I love you. Forever.

Chapter 29: Stay With Me

Warning: Violent Content and Bullying situation ahead. I do not condone any such actions that causes self harm or harm to another person. This is a fictional piece not based on any real event that I know of.

Becs’ POV

Monday got off to a GREAT start-note the sarcasm- My lovely step brother posted his vacation pictures all over social media. And yet they are in a no service zone. Figure that one out. Bullshit. Honestly I couldn’t care less but unfortunately the rest of the school does. All f*****g day there were murmurs as to why I was left behind. I mean, It wasn’t getting to me in a emotional sort of way. It was just plain old annoying. Ben has been a bear all day to everybody. I really do feel bad that he has to deal with my s**t sometimes. I know he does it because he wants to protect me, but its just not fair to him. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate everything that sweet boy has done for me. I have no clue what I did to ever deserve him. I had to stop Ben a few times today from getting into a physical altercation with some students. Even Matt was speaking up on my behalf. I wasn’t there for it but Tina told me he actually went right up to a group of students and put them in their place. And you know what? He shut them the hell up. I couldn’t be prouder, but I rather he not put himself in that position for me. But damn if his time with Ben isn’t paying off. But why is my life so entertaining to others?

“Matthew David Smith.” I called out to him sternly in the hallway. He turned and smiled brightly at me. “Hi Becca.” He said cheerfully. “Don’t ‘hi Becca’ me, mister.” I frowned trying not to crack a smile. “What do I hear about you shutting up a group of students earlier?” I added crossing my arms over my chest. Apparently I held my arms a little too tight against my chest because I hear my always discreet boyfriend-again not the sarcasm- grunt as he gawked at my cleavage peeking through my V-neck shirt. But I ignore that for now. “It was nothing, Becca. Promise.” He squeaked. I see Ben give him an approving nod and smirk from the corner of my eye. “It wasn’t nothing, Matt. You stuck up for me. Thank you.” I say to him appreciatively while pulling him into a bear hug. “I am so proud that you are letting your voice be heard, but you don’t have to on my behalf, Matt. I don’t want you to have to deal with any problems because of me.” I explain lovingly. I wouldn’t forgive myself if he got hurt because of me. “Becca, you have done so much for me and I just want to do for you that you have done for me.” He smiled. “Well don’t let this big brute rub off on you too much. I love my Matt the way he is.” I say sternly prodding Ben in the side as I look at Matt. Ben pouts for a moment before he chuckles. “I won’t Becca.” Matt laughed watching my interaction with Ben. He soon scurried off to class leaving just Ben and me.

 “Hey, what’s wrong with a big brute like me?” Ben whines. “Absolutely nothing Wilder. I love my Ben the way he is as well. But could you have stared at my boobs more obviously?” I say sarcastically. “Actually, yes I could’ve. But its your fault for putting them on display for me to stare at.” He shot back smiling like he won this round. “Hey Ben, how’s your boys hanging?” I ask mischievously. It’s still a sore subject. Literally. He wasn’t kidding when he said he would be out of commission for a couple days. “You know exactly how they are hanging Becs.” He whispered shifting his weight. I let our a giggle and kiss his cheek before grabbing his arm and leading him to class.  He sighs as I drag him along. 

