Secrets Behind Those Eyes

by S. M. Donaldson

  “No wonder Dustin is sick of the two of you. You guys are both real pieces of work.”

  Brandon’s face turns red. “Dustin isn’t sick of me! He worships me.”

  “So that’s what it takes to be your friend blackmail and worshiping you? Glad I never made the cut then.”

  He grits his teeth. “No you were always just temporary. We were almost done with you anyway, when you walked in that morning. So you just sped up the process and made us out to seem like victims of a crazy girl.”

  My head is still pounding. “Look as you can well see I don’t want Dustin. I have a real man, who cares for me and loves me.”

  Kelsie laughs. “Oh really. Ryder Abbott care about someone other than himself. That would be a first. Oh wait he always cared about that poor boy he’s friends with.”

  “Judd is serving our country, you need to shut up. Also I know what you chicken shits did and how Ryder took the fall.”

  I see Brandon throw his phone at the couch. “IT’S ALL FUCKING OVER!!!! Dustin did it. he actually came out to his parents last night. I just got several messages from my dad and his.” He storms over to me and hits me so hard the chair flips over.

  “We are both fucking cut off.”

  Kelsie looks at him. “You better figure out a way to fucking fix this Brandon. Call Dustin and make him tell them you weren’t involved.”

  I see Brandon pick up his phone and dial. What the hell I’m gonna make sure he knows I’m here. “So Kelsie I guess this puts a damper on your plans huh?”

  “Yeah well, if this doesn’t work out I can always go after Ryder. Like you said he’s a real man.”

  I’m going to get louder so Dustin might hear me. “Hell Dustin’s a real man! He told the truth to his parents! YOU GUYS ARE FUCKING SELFISH SORRY EXCUSES FOR HUMANBEINGS!”

  Brandon looks my way as he’s speaking to Dustin on the phone. “No man.” He looks at Kelsie and whispers. “Shut her up.”

  “WHY DO YOU WANT TO SHUT ME UP BRANDON?”

  He slings the phone across the floor and storms over to me. He uprights the chair I’m in and stares at me. “I’m fucking done playing games with you. I fucking hate you and you’ve ruined my life.”

  “I didn’t ruin your life. You’re really fucking delusional.”

  He hits me hard, once again the chair goes over, but this time I land different and I hear a snap in my arm. Pain radiates through it, I see his foot coming at my face and then everything goes dark.

  ~*~*~

  Sometime later in the distance I hear people screaming, but I just can’t bring myself to care.

  I’m tired and I hurt. I try to move but pain shoots up my arm and my head feels like it weighs a hundred pounds. I just want to sleep, sleep will be good.

  Chapter 32

  Ryder

  I have looked all over this town for Scarlet. Annabelle and I have talked to the police, but since it hasn’t quite been long enough for her to be considered a missing person. I thought it was crazy since her phone was found but they say that isn’t enough to go on. Whisper and Cade are on their way here. Gable called me but they are in Seattle and he can’t get a flight out because of fog. Cade and I both told him to just wait and we’d figure something out.

  My phone starts ringing. I look down to see Dustin’s number. Why in the hell is he calling me? I ignore it and Annabelle’s phone starts to ring, she answers it.

  “Yeah Dustin. Hold on.”

  She looks at me. “He says he has to talk to you right now it’s an emergency.”

  I grab the phone. “What?”

  “Ryder have you talked to Scarlet?” There is a panic in his voice.

  “We are trying to find her now. Do you know something?”

  “I think Brandon has her. I called him earlier and I thought I heard someone screaming in the background and it sounded like her. Brandon is pissed because he can’t control me anymore.”

  “Where does he have her?”

  “I’m on my way there now. He has a small studio apartment just outside of town. I’ll text you the address.”

  “Okay I’ll meet you there.” My heart is pumping so fast it’s about to explode. “Annabelle get in the jeep. Dustin thinks Brandon has Scarlet.”

