by G. Bailey
I don't know how long I swim down the current, avoiding rocks until I see a shape in the water. I pick up speed, zoning in Tris floating in the water.
I pull him to me and keeping his head above water I make my way to the side of the river, where Harley and Allie run to help me drag a blue- looking Tristan onto the edge of a muddy embankment.
"No, no, no Tris!" Allie screams and I move away as Harley starts trying to save Tris life.
"Allie," I croak out and pulling her to me as we watch. We both don't move, watching Harley breathe into Tristan’s mouth and doing CPR.
"I don't think this is working," Harley mutters after the third time.
"Tris don't do this to me, I love you please don't leave me like this. He cannot win like this. Fucking fight Tris!" Allie screams at him, falling to her knees with me following and holding onto her shoulders.
The next moment feels like a miracle when Tris coughs and Harley turns him on his side as he coughs out a lot of water.
"Tris," Allie screams crawling to his side and pushing his wet hair out his face.
"Luke has called the police and ambulance. We knew Tris will need one." Harley says and I nod at him.
"What are we going to say?" I ask, watching Allie whispering to Tris.
"That we had a party up here and Allie and Tris fell in, Tris hit some rocks to explain his injuries and you can say you jumped in with me after them and got hit too."
"Got that Allie?" Harley asks gently and she nods.
“Arthur will get the police to cover this up anyway. A few of the doctors go to the Cage; I'll make sure one of them treats you and Tris.” Harley says a little quieter to me. They won’t say a thing to anyone about tonight. They wouldn’t want us to mention where they go at the weekends to their families.
The police and ambulances turn up with Luke showing them the way. We are covered in blankets and checked over as they take Tris in the ambulance. I go in the other one but Allie goes with Tris, which I told her too and Luke stays with me. Harley decides to stay and explain before catching up with us.
Three hours later, with my ribs set and bound. I'm stuck in a hospital room while Luke is snoring in the chair in the corner. My arm is sore and I have a few stitches but it doesn’t matter.
"Hey," Allie says making my head turn quickly to see her standing in the doorway. She looks amazing with her hair up a in bun; she is wearing hospital scrubs like me because our clothes are drying.
"Come here, angel," I say with my voice full of emotion, almost as much that is on her face. She practically runs over to me, throwing her arms around my neck and sliding into the bed.
"Are you okay?" She asks quietly looking up at me.
"I'm good, how's Tris?" I ask gently and she smiles slightly.
"Already awake and flirting with the nurse," she chuckles before her face turns serious.
"He has broken ribs, broken leg and had some internal bleeding that they have fixed in surgery. The cut on his face is going to scar. It looks terrible and he hasn’t seen a mirror yet." she breaks into sobs, and breaking my heart as I pull her close to me, ignoring the pain in my ribs.
"It’s my entire fault," she cries quietly.
"No, it's not Allie," I say in a determined voice. We don’t speak as I hold her to me, rocking her gently as I can until she calms down.
"Allie, I love you," I say and she looks up at me.
"I love you, so much Elliot. Holy cows, I didn't think I could love someone as much as I love you," she says in a strong voice. I lean forward kissing her gently, using my hand to cup her face as she leans into it. We break away to get comfier on the bed, her head lying on my chest.
"Dad text me," she says and her face darkens.
"What did the bastard have to say?" I ask.
"It just said I'm sorry," she replies sadly.
"Do you think he will leave you alone? I saw his face when you jumped. I know he didn't expect any of that to happen. I think he meant to trick you into getting what he wanted," I tell her.
"I owe you my brother’s life," she says, her voice a whisper. I’m glad in a way that she doesn’t not comment on her dad. We have plenty of time to talk about him in the future. I don’t blame her for focusing on Tris.
"No, you don’t. He helped us a few times with your dad, we are friends now. Tris saved my life, too," I say knowing I'm not going to her that her dad ordered Tristan to kill me or he would be killed.
"When?" she asks.