Finally lunch rolled around and I got us a table as Ben got both of our lunches. Apparently, that made me a easy target. A senior named Luke, a known friend to Zach, came over with his new girlfriend. You guessed it, Tara. My lucky day. “Keep walking.” I look at them bored. But I wouldn’t be that lucky, no. “You know what Rebecca? You are a b***h. I didn’t even say anything and you come at me.” Tara sneered. “And.” I simply say knowing damn well she was going to come at me no matter I spoke first or not. This punk ass b***h never changes. She’s still sore about getting punished from starting rumors about Ben a while back. “Yea, you and Zach are right Tara. This girl is worthless. No wonder her family doesn’t want this b***h around. She…” Luke said coolly before I interrupted. Cue my dark chuckle. “I would watch what you say next Luke.” I said calmly. “Or what Rebecca? Its not like your guard dog is around. Zach always said you were a wasted space and selfish. Always causing problems in his parent’s mar….” He got interrupted again. “Her guard dog is right here and I suggest you f*****g leave before I make you.” Ben boomed out of nowhere. Now Luke is a big guy too. He’s on the wrestling team and is pretty good but he has nothing on Ben. “Make me Wilder, really? I’m not afraid of you like the other b***h ass p*****s that go to this f*****g school. You know, you would actually be cool if you dumped this trash.” Luke chuckled. Bad idea. “Ben, no.” I said sternly hoping he would back down. Who am I kidding…Ben stood 2 feet in front of him staring down into his eyes. “Step away Luke.” Ben hissed through gritted teeth. “No, baby. You can take him.” Tara encouraged Luke. b***h. She can’t stand that Ben is the biggest and most attractive guy at this school and he’s not hers. She wants Luke to knock him down a few pegs. I see it in her eyes. Just as I go to ask Ben to back down, Luke did the dumbest thing he could do. He pulled back his fist to punch Ben. Well f**k, there goes lunch. Just as he swung his fist to connect to Ben’s jaw, Ben caught his hand. So Luke tried using his other fist but Ben blocked him. I guess all those sparring rounds with Jordan are paying off. The look on Luke’s face was priceless. He’s not used to someone being quicker than him. “You really should have stepped away.” Ben smirked. Yes you read that right, my handsome boy smirked. With that his fist connected with Luke’s face. Luke and Ben were in an all out brawl. Carlos and another team mate, Tom,  tried separating the two but it wasn’t happening. Ben was clearly dominating. “Are you f*****g happy now, Tara?” I hissed at her as she flailed around dramatically about her boyfriend being beat up. f*****g hypocrite. I’ve had enough. Teachers started running over. But let’s face it, none of them were big enough to separate these two. I circle around the table and march straight towards the fighting pair. “ENOUGH!” I boomed. Don’t get me wrong I have had my fair share of confrontations but this time my voice was enough to make the whole f*****g cafeteria stop dead in its tracks. Ben immediately stopped and pushed Luke away but still staring him down. Luke goes to lunge forward but I stop him. “LUKE STOP.” I boomed again standing between the pair. I felt Ben grab my arm to move me aside in case something more happens. But my actions were enough for Carlos and Tom to restrain Luke. “Do you always do what your little girlfriend tells you to do?” Luke sneered sarcastically at Ben. This guy doesn’t know when to stop. “Be thankful that I do.” Ben said in a low raspy tone. f**k, he sounded sexy. Not the time Rebecca! The principal came strutting in demanding that the 2 boys follow him to his office. “Rebecca, Tara you two wait in the vice principals office.” He demanded. I turned on my heel and caught up to Ben taking his hand as Tara cried out about how she’s innocent. “Are you okay?” Ben and I asked each other at the same time. We both chuckled at that before I answered first. “I’m fine Ben. Are you hurt?” I say looking up and down his body. “I’m good baby doll. I’ve had better opponents.” He winked referring to me. I huffed as I blushed. He never stops. We parted ways in the office; Ben into the principal’s office and me going into the vice principal’s office.

Long story short. Both authority figures heard each side of the story from the four of us. Tara lied and over embellished as per usual. I swear I gave myself a headache at the amount of times I rolled my eyes. This b***h never learns. Come to find out Luke did the same as Tara. I guess they do belong together.

“Well, now that I have heard all of your statements let’s see what actually happened.” The principal stated in an authoritative tone as he had all of us gather in the small conference room. “We had just recently installed security cameras in the cafeteria with sound. Shall we watch?” He added in the same tone. Luke and Tara fidgeted in their seats. I just simply looked bored as Ben face was stone cold and mean looking.

The color left Luke and Tara’s faces as the clip ended. “Luke I will be calling your parents, you have one week suspension for starting the fight. Go wait in my office. Tara you clearly encouraged this fight. You have one week after school detention starting today. You may go to class. I will inform your parents. Ben, I know you didn’t start the fight but I cannot look the other way as we have a zero tolerance policy.” He said as I scoffed earning a glare from the guy. “You have detention the next 2 days after school. You may go back to class. And there’s no need to wait for Rebecca. She will be extra late.” He said sternly. Ben nodded and left us alone. But not before gently tugging a curl as he passed. That boy always has to touch me. 

“Rebecca, you are an enigma.” He sighed. “Um thanks?” I looked at him confused. “Its not meant as a compliment Miss Sampson. I don’t know what it is about you, but trouble seems to follow you everywhere. I have heard the rumblings going around today. Is there trouble at home? Why were you left behind?” He asked gently. There was more compassion in his voice at this moment. f**k. f**k. f**k. Why can’t he just give me detention or something. I don’t want to have this conversation.

