness.

What the hell happened to me?

“Stay right there,” a voice protested, coming closer.

I felt paralyzed with fear for a moment. I hadn’t sensed anyone else in the room with me. Damn, I was really off today.

I turned my head from where I laid on the couch to find the face of the voice. My eyes shot open wide and my eyebrows raised at Noah’s approaching figure.

“What-” I began to speak, but he silenced me with his hand.

“I’ll explain everything, but, first, let me help you sit up,” he replied, supporting my back as I tried to find a comfortable position against the pillow he fluffed.

“Thanks.”

He nodded and quickly left me to get a glass of water. I took that time to check out my surroundings and I realized that I was sitting on Ethan’s couch, in his living room. I looked around, puzzled. Why was Noah bustling around in Ethan’s apartment? Had they known each other this whole time, or did they just recently become aquintences? Most importantly: why? And where was Ethan?

Noah shortly returned with a clear glass of water and two small pills. I looked up at him incredulously. He rolled his eyes. “They’re just to help with your headache. Relax.”

I swallowed down the pills and gulped down the water before I looked at him expectantly.

He sighed and pushed his shaggy brown hair out of his face while he sat down at the end of the couch. “Okay. I don’t know where I should start, so I guess I’ll just jump in. Do you remember the fight?” I nodded. I remembered parts, at least.

“Well, you blacked out and hit your head pretty hard. Then all hell broke loose. My dad and his guys had planned the bust out the place. They knew that there was going to be a huge fight that night, so he got everyone together and planned to arrest anyone connected to it. Even the fighters.”

I gulped and he continued. “I had a feeling that you would still be there, even though I warned you not to. But my dad wouldn’t let me join in on that part. He said it would be too dangerous.” He looked at me pointedly. “So, I snuck in just in case. Which was good because then you blacked out and almost got trampled down. So, Ethan and I dragged you away. I thought we should take you to the hospital, but it seemed too risky. So, Ethan suggested hiding out at his place and that’s how we ended up here.”

“Where’s Ethan?” I croaked.

“He went to see what was going on with everyone else, then bringing back food. He should be back soon.” He answered.

“And how long have I been asleep?” My voice sounded stronger.

“Only a day or so. It’s only Sunday morning.” He sat back and crossed his leg in the way boys do, with one ankle meeting the other leg’s knee.

I sat up straight. “What?!” He sat up at my alarming voice. “My dad must be wondering where I’ve been. And Heidi… oh my God. I have to go. I have to leave.”