Anger Issues

sixty three

Austin

The dinner was coming to an end, I could sense it. My phone was vibrating furiously in my pocket, giving me no choice. I subtly looked at it, just to see what was happening.

Jessica
I need help

I immediately stood up, but kept it subtle. Excusing myself to the restroom, I glared at Caleb to come with me.

"What happened?" Caleb asked, as we rushed into the bathroom.

I pulled out my phone and read the messages.

Jessica
Austin I need your help

Jessica
Please answer me I fucked up so bad

Jessica
I'm sorry I messed up please help me Aus

Jessica
Missed Call (3)

I immediately called her back. She answered within seconds.

"Where are you?" I immediately asked. "I came to a party with Kayla and..." she trailed off. I heard her sobs. I could barely make out the words of what she said over the blasting music in the background.

"Jess, what's happening?" I asked. "Please come get me, I fucked up so hard," she sobbed. "I'm coming," I said.

I told her not to go to the party and she still went. I hated the thought of her doing that and now, it was reality.

"I need the car," I told Caleb. "What's happening?" He asked. "Bro please, Jess went to a party and something happened. Give me the keys and cover for me, please," I quickly explained.

"Let me go with you," he said. "I need you to cover for me," I said. He reluctantly nodded. "Be careful," he said, handing me the keys.

We walked out, and he went back to the table. I snuck my way around the tables to avoid ours, before getting out of the restaurant.

I ran to the car and started it immediately, bringing up Jess' location.

She was over an hour away.

Calling her, my heart was pounding in my chest. She didn't answer, making me drive even faster.

After three calls not being answer, I completely floored the gas pedal, going way over the speed limit and passing cars whenever I could.

"Where the fuck are you, Jess," I muttered, making sharp turns.

My phone vibrated, telling me police cars were ahead. It forced me to slow down, making me even more anxious.

The entire drive, I was growing more and more anxious. Once I heard music coming from a house, I called Jess.

She answered, but I heard nothing. Stopping in front of the house, I rushed out of the car and inside.

Pushing past people, I shouted for Jess in attempt to find her, but the shouts from the crowds of people beat mine.

It took me a few minutes, but I finally found her. Squeezing past the last few amounts of people, I ran towards her and immediately grabbed her hands.

She threw her arms around me, making me do the same. "I can't find Kayla," she spoke frantically.

"Is this your boyfriend?" A voice behind me spoke. I turned around, seeing a guy way older than us. His breath reeked of alcohol.

"I am," I said, clutching Jess' hand. "Did he hurt you?" I asked Jess. She shook her head. "Did anyone?" I asked, getting the same response.

"Let's go," I said, leading her towards the door.

"Austin, I need to find Kayla," she said, making me stop. I handed her the keys to the car.

"Go wait in the-" "Yo!" I was cut off by the same guy from seconds before. "Dude what's wrong with you? Fuck off," I said.

"You shouldn't be here," he said. "Austin," Jess worriedly said. "I shouldn't, so let me take care of my shit and I'll-"

Before I could finish, I felt his fist connect with my jaw. I almost fell from the impact. Jess immediately came by my side but I pushed her off.

I don't think I've ever been more mad.

Charging forward, I punched the guy with all the strength I had. His drunken self nearly collapsed, falling onto the backs of people who's attention was now on us.

"Don't fucking touch me," I said, throwing another punch at him.

"Austin, stop," I heard Jess' voice. I couldn't control myself. I was hitting him as hard as I could, harder than ever.

He tried hitting me back and managed to get a few shots, but he was too drunk to have control.

Suddenly, though, he surged with energy and got up, shoving me roughly against the wall.

I closed my eyes in pain, feeling it from my head to my toes.

He punched me in the stomach, making me double over. With another, I was on the ground.

That's when shit got worse.

"The police!" People began shouting. Within seconds, through my squinted eyes, I saw red and blue lights flashing not far from where I was.

Officers immediately ran in, while others ran out to avoid everything. One went to the asshole I was fighting and handcuffed him.

Within seconds, my arms were behind my back and my wrists were cuffed. I was pulled to my feet, watching as others were getting cuffed. Jess was gone, I couldn't see her. I didn't even know where she went.

Getting shoved outside, the cool air hit my face. Caleb's car was being pulled away. That was the last thing I saw before being shoved into the back of a police car.