“Love you.” She called.
“Love you, too.” I called back.
Heading outside I sat down on the cold bench, looking at my phone.
Nothing.
I put it away and sat there waiting. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard a voice made me jump; but it wasn't Nick's - it was Eli's. “So, your real name is Summer?”
“W-why?” I stuttered.
“I'm Sk8erBoi.” He said.
My heart and stomach dropped. “Well, it was nice to meet you, but I'm not interested.” I say getting up and walking away. Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist.
“No. You were mine before you were his.” He said angrily.
“I'm not some damn toy.” I say struggling out of his grip. “Let go of me!”
“No, you're not his!” He yelled, tightening his grip.
“Just leave me alone!” I could feel the blood flow being cut off. “Please let go!” I beg. “You're hurting me.”
“Not until you say you're mine.” He said through clenched teeth.
I shook my head crying. “No, please!” I begged him to stop over and over.
“Eli!” I heard someone yell.
He pushed me, and I fell on the ground, landing on my wrist. Cursing, I held onto it; maybe trying to catch myself was a bad idea.
I heard footsteps running over to us. I looked up to find Nick on the ground with me. “Are you okay? What happened?”
I wanted to scream. I wanted to scream at Eli for hurting me, and I wanted to scream at Nick and tell him that his brother was crazy; but I did neither. Instead, through clenched teeth, I said, “I’m fine.”
“What happened?” Nick asked, again.
I shook my head. I couldn't tell him.
“Come on, let’s get you up.” He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me up.
“I’m sorry –,”
He turned back to his brother. “Go away.” He said darkly.
“I didn't do anything!” Eli lied.
“Yes, you did.” I cried, angrily.
“You pushed her?” Nick asked, pissed. When Eli didn't answer fast enough, Nick asked again slowly, “Did, you push her?”
“Yes, I did.” Eli finally said.
“Go home, Eli.” Nick’s voice full of anger. He turned to me, “I’m so sorry, Summer. If I would’ve known, I would’ve kept you safe from him.”
“It’s not your fault,” I told him, looking up.
He looked at me with sad brown eyes. “It’s not your fault, either, Summer. Let’s get you to the nurse.”
“I’m sorry, Nick.” I told him as we walked down the hall.
“Don’t be sorry, you’re fine.” Nick opened the door for me, and we walked into the office. “Nurse Grace –”
I cut him off, “I fell outside and landed on my wrist.”
Nurse Grace sat me down in a chair, and I pulled the sleeve of my jacket up for her to examine my wrist, it was swollen and I winced at the pain.
“Oh, dear.” Nurse Grace shook her head. “How on Earth did you do this?” She walked back over to her desk, grabbing a wrap and ice for me. “After I wrap up your wrist, I’ll contact your parents.”
I looked at Nick, who was sitting next to me, holding my good hand. “Do you need anything?” His brown eyes full of sadness. “I’m so sorry, Summer.”
I shook my head, trying to ignore the pain. “Don’t be sorry. It’s not your fault.”
Nick opened his mouth, but shut it, again.
After Nurse Grace wrapped my wrist, she called my parents like she said she would. She also told Nick that he could go back to class, but he wanted to sit with me at least until my parents got there.
“I’m so, so sorry, Summer.” Nick said, again, once Nurse Grace had left the room. “I should’ve known it was him. It didn’t make any sense why he would just show up here.”
“Nick,” I squeezed his hand. “I’m okay.”
He turned to me with a serious look on his face. “If you want to press charges, I am one hundred percent behind you.”
I narrowed my eyebrows. “I’m not going to press charges, but why would you support me in pressing charges against your own brother?”
Before Nick could answer, Nurse Grace walked back into the room, with Mom.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Mom asked, rushing to my side.
I nodded, “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just the dummy that fell on the ice.”
She and Nurse Grace exchanged looks. I felt Nick’s eyes on me, but I ignored him for that moment.