“Everything is fine at home. As for the vacation my family is on; it was ill timing. I was away all weekend in LA. My step dad had sprung this last minute vacation as a surprise forgetting I was away. Before you ask, he was away at a medical conference a few days prior. He literally came home and packed for vacation and left again.” I answered as truthfully as possible. He sighed not wanting to believe my logical explanation. “Well, why were you in LA alone?” He asked. What is this, 20 questions? “I went to a fundraising ball with the Wilders. My mom called and told me that they would be away.” I answered hoping that it would satisfy him. “Ok, Rebecca. And they are looking after you this week?” He asked. “Yes.” “Ok, you are free to leave.” He said waving me off. I lingered a second about to question him. “You only tried to prevent and stop the fight. There’s no punishment for you. But as always my door is open if you ever need to talk. Have Mrs. Tate give you a pass to go back to class.” He said as he walked  me to the door. “Thanks.” I mutter as I left. So that was fun.

…

So I got a nifty email from Tim when I got home. And hear I thought they had no way to contact me-again, note the sarcasm.

‘My family’s cruise will be extended another week. Bring my son’s schoolwork home.’

“Can’t you just feel the love in that oh so sweet email?” I mumble to myself not realizing Ben was back. “What a f*****g dickhead.” Ben muttered making me jump. “Oh sorry baby, didn’t mean to startle you.” He walked up and planted a kiss on my cheek. “Its okay. I didn’t hear you come in.” I smile up at him. “Are you okay Becs?” He said pointing to the computer screen. “Yeah, I’m really not surprised.” I sigh.  “Maybe we can split our time between houses?” He suggested. “I’d like that.” I stood up and embraced him. That hug turned into a heated make out session. What can I say, seeing him fight for me was kind of a turn on.

…

Halfway through the week and everything is going well. Ben did 2 days of detention and all was quiet other than I got assigned a research project in one of my classes. My teacher was in a mood and only gave us 3 days to do it. Nice, huh. I kindly declined dinner and movie night with the Wilders to go to the library to hopefully get it all done in one evening or at least most of it. It was the one class Ben and I didn’t have together. Ben wanted me to take his car since he would just drive with his parents but I wanted to walk. I needed the fresh air and a little quiet time to myself. He didn’t like it, but I wasn’t budging. I wouldn’t be at the library late too since they close at 8pm and I was going straight home after.

3 hours and my research is done. I just need to proof read and I can turn it in a day early. Not to shabby if I do say so myself. I think I’ll text Benny as I walk home.

Becs: I’m done at the library and heading home. I’ll see you after your movie. Love you lots. Xoxo

HandsomeBoy: Okay, text me when you get there. Heading into theater now. I love you lots too, cutie patootie. Xoxo

This boy. Where does he find these nicknames? I feel my cheeks redden and he isn’t even around. Damn it.

HandsomeBoy: Made you blush, didn’t I? :D

How does he even do that? Such a pain in my ass. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Becs: :P

HandsomeBoy: Knew it.

Of course he did. I’ll be hearing about this later. Oh fun, and now its sprinkling. Hopefully I make it home before it pours.

…

I get home and dig my keys out of my handbag. But the door was unlocked. Weird, I never forget to lock the door before leaving. Oh well, first time for everything. I walk inside and turn on the lights heading up to my room to kick my shoes and jacket off. I begin proof reading my assignment when I heard something fall downstairs. “Maya what did you get into now?” I call out heading back downstairs.

“Oh Shit.” I see a masked man standing in my kitchen as I walk in. And my phone is upstairs. f**k.

“Oh s**t is right pretty girl.” He growled lunging at me. I leave out a scream and race to my front door. If I can just get to a neighbors house. Stay calm Rebecca. Stay the f**k calm.

