Page 92 of Without Bound
We both freeze, looks of sheer panic written all over our faces.
“Yo Bish,” the voice calls and I feel the life drain out of me.
On the other side of the door stands my uncle, unknowing of my presence. I jump off his desk and tug my sweatshirt back on just as another knock sounds. I’ve barely set it in place when the door opens, Phoenix standing there with a smile.
“Ana?” He says when he spots me.
My chest rises and falls with rapid speed and I swear I can hear Bishop’s teeth rattling beside me.
“What are you…” he looks at me and then towards Bishop.
When the excitement of seeing me fades and anger ripples over, it’s the moment my world comes crashing down.
“Why are you here, Ana?” I fumble with my words, wondering why my voice won’t work. “Answer me!” he bellows.
“Nix. Calm down and I’ll explain.” Bishop approaches him slowly, his hands held out in front of him. “We were just talking about calling you because–”
“Oh? You were talking? Really, because it looks like you were taking advantage of my niece!”
Phoenix lunges for Bishop, reaching for his throat, but Bishop dodges out of the way.
“Please, Uncle Nix. Just listen,” I beg.
“Shut up and get out of here, Ana” he bellows.
“Don’t you fucking talk to her like that.” Bishop roars so loud, it feels like the door shakes on its hinges.
“I’m going to murder you, you goddamn bastard.” Phoenix jumps at him once more and this time, Bishop fails to move fast enough.
Phoenix’s fist connects with Bishop’s face and I watch his head fling over his right shoulder. He stumbles back but doesn’t fall, and holds his hands out in front of him again.
“Nix. I’m sorry. Just listen,” Bishop tries again.
“How could you? She’s my niece and you’re my best friend.” Phoenix takes advantage of Bishop softening his guard and rushes him.
I yelp when Phoenix’s head barrels into Bishop’s gut, and plows him straight into the wall. The sound of cracking drywall has me screaming. Their bodies hit the floor and Phoenix’s arms begin flying out of control.
“Stop it!” I screech, but it does nothing to calm his fury.
“Fight back, motherfucker,” Phoenix yells at Bishop, hitting him again and again.
I see spurts of blood as they splash on the wall and I cry louder.
“I’m not…not fighting you.” Bishop grunts and I hear the crunching of bone on bone.
“You piece of shit. She’s just a kid.” Phoenix heaves but never stops his attack.
All Bishop can do is hold his hands up to guard his face, but even that is a failed attempt.
“Someone. Please help me!” I begin screaming at the top of my lungs for someone to hear us.
There is no way I can stop Phoenix on my own, but aside from the sounds of his fists pounding into flesh, I hear no one.
“Hit me. Give me one more reason to rip your spine out with my bare hands.” Phoenix continues to shout while throwing punch after punch.
My crying is blurring everything together, but I can make out the blood that covers Phoenix’s hands and paints the wall and floor.
“Sto-stop,” I wail.
