"I don't know where she is." I glared at Callum.

I see the desperation in his eyes, the clear distress and worry. If this wasn't about Elisabeth, if it involved someone else rather than her then I would've told Callum everything. But I can't afford to risk it. The people Lisa was running from are obviously dangerous. I can't risk those bastards finding out where she is and show up here to cause more damage. Besides, she's still unconscious and hasn't woken until now. Lisa is too worn out and I don't want anyone visiting her. My place, my rules.

"James please, you know something so just tell me. I have a feeling she's here so stop hiding her. I can't think of any other place else to look. I've searched for her everywhere, called each hospital and even thought to drag the police. Lucy, her roommate said Betty run from campus with severe injuries and was frightened. And if she isn't anywhere else then I'm certain Betty's here." Callum save me a sour eye.

I want to warn him about dragging the police into this but I'd come out as suspicious so I keep my mouth shut about it.

Instead I pretend to be completely clueless.

"Why would your girlfriend come here? Go find her somewhere else." I tried to shut the door on his face but he blocked it with his foot.

"You don't even care that she's missing and possibly in danger." Malice run in his voice as his eyes roamed my face in shock. "I thought she meant something to you. Guess you were faking it."

Callum has no idea what he's even taking about.

I scoff.

"I've other important things to do than worry about some girl who doesn't even want me. She's your girlfriend, your responsibility." I responded dryly.

"Bullshit. I don't believe you James. Much less accept that you don't give fucks about her." He ranted.

"Watch what you say to me Callum. No need for disrespect. You can't just show up here and start talking to me like it's my fault you can't find her. I already told you, I don't know where Elisabeth is."

"Then why won't you let me inside?" He said mischievously talking a step forward.

"Are you serious right now?" I stopped him with my hand on his shoulder. "What are you suggesting? That I'm keeping Elisabeth in my apartment against her will? Are you out of your mind Callum? Is that how you think of me now?" I inquired mustering a look of disbelief.

Callum sighed heavily placing his palms on his face. He groaned loudly in frustration that I almost felt sorry for him. It'd be hard to deny that Callum truly cares about Betty. But there's nothing I can do for now.

"Sorry. I'm probably projecting the frustrations I have about Betty onto you." Callum shrugged facing me. "I don't know what else to do. It's been constant hours and hours of searching everywhere and I had little faith that she'd be here. I'm just disappointed she isn't." He said more calmly.

I bent my head low. It's hard lying to Callum. He's my best friend. But I can't do anything until I have a clear picture of what we're facing here.

"Can you do me a favour?" He asked me ruffling his own blonde locks harshly as if on edge. I responded to him immediately.

"Sure, anything."

"Incase you get any news. Please inform me." He sounded tired. I swallowed a wave of nausea.

"Of course."

As soon as I understand the situation and hopefully resolve it, I'll tell Callum what he needs to know. He deserves an explanation.

"Thanks bro." He tapped my shoulder fondly and walked away.

"Anytime."

~~

I was in the kitchen preparing vegetable and chicken soup for Elisabeth when I heard her screaming loudly calling out my name.

Dropping whatever I was doing, I rushed in panic to the direction of the bedroom. My feet moved in haste as I wondered who managed to get inside my apartment without me noticing it to harm her. The instincts to protect at any cost waved through me urging me to run faster and probably kill someone.

Elisabeth was at the edge of the room by the corner with her hands around her knees crying. She pressed herself on the wall burying her head against it while shaking terrified.

My eyes surveyed the room instantly, searching for the source of danger but there wasn't anyone there.

She screamed again yelling at the top of her throat. "Leave me alone, please leave me alone." She voiced.

For a split second, I stood there watching her in confusion. She was drenched in sweat, hands scratching her knees and moving impossibly closer to the wall as if attempting to pass through it to escape.

What the heck is going on? There's literally nobody here but me.

"James." She cried out loudly again, drawing me back to my senses.

I quickly moved to her. As if sensing my presence, Betty doubled back from the wall and tried to get up to reach for me but she stumbled on her own legs. I caught her immediately before she fell to the floor.

