Perri and Him-the fifth book to series 'Perri and Me' about Perri Kiely

Chapter 3 Part 4

I don't know why. But I'm preparing myself to wake up. In his arms. To wake up screaming, telling him I'd had a dream of him being shot.

But this was far from a dream.

I watch as Mitch begins to swear loudly, pulling a key out from his pocket. He didn't throw it out of the window after all.

He runs to the door, unlocking it, George behind him. There is a lot of chaos heard from inside and George shuts the door behind him, locking Pel and I inside.

"Give me the key!" I hear Mitch shout.

As far as I'm concerned, they ran downstairs and outside, George trying to prevent Mitch from retrieving the key.

Well the reality was Perri was down. And we were locked inside a room with no furniture. The only light from the moon shining through the tiny window, that I could stick my head through if I stood on tip-toes.

It wasn't a dream.

It took me seconds after the door slammed to stand to my feet and come to kneel by Pel.

Of I course I instantly am reduced to tears.

Everyone knows I hate blood. But I just seemed to stand it this time. It is pouring out from his side and I don't know how to feel.

"Pel, please....." I stammer. "Stay with me...."

I start to choke on my words. Sweat builds up on my forehead as I squeeze his hand.

His eyes look up at me. Browner than ever. Sweeter than ever.

"I'm......alright..." He whispers.

But he's not. It's clear. And if a miracle doesn't happen right now, he will die.

"Perri, I'm so sorry..." I say, crying harder now. "It's all my fault."

"Don't." He says, pausing for pain, "Don't ever say that."

"But it is......Perri, I can't lose you." I say.

My heart rate increases.

"How bad is it?" Pel asks, me, still looking up.

I don't know. I can't even say.

I remain there staring at him, helplessly.

"Amber...you should try and escape. Through that window. Before it's too late." Pel coughs.

"I'm not leaving you...." I say.

"Amber!"

"I'm NOT leaving you!" I shout. "If you die, I'll die! I swear!"

He almost looks angry for a minute.

"Why won't you just ever listen?" He merely whispers.

"Because I love you!" I exclaim.

"There's nothing you can do..." He says.

"So, what? You expect me to just live my life. Knowing I'm responsible for your death? Knowing Reid will have to grow up without a father?" I say.

I take a deep breath.

"I'm going to get you to the hospital if it's the last thing I do." I say, my words sharp and persistent. "I just need to....stop the blood."

I look for options around the room but there's hardly anything. I take off my orange scarf that I wore here and place it on the affected area but it's soaked in seconds.

I try my gloves as well. I'm half way through taking off my top when Pel stops me.

"Amber, stop." He sighs. "Stop, trying. Please...."