"Not my story to tell angel but trust me. Me and your brother are even." I reply and kiss her on top of her head.
"When the fuck were you going to tell me about all of this?" Sebastian says at the door, with an angry looking Izzy at his side. The two of them look fucking scary when they are glaring at you.
Luke jumps out of his seat, landing on the floor and I can't help but chuckle which makes Allie laugh. Soon we are all laughing, not being able to help ourselves.
"I was so worried when Harley called," Izzy comes over holding my hand and squeezing Allie’s shoulder.
"Blake is pissed at you guys too. He is on his way," Izzy directs that at Allie who cringes a little.
"We knew he would keep you safe that's why I didn't call him," Allie says.
“Did you really jump off a bridge? A bridge over a river, Allie! I just don’t know why you didn’t tell me, I could have lost my best friend and my brother in the same night.” Izzy says her voice full of anger.
“You couldn’t have helped me, I did what I had to and I’m not sorry for it.” Allie replies and Izzy deflates with a nod. She must understand that Allie did it out of love and nothing else.
“Is Tris okay? Can I see him?” Izzy asks.
“He is doing okay but it will be awhile before he is back to normal. I think he would love to see you.” Allie replies and Izzy nods.
"Why wasn't I called? You’re my god damn fucking twin!" Sebastian shouts at me, standing at the end of the bed with a glare that would make a lesser man shit his pants. Allie just looks up at me.
"Maisy needs you and I guess that’s why you weren’t called." I say simply and his face gets angrier if possible but at least its aimed at me and not Allie this time.
"You needed me more right then and Maisy would have understood. We are Kings and we do things together. Do you think I could deal with losing you while I sat at home?" Sebastian says sharply.
"I'm sorry Sebastian but I still think Harley, Luke and Allie were right," I say honestly, understanding his side. I couldn’t cope in his situation and his face softens before coming over to my side pulling me into a hug.
"Shit, that hurts," I gasp as pain rattles my ribs.
"You deserve it, you bastard," he grins as he pulls away and I chuckle.
"How's Tris?" Izzy asks, holding Allie’s hand next to the bed.
"He will be okay. I'm going to move into his apartment for the next month to help him. His leg is broken in three places and getting about will be difficult in a full leg cast. I'm hiring a nurse to live in for four days of the week while I have work and I will be there the other three days," Allie says.
"Call me if you need help," Izzy insists and I smile at how close they are.
"Excuse me; this is too many people in this room. Only two are allowed and I need to do some checks on Mr. King," A voice says from the door startling everyone. I look over Allie’s shoulder to see a maybe sixty-year-old nurse tapping her foot, looking very annoyed with us all.
"Sorry, we will wait outside," Luke says with a big smile and walking past the nurse with everyone following except Allie, who looks worried.
"I've just got you back I can't leave you just yet and Tris is being checked over," she says. I place my hand on her cheek.
"I'm not going anywhere," I whisper back.
"You can stay little poppet, if you like but sit your bum on that chair over there," the nurse says making me chuckle.
Allie presses a sweet kiss to my lips before grinning at me and hoping off the bed.
"So is he okay?" She asks the nurse not sitting in the chair and standing at the end of the bed.
"Perfectly, well for someone who jumped off a bridge after his girlfriend. Now tell me how did you get so dehydrated?" She raises an eyebrow at Elliot who shrugs.
"Elliot has a partying habit. Just before we went to the woods for a campfire we have had a three-day house party. I think Elliot wasn't drinking the right kind of drinks," Harley says walking in.
"I'm sure Mr. King. You've always been good at your secrets," she winks at Harley who smiles.
"I have no secrets miss," he grins and spreads his arms, making the old nurse chuckle.
"I was there when you were born lad. You came out with a secretive look on your face. That much hasn't changed," she tuts at him.
"I didn't realise you were there," Harley says looking a little shocked.
