First Punch ➟ Kellic

T H I R T Y E I G H T

"Excuse me," an unfamiliar, authoritative voice interrupts my gentle slumber. I don't react at first, but then something smacks against my foot and I dart into an upright position.

"Sir," the voice says, my attention landing on the police officer staring at me in annoyance. "This is private property, please vacate the premises," the man orders.

"Private propert-?" I try to question, but he interrupts me.

"This park is owned by the condo complex behind you. I've received multiple complaints, so unless you want to be brought up on trespassing charges, I'd find somewhere else to sleep."

I sigh, nodding through my annoyance. Stupid pig serving the rich people. I mean, honestly, what harm am I causing? I'd slept on benches every night and never had a problem. I just want to sleep for Christ's sake.

The cop seems satisfied and heads across the street to his patrol car, leaving me to gather my shit and get out. I grab my bag from under the bench, unzipping it and stuffing my make-shift blanket inside, which is really just one of Jake's sweaters. I feel even more sorry for myself than I thought possible, not knowing where the Hell I'm ever gonna go. I have no way of making money, and no one's couch to crash on in the meantime.

I zip the duffel bag up, checking around to make sure I don't forget anything. I get up, about to walk away when I jump, startled by someone's angry voice.

"Hey!" they holler, my body tensing as I look around for the source.

"Oh shit," I worriedly mutter, spotting Lucas only a few paces away from me. He's storming in my direction looking downright murderous. He's gonna fucking kill me. And, honestly...I deserve it.

Lucas narrows his eyes as he crosses the last few squares of sidewalk separating us and I drop the duffel bag, forgetting about it as I turn to face him like a man.

"Lucas," I greet him, hoping that confidence will throw him off a bit. It doesn't work though and nerves still flood my body.

"Shut up! You're lucky I don't kill you right now you fucking asshole!" he shouts, stopping directly in front of me. I flinch, waiting for whatever he might send my way, but surprisingly he doesn't throw any punches and simply glares at me.

I stand there, my mouth zipped shut as I accept my fate. I deserve everything I have coming to me. I hurt Jake, it's only fair that I hurt back.

"Jake's a fucking mess because of you! I don't know what the fuck you did, but you need to fix it!"

"I-"

"I'm not done yet!" he interrupts, getting even closer and making my heart thump in my chest. What the fuck is he gonna do to me?

"I don't know how you manipulated him into dropping this feud, but I haven't forgotten that you're murderous scum! Helping us avoid an ambush doesn't make up for shit! So you need to tell me what the fuck happened right now or I swear I'll rip your insides out and leave you here wishing you'd never joined that stupid gang!"

I just stare into his cold, fierce eyes, swallowing hard with an audible gulp. As much as I hate it, he really does intimidate me. Jake didn't tell him anything though. I know he was upset, but he's been upset around me and still told me things. If he didn't tell Lucas it's because he didn't want to. And if he didn't want to, then that means I can't say anything either. I've hurt him enough.

"I want answers!" Lucas orders. "I want answers now!"

"I..." I trail off, sighing. I don't know what to say. "I can't."

"Bullshit," he claims, his voice finally below a yell. "You know something, and I'm gonna get it out of you no matter what it takes."

I clench my jaw at the threat, staying silent. Even if Jake wants nothing to do with me, the least I can do is keep my mouth shut. So that's what I do. I stand there completely mute, just staring back at him and awaiting whatever punishment he sees fit.