Not a Night for Clowning Around

𝕋𝕎𝔼ℕ𝕋𝕐-𝕊𝔼𝕍𝔼ℕ

THE GROUND SURROUNDING Jake was covered in blood, and I was scared if we didn't get out soon enough he wouldn't make it. Kellen was clearly acting purely on impulsivity and rage, and I had to make sure he didn't harm my friends any more than he already had.

He ripped the knife out of Jake's leg, making him yelp in pain. As if that wasn't bad enough, Kellen stabbed him again in the same spot.

"Please," Jake cried. "Stop."

Kellen took out the knife and was about to stab him again, but I couldn't let him.

"Kellen, wait," I said just as the knife was about to make contact with Jake's leg. He looked at me with sheer annoyance, so I took it as my cue to continue talking. "You don't have to keep doing this anymore."

He rolled his eyes. "Why the hell not?"

"Let them go and keep me instead." I paused. "I didn't know what to say because I was so taken aback by your confession, but I love you too."

His eyes widened, as did Jake's, seeing that none of them expected this.

"Are you insane?" Shawn exclaimed. "Is this some kind of Stockholm syndrome side effect?"

"You're lying," Kellen dismissed.

I shook my head. "Untie me and I'll prove it to you."

He laughed. "Nice try."

"I mean it," I insisted.

Kellen left Jake alone and walked up to me, kneeling before me. "Prove it to me."

I had to hide the disappointment on my face and play along. "H-how?"

"Kiss me."

"I'm gonna be sick," Shawn muttered.

Bracing myself, I leaned in and kissed him. Kellen was surprised at first, clearly not expecting it, but he eased up and closed his eyes.

I pulled away after a few seconds, hoping I convinced him. "If you untie me I could prove it to you even more."

Thankfully he fell for it, and began to undo the rope around my wrists. Kellen then helped me to my feet and cupped my cheek. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment."

I forced a smile on my face to hide the disgust I was feeling. "At least we're together now."

He pulled my face towards his and sealed my lips with a kiss. He rubbed his hands up and down my sides, making shivers run all over my body. I waited for him to get lost in the kiss before I drew my leg back. I then kicked it forward, hitting my foot as hard as I could against his groin.

Kellen gaped and pulled away, falling to his knees in pain. I didn't waste a second and ran behind him, wrapping my arm around his neck and putting him in the sleeper position. I pushed his head forward into my arm, trying to overpower his escape attempt. I didn't stop until he was no longer able to retaliate, his body becoming limp as he fell unconscious.

"What the hell?" Shawn sputtered.

"You were acting," Jake said with a sigh of relief. My heart fluttered at the thought of him getting jealous, but I realized now wasn't the time for that.

I didn't know how much time I had until Kellen woke up, so I ran to a very confused Shawn and untied his rope.

"Out of everyone you picked me first? Carter, you're gonna make me cry."

I rolled my eyes at his sappiness. "Don't flatter yourself, you're the only one here who was in boy scouts. Go untie Aaliyah while I help Jake."

Shawn ran to his girlfriend while I tended to Jake. "How are you feeling?" I asked, immediately regretting asking a stupid question.

"Like a million bucks." That was immediately followed by a wince.

Jake was in no condition to move. Kellen had not only stabbed his leg but also his stomach earlier, and I was scared that time was running out for him.

"Shawn, help me get him up," I said.

Shawn and Aaliyah came to us, a grimace on both of their faces when they saw Jake.

He let out a shaky laugh. "That bad, huh?"

"We gotta get him to a hospital ASAP," Shawn said. He helped me lift Jake up, and we draped one of his arms over Shawn's shoulder and the other around mine.

We had only taken a couple steps when Jake groaned. "Guys, it hurts too much."

It pained me to see Jake in such a state, but we had to get out of here. "I can't even imagine how much it hurts, but we need you to power through this so we can get you help." I paused. "I need you."

"I won't let you down." He squeezed my hand, making my heart soar. Again, I had to remind myself now wasn't the time.