"Oh yes. Your mother was so happy when you were born. I had to ask her several times to let me even check you over. Now your father was the quiet one like you," she waves at Elliot. The room goes silent as the nurse does her checks and just before she leaves she says,
"Do say hello to your mother, lad. I am sure she is worried by now," she says with a smile.
"Will do," Harley says with a tight smile. Elliot shakes his head at me and I agree silently not to say anything. I know Harley did that, to save telling the lady the story of where his mum really is, not that he even knows.
"The police have cleared everything. Well, our lawyer made it clear there isn't anything they can do." Harley says and sits on the end of my bed.
"Did you see my dad at all?" Allie asks.
"No. I think that's a good thing. The minute Elliot jumped; he got in his car with his guys and drove off." Harley tells Allie, whose face drops.
"He sent me a text saying he was sorry," Allie tells Harley.
"I'm sure its guilt. Don't go anywhere alone for a bit,” I say with a worried frown growing on my face.
"I don't think he will do anything. We could threaten him with telling the police that he pushed Tris," Harley says rubbing his chin. It’s only then that I notice how stressed he looks. His hair is messy, pulled into a knot at the back of his head. He has started to grow a beard and his clothes look days old.
"Man, you look like shit," I say glancing at Allie.
"I looked worse but the river bath I took helped," Allie jokes.
"Mine helped too," Harley chuckles, making me laugh with him. Luke comes into to us all laughing,
"What did I miss?" he asks with a smile.
"Nothing much," I reply.
"I'm going to get back to Tris, so he isn't alone when he wakes up. I will be back in a bit," Allie tells me and comes to give me a kiss. She still seems reluctant to leave.
"Luke, can you go with her?" I ask.
"Sure, Izzy has gone home to get clothes for everyone and Blake is with her," Luke says searching his pockets.
"Smile," Luke says pulling out his phone flashing a picture.
"Sorry, Seb told me to get one, as Maisy wants to see that you’re okay. Seb is getting us all food."
"Tell her I’m good," I smile.
"Sebastian has but she still wants to come here but with Jake, it's not a good idea. Oh Allie, apparently you’re in a lot of trouble with Maisy. Good luck there," He says.
“Thanks,” Allie mutters.
"I will leave you and Seb to sort a worrying Maisy out," I say, I pull Allie by her hand over to me and she kisses my cheek, I turn at the last second to give her a proper kiss considering she is leaving for a little while. She winks at me as she pulls away and Luke follows her out his hand in the air for a wave goodbye. Luke looks no better, I notice, with his hair all over the place, his clothes wrinkled and look slept in.
"I was so fucking worried about you, Elliot," Harley says patting my shoulder.
"How long was I gone?" I ask quietly.
"A week, Allie was going mental. She didn’t sleep or eat unless we forced her. We all were losing it. I thought he might have killed you. I was going to kill him," Harley says darkly, looking away at the window.
"Maybe we still should," he says, and I wonder if it would solve a lot of our problems.
"No, we aren't killers. He can't make us like our father," I tell him firmly and Harley looks at me with a small grin.
"I should have guessed you were the calm and responsible one, even after what he did," he replies.
"Someone has to be," I laugh and flinch when it hurts my chest.
"I will get the nurse, maybe she can give you some more pain meds," Harley says walking out. I rest my head back on the pillows, knowing that Allie is safe. The door opens and I expect it to be Harley but I shoot up off the bed when I see Arthur walk in like he hasn't got a care in the world.
"I just want to talk, no need for the dramatics," Arthur says closing the door behind him. He stands in front of the door playing with the cuffs on his suit.
"Keep her safe. I'm warning you, Elliot, she doesn't understand but I love her. I always did but my work," he stops.
"Is more important to you," I finish darkly. Arthur doesn't disagree with me, answering my unsaid question.
"Just keep her safe, boy," he says before opening the door.
"Tell Allie," he stops mid-sentence.
"Never mind. I expect to see you at the next fight Elliot. I may not hurt you because I want you to look after Allie but your brothers are something else," he says as he straightens up and reminding me of the few fights we have left.