  She nods and starts raising all kinds of hell, but I can’t pay attention I have to get to Scarlet. I get the address for the apartment and as I manage to pull up at the same time as Dustin. We get out and I see Brandon’s Audi. I start beating on the front door of the apartment. Dustin speaks up. “Brandon open the door!”

  I hear Brandon behind the door. “Fuck you Dustin!”

  I look at Dustin and motion that we are going to knock the door in. I whisper for Annabelle to get at the bottom of the stairs and be ready with her phone. Dustin and I back up and slam into the door a couple of times before the hinges finally give. Brandon is on the other side still trying to keep us out.

  As we finally get inside it’s all a blur, I feel so much rage. I see Scarlet tied to a chair that has been knocked over on the floor. She’s a bloody mess. I hear Annabelle scream.

  I scream for her to call 911. I turn to see Brandon and Dustin having words. Words aren’t going to cover this. I walk over to Brandon and start beating. I don’t stop until the police and the paramedics are pulling me off of him.

  I look around the room to see Dustin crying holding Scarlet, I guess he’s untied her from the chair. I see the cops holding Annabelle. She’s panting in anger. I see Kelsie’s had the hell beat out of her and I can only imagine it was courtesy of Annabelle. The paramedics look at Brandon and determine he can see the doctor at the county jail for the few stitches he’s going to need and to set his broken nose. I honestly think they just didn’t want to deal him. I run over to Scarlet. “Baby I love you please open your eyes. Let me see those beautiful eyes.”

  “Sir, she took quite a beating over several hours it sounds like. Let us just get her to the hospital to get checked out.”

  I nod. “I have to go with her.”

  He nods. I look over at Annabelle. “Here’s my phone and the keys to my jeep. Call Cade, Whisper and Gable tell them what’s going on and to meet us at the hospital.”

  She nods through tears. “Okay. Do I need to call your Dad or anything?”

  “No he’s out of town. Call Nelson ask him to meet me too.”

  She nods. I look over at Dustin who looks lost and scared. “Dustin ride with Annabelle please.” He nods as they are shutting the ambulance doors.

  ~*~*~

  The ride to the hospital felt like it took forever. Once we got to the hospital I was shuffled to a waiting room while the checked Scarlet out. I’m worried because I couldn’t get her to wake up the entire ride here. I talked to her, but she was beaten so bad, I’m worried. Her eyes were damn near swollen shut. The paramedic said her arm is broken they just don’t know how badly, they had to have it x-rayed. I am so angry.

  I look up as Whisper comes running in the waiting room door. Tears are pouring down her face. “Annabelle, Ryder what is going on?”

  Annabelle hugs her. “We are waiting to find out. They said her arm is broken they just don’t know to what degree.”

  Whisper walks over to me. “Oh Ryder you know I’m not for violence, but I hope you beat the hell out of that boy.”

  “Oh I did. I’m pretty sure that Annabelle took care of Kelsie too.”

  She sits down and shakes her head. “Why would they do this to her?”

  Dustin sits down beside her and starts to explain the last few years. Which is a good thing it makes time pass a little faster. We have found out they are doing surgery on her arm along with her nose. She has a cracked cheek and a couple of cracked ribs.

  A few hours later Cade comes bursting in.

  “Ryder. What the hell is going on man? Where’s Gable?”

  I stand up and do the guy hand shake half hug. “She’s in surgery.”

  Whisper looks like she’s seen a ghost. She stands up and walks over to
Cade putting her hand on his face. “Your face looks just like his.”

  “Well I damn sure can’t help that. I would if I could. You must be Gable and Scarlet’s mom.”

  “Yes I am. Gable is still stuck in Seattle, they are fogged in but I told him just to stay put since we know now that she’s not in critical danger. He’s coming home in a few days anyway.”

  “What about the son of a bitch who did this to her?”

  I put my hand on his shoulder. “I beat the shit out of him, until the cops and EMT’s pulled me off of him. Little Annabelle over there did a number on the girl that was helping him.”

  “So was this the asshole who ran her off the road and had been harassing her?”

  I nod. “Yeah, best we can put together.”

