I Couldn't Care Less

+ Penguins +

Where were we? Ah, yes. My boyfriend, Ben, was at home, and so was I. We were on the phone and I asked him what was wrong. Long story short, my alcoholic father, Gareth Simons, was pounding on Ben's front door, and I think if I hadn't asked Ben what was wrong, I probably wouldn't have a boyfriend anymore. Oh, and he called me 'babe'. Yes, I know, very exciting.

+ + +

Ben gave Bella a bone, and now he's taking her out the front gate (not through the front door) to go to my house. Presumably, the bone is supposed to keep Bella quiet, but I'm not certain. Especially knowing Bella.

I've also called my mother, just in case something were to go ever so slightly wrong and my father ended up murdering my boyfriend. Highly unlikely, but possible.

After I'd gotten off the phone with my mum, I immediately called Ben again. 

"Hey! We're out!" Ben says, panting. It sounds like he's running. 

"Are you... running?" I ask. If he's running from anything, it's my father. Or towards his dog.

"Yeah," he says, letting out a slight chuckle. "Why? Oh. Don't worry, your dad is extremely stupid and idiotic. He thinks I'm still in the house. Should I run to school or your house?" he asks, like it's a normal everyday conversation to be having.

I laugh. I can't help it. I want to, and I want to even more, knowing that Ben is safe. "My house. I need to kiss you." he laughs. "Hurry up, you're so slow." I laugh a bit more.

Then I stop.

Then he stops.

Stops talking.

"Ben?" I ask. "Are you okay?" He's stopped running, by the sound of it. He doesn't say anything. "Ben?" I try again, whispering this time. 

"Cody. Help me." he says, very quietly. "He's found me. Please send your mum over."

Oh no, not this again. And it's starting to get dark. I suppose it'd be better for Ben, he could hide easier. But not for Bella. She'd go mental. "Is he... Is he following you?" I ask. It's worth asking. 

"I.. kind of?" he responds, starting to pant a bit again. "He's seen me, and he got in his car. Bella and I are running, and she's a good runner. She wont- or, shouldn't bark too much." okay, so now we know the situation. Again. But at least he's out of the house now, and he has more space to get around.

"Okay, just stay hidden."

+ + +

It's been three hours since my stupid father started pounding on the front door of my boyfriends house. Ben and I have been on the phone for a bit longer than that. I can't believe he's managed to run for this long. Well, of course he's walked a bit, and he's gone through a few little walkways, so he's stayed hidden, I suppose. 

Bella's been doing surprisingly well, as well. Maybe she is good on walks. Or runs. I wonder if she's even the slightest bit sure of what's happening right now. It'd be better if she didn't know.

"Okay." he finally says. "I'm nearing your street, but I'm going to need to go through the forest." he's so stupid. In a lovely way.

"Oh my God, you're going through a forest at night time. Have you ever even seen a horror movie? Because I think you should absolutely rethink this decision." I say, worriedly. 

Naturally, Ben would say I'm worrying way too much, but this is how I always am. Not sure if that's a good thing.

"He can't drive in the forest." okay, maybe Ben is smarter than I thought. It still is a bad-ish idea, though, I mean, if you believe in Slender Man.

"Fair point, but please stay on the phone with me." I say. Ben lets out a cackle. "Seriously."

"Okay, okay, I will." he laughs. "I have Bella to protect me, just in case the service is stupid." 

+ + +

Ben's been walking through Avondale Park Forest for over twelve minutes, now. I suppose it does feel quicker when you're biking.

"Okay, I'm... feel..." Ben starts to cut out. Slowly but eventually, all I can hear is white noise. I stay on the line.

Then I hear a dog barking.

Then Ben. Screaming.