BEING HALSEY

CHAPTER 60

Song for this chapter:

IN THE NAME OF LOVE - BEBE REXHA
( I was listening to it while writing😭😭😭)

" Now where's my money son?" My boss asks, taking a puff from his cigar.

" I don't have it right now...but--" He snaps his two fingers signaling the two men to punch me.

" WHERE. IS. MAH. MONEY!!!??"

Blood drips down on my shirt.

" I... I'll get it for you...I promise."

He smirks and leans closer.

" You thought we wouldn't catch you huh? " He blows the smoke. " I've played this kinda games Tray, and I always win."

I cough and spit more blood.

" I have something for you by the way..." He stands and open one of his drawers.

" Such a beautiful girlfriend you have here." He drops the smiling picture of Hal down on the carpet.

" You..." I grit my teeth and try to reach him but the men grab me and kick me on my belly again.

" Yow, you see that," My boss says and claps his hands. " That's True love right there. Stupid teenage shit."

He shakes his cigar and ash drops on the ash plate.

" Take him back." He orders. " But have a little fun with him first."

He turns the lamp off and I'm punched on my nose and belly. I double over and get dragged out.

***

" You alright?" Someone asks, feeling my pulse. I force my eyes open and bend my neck to get a clear view of the voice. It's a man in a blue overall and a peak cap thats too big for his head.

" Easy now, you're badly wounded." He says.

I utter a low moan.

He bends down and patiently help me up to my feet. It's a slow process with a couple of false starts but I manage a crouching posture.

All my bones are aching.

" Your face is messed up. The black eye is coming up quick." He says and wipes my blood of my face.

" I'll call the police."

" NO!"

" Why? You look like some thugs were trying to beat you to death."

I probe my teeth with my tongue and ignore his question.

" What happened?" He asks again.

I don't reply.

" Ok, suit yourself. Tell me your address, I'll help you get home."

***

" Is this the right house?" He asks and knocks.

I nod and shut my eyes.

Hal opens the door.

" Oh my god! Tray?" I can't see her clearly cause of my black eye but her hands are covering her mouth, tears threatening to leave her eyes.

" What happened?" She asks as the man helps me on the couch.

" I have no idea. He won't talk."

Hal helps me ease off my shirt and shoes.

" I'll go ahead." The man says and leaves.

" Just look at you!" Hal wince. " What happened? Oh my god, you're bleeding." She runs to the bathroom and comes back with the first aid kit. I feel her cold hands checking my rib cage and face. A wet cloth is placed on my sore eye and cheeks. She also helps me take some painkillers.

" Who did this to you?" She whispers and squats beside the sofa, holding my right hand in both of hers.

I squeeze my hand and close my eyes.

I'm too weak to speak.

***