Black eyes and split lips

　　I am pissed. I send Mum a text to let her know I’ll be home later than usual. Ben is silent as I pull out into the streets. He has been quiet since Olivia called crying on the phone. I don’t buy her fake tears one bit.

　　“She’s using you,” I say to him. I press the horn when the car in front of me refuses to move. Ben sits up without a word. I know what he’s thinking but I don’t want him to think it. She needs to stay away. “Are you not going to say anything?” He does that half-shrug thing and I blurt out, “I don’t want you to go.”

　　“Don’t do that, Gracie.”

　　I punch the steering. “Don’t do what?”

　　That low growl that escapes him annoys me. I understand they might be friends but someone needs to put Olivia in her place. If he won’t do it, I’ll have to. Why didn’t she call one of her dumb minions for help?

　　“She’s my friend,” he grits out.

　　“I’m your girlfriend.”

　　“Stop the car.” I step on the accelerator, pushing the car to its speed limit. “Gracie, stop the car.”