“Not so fast darling.” A second guy jumped out from my living room and tackled me into the ground. Fight Rebecca, fight. Do what Ben and Jordan showed you. I knee the guy in the groin rolling him off of me. I scrambled to my feet getting in a defensive stance. “The odds are not in your favor pretty girl.” The first guy said menacingly. As the second guy slowly got to his feet moaning and holding his junk. “They may not be, but I won’t go down without a fight.” I hiss at them trying to control the fear rising within me. Fight girl, fight you ass off until you can get to a door and run. “Feisty little b***h aren’t you.” The second guy spit. “You have no idea asshole. I'm tougher than I look.” f**k I should not have taunted him. I picked up the vase of flowers and smashed it into the 2nd guys head as he lunged at me putting him in a daze. The first guy grabbed my right arm as I swung my free fist connecting to his face. I hear my fingers break. But the adrenaline is keeping me from feeling pain. I continue to punch and kick the first guy as he tries to take control over me. “Get the f**k up and help me.” He grunted at the second guy who was bleeding profusely from the head. I grab whatever I could find and begin throwing and hitting both of them until my hand fell onto a letter opener my mom kept on the small desk in the foyer. Just as I grab it I hear Maya hiss and attack the leg of one the guys. I used her distraction to stab the closest guy in the stomach as he grabs my neck and chokes me. He screamed out in pain as I pushed it in the soft flesh forcefully. He fell down trying to pull it out. Maya was kicked hard and flew across the room. “Maya!” I yell as I run to the door and fumble with the knob praying she follows me outside. I never did get the damn door open before I was dragged and thrown onto the ground. Even as both were wounded they began their physical assault. I was kicked in the ribcage multiple times. Again hearing my bones break. My lungs weren’t filling with air anymore. I was struggling to breathe. What a f*****g time for a asthma attack. I fight to get back up but was punched repeatedly in the head. My vision is going fuzzy but I can’t give up. I can’t go down like this. “Stay down bitch.” I hear one yell. All of the sudden, I hear a loud thud. One of the guys fall to the ground holding his stomach. I open my eyes to see him bleeding out from the stab wound I gave him. All the movement has made him worse. He collapsed. “Get me out of here Danny.” He screeched seeing all of his blood. “But the girl. The job was to finish her.” The other hissed. “f**k the job, get me help. She’s looks worse off than me anyways. Just knock her out or something. And grab a tv or jewelry to make it look like a robbery.” He commanded. I try to get up once again still wheezing before something hit my head once more. I was down for the count but I never lost consciousness. I just wait for the one guy to drag the other out. He ran back in and starting grabbing anything that looked expensive before leaving for good. I hear a car door slam and speed up down the road. I very slowly control my breathing again as I see Maya limping to me. Her leg is broken. I sit up and realize I’m covered in blood. But whose? I’m not thinking straight. This doesn’t seem real. I need to get to Ben. Yes, get to Ben. He will tell me what to do. Everything hurts but I pick up Maya and walk out of the door in the pouring rain. “Get to Ben.” I repeat to myself. My vision keeps going fuzzy and its dark. I hear Maya crying in my arms. She needs help. Keep going Rebecca. Ben will help. Ben will help. Ben will help.

I see their porch light on and Ben’s car in the drive way. But the door is locked and no one is answering. I just need to close my eyes. I need to rest for a minute. I feel myself huddle on the porch. Maya is curled against my chest. Just close your eyes Rebecca. Ben will help. Your safe now. Yes, I’m safe. I can close my eyes now.

Hello darkness, my old friend.

…

Ben’s POV

“Something isn’t right dad, Becs hasn’t texted me she’s home yet.” I whispered to dad during the movie. “I’m sure she just forgot.” He whispered back. “No dad, she’s not responding either. I have a gut feeling something is wrong.” I explain. “Let’s go then. But let me drop your mom off at home first.” He said softly tapping her to come.

We all get out and I go to my car to hop in when I hear mom leave out a blood curdling scream. Dad was still at the car getting things out that mom bought. We both ran to her trembling body looking to where her gaze was on the porch.

My heart stopped. Becs’ broken body was leaning against the door on the ground. Her legs bent as Maya laid on her stomach. She was soaked from the rain only in a short sleeved tshirt and skinny jeans. She’s barefoot. Her feet are swollen with lacerations. She was unconscious and severely beaten. Covered in blood. “Holy fuck.” I let out breathlessly not believing what I see in front of me.

“Rebecca, baby. Wake up.” I run falling to my knees beside her. “Don’t move her son, Marie get in the house and call 911.”  Dad commanded staying calm. “She has a faint pulse dad and her breathing is raspy. But I don’t know if this is her blood or not. Here take Maya inside.” I say trying to stay calm. God my heart feels dead right now. “f**k, Maya’s leg is broken.” I notice as I pass her to dad. I start to gently examine Becs’ body. Half her face is bloodied and swollen. Her left eye is completely swelled shut. She has finger prints around her throat. Her left hand is broken or maybe just the fingers. I’m not sure. I lift up her shirt she is bruised everywhere. “Her ribs are broken. She may have a punctured lung. The only bleeding I see is from her feet and head. This is someone else’s blood.” I looked up at dad. “What the hell happened to her?” I said angrily. “I sent police over to her house. I am assuming whatever happened, happened there since she had Maya with her. I am sending a team of my investigators over as well to assist. Ben, we will figure this out.” Dad said. His expression was pure sadness. We finally hear the ambulance sirens. It wasn’t long when they pulled up. Mom stepped out and started to cry hysterically seeing Becs. “Mom, please go back inside. Call the vet for Maya.” I said hoping that she would calm down enough because I’m losing my s**t. She nodded trying to control her breathing. “I’m going to f*****g kill whoever did this.” I hissed. “Ben, Rebecca needs you. Stay calm and just be with her. Let me handle the rest.” Dad said sternly just as the medics walked up with a gurney.

