6| I can't believe I got shot on my birthday.

Don't make excuses for horrible people.

You can't put a flower in an asshole

and call it a vase.

Kathy's POV

I open my eyes and immediately see a dim light. Is this heaven? I try to sit up but flinch when my stomach starts to hurt. I lay back down and saw a big bandage on my stomach. I hear a door open and see someone walk in.

"How are you feeling?" She asks. "I'm Anthony's doctor, and he had me examine your wounds."

I freeze, realizing she might have seen my other mild injuries. "Did you just take care of the bullet wound?" I ask.

She shakes her head, and I hold in a breath. "Anthony took care of the bullet. But did you know you had two fractured ribs?"

"Where exactly am I?" I ask, not wanting to explain why. I don't even remember getting hit there.

She doesn't push on the subject and says, "I'll let Anthony know you're awake so he can explain."

She grabs a pill bottle and says, "Take this. It'll help with your dizziness, but it will make you a little drowsy." I pop the pill, and she hands me a cup of water. She leaves to grab Anthony, so I look around the room.

A few minutes later, Anthony walks into the room. "Hi..." He says, scratching his neck.

"Hi?" I ask, not knowing what else to say.

"As you can tell, I didn't bring you to a hospital. Our base has this clinic. That way, no one questions our injuries." He says. I nod and wait for him to continue. "I'm assuming you witnessed the exchange at the dock." He says.

Well, shit. Cece was right. He's actually in a gang. Who else does exchanges with a big group and guns? Maybe it was drugs.

"Oh," I say, still not knowing what to say.

"I'm sure you've heard rumors about me. Serial killer, gang leader, and really good in bed." He ends in a teasing tone.

I scoff and say, "Ya right."

His lips curve upward, and he says, "You're taking this much better than I think most people would."

"Well, if you were a serial killer, wouldn't I be dead?" I ask.

"You're not my type." He says with a shrug.

"So you're not going to kill me because I know about your little gang?" I ask.

"Actually..." He says, grabbing his gun.

My eyes widen, and he starts laughing. "Fucking asshole," I mumble.

I notice he doesn't even have a gun on him and roll my eyes. I try to sit up again but wince in pain. I sigh and look at Anthony.

"So what's the plan?" I ask.

He grabs a bag filled with different medications and says, "You have to take these to help your injuries. She also suggested you stay in bed for another day."

He slightly fidgets, and I ask, "Is that all?"

"About your injuries..." He says. The bruises?

"She says your... bruises are abnormal. And I know you do the fighting thing, but are they all from fighting?" He asks gently.

I don't answer for a few moments. Are we going to lie or tell the truth? I mean, no one knows the whole truth.

"Please don't lie to me, Sunshine. I can protect you if you tell me who did this to you." He says, brushing a stray hair away from my face.

"I'm only sharing because you didn't let me die. I'll kill you if you try to share this information with anyone." I say seriously. Bitch how? You can't even get out of bed.

He nods, obviously not believing my threat. I sigh and decide to admit it.

"When my mom passed away, my dad didn't take it well. Beer helped him cope, and that was it. But sometimes, he can't stand to look at me because I look like her. " I say quietly.

I glance at Anthony and see he's concerned. "I know it may seem dumb that I didn't call the police. But he has people on the inside. And he's friends with some gangs. Either way, if I turn him in, I could get killed."

"But I was planning on leaving since I'm 18 now. That's why I did the fighting." I add, hoping that would help ease his expression.

"Your dad did this to you?" He asks in a low, angry tone.

"I can get rid of him. It'll be really easy. No one would know." He says with determination. He looks like he's about to commit the act right now, but I grab his hand to pull him back.

"Thank you for the offer. But I think I'll be okay when I move out." I say. "I can handle him."

He's clearly not satisfied with my answer and asks, "Do you have a place already?"

"Not yet. But I planned to check in at a hotel until then." I say.

"Does anyone else know about your situation?" He asks, rubbing circles with his thumb against my hand.

"You think I want to tell people that Samuel would always shout about how he wished it was me who died instead?" I ask, feeling my eyes water. "I wish it were so I wouldn't have to look at my disgusting body every time I look in the mirror."

"Hey..." Anthony whispers, cupping my face. I'm too weak to pull away, even if it is slightly comforting. "You're beautiful inside and out, and your body will heal. Give yourself a few weeks, and I bet you'll be the hottest you've ever been. I might have competition at school." He teases.

I almost laughed, forgetting my tears, and playfully glared at him. "Your dad does not deserve to have you as his daughter. And for him to treat you like that, I can see why you couldn't trust the police." He says.

"You could come live with me." He says. Noticing my reaction, he adds, "Just until you find an apartment. There's plenty of room, and I won't charge you rent."

"And you still have to recover from your injuries. Moving too much could slow down the process." He says.

Are you paying for a hotel or staying with Anthony for free? The answer is very obvious. I make eye contact with him and say, "Sorry for calling you an asshole."

He chuckles and says, "I deserve it. Sorry for bumping into you. I'm also sorry if you thought I was stalking you when I discovered your secret."

"I was going to egg your house and call it even. Maybe even leave shit on your porch. Something about your shy act just didn't feel genuine." He claims.

"Hey, I can be shy!" I exclaim.

"I'm sure you've fooled everyone. But I'm pretty good at reading body language, and it just looked forced." He says, raising his hands in surrender.

"I forgive you. You did save my life, so I owe you one." Make that two since you'll be living with him.

"So, have you decided?" He asks.

"I'll take you up on your offer. Even if I don't pay rent, I can help around the house. Cleaning, cooking, and whatnot." I say.

He smiles and says, "Let's wait until you fully heal before you do all that."

"I can't believe I got shot on my birthday," I mumble.

"It was your birthday? That makes this a million times worse." He says, hiding his face in his hands.

"At least I'll get a badass scar," I say, feeling sleepy again.

"How about I get you a cake? I mean everyone should have cake on their birthday. Do you have a favorite flavor?" He asks.

"It's okay, Anthony. You've done so much already." I whisper.

He waits for my answer, so I say, "Red velvet."

"While you rest, I'll go get you one." He says, standing up.

I shut my eyes, but before I could fully fall asleep, I heard Anthony say, "And Kathy?"

"Ya?" I ask, opening one eye.

"You're already a badass, with and without a scar." He says, winking. I laugh, and he closes the door.

I hope you liked it! 💕

Byeeeeeeeeee! 👋