  Annabelle stands up and walks over. “So you are the brother I’ve yet to meet. Wow you’re even more handsome than Gable.” She giggles and then sticks her hand out. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Annabelle. Scarlet’s best friend.”

  “Good to meet you. Glad you took care of a little girl justice on that other bitch.”

  She smiles. “Thanks.”

  “Trust me, one day you’ll get to meet my wife and my step-sisters and you’ll understand.”

  Suddenly the door opens and a doctor comes in. Whisper and I make our way over to him. “Ms. Johnson. I’m Dr. Hagan. I’ve reset her broken bones. She’s going to be asleep a little longer. Even when she wakes up we’ll probably give her some more meds to put her out for a while. She’s going to be in some pretty bad pain. All the inflammation from the beating she took, along with the pain from surgery is going to hurt like the devil when she wakes up.”

  I look at him. “Thank you. What about her arm? Will she have full motion of it, I mean she’s an artist? I’ve watched her sketch and paint with both hands but I know she’s prefers the hand that is attached to the broken arm.”

  “With physical therapy and time yes. Luckily she’s young and that will help.”

  “Thank you so much.” Whisper hugs him.

  “If you would like to go visit her now a couple at the time will be fine.”

  I look at him. “Where can I stay tonight? I’ll be staying with her.”

  The doctor looks at Whisper. She smiles. “Yes I’m sure Ryder will be staying with her as well as myself.”

  I look at Nelson. “Will you please let Cade follow you out to the house and show him inside to the guest room?”

  Cade steps over. “You don’t have to do that man. I can grab a hotel room.”

  “No it’s no big deal. The house is big and empty without Scar and I there.”

  He nods. “Okay I’m gonna go check on Scar. Then I am kinda tired so I’ll take you up on your offer. But I’ll be back first thing in the morning.”

  We make our way into her room and Whisper starts crying when she sees Scarlet’s face. She brushes Scar’s face. “Oh baby.”

  I walk over to her. “Whisper, you are exhausted. Why don’t you let Annabelle take you home and I’ll stay here. Come back tomorrow after some rest.”

  She looks into my eyes and nods. “Okay I guess so.”

  After everyone visits I sit down beside Scarlet. “Baby I know I fucked up, please wake up and forgive me. I love you and I need you. Open those beautiful eyes and let me see them.”

  Chapter 33

  Scarlet

  I feel like my head is going to explode, I feel someone rubbing my hand. I try to move my arm and I can’t move it. It hurts. “Ouch.”

  “Baby.”

  I try to open my eyes, but it’s too hard. “I can’t see. Ryder?”

  “Yes baby your eyes are swollen pretty bad, just get some rest. The doctor said some of the swelling will be down tomorrow.”

  “Did they get him?”

  “Baby, I beat the shit out of him and Annabelle kicked Kelsie’s ass. I’m so sorry. I love you.” I feel him kiss my face. “I love you so much. I was so scared when Cade called me.”

  I try to clear my throat. “Cade called you.”

  “It’s a long story the nurse is here to give you some meds. Get some rest, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

  “You will?”

  “Baby after everything from today. I may never let you leave my sight again.”

  “I love you too.” I drift back off to sleep.

  I wake up and am actually able to open my eyes a little. I can see Cade, my Mom and Annabelle standing there. “Hey.” I keep looking for Ryder.

  My mom smiles. “I made him go downstairs with Dustin and grab a bite to eat. He was worn out, but he wouldn’t admit it.”

  I’m confused. “With Dustin?”

  Annabelle chuckles. “I know you’re confused, but Dustin is who led us to you yesterday.”

  Cade steps over to my bed. “Little sis you have to quit scaring the shit out of everyone like this.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here for my little sister. Yesterday was one of the scariest days of my life. I have to say one of because Daria’s damn near given me a heart attack a few times.”

  A sudden movement from the door catches my attention. I look up to see Ryder. He crosses over to my bed. “Hey pretty girl. I’m glad to see you awake and able to open your eyes a little.”

