Chapter 58- His Fist Is Iron Or Something?

Anastasia's POV

After three knocks on my bedroom window, I open it and gasp—it's Justin and Jordan, both seriously injured. I quickly rush downstairs.

Opening the sliding door to the backyard pool, I ask, "What happened?"

Justin replies, "If you think this is bad, you should see Jack and Brandon—they'll be in the hospital for a while."

I gasp again.

Freddie shouts from an upstairs window, "What's going on down there?"

Ignoring him, I bring my injured friends into the kitchen. I grab the first aid kit and clean their wounds; Justin has several bruises and a broken nose.

Jordan whines, "My head hurts."

I empathize and say, "Take a guest room and soak in a hot bath for a while. I'll get Freddie to make some food for you."

Justin insists, "I'm fine, Anne. Just go to sleep; Freddie will handle the rest."

I nod but say, "You both are staying here and won't be going to school tomorrow."

He agrees.

If Justin and Jordan are in this state, I can't imagine how badly Brandon is hurt.

*****

I wake up to my alarm and groan, recalling last night's events with Justin and Jordan. I hurry to get ready for school and nearly trip down the stairs.

In the kitchen, I find Freddie, Jordan, and Justin peacefully eating.

"Good morning, guys! How's your head, Justin?" I ask.

Jordan rolls his eyes at Justin, "Of course she asks you—after all the blood and sweat I went through for you, this is how you repay me, Anne?"

I roll my eyes. Drama queen.

Justin responds, "I'm fine; it still hurts, but Jordan looks like he needs the attention more."

Jordan glares back.

I kiss Jordan on the cheek and ask, "Feeling better?"

He grins, "You bet! Your kiss makes all my boo-boos go away."

I roll my eyes again.

I leave ten minutes later on my motorbike, relieved that Brandon isn't around today.

In the parking lot, Jacob asks, "Where's my brother and Justin?"

I frown, "I thought you didn't like your brother?"

He replies, "We're bros for life; we have each other's backs. Seriously, where are they?"

I smile, "I may or may not have them locked up in my house."

Carlos smirks.

Kyle says, "I heard rumors that Brandon and Jack are in the hospital, and it has something to do with Justin not being here."

I respond, "It's better if they explain it to you guys; my lips are sealed," then walk toward school.

Nikki's eyes are swollen and red, while Stephanie tries to console her.

Nikki yells, "You!"

I point at myself, "Me?"

She steps closer and hisses, "Yes, you! I lost him and the baby because of you."

I laugh, "Him? As in Brandon? Even if you were still pregnant, your relationship wouldn't have lasted anyway."

Gasps ripple through the crowd.

Her eyes well with tears, and I feel a twinge of sympathy. Not.

She snaps, "He loves me, not you."

I retort, "Love? Honey, you don't know the first thing about it. He became a player after I dumped him two months ago. Get over him; he certainly doesn't care about you. Moving on will only help you."

I walk away, haunted by Brandon's words: "I promise I wouldn't hurt you."

That was a lie; guys can't keep that promise. A tear slides down my cheek, which I quickly wipe away. My heart is still broken, and I'm picking up the pieces daily.

After school, we head to Justin's house.

Carlos pouts, "I still can't believe Justin didn't ask me to come film him beating up Brandon. I really wanted to videotape it."

I laugh.

Justin greets us, his right eye swollen and black.

Jacob exclaims, "Whoa, Justin! Did his fist turn to iron or something?"

Justin shrugs, and I whisper, "Brandon and Jack are worse than them."

Jacob smiles and fist-bumps me.

We walk inside and hang out in the living room.

Jessica comes in, saying, "Wonderful, everyone is here! I'll bring the drinks—maybe slip in a beer or two; don't tell anyone," winking.

Carlos grins, "Now that's a cool mom. Don't mind sharing a beer with us!"

Jessica brings six beers and two sodas for Arlene and me. We play cards, eat pizza, and then watch *High School Musical 3: Senior Year*.

Arlene says, "Zac Efron is so hot," while Kyle rolls his eyes.

Jordan scoffs, "Yeah, but not more than me! Girls can't get enough of Jordan," pointing to himself.

I say sarcastically, "Yeah, they can't get over your hotness," rolling my eyes.

He smiles, "You know it, baby."

I wonder if he understands sarcasm at all.

Justin quips, "Yeah right, Jordan. They can't get over how dumb you are; it's always the sluts who go after you."

Jordan shrugs.

Jacob adds, "I still don't understand how I ended up with him."

Jordan wraps his arms around Jacob's neck, saying, "Because we're bros," ruffling his hair.

Jacob punches him, and they start to play-fight.

Justin warns, "Take it outside; there's no way I can answer to Dad if anything breaks. Remember what happened last time?"

Everyone turns pale, falling silent.

After a moment, I say, "Well, it's getting late. I should head home."

Justin asks, "Can you pick me up? I don't want to drive tomorrow."

I nod.

He smiles back at me.

Arlene is trying not to squeal, and I shoot her a glare.

"Bye, guys!" I call as I leave.

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