Torn Apart

Chapter 2

"I'll do it," he muttered without turning back.

Then he walked out.

Afternoon - Candy Store

Eleanor stepped out of the store, a colorful lollipop in her mouth, her expression bright with satisfaction.

Kaysen followed behind her, holding the small bag of sweets she insisted on buying "for later."

The street was busy. Normal.

Then a sharp bang cut through the air.

Eleanor froze. Her eyes widened as the lollipop slipped from her lips and hit the ground, shattering against the pavement.

Before she could react, a burning pain shot through her arm.

"Kay..." Her voice broke.

Kaysen moved instantly. His gun was already in his hand as he pulled her behind him, his eyes scanning every direction.

Then he saw it.

Blood spreading across her sleeve.

Eleanor stared at her arm, her face turning pale. "Blood... Kay, there's blood..."

Kaysen's heart dropped.

"Eleanor..." His voice came out low and strained as he rushed to her.

He grabbed her arm carefully, his hands trembling slightly as he saw how badly she was bleeding.

Without thinking, he pulled off his jacket and pressed it firmly against the wound.

"Stay with me," he said, his voice tight. "Just breathe."

He didn't waste another second.

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her quickly to the car and sped off, ignoring everything else around him.

Eleanor's head rested weakly against his chest, her eyes struggling to stay open.

"Hold on, Ellie," Kaysen whispered, his voice breaking.

"I've got you. You're going to be okay."

Night – Hospital

Eleanor had been in the hospital for several hours.

Thankfully, the gunshot was not serious. The bullet had only grazed her arm.

Joseph was at the hospital, and so was Kaysen. Joseph could not bring himself to blame Kaysen. To him, Kaysen was more than just an adopted son.

Neither of them suspected anyone behind the incident.

The matter was kept secret. No one knew Eleanor had been shot, and no one knew she was in the hospital.

After the doctors treated her wound, Eleanor lay on the hospital bed resting.

Joseph had gone to speak with the doctor.

Kaysen had stepped out to get her painkillers.

A few minutes later, the door opened quietly.

A young lady walked in.

She was beautiful and elegant, wearing a fitted black gown that naturally drew attention wherever she went.

She closed the door behind her.

"Elle," she called softly.

Eleanor looked up. Her eyes widened immediately.

"Older sister!"

She quickly sat up and threw her arms around her.

The young woman hugged her back gently.

"How are you doing, baby sis?" she asked as they pulled apart.

"Good and healthy as always," Eleanor replied with a bright smile.

She sat beside her on the bed.

The young woman glanced at the bandage wrapped around Eleanor’s arm.

"Even with that bandage on your arm?" she asked with a small amused smile.

"Yes," Eleanor replied confidently.

"You look pale," she added softly as she cupped Eleanor’s face.

Eleanor pouted.

"Of course. I lost a lot of blood."

The young woman fell silent for a moment.

Eleanor suddenly scoffed.

"I guess you already know who harmed me."

The young woman looked surprised.

"You saw him?" she asked, her eyes widening slightly.

"Of course," Eleanor said with a small eye roll.

"Even with the mask and helmet, I would always recognize him."

The young woman stared at her for a moment, speechless.

"And he shot your arm?" she asked.

"It was just a graze," Eleanor replied.

The young woman sighed quietly.

"That kid is becoming more unpredictable," she said slowly.

"He was given the task of eliminating you."

"What?!" Eleanor gasped.

"Yes."

"Who would want me dead?" Eleanor asked in shock.

"For now, I’m not sure who is behind the attempt on your life," she admitted honestly.

She paused for a moment before speaking again.

"Thanks to your father’s connections, no one will know the truth, that you were shot or that you’re fine."

Eleanor nodded quietly.

"Yes."

The young woman stood up.

"You should get some rest. Kaysen will be back soon with some candy."

She smiled softly.

"I trust him. I didn’t bring you anything because I didn’t want to draw attention to my visit."

"It’s fine, big sis," Eleanor replied.

The young woman turned toward the door.

"Bye, kiddo."

"You’re only three years older than me," Eleanor complained.

"I’m not a kid."

The young woman laughed softly.

"I’ll send you some money. You should hurry and use it to buy some years."

She winked playfully.

Eleanor smiled warmly.

"Love you, Fire."

Fire gently ruffled her hair.

"Get some sleep, kiddo," she teased as she walked toward the door.

"Bye, big sis," Eleanor said, waving happily.

Fire opened the door and quietly left the room.