“This was from falling on ice?” Mom asked, crossing her arms.
I nodded, again.
“Are you hurting anywhere else?” Nurse Grace asked.
I shook my head. “Not that I can tell.”
“Summer,” Nick began.
“I’m fine.” I eyed him.
Mom sighed, heavily. “Nick, will you excuse us for a moment?”
“Of course.” He stood up. “I wasn’t trying to intrude or anything.”
Mom nodded at him. “Thank you, Nick.”
After he shut the door, Mom slowly sat down next to me. “Summer, is there something you’re not telling me?”
Yes, of course. I didn’t fall on ice. Nick’s brother hurt my wrist when he was arguing with me. Of course, I didn’t say that, though. Instead, I shook my head.
She clearly didn’t believe me, but she dropped the matter. She singed me out, and we walked through the hallway to the front doors.
“Summer!” I turned to find Emily running down the hall to me, with Nick. “What happened? Are you okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just fell on ice and hurt my wrist.”
Her hazel eyes widened. “You what?”
“I’m fine.” I reassured her.
“Well, let me come with you.” She stepped forward.
I made a small smile at her, hugging her. “Thank you, Em.”
“What hospital are you going to?” Nick asked his face full of concern. “Can I meet you there?”
I know it was probably dumb to be shocked, but I was. I nodded, giving him the address.
“Nick,” Mom gave him a soft smile. “You can ride with us.”
I sat up front with Mom, while Emily and Nick sat in the back seat. I stared at my broken wrist, replaying the events that just happened not even twenty minutes ago.
“How did you fall on ice?” Mom glanced over at me, turning down the heat slightly.
I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know,” I mumbled, softly.
“Summer,” Nick started, but I cut him off.
“Nick, I’m fine.” I turned to him in my seat. “Really.”
He sighed, looking upset.
Five
Safe
Once at the hospital, we were quickly rushed into a room. They took x-rays, then had me wait for what seemed like forever. The whole time, Nick looked like he wanted to tell my parents and Emily the truth about what happened.
“Would you like anything to drink?” Mom asked me.
“Water, please.”
“Do either of you want anything?” Dad asked Emily and Nick. They both shook their head.
“No, but thank you,” Nick told them. After they left the room, Nick turned to me. “Summer,” He started, concerned.
“Nick,” I said softly. “I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“Talk about what?” Emily asked, sitting next to me on the bed that I was sitting on as well.
I pressed my lips together, not wanting to tell her, either. I knew I should, but I couldn’t seem to form the words. After what felt like forever, I heard myself say, “It was Eli.”
Emily narrowed her hazel eyes at me, confused. “Who’s that?”
Before I could speak up, Nick told her, “My brother.”
Now her eyes grew wide in shock. “Your brother?” She looked from Nick back to me. “Why would he do that? What the hell?”
“I was talking to him before Nick and I went on our dat
e. I was trying to find a date for Winter Formal.”
“Oh, my God.” Emily whispered. “This is all my fault.”
I cut her off before she could get any more upset. “Emily, it’s not your fault, okay? This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you.” I took her hand with my good one, looking her in the eye. “This was my fault, not yours. I’m the one that downloaded the app. I’m the one that talked to him. I’m the one that had a bad feeling but ignored it.” I paused. “It’s no one’s fault but my own.”
Emily didn’t say anything for a long time. “Summer, you need to tell your parents.”
I shook my head. “I can’t.”
Nick spoke softly, “Summer, you need to. We’re right here, it’s okay.”
Just then, my parents walked in the room, and only then did I realize I had been crying. Wiping my eyes, they handed me a water bottle.
“You okay, honey?” Dad asked and I nodded not looking at either of them.
“Summer,” Emily softly pushed me.
I glanced up at her and she pressed her lips together, looking from me to my parents, back to me again, quickly. I sighed at her. “There’s something that I should probably tell you.” I finally said after a while, looking up at my parents. “I didn’t just fall on ice.”
