Rose pov

I looked in the mirror to see a girl with
Bubble gum still sticking on her blonde dyed hair after washing and drying multiple times
And green eyes with black circles hiding behind her glasses

Last night was rough with nightmares reminding me of my past
It was 1 st of october
The day my whole world tilted on it's axis

With scissors in my hand I tried to cut those strands of hair which sticked with the gum
Cutting them carefully I managed to remove the gum without causing much damage to my hair

It was still long with just few short strands

I removed my specs and splashed some cold water in my eyes
Once done I re examined myself in the mirror and moved out of the girls washroom

My next class was free so decided to go to the library
On my way I was busy checking the map to find the library when my head collided with something
hard

I held my head and looked up to see that big guy who cornered me in the canteen yesterday staring at me

He was with his group of friends and one of them was even smoking in college premises

"I think you have a death wish blonde...I told you what I will do if I meet you again.."
The big guy said

I looked around to see that the hall was almost empty

I stepped back a bit to see his group of friends surround me

Oh no I was in trouble

They were smirking and circling me like a tiger circles his prey

They looked dangerous...they were definately a part of mafia group or some illegal activities
They were well built to kill and defend

I could predict their moves
They wouldn't settle less than breaking one of my bones or bruising me
But I was bound

Bound to endure whatever they give

"Is blonde scared??? Aww poor you!! There is no one to save you now...no jake..by the way why did Jake save you earlier..? Do you know him?"

I refused to answer
Instead I was preparing myself for their attack

I felt his anger and I knew he will push me back judging by his clenched right hand and attack position

And ad I predicted I was pushed back and my head banged with the lockers behind
A stinging pain entered my skull as he choked my neck

"Stop ignoring me you piece of shi* !! I bloody asked you a question..!!!"

I grabbed his hands to show that I was strugling to loosen his grip when in reality his grip was not strong enough

It was strong...but he didn't knew the technique

I could show him how it is done
How to apply the right pressure and where so that the person dies in seconds

But I wouldn't

I decided to answer instead

"...no...I. Don't know....him.."

"Well that's a good news guys.....let's teach this bi*** some respect!"

With this I felt the first blow at my stomach and I crouched down
One after the other they kicked me...
I fell down on the ground in a defensive position

I felt physical pain after very long
I lost it's familiarity and it felt strange now

The metallic taste of blood entered my taste buds and I welcomed it

They continued this for next few minutes and not even a single cry of pain left my lips

My silence prevailed
And when they thought I was not moving they decided to leave

The big guy decided to bid me farewell by pulling me up from my hair and warning me again

"Don't disrespect Stacey or me ever again...and if you tell what happened here to anyone consider yourself dead the next minute!"

He left my hair and my body slided down the lockers

Their heavy footsteps left leaving me alone in this silence

I could stand up but I didn't wanted to
Immobility brought peace but when I moved my body ached

Rose get up and freshen yourself up
Or else someone will see you ,my mind said

But I refused

I wanted a normal since the day I was born
And now when I was getting it I should bear with it.

They will see the bruises on my face today or tomorrow what's the use of hiding them

Let them see what bullying actually means only then will they raise their voice against it.

"Oh my god!!!!....hurry call someone...!!"
I heard a girl scream and I just laid down in peace leaving on them to do the rest

As my head was lying on the floor I heard large number of steps walking towards me

"Oh my god she is bleeding!!"

"She is the new girl right!!"

"Who did this ??"

"She defied Ray in the canteen remember"

"He must have done this!!"

"Hurry inform the teachers.."

".Bring some water!!"

In between so many different voices and hazy vision I heard one sound loud and clear

"ROSE!! ROSALINE...!!"

I saw him making his way through the crowd

I felt him push side my hair and touch me face with his gentle fingers

"Just hold on Rose!! It's gonna be fine....okay?? I am here..."

His eyes held worry
But why was he worried for me
I was no one for him and I just met him yesterday

"Rose!! Rose!! Wake up!!"
I hated it when he called me Rose
Why can't he call me Rosaline like everyone else
The name resurfaces some old burried memories

I felt him lift me up and as he did it my body protested in pain
His blue eyes followed my every expression and soon I felt those eyes getting hazy

My head felt heavy and I placed my head on his chest and welcomed darkness knowing today atleast someone was there who was worried for me.