They stabilized her and loaded her onto the ambulance allowing me to ride along. Mom and dad were dropping off Maya at the 24 hour vet clinic and coming straight to the hospital. None of us can reach Lily or Tim for that matter. The ER doctors and nurses started working on Becs right away asking me to sit in the waiting area. I am going f*****g crazy. I pace the room driving the admin staff nuts but I don’t give a f**k. I messaged Zach on social media asking him to call due to an emergency. He never responded, only blocked me. What the f**k. Is he for real? Mom and dad rushed in and forced me to sit down with them as we waited for an update. “Any luck contacting anyone? We haven’t been able too.” Dad asked. “No. I messaged Zach and he f*****g blocked me.” I growled. “Well the doctors will do everything to help our girl.” Dad said as he comforted my mom who was still crying. 2 f*****g hours later the doctor finally came out with an update.

“We have Rebecca stabilized. The fingers of her left hand are broken but we reset them. She has 3 broken ribs but luckily her lungs were not punctured. We cleaned several lacerations she had throughout her body. Most importantly she suffered a traumatic brain injury and has a brain bleed. We placed her in a medically induced coma for the time being as we do further testing. If her prognosis improves we will try to wake her up.” The doctor explained carefully. “What do you mean TRY?” I asked. I feel my heart sink as my whole world collapse into itself. “Its too early to tell right now young man, head injuries are tricky. People in coma can wake immediately, some take hours or days. Others can take months or years. But its too early for that kind of talk. But she is a fighter. A lot of her injuries are defensive wounds. Whatever happened, she fought back. Most of the blood on her was not her own. She obviously did a number to her attacker. I have made a official statement for the police. They have taken pictures of her injuries as evidence. They will be here to take your statements as well.” The doctor explained. “That’s my girl.” I say under my breath but they all heard. My mom squeezed my hand. “Was she r***d?” I asked needing to know. “No, there were no signs of s****l trauma.” The doctor said firmly. “Thank God.” I said to myself.

 “Can we see her yet?” Dad and I asked at the same time. “Yes. But she is hooked up many machines that are helping her breathe as well as keeping track of vitals and monitoring her brain activity. Prepare yourself. Are you her next of kin?” The doctor asked. “I’m her boyfriend. Her mom is on a cruise for 2 weeks and can’t be reached. Her step father is Dr. Tim Wright.” I answer. “This is Dr. Wright’s daughter?” The doctor said surprisingly. Great, now I got to go through this again. “Yes. His step daughter. We cannot reach any of them.” Dad piped in sternly. “We will try on our end. Please know she is getting the best care. Now follow me. You can sit with her until she is transferred to the ICU. They are getting a bed ready for her now.” The doctor said.

“I do have a side question about Rebecca. If I may ask?” The doctor asked as we walked to the room she was in. “Yea?” I mumble. “What is her tattoo about on her ribs?” He asked genuinely. I sigh. “Its’ her father’s last words.” I say quietly. I hear my mom sob and my dad leave out a heavy breath. “Oh.” Was all the doctor said. “Well here we are, you may stay until she is transferred to the ICU. You can visit her again tomorrow during visiting hours.” The doctor said. He walked us in so he can check her vitals. Mom took one look at Becs and lost it all over again. Dad held her close as she cried into his chest. Even my dad, as stoic as he is allowed tears to flow. Me, right now. I was too angry for tears. “I’ve should’ve f*****g been there.” I breathed heavily standing at the foot of the bed staring at her broken body. “Son, don’t do that to yourself. She needs you calm.” Dad said softly as mom embraced me. “Please Ben, don’t blame yourself. Rebecca wouldn’t want that.” Mom sobbed out. I just nodded. Too late. If I f*****g find out who did this, they are dead. The police came in and asked each of us for our statements. They are saying it was a robbery gone wrong. From the crime scene she fought back 2 attackers. They are analyzing the blood that stained her clothes and from broken pieces of glass and a letter opener as we speak. They also said that they need to speak with her as soon as she wakes up. She may be able to identify her attackers. Mom and dad walked out with the police officers leaving me to have a moment with Becs. She should going to the ICU any time now.

I pulled up a chair and sat on the right side of her bed. Her right arm was covered in bruises and fingerprints. But her hand seemed injury free. I lightly took her hand in mine and caressed her delicate skin with my thumb. The nurse had given me her necklace and ring since they had to take them off to complete testing.

I tucked a strand of curls behind her ear ever so gently. “Baby doll, please stay with me. I love you. Forever.” I whisper into her ear. I look over her poor face and place a soft butterfly like kiss on the part of her forehead that wasn’t bruised or swollen. Moments later an orderly came to take her. I watch as my whole world is wheeled away from me.