Fighter Boy

Look, you just don't get it, I can't.

A week later, my wrist was still tightly strapped up and I was avoiding seeing Brandon in person so he couldn't say 'I told you so.' Yes, I am that pathetic.

I wandered along the empty street towards my gym where I was going to try and improve my boxing skills; try being the operative word. The wind picked up slightly, making me quicken my step as I was only in shorts and a t-shirt. A soft whimper passed by my ear and I couldn't help but turn around to see where it came from.

A boy around my age was getting mercilessly beaten by someone with their back to me. I recoiled in horror at the sight of blood everywhere and the cracking of his ribs as punch after punch knocked through him. The boy must have noticed that I was there as he lifted his head, looking at me with a desperate plea for help. Then his attacker turned around and my eyes nervously met Sebastian's. Within milliseconds, anger overtook me and I stormed over.

"Leave." Sebastian growled, barely even glancing at me as he pushed me straight into a brick wall.

"Stop hitting him," I gasped, trying to get my breath back as I moved away from the wall.

"Get out of here." There was nothing but stone cold harshness in Sebastian's voice as he ordered me once again to leave.

"No." My breath had been regained and I was standing taller now, my confidence for some reason soaring.

"I said," He spat out the words, turning away from the boy and towards me, "to get out of here."

"Make me." I didn't even blink as I locked eyes with him, daring him to lay another finger on me.

"Fine." Sebastian slammed me back against the wall, grabbing my bandaged wrist and twisting it. There was nothing I could do to hold back the small scream that escaped my lips as he applied more and more pressure. Yet I made no attempt to move away.

"Don't touch him." I managed to say, desperately trying to keep my voice as smooth as possible.

"I don't have to listen to you," He scoffed.

"You don't. But you should."

"Oh, and why should I?" Sebastian had visibly calmed down now, it was obvious. Even the tight grip on my wrist had loosened completely.

"Because you're better than that." I replied softly, moving myself away from the wall and glancing down at the semi-conscious boy.

"You over-estimate me then." With that, Sebastian dropped back and walked off without a single look behind him.

"Are you okay?!" I fell to my knees as I examined the poor boy lying on the ground.

"I'll be fine," He managed to mutter, slowly sitting upright.

"Here, let's get you home." I sighed and slipped my good arm around his waist, helping him to walk.

"What's your name?" The boy asked, staring at me with an interested look on his face.

"Alexa. Yours?"

"Liam..." He trailed off, still staring.

"What are you looking at me like that for?" I kept walking, trying to ignore it.

"Why did Sebastian stop because of you?" Liam frowned as he tried to work it out.

"He just needs someone to calm him down."

"No, no, this is Sebastian O'Connor we're talking about. No one tells him to stop. He stops when he's done." Liam let out a short, bitter laugh, before wincing as the pain of his ribs got to him.