................................................

Jake pov

I was sitting in my class listening to a pretty brunette expressing her love for me

"Jake..I really like you...since the first day I saw you enter the classroom I couldn't help liking you...I know you don't date much but please...give me a chance...let me be your girlfriend...I really do love you..."

"Sorry I can't....."

She was ready to cry listening to my blunt reply

"Hey!!! Listen you are perfect...but sorry I am not the right guy for you....I don't get serious in relationship s...you would be serious...I won't ...it's not fair on your part...."

"B..ut. maybe you also start loving me once you know me......please give me a chance ..I will-"

She was cut short when one of my friend ran towards me breathing heavily

"Jake!! Jake!! Hurry!!! She...."

"Calm down Cooper ..what happened?"

"The ..girl....the one you saved...she is ...just come with me..."

I followed him and so did everyone in my classroom

When I entered the halls I was a large circle of students near the lockers
A unknown fear entered my heart

I ran toward them pushing everyone side from my way

What I saw made me hold my breath and my heart to stop

There she laid on the ground..her blonde hair sprawled on the floor ..her body still and drops of blood on the floor

I ran towards her screeming her name and sitting next to her on the ground
I placed her head on my lap and cleared her hair from her face

When I saw her face it made my blood boil

Bruises were forming on her cheeks and a deep cut on her lips was bleeding
Her specs were no where to be found and her green eyes were staring back at me

Thank god she was conscious

I said her some soothing words and lifted up her in my arms

When I entered the nurse's office she was unconscious with her head resting on my chest.

Thr doctors came running taking her from me and tending to her injuries
I just hope it was nothing serious

While waiting outside the nurse's office I was determined to give him double number of bruises as he gave her
And I very well knew who he was

The nurse came out and said

"We have tended to her wounds...she will be fine with few days rest.....you can see her if you wish"

I hurried passed her and entered to see her lying on the bed peacefully ....I gently moved my hand on her hair in a soothing manner

"Jake Ray did this ...it',s confirmed.."
Cooper said entering the room followed by my group of friends

"You guys stay here till I come back okay.."

"But.........you can't go alone ...let us come with you..."

"No..I'll be fine don't worry"
.
.
.
I entered the abandoned room in the western wing where he usually came

There he was smoking with his friends

Without a single word I simply went and punched him straight on his jaw making him land on the chairs behind
His men started attacking me and I kicked and punched them with the technique my brother taught me.

I have let anger blurr my rationality
I can't fight them alone
Hell what was I thinking coming here alone
I should have told Dan

I felt a punch hit my abdomen next hit my back
They were punching me from all directions and I couldn't even locate them

Next I felt my legs give way and I fell on the ground
I felt everyone circle around me while Ray came and stood in front of me

"Oh Jake...you think you are tough huh?? Come on get up....show us what the mafia kings brother can do.....

My vision was getting blurry
I will not give up!!
I am a Kingston after all!!

I tried getting up back on my feet again
My legs were shaking but I managed to stand

I spitted the blood out of my mouth and stared at him with hate

"Ohhh the little kingston is angry.....we hit his girl and he comes to protect her when he can't even protect himself....poor thing..."

They all laughed and the fire of my anger got fueled

I moved forward to punch him but he dodged and I struggled to maintain my balance
He was there standing in front of me with a smirk on his face

"I didn't knew kingston's were a weakling little jake"
Next I know he punched me hard and I was pushed back...
Blood gushed out of my jaw as a unbearable pain was registered in my body
I was loosing consciousness and my body felt numb

Before I could close my eyes and land on the ground I felt my body land on something and strong arms engulfed me

With the little energy left I looked up to see Dan staring at me with concern,anger and worry

I rested myself on him knowing that I was safe now
My brother was with me now and nothing could hurt me

He gently pushed me towards one of his men who held me and started taking me out of the room

Before I was taken out of the room half conscious I heard him say with so much coldness and anger that even my spine had goosebumps

"I will show you why people say never mess with the mafia king !!"