Threat

Joe looked away. He knew that Ben hated stupid apologies, but what could he do? Stupid apologies were the only thing for now.

Look at me! Ben hollered.

Joe became a little impatient. What do you want?

Ben took in another deep breath. Ben often took in deep breaths to calm himself when he was very angry.

Tell me.

Tell you what? Joe was confused.

Ben took in another deep breath, then he unclenched his fists.

Do you love her?

It was Joe's turn to deal with taking in deep breaths.

Yes, I do.

Ben clenched his fists again.

He didn't even bother with breathing as he took a menacing step forward towards his bestfriend.

Were they still best friends?

Ben stopped. His breath was unsteady and his voice was finely tuned into something a bit higher than a whisper.

You liar, I don't even know you anymore.

Joe sensed the deep emotion that was conveyed in this words so he stared his friend in the eye.

Ben swallowed before he continued speaking.

Whenever I spoke to you about her, you would always say she wasn't your type and she wasn't pretty enough.

As at then, I was trying to convince myself I didn't like her...Joe immediately tried to explain but he was rudely cut off by Ben.

Shut...It!

Ben continued. It was because of your continuous bad comments about her, that was why I introduced you to her, so you could see her for who she was and you both could get along.

After all you both were the most important things to me, But...

 But you just had to...

Ben's voice trailed off.

I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. That was all Joe could say.

Ben was irritated to the core. To Hell with that! Stop lying! You're not sorry! 

Joe threw his gaze to the floor. I am, I'm really sorry.

Ben finally found his rhythm as he took a deep breath.

If you're really sorry, then break up with her.

Joe's pupils constricted and he immediately threw his gaze back at Ben. You mean...?

Ben nodded. Yes, end things with her and prove your loyalty to me.

Joe threw his gaze back on the floor. I can't.

Ben laughed a bit. 

I'm really sorry. Joe muttered again.

Before the words could even officially leave his mouth, an angry blow was sent straight to his face.

Joe's head tilted backwards and Joe staggered backwards, almost falling. He only stopped staggering when his back was against the wall.

Ben's voice was hoarse and threatening. You have just two weeks, two weeks to break up with Elena. Else, don't blame me for what happens next.

Right after, Ben turned around and started making his way out of the corner.

Suddenly, Ben stopped. He turned around, he still had one last thing to say and the look of menace in his eye didn't connote anything good. If you really love her that much, then be prepared to die for love.

Right after, Ben turned around and left.

_________Back to present___________

Joe threw his hands upwards and then let his hands fall back down slowly in a mock assessment of himself.

Now, this is me two weeks later. I've been turned into bandage boy.

How long was I even out?

Olivia furrowed her brows as she shook her head in confusion. Umm....I dunno....About three days?

Scott was confused. Wait, I'm confused. Why would you even be friends with such a ruthless person, talk less of making him your best friend?

Joe pressed his lips into a thin line.

Ben isn't like that, I don't know...

Before he could continue, he was cut off by Olivia.

Oh shut up, Joe. He was always like that, people don't change. Their views and perspectives may change, but people never change themselves.

If Ben did this to you, then that means he's very dangerous and he could do the same to anybody.

He is a ruthless person through an through!

Joe shrugged. I guess your right?

Olivia slapped his back and he groaned in pain. Why did you make that a question? and why are you guessing? You should say, I know your right.

Joe pouted his lips. I can't say I know what I obviously don't. What of Evelyn?

Olivia leaned back as she replied. Why don't you ever address anyone with respect? Anyways, Evelyn has left for work. She said she will drop by in the evening. 

Joe nodded his head. Okay.

So, what did I miss? Joe asked.

Joe leaned closer to Olivia and whispered. I can see that you've already dumped Frank and you have a new boyfriend in the space of three days.

Olivia sighed. Yeah, dumped indeed.