A/N: Time AU's! I'll probably do a few more after this one :) This is set in June of 1942. Melinda and Jim have been married for almost twenty years, living in this house together. The rest is explained down there or can be put together :) I take no credit for any characters from Ghost Whisperer, however, I did create Katie from Their Little Family, so I do own her and any other original characters that spring from this story :)
Ages (just for reference):
Jim - 42
Melinda - 42
Katie - 17
Ned - 18
It took me a few days of researching for this story before I began, so for reference here are some of the words I found from the time and included. If I missed any just ask or google it :)
Fuddy-Duddy: an old-fashioned person
Eager-Beaver: an enthusiastic helper
Chrome-dome: a bald man
Flip your wig: to lose control
Grandstand: to show off or act as though you are better
Bust my chops: To get scolded or yelled at
Taxed: expensive
Katherine Ann Clancy was the light of her parent's lives. She got good grades, she was kind and considerate of others, and most of all she was their only child.
Jim and Melinda had certainly tried for years to have another child, but nothing happened. The doctors had assumed that it was because of the complications during Katie's birth that prevented the couple from having more children, but they soldiered on and put everything into their little girl.
When Melinda had first met Jim he was just a returning soldier from the Great War. She'd met him on her train ride home back to New York City.
Melinda had everything she could ever want for the moment she was born; the best toys, the best clothes, but yet, she hadn't had the best parents. She was practically raised by her nanny, Mary Ann, because of her parent's very hectic social life in the city with investors and another millionaire businessmen.
Mary Ann was a nice, old woman who'd never married, but loved Melinda as if she was her own child and took care of her until she was sixteen when she passed away. She was the best nanny Melinda could've ever asked for and against her father and mother's wishes, Melinda had taken care of her in last few months of her life and then was sent away to boarding school until she straightened out in her father's eyes.
It wasn't until she met that strange soldier who happened to sit next to her on the train when everything changed. Jim Clancy had thought she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, in his twenty years on the planet at the time.
Melinda's father had made it complicated for them to see each other that entire night, but that didn't stop them. Tom had wanted her to marry a rich businessman just like him, but after forcing Melinda to meet the few men he'd brought on the train, she'd still snuck away to spend the night in Jim's room on the train. Melinda had never been that kind of girl, who let a man in her life so quickly and easily, but there was something so different about this one.
That night Jim had convinced her to run off with him in the morning, and she never looked back. She didn't know what it was, but he made her feel something for the first time in her entire life. He promised her he'd take care of her and she knew he would.
For the first five years of their marriage, they'd traveled a lot from New York to Florida. Jim worked odd jobs to get them through, but when Melinda fell pregnant they decided it was time for them to settle down. They didn't live anywhere fancy or even have a nice car. All they had was Jim's old black 1922 - Willys Aero.
All they had at first was a tiny, one bedroom apartment above a bakery that Jim worked early mornings at. At night, he would work whatever job he could find at the railroad. It wasn't until Katie's second birthday when a salesman position opened up at the local dealership.
Jim had always been good at fixing cars, his grandfather had taught him that over the summers of his childhood. He'd even expressed interest in the job if he had a good suit. Melinda had found one for free that the dry cleaners had thrown out. There were holes all along the lining, but she was able to fix up. That was something she'd learned from taking care of Mary Ann.
She'd surprised him with it and the smile on his face was worth the whole week it had taken to stitch it up. Jim had taken the chance and gotten the job, within the year, they had been able to buy a nice three bedroom home in the North End of town.
Although Jim was the breadwinner of the household, Melinda had always enjoyed staying home and being able to garden and focus on their daughter. They still owned their nice little suburban house on Cherry Tree Lane in the outskirts of Ashwick Valley, North Carolina.
One morning, at the beginning of June in 1942, Jim sat at the kitchen table reading the paper as Melinda brought out a serving plate of eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns.
"Eat up, honey." She said and kissed his cheek. "I made plenty."
Jim flipped the page and folded it in half. "This all looks amazing, Mel, thank you." He smiled up at her and their lips briefly touched before she went to sit down and plate herself some food, along with their daughter, who must still be getting ready for her last day of high school. Her graduation had been the previous weekend, a beautiful late May day.
"Is there coffee?" He asked and moved the serving spoon in the scrambled eggs to mix the cheese around. He brought a serving to his plate and then stabbed his fork into a few strips of bacon. He scooped up the hashbrowns after and stood up from the table. "I'm going to get some ketchup as well."
"Oh, sorry." She said and went to grab the pot from the warmer in the kitchen.