Betty was trembling, eyes roaming my face as if making sure it was really me beside her. Her small hands clenching my arms as she planted her head against my chest.

I sat us down on the floor.

"They're everywhere." Betty cried painfully. I rubbed the back of her head in a soothing way to comfort her. My chest tightened to see her so desperate and conflicted. We sat there for about ten minutes before she relaxed a little and started breathing normally.

"Lisa," I said slowly in worry. "Who are you talking about?" I was cautious while speaking to her. I'm sure we're the only people inside.

Elisabeth lifted her head to stare at the room. Her eyes searching curiously but hesitantly for anyone. I wiped the tears that fell to her cheeks as she looked around the room with fear in her eyes. The other eye that was initially shut is now slightly open.

As if realising something, Elisabeth backed away nervously.

I stared at her. "What's wrong? Do you want me to check to be sure it's safe?" I asked placing my hand on hers that rested on my chest. How do I even deal with this?

Elisabeth ignored my question.

She turned to gaze around again seemingly confused. "H-How did I ge-get here?" Betty stuttered facing me again. "Did I come....?"

I nodded.

Doesn't she remember? I should call the doctor. Something isn't right here. She was on the verge of a panic attack just minutes ago. Her mind must have imagined that the people who beat her up where in here. It's the only logical explanation to why she was screaming.

"You must be exhausted and hungry. I prepared soup." I told her, careful not to trigger her by talking about anything else. "Let's get you fresh before the doctor arrives here later."

She shook her head. "I need to leave."

"No, that's not possible." I protested. "Your injuries haven't healed yet. Stay and once completely alright, you can leave. But after explaining to me how you got those wounds." I affirmed. "Whatever happened I must know about it."

Betty's eyes turned cold and detached. She tried to move away but I pulled her in my arms before she could stand up. "Stop trying to run from me. I wouldn't hurt you so please let me help." I convinced.

"I'll be fine. I don't want to be here." Her voice was reluctant and I could sense her mind racing. "Let me leave James."

"There's no way you're stepping out this apartment without getting treated under my watch. So stop fighting me." I was being serious. I need to get to the bottom of this. Someone hurt her physically and until that's resolved, she isn't going anywhere.

I refrain from telling her this. Knowing Betty she's try to leave either way. And also, she hasn't been feeding herself and sleeping. I want her to open up to me and explain what's really going on with her.

And most especially, Elisabeth almost had a panic attack. Assuming that the people who harmed her were in here. Whoever did this to her must be found and punished. Betty is suffering because of them. Whatever problems she's facing we'll try to fix them together. She needs to let me help her.

"I can take care of myself." She said stubbornly.

"Clearly not." I argued. "You wouldn't be black and blue if you could."

Betty flinched upon my mention of her physically condition. She hung her head low hiding her bruises.

I placed a hand on her chin to lift her gaze. She was hesitant but still raised her head. Elisabeth stared at the floor averting her eyes from mine.

"Once you're fine I'd take you back to NYU." I assured. She remained quiet.

"I won't try anything with you," I added honestly. The last thing I want is sleeping with her in such a condition. And it upsets me that she could possibly assume that I'd attempt to do that with her when she's in a delicate state.

Her green blue eyes landed on me.

"I know that's what you where thinking Lisa. So don't be surprised."

She looked away again.

"I won't touch you in that sort of way, promise." I repeated. "You can trust me to keep my word."

"I hope so." She mustered a weak smile that I returned.

I placed her arm around my shoulder to get her up from the floor slowly. She hitched in pain and held her rib beating her lip. I mentally cursed upon recalling she has a broken rib. I reckoned it be best to carry her to the living room instead of helping her walk.

She was completely relaxed. I guess giving her assurance that I wouldn't do anything aside from insuring she gets better calmed her down. Though I prefer she'd trust me without having me promise her anything.

"Thank you." She said under her breath.

I smiled.

I carried her to the living room and laid her body slowly on the large sofa. "Are you comfortable?" I asked. She was still in pain and grimaced every second her wounds got touched in the slightest. I was being extremely careful as I tucked her on the coach with a soft pillow for her head and a smooth duvet I'd prepared for when she got up.

