Page 115 of Voices
He slowly puts his hand in mine but when I go to pull him up, he drops my hand with another cry gripping his side.
“Shit. Here put your feet on the ground and I’ll help you stand.”
He slowly sets his feet on the pavement, breathing heavily. I grab under his armpits and gently pull him to a stand. He sways before falling forward with his head on my chest, the metallic scent of blood hitting my nose. I wrap my arms around him, keeping a loose grip, and rest my cheek on top of his head.
“I’ve got you baby.” I go to kiss the top of his head but stop at the sight of blood caked in his hair.
Who would do this to him?
“Come on. Let’s get you to the hospital so they can clean you up and look you over.” I go to step back, but his weight follows me. I quickly grab his weak body before he hits the ground.
He looks up at me, his good eye only half open.
“No hospital. Too many questions,” he mumbles.
“You need to be looked at baby. This cut above your eye might need stitches and I don’t know where all this blood on your face came from.”
He gives me the saddest look I’ve ever seen as tears start pouring out of his eye.
“P-please. I c-can’t go. D-don’t m-make me, please.”
My heart physically hurts as his legs give out and he cries harder.
“I’ve got you.” I scoop him up and carry him to my truck.
After gently getting him in the passenger seat, I sit in the driver’s seat and take a second to collect my thoughts. The guys and I have a general knowledge of how to care for cuts and bruises thanks to years of playing sports. But what if he has a head injury? I’ve only had one concussion, and it took close to two weeks before I was able to get back on the ice.
Charlie lets out a moan when his head thunks against the window. I reach over and pull his hand into mine. He keeps his eye closed and doesn’t move. I awkwardly text Ryder with my left hand telling him to get my bathtub filled with hot water and to meet me by the door in fifteen minutes. Then I text Lily asking her to come over when she’s back in town.
I quickly drive home holding his limp hand in mine. I get him out of my truck as gently as I can without jostling him too much, his head on my shoulder as I walk into the elevator. The ride takes forever as I listen to his labored breathing in my ear. When it finally stops on my floor, I speed walk my way to Ryder who’s standing in the hall in nothing but gym shorts.
“Hey, man. Is he okay?” He pushes open the door for me.
“No. He’s hurt but doesn’t want to go to the hospital. Grab the first aid kit and the prescription bottle of ibuprofen for me,” I say rushing past him.
I shoulder open my bedroom door and walk into the bathroom, the steam from the tub filling the room. I set Charlieon the counter and carefully lean him back against the mirror. He flinches as his back hits the mirror letting out another small cry.
“I’m here.” I soothe him, rubbing up and down his arms.
Ryder comes in with the red first aid box, the orange bottle of ibuprofen, and a bottle of Absolut. I hold up the vodka and look at Ryder with a raised brow.
He shrugs. “I figured it’ll be good for disinfecting whatever caused all that blood. Plus, you might need a sip or two to get through what you’re about to see.”
I set the bottle down and start undressing Charlie from the feet up. Ryder helps hold him steady as I pull his pants and jacket off. I pull his tie loose and unbutton his shirt. And freeze.
His entire torso is covered in deep purple and red bruises. There’s a round bruise below his ribs on the right side and his ribs on the left side are an angry red color.
I slowly pull his shirt off his shoulders, but it gets snagged on something causing Charlie to scream. He falls forward into my chest, soaking my shirt in tears.
“I’m so sorry, baby,” I whisper into his dirty hair.
I look over at Ryder who’s standing with his arms crossed over his chest, clearly furious. I feel the same way but now is not the time. I give him a quick shake of my head. He drops his arms and steps closer.
“Do you know who did this,” he whispers in my ear.
“No, but when I do, I’m going to return the favor.”
He gives me a firm nod before looking down at Charlie.