They exchanged looks.
“Then what happened?” Mom asked, softly.
Suddenly, I couldn’t form words. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
“Summer, what happened?” Dad asked.
“Eli pushed me and I landed on my wrist.” I heard a voice say. Suddenly, I realized that it was my voice. I finally told them what happened.
“Who’s Eli?” Dad asked, angrily.
“My brother,” Nick’s voice was way shakier than mine was. “I’m willing to do anything I can to help press charges.”
“Nick, I told you, I’m not pressing charges.” I told him.
“The hell you aren’t.” Mom told me, then she turned to Nick, pointing at the door. “I want you out of here.”
“Mom, stop.” I called out, and everyone turned to me. “It’s not his fault, it’s mine. I’m the one that was talking to Eli on that website.” I paused, looking between my parents. “Don’t make Nick leave. He’s the one that saved me.”
There was a very long silence.
Mom finally turned to him. “Nick, please find out where your brother is because I am going to call the police.”
“I already did call the police.” Nick told her. “At school.”
Mom was still mad, but she looked slightly shocked. “Oh, well, thank you, Nick.”
“I just want to help anyway that I can.” He said.
***
Opening the front door of the house, we shivered out of the cold. Taking off my shoes, I picked them up and started to make my way upstairs to my bedroom when Emily’s voice stopped me. “Do you need help with anything?”
I shook my head at her. “No, but thanks,” My voice barely a whisper.
In my room, I put my shoes away in my closet, then flopped down on my bed. Staring at the split on my wrist – thankfully it was just a sprain. I sighed as I kept replaying today’s events in my head. I should’ve fought back harder, should’ve taken Emily up on her offer to wait with me. I shouldn’t have gone outside to wait for Nick. I should’ve told Nick it was his brother the moment I realized. I shouldn’t have even talked to him on that stupid site.
Sitting up, I stopped myself. There were a lot of things I shouldn’t have done and things I should have; but it already happened and there was nothing I could do now, but move on.
“Hey,” Emily’s soft voice came from the opened door.
Turning, I smiled at her. “Hey.”
Emily slowly walked into my room, sitting down next to me on my bed. “How are you feeling?”
I shrugged, not really knowing how to answer her. “I’ve been better.”
She chuckled slightly. “Summer, I’m so sorry.”
I shook my head at her. “It’s not your fault, Em.”
Before she could answer, we heard footsteps at my door. Looking over, I found Nick standing there. He leaned on the door frame, hands in his pockets. His face full of concern. “Are you okay?” He asked, softly.
Biting my tongue, trying not to cry, I nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay.” I sniffled a little, blinking back tears. “Um, you can come in, if you want.”
He slowly walked over to us, and then sat down next to me on the other side. “Can I get you anything? Are you hungry? I can make you something.”
Smiling at him, I nodded. “Yeah, actually. If you don’t mind.”
He kissed my forehead. “No, I don’t mind.” Getting up, he offered me his hand. “Would you like to come downstairs? You don’t have to.”
I took his hand, standing up. Em followed us, as we went down into the living room. My parents were mumbling between themselves. As we walked closer, they stopped and turned to look at us. Both with unreadable expressions.
“How are you feeling?” Mom asked, softly.
“I’m okay,” I said after clearing my throat.
Dad opened his mouth, then shut it, unable to find the right words. “Summer, your mom and I have been talking and we think it’s best,” He paused, looking between Mom and I. “Well, we think it’s better if you were to stay home next Friday.”
What was next Friday?
Oh, wait, – Winter Formal.
The first time I actually wanted to go to a school dance, and this happens – why couldn’t I shake this feeling? I felt awful about this whole thing. I was scared as hell, but I felt like it was wrong of me because I brought it on myself.
I nodded, understanding.
Dad stood up, giving me a tight hug, then stepped back to look at me. “I have to go to the store, but I’ll be back, soon.” He kissed the top of my head. “I love you, Summer.”