  I nod. “Yeah. I feel kinda lost about the past couple of days.”

  “Don’t worry we’ll get you caught up in time.” My mom says from the corner of the room.

  Ryder smiles at me again. “Right now all you need to know is that you are safe. Brandon and Kelsie are in jail. Now just focus on getting better.”

  I look around the room. “Um can I have a minute alone with Ryder?”

  Everyone nods.

  Ryder looks at me with fear and uncertainty in his eyes. “Baby if you are going to break up with me, now is not the time. I may just turn into a stalker.”

  I chuckle even though it hurts my tender face. “No. I just want you to know I understand we both said some things to each other and we have some talking to do, but right now I don’t want you to leave my side.”

  He smiles. “Oh thank God. I was afraid you were going to wake up and say ‘Get out of here dickhead and never look my way again’ because I know that would be what I deserve after how I treated you the other day.”

  “Hey we both got wound up and if I’d saw you talking to an ex and then hugging them, I would’ve probably lost it too. I’m sorry I brought up your past. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “It’s okay. I should’ve given you a minute to explain rather than just blowing up. I would want someone to give me a minute to explain and the benefit of the doubt. As far as my past goes, I wish it had been me that told you. But truth being told I probably would’ve chickened out and Nelson knew that. I know he would never tell someone I didn’t trust.”

  “I know but I shouldn’t have thrown it at you like that. We both just have insecurity issues we need to deal with. I think we both have some abandonment issues. While I was in and out during the time that Brandon had me tied up, all I could think about was that I might never get to see you again. That I may tell you how sorry I was. How much I love you.”

  He leans over me and kisses me gently on the lips. “I would give you a lot sexier kiss but your lips are pretty bruised. I’m going to let everyone back in here so I don’t risk your safety.”

  I look up. “Risk my safety?”

  “Because if we don’t get some people in here I’m going to try all of the positions that hospital bed offers. I will fuck you until everyone in this hospital knows you’re mine. But right now you have guests and you are bruised. I’d be afraid I would hurt you. But just so you know I want you.”

  Fuck now I’m turned on and wet. My mother, brother and friends are about to walk in here. I have to find a way to calm myself down. Too late my mom is walking through the door, just a talking. “Well Scarlet, the doctor says you can get out of here in the morning.”

  I smile. “That sounds great.�
��

  Ryder steps up. “She’s coming to stay with me. Y’all are welcome to come see her anytime, but there are more people out at my house. There is me, dad, Nelson, Naomi and Nana Pearl. So she won’t be alone.”

  My mom looks up at him. “I’m not sure about that Ryder.”

  He looks at her. “I am. You have to work, Gable is touring for another week, Cade has to go home or so and Annabelle has school. At my house there are people in and out all the time and with Brandon being arrested there is probably going to be press hounding her for a statement. I can control security at the farm.”

  “Momma it’ll be okay. I’ll stay at Ryder’s. He’s right there is someone there all the time without even trying. Plus that way I can be near my Button I miss him.”

  My mom shakes her head. “Leave it to you to try and show reason for your argument with a pet cow.”

  “Look the farm is beautiful so while I’m recovering I can sit out back and sketch all day, with my good hand.”

  She nods. “I understand and I didn’t think about reporters. But I’m going to be out there daily to check on you.”

  “I’m counting on it.” I am really hoping. My mother has always been kinda flighty when it came to Gable and me. She was more about free love and doing whatever we want. Sometimes you just want a real mom.

  Ryder smiles. “Well Nana is going to be excited, she’ll be up there to take care of you. She has called me non-stop since Nelson told her about you being in here. She also threatened to beat my ass when she found out about our argument.”

  I laugh. “I bet she did. Nana’s got my back.”

  Everyone chuckles.

  I realize that I need to talk to Cade a little he has a life to get back to seven hours away.

  “Alright guys I wanna hang out with Cade a little before he has to head back. As much as I love him being here, I know Daria needs help with those babies.” They step out the door.

  He steps forward. “Hey she’s okay. I’m here as long as you need me.”