Annemarie’s POV

I suddenly got very claustrophobic in the crowd and left, sitting on a bench close by to Tino. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to calm down when I heard the too familiar voice speak.
“Annemarie?” I snapped my eyes open, seeing Josh standing in front of me. I wanted to run to Aaron’s side, scream for help, but I couldn’t. My voice was gone and I was glued to the bench. “Baby, please come home. I’m sorry for the way I treated you, please say you forgive me.” He kneeled in front of me, holding my hands in his. I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not because of his shades, but I sighed.

“Josh, you hurt me.” I whispered. I felt him pull me to him softly and engulf me in a soft but warm hug.

“I know, but I also know the pain I caused you. Please say you’ll come back to me.” I wrapped my arms around him. I couldn’t smell the alcohol or smoke on him; instead I smelt the familiar cologne I loved. He pulled back a little and cupped my cheek softly, smiling at me. “I love you.” He said, without hesitation. I stared at him, seeing his smile disappear and a frown replace it. “Don’t you believe me baby?” He sounded hurt and I was about to answer when he left my arms.

Austin had Josh in a strong hold as Tino punched his jaw. I heard a crack and Aaron ran over, hugging me tightly. “Did he hurt you?” He asked worried. I couldn’t talk, all I could see was Josh pleading to be let go. I sprung on my feet and pushed Tino away, taking Josh into my arms and pushing Austin away as well.

“Josh?” I cried, holding him as he tried to stand on his own.

“I’m fine baby, don’t worry.” He gave me a small smile and began coughing. Austin pulled me back and Tino held Josh by his arms.

“Let’s go, now.” Austin growled, picking me up and holding me in his arms. I could see Tino holding Josh tightly, making sure that he wouldn’t leave as Alan was making a phone call and Aaron was calming the fans. I began shaking, almost crying when Austin softly tightened his grip on me.

“It’s okay darling. He won’t hurt you. I promise.” I held onto his shirt, letting out the tears as Austin carried me away.

“He needs me! I need to be there for Josh!” I cried, trying to get away from Austin. He held on to me tightly and continued walking.

“Marie, please stop thrashing. You’re going to fall.” Austin calmly said but I could hear the annoyance in his voice.

“Good, I hope I do fall! Josh needs me right now!” I continued thrashing until Austin stopped walking and I was able to get away from him. I ran with all I had toward Josh and I wrapped my arms around his neck. I felt him trying to get away from Tino and I pulled him to me, making Tino drop him. Josh wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly and taking me in.

“Come on baby; let’s go home clean up this blood on me.” I pulled back and saw his busted lip and swollen cheek. I nodded and police sirens began getting closer. Austin pulled me away and before I could say anything, the cops were questioning everyone and holding Josh and Tino.

“Who’s the one that’s beating the girl?” A cop asked and I gasped. They didn’t, did they?

“He is, Josh Andrews.” Aaron spoke and the cop nodded, having the other cop arrest Josh. I tried to get away from Austin but he wasn’t going to let me. I watched, helpless as they took Josh away and I began crying, screaming out his name. The cop looked at me and sighed, getting in my way.

“I’ll have a letter sent out on when the court date will be to decide on the sentencing date.”

“How long does it usually take?” Aaron asked. The officer shrugged and sighed heavily.

“Around two, three week’s maybe?”

“We leave for tour in a week and a half.” Alan groaned.

“We can fix that quickly then, I’ll let the station know.” Aaron gave the officer the address and his phone number and he thanked him, going to his squad car. I felt Austin softly pick me up and begin walking home. I didn’t have the energy to talk or do anything. Just when Josh decides to change, they take him away from me. We could have started all over and just been happy, but they ruined it. They all ruined it, even Aaron, my best friend, the one who wants me to be happy!

“Annemarie?” I snapped my head up and noticed we were in the living room, Austin still holding me. I glared at all of them and stood up, walking to my bag. I took out a small plastic bag and rushed to the bathroom. I closed the door behind me, locking it good and sitting on the edge of the tub. I didn’t care about anything anymore, I wanted Josh back. He changed and they took him away from me. I didn’t even have time to deny anything. I unrolled the plastic bag and took out the small black box I had hidden. I opened it, seeing my real friends in there, waiting patiently for me.

I picked one up and held it over my wrist, feeling the cold metal against my warm flesh. I pulled it back, feeling the liquid run down and stain the wood, making it look beautiful. I did it again, and again, switching from arm to arm and feeling better. I finally stopped, smiling at the beautiful artwork I made. I began seeing black spots around the room. I tried to call Aaron but I couldn’t. I held on to the tub, hoping to steady myself, but my bloody hands slipped and I fell back into the tub. I hit my head pretty hard on the edge, causing me to black out.

Aaron’s POV

Annie was pretty out of it, seeing as she didn’t move away from Austin who carried her all the way home. We stayed quiet, walking home and finally settling on the couch and talking.
“What now?” Alan asked quietly. I shrugged my shoulders and looked at Annie who wouldn’t stop staring at… nothing. Austin softly rubbed her back and she didn’t even flinch.

“Annemarie?” Phil asked softly. She snapped her head up, taking in her surroundings and finally looking at us. She gave us all a glare, getting up from Austin’s lap and going to her bag. She took out a plastic bag and walked out, going to the hall bathroom. I heard the lock being put into place and I sighed heavily.

“She believed him, whatever he told her, she believed him.” Tino patted my back signaling me that everything would be fine. We waited for a while until I began getting worried about her; she was in there for a long time now. Alan looked at the door and then at her bag.

“What did she take out?” He asked, worry filling his voice.

“A simple plastic bag.” Austin answered. I saw Alan thinking about something and then a loud noise was heard. I jumped up, running to the bathroom and knocking.

“Annie, you okay?” I asked, hoping and praying she answered. I heard nothing on the other side and began pounding on the door. “Open the door, Annie!” I yelled. Alan ran over and began to beat the door down with Phil helping. They finally got it open and I noticed the blood on the floor and on the white tub. Annie was laying in it with arms bloody and barely breathing.

“Call 911!” I yelled, running in and checking her pulse, feeling it very low. Phil began calling and Alan shook his head.

“Her breathing is very shallow, bring her outside. He lifted her in his arms and we pushed by Austin who was with Tino. They stared in horror as we took out outside and the three joined us, waiting for the ambulance. They finally got here and began working on her. Before she was even in the ambulance, they had an oxygen mask on her, and sending codes to the hospital.

“You four can follow closely in the car; just make sure not to get lost. You can come with us.” A paramedic told me and I nodded. I threw Phil the keys since he was the calmest and they rushed into the car as I got in the ambulance. I watched as they worked on Annie and I bit my cheek, praying that she would be alright.

Notes

Title Credit: Breathe Carolina

A trigger chapter, not my best, but then again, not my worst. Thanks for reading and liking this story! I would appreciate some thoughts! :D