"Yes, this is alright." Her voice was low and it seemed hard for her to speak. She looked up at me over her long lashes, her bruised lips parted and I couldn't help but stare for a second. That must've given Elisabeth the wrong idea because she asked, "It's that bad right? I look terrible." She sighed.

"Its not that bad." I encouraged. "You'll be alright in no time. The doctor is gonna be here later."

"I know it's bad James, don't lie." She was frowning. "I must be really ugly now."

"Impossible. Don't say that." I caressed her cheek gently, looking down at her and kissing her forehead once. I hated that she could ever presume she is nothing but beautiful. Even with all her injuries, Elisabeth is still undeniably stunning. "You are not ugly. A few stitches here and there but it's only a matter of time until you'd be fully healed."

Her eyes were glossy, she pressed her lips together and I knew it hurt cause she made a face and parted them. "Take it easy." I advised. "I'm making you soup so just lay down and try to relax."

She nodded.

I was about to leave her side and head to the kitchen but she quickly held my hand to stop me. "Don't go." She pleaded with her delicate shaken voice.

I glanced back at her and placed my hand above hers that was on mine, "I'm right here sweetheart, It will only take a minute."

Her face was covered in worry and I knew she must've been really scared. "Don't go, please."

I bent over and run my fingers on her wavey hair, she leaned into my touch and I smiled to see that she was relying on my presence, "I'm not going anywhere, I'll be close by incase you need anything. I won't let anything or anyone hurt you."

Betty closed her eyes, "Promise." She sounded like a sweet child.

I kissed her forehead again and she didn't seem bothered by that. "I cross my heart." I knew she needed reassurance and I had to provide it. Showing her unconditional tenderness and patience was what Larry advised me to do and I'll follow to the latter.

"Okay," She let my hand go a bit reluctantly, opening her eyes. I glanced at her for one last time and headed for the kitchen.

I took my time preparing the chicken soup as Larry instructed. I checked on Betty once in a while to make sure she was doing alright and she was still weary, afraid. I noticed the way she would occasionally lift her head to check on her surroundings. How she'd talk to herself, calming her own self down. She would cover her eyes and whisper to nothing to leave her alone. I feared that she might've been on the verge of trauma.

I gave Larry a call minutes later.

"How has she been since waking up?" He asked over the phone. I looked over my shoulder at Elisabeth on the coach, she was slightly calmer now that she could see me near her. "Physically, she's in a bit of pain but nothing serious. Though I think something's wrong with her.............. mentally." I felt an unfamiliar ache on my chest when I said that.

"What do you mean?"

I sighed, leaning on the wall with my shoulder, "Elisabeth is seeing things........people. I'm guessing the ones who attacked her." I spoke with a low voice. "Could she be tramatized?"

It took a while for Larry to respond. "I'll be there to check on her soon. Don't leave her side at all cost James."

"Okay." At this rate, Elisabeth couldn't be left alone at all. I can't afford her running off in the streets.

I returned to the kitchen and carried with me the bowl of soup, her medication and a glass of water. She was already waiting for me when I got back to the living room. "I bet your starving now." I teased. "Time to eat."

She didn't seem amused with the thought of eating and I remembered what Larry told me about her neglecting meals. She had already lost alot of weight, she was slowly fading away and it made my chest tighten by the thought of her hurting this way.

I placed the tray on the table and helped Elisabeth sit up straight. I held her gently, making sure she used minimal effort so as to save her strength for recovery. "I don't think I'm hungry." She argued.

I sat next to her, drawing the tray towards my lap and then facing her. "This will help you get better."

She whined, "But I'm not hungry."

I tried not to frown. "I'll tell you what, if you finish this bowl of soup then I'll stay with you all day and all night. Does that sound good?"

I was seriously blackmailing her, but it was for her own good. She stared at me, "Don't leave me."

I won't lie, I loved hearing her say that, even though she said it with dread in her eyes. "I won't leave you. I promised I'd stay, right, remember?!"

I could never, not in her current state, leave her alone.

"Okay." She gave me a weak smile. "I'll eat but not too much."

I, of course, made sure she finished that entire bowl before Larry arrived.

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