Page 111 of The Retreat

I turn on him, calm, twisting my head to crack my neck before I stride over and deck him. He goes down like a little bitch, but I’m not through. I pick him up by his shirt, making him get to his feet and hit him again and again in the face. He tries to fight back, but it’s of little use. I don’t even feel his punches. I’m too worked up.

My coach is going to kill me if I break a hand, but in that moment, I don’t care if I ever fence again. I hit him until he can’t stand. Until there is blood running down his face, from his nose and lips and cheek.

I release him and let him drop to the floor before I rear back and kick him in the ribs. I get a couple more shots in and then lean over his pathetic balled form and spit on him.

“If you ever fucking even look in Colin’s direction again, I will gouge your eyes out.”

He doesn’t reply.

“Do you fucking understand me?”

He grunts a yes, and I leave.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Colin

Not long after Owen stormed out, I’m told I have a nasty concussion, and I can’t go home alone.

What is it going to take for these people to understand that I don’t have anyone to call? I can barely think past the pain invading my body and now I have to find a fucking babysitter?

Owen said Isaac is on his way, but I don’t want to face him, or anyone else.

Calling Owen, I damn near sob when it rings, then goes to voicemail.

What the fuck?

Is he really ignoring me?

My heart tightens a little more, the shadows of my soul creep further into the light, struggling to stay alive.

“I’m sorry. We can’t release you alone. You need someone to help you and watch for signs of worsening symptoms,” the doctor says.

“Yeah, I heard you the first time,” I snap. I can’t take anymore.

My phone vibrates in my hand, and my heart leaps in hope that it’s Owen. Baby Bird.

With a shaky breath, I answer it.

“Hello?”

“Colin! What the hell is happening? We were on our way, but Owen was arrested, and Oliver is losing his shit.” Isaac talks too fast.

Arrested? Owen?

I don’t understand.

“Can you come get me?” My voice is thick, exhausted.

“Of course. Did Owen not go there? Are you okay? What happened?”

“He did…and then he left.” I barely manage the words.

Isaac tells me he’s on his way and I hang up without answering any questions. I don’t know what’s going on with anything anymore. I just want to sleep. No more thinking.

A few minutes later, Brittany comes in with Oliver and Isaac.

Isaac gasps and claps his hand over his mouth.

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