Page 107 of Commit

“Got it.”

I whisper the PIN to unlock it just as the door opens again.

“Holy fuck, is that Starling?”

“Get the fuck out, Chris. Go call an ambulance and get the principal.”

The door closes again as Hayden shuffles closer, wrapping his large hand around mine.

“Hudson,” I say again, needing him here.

“I’m calling him now, I promise. Just stay still for me. I won’t let anyone near you, okay?”

“Okay.”

I watch him as he holds the phone to his ear. He swallows when it connects, his eyes on mine and so full of worry that I squeeze his hand to let him know I’m okay.

“Hey, Birdie,” I hear faintly, his voice making the tears steam down my face.

“Hi. Um, this is Hayden. Is this Hudson?”

“Where the fuck is Starling?” he yells.

“Sir, she’s here with me, but she’s hurt. A couple of girls jumped her in the bathroom with a bat. She’s asking for you.”

I hear a roar and something smash, which makes me cry even harder.

“Starling!” he yells. Hayden scrambles to put the phone on speaker.

“Sir, it’s on speaker. She can hear you.”

“Birdie?” his voice softens. I hear voices in the background and assume it’s Atlas and Kenzo.

“I’m… okay,” I whisper, hoping if I keep saying it, it will be true.

“I’m on my way. You just hold on for me, okay?”

“Okay… Hurry.”

“I will, I promise. Hayden?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Don’t let anyone in. I don’t care what you have to do, but you keep every motherfucker away from her until I get there.”

“Yes, sir. We’re in the bathroom near the football locker room.”

“I’ll find you. I’m on my way, Birdie, I promise.”

He hangs up and slides my phone into the side pocket of my bag, which is now lying on the floor beside me.

“This is my fault. I knew they were messing with you, but I never thought she’d do something like this.”

“Neither did I... It’s not your fault.” I groan. “She thinks she’s going to get away with… this.”

“Because she’s used to her rich daddy getting her out of everything. Well, she went too far this time. I’m on your side, Starling. If you need me as a witness or to give evidence, I’m there. I’ve got you.”

I squeeze his hand and turn my head a little to look up at him. “I’m sorry about Abbot.”

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