“I love you, too, Dad.”
He gave Mom a hug and kiss, while Nick, Emily and I went into the kitchen.
Sitting down at the kitchen island, I felt numb as I watched as Nick moved around the kitchen, easily finding everything he needed. I don’t know why it came as a surprise to me, when he’s been friends with Tyler for years.
I heard the front door shut and Tyler calling out to me. “Summer?”
“I’m in here.” I called back.
He rushed into the kitchen, hugging me. “Are you okay? What happened?” He asked after a moment.
I nodded. “I’m fine.” I paused, glancing at Nick who looked upset with himself. “It was an accident.”
I heard Emily sigh, though she didn’t say anything.
Tyler tilted his head, not believing me. “Summer, what happened?”
“Eli.” Nick spoke up before I got a chance to open my mouth.
Tyler’s face went from confusion to realization. “Eli? Your brother, Eli?”
Nick nodded. “Yeah. Him.” He said short.
Tyler hugged me, again. Then he asked Nick to speak with him in another room. I tried listening to what was being said, but they were mumbling so quietly. Emily got up to listen, but I stayed where I was, in fear that my legs would fail me.
After what seemed like forever, Emily sat back down next to me, then Nick and Tyler entered the kitchen, again. Nick went right to the stove, while Tyler gave me another hug. “It’s going to be okay. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” I told him. Then he left the kitchen.
Emily pulled out her phone, typing. I felt my phone go off.
Em: He’s pissed.
Me: Well, yeah… What did he say?
Em: He wants to go find him.
I glanced up at Nick, who had his back to me. I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to sigh.
Em: It’s going to be okay…
I nodded at her, putting my phone away. I had to believe this – but I couldn’t. My stomach twisted; I had a horrible, awful feeling about this whole thing. Getting up, I walked over to Nick, hugging h
im from behind. I rested my head on his back, and he rubbed my arm. Turning towards me, I looked into his gorgeous brown eyes. He wrapped his arms around me, bringing me closer to him. I kissed him once and lay my head on his shoulder.
He kissed the top of my head. “It’s okay,” He told me, softly.
I blinked back tears that tried to fall. I looked on the counter and saw an egg. Though I was confused, I didn’t comment on it. Looking at him, and leaned in for a kiss, when I heard Mom clear her throat. Breaking away, we turned to her.
“I have to make a few phone calls. I’ll be in my room if you need anything, okay?”
I nodded, and she gave me a tight hug. Then without another word, she walked out of the kitchen.
Nick lightly placed his hand on my back. “Go ahead and sit down. It’ll be ready in a minute.”
“Thank you,” I told him. Sitting down next to Emily, I watched as he put the food into a bowl for me. None of us spoke, but I was lost in my own thoughts. My mind kept replaying what happened today and I kept thinking of what I could’ve done differently.
“Summer?” Nick’s voice shook me from my thoughts. I looked up to see him handing me a bowl of ramen. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, taking a bite of my food. “Did you put egg in this?”
He sat down next to me with a bowl for himself. “Yeah, why?”
“I just never had it before.” I chuckled.
“What? Are you serious?”
I laughed. “Yeah, I never even thought to do this.” It was so delicious! “I’m going to have to make it like this all the time, now.”
Nick chuckled. “Well, I’m glad you like it.”
Emily was sitting with us, though she didn’t want any food. She was texting Danny. “Danny wants to know why we left after lunch,” She looked up at me. “I’ve been telling him that everything is okay, but it’s not my place to say.”
“It’s okay.” I told her softly. “You can tell him.”
I didn’t say anything else, as I finished my food and cleaned up the kitchen. Nick helped me, though I told him that he didn’t have to. “I’m okay, really.”
He nodded. “Mhm, but I’m still going to help.”
“Do you want me to stay the night?” Emily asked me.
Biting the inside of my cheek to keep myself from crying, I nodded. “Can you, please?”
Never Talk to Strangers Page 4