"Leave," I say crossing my arms. Arthur pulls the door open and laughs as he walks out.
I hear his fake laugh as he walks away down the corridor.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Allie
"Are you doing okay?" Tris voice slightly wakes me up from my thoughts on our dad. I still can’t believe what he has done to Tristan. His whole face is covered in blue and yellow bruises. His one eye is just about open. The long cut from the corner of his eye to the edge of his mouth is a constant reminder of that night. Tris doesn’t say it bothers him but he won’t look at himself in a mirror. He just doesn’t care about anything anymore, other than pain meds and beer. He gets pissed when I don’t let him take them together. Tris is looking a lot better now than the first time I saw him, his bruises have started fading and it's only been two weeks since the bridge, that's what I call that horrible day. I couldn’t be more thankful to Blake’s mum who found a great local nurse who is slowly cheering my brother up.
"It's me who should be asking that," I chuckle looking over at my brother sat on the sofa in his apartment. The apartment is on the ground floor and there are two more floors above us, the best part is that is right in the middle of the village. The building even has its own swimming pool, the rent must be high because it’s a gorgeous apartment. Everything has been done in a cosy theme, with large fireplaces in the lounge and two bedrooms. High ceilings and most rooms are painted a warm brown. The place does not suit my brother, with his black hair, tattoos and piercings. It has his own personal touches though, like his guitar in the spare room.
"I told you I'm good," he laughs humourlessly.
"You’re not," I point out because I've been staying in his spare room since they let him out of the hospital a week ago and I know he is having nightmares. Luke is over constantly, they used to be really good friends and they wind each other up like no time has passed since they last talked.
"Don't Allie," he groans playing with phone. Tris looks a mess with his baggy clothes and his hair is all over the place as he sits with his leg on a cushion on the coffee table.
"Maybe you should see someone," I say gently.
"Look, Allie I love you but please leave me to deal with my daddy issues alone," he says bitterly in a reply.
"Our dad is," I start but Tris anger voice stops me.
"He isn't my father. He told me that,"
I fall back on the sofa next to him in a quiet state of shock. I don't say anything but I
feel like Tris has taken my head with this news. It doesn’t change anything for me, it doesn’t matter that we have different dads. Blood does not make family; you make family with the people that care the most. The people you know are there for you.
"We maybe half-brother and sister but you’re my closest family. I love you all the same," Tris tells me, a brief glimmer of pain in his blue eyes until he looks away. I should have known, Tris doesn’t look anything like me or Arthur. I guess part of me did guess but I couldn’t admit it to myself.
"I'm sorry. Honestly, he is no dad to me anymore and I just have you for my family. Screw the rest of them," I say to him, thinking of everything my dad has done and I know calling him dad isn't a good idea anymore; he won't be my dad again for what he did.
"Has he contacted you?" Tris asks.
"No and I hope he doesn't," I say in a flat voice. Elliot was right, I can’t stop caring about him but I won’t allow him in my life anymore.
"Allie," Tris starts but I get up.
"No more about him. He isn't worth it. The nurse will be here soon and I'm meeting Elliot at his club," I say with a smile, thinking about the fact that tonight is Elliot's opening night. I glance at the clock, seeing it's nine and the nurse is staying tonight anyway. She should be here any moment as she knows I'm staying at Elliot's tonight.
"You look great, have a good night," Tris says with a genuine smile. I know he has come to like Elliot who has been bringing beers over with Luke or Sebastian to keep him company. They don't make him feel bad or say anything too serious but they wind each other up. It's good to see Tris look happy when he around all of us. I glance at the mirror by the door, looking at my silver tight bandage dress. It’s a little short but it shows off every curve. My hair is flowing down my shoulders all straight and I've got a little makeup on. My favourite part of the outfit is the high silver heels. They have silver leather wraps going up to my lower calves.
"See you later," I shout before shutting my door. The village is small enough that the club is only a ten-minute walk down the road into the main part of town and it's pretty busy with people outside the local pubs.