"Don't worry. I've got it," he smiled at her and walked into the kitchen.
"Where is that girl?" She sighed, seeing the time on her watch as she stopped to go toward the hallway to the other side of the house. "Katherine, you're going to be late for your last day!"
"Oh don't flip your wig, sweetheart." Jim laughed and poured himself some coffee in the kitchen. "She'll be fine. I told her she could drive the last night, remember?"
"She better get out here and eats her eggs!" She shouted, walking down the hallway. It was still empty and her bedroom door was closed. "Katherine Ann, you don't have to be a grandstand for your last day, you know."
"I'm only trying to pick the best dress," her voice came out of the crack in her door as she peeked her head out. "I still have twenty minutes before I need to leave, mama."
"You need to eat," Melinda reminded her and wedged her way into the room pretty easily. "What dresses do you have picked out?" Katie was currently wearing the new dark blue dress she'd gotten last week. It had a straight skirt with a little flare at the hemline and a round neckline. "Why are you looking at other dresses? This one is beautiful!"
"Oh mama, I'm trying to be the next Davis, don't you know? William hates the color blue." Katie said, leaning against her mother dramatically.
"Oh screw him and go eat your eggs," she laughed and hugged her. "You look beautiful and I love when you leave your hair down. It's very becoming."
Katie found herself looking at herself in her mirror above her vanity then as she applied the finishing touches of makeup. She applied the dark red lipstick carefully and then looked at her mother with a smile. "Not too much, right?"
"No," Melinda found the dark lip to look beautiful with the dark blue dress she was wearing. "You look beautiful. Now come on, the food is going to get cold soon."
Katie nodded and followed her mother out into the hallway.
She left the two dresses that she'd laid out to put away later. She'd probably pick one of them to wear on her date tonight with William. Her boyfriend was taking her to her favorite movie that was finally showing at the drive-in again.
It had been almost a whole year since the showed The Wizard of Oz.
Katie walked into the dining room behind her mother and went to the opposite side of the table to sit beside her father. "Morning daddy," she said cheerfully and kissed her father's cheek.
"Morning sweet pea," Jim smiled at her as she plopped down at the table. "Did you get a good night's sleep?"
She nodded and began to scoop a small number of eggs onto her plate. She grabbed a piece of bacon and set it on her plate too, but then poured herself a glass of orange juice.
"Are you excited for your last day?" He asked, taking a bite of eggs as he began to read the paper.
Melinda came in from the kitchen with her own cup of coffee and sat down across from Katie. "I remember being so ready to be done with boarding school."
"Your parents sent you to a boarding school?" Katie asked, looking up from her plate as she took a bite.
"For my last two years," Melinda nodded and Jim reached over to touch her hand. "But then I met your father when I was twenty."
"On the train, I know," she said with a smile, taking a sip of juice. "You've only told me ten million times." She turned to her father and smiled brightly. "Can I have fifty cents for lunch, daddy? Hannah and I are gonna get burgers and shake at the diner."
"That sounds like a fun, maybe I'll stop by?" He said and fished her wallet out to give her a few dollars.
"Oh, daddy, I don't think you have to come to the diner," she smiled at him and took the money. "I can bring you something if you'd like."
"That's a fine deal with me sweetheart," he leaned over to kiss her cheek. "You sure look pretty in your new dress and don't forget to take care of that car today," he warned her.
"Thank you. I will," she said and finished her eggs. "I promise. I love you both." She gave her father a big kiss on both cheeks and a hug from behind. "Thank you, daddy, have a good day at work." She went to her mother next and hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek. "Bye, mama. I've got to go," she said as she grabbed her book bag that sat by the door.
She grabbed the shiny new car keys on the hook and smiled, maybe today wouldn't be so sad after all.
It was Katherine's last day of high school. She was so proud of finally finishing school at the top of her class. She couldn't wait to finally do something with her life. She wanted to be a nurse and she wanted to fall in love. She wanted to get married and have a family.
A full, happy life.
She couldn't wait.
Katie drove slowly down the quiet street toward her school. She'd only driven her father's new car a few times, the few times Jim had let her since she'd gotten her license. Her father was always such a worrier.
As she turned into the parking lot, she heard a noise and the car began to move weird. She quickly pulled into the first empty spot she saw that was somewhat close to the front doors. She needed to check the car out. That noise worried her.
Her father would bust her chops if she'd broken the newest car this town had ever seen.
Katie got out quickly, swinging her book bag over her shoulder quickly as she turned to inspect the car. She noticed the back left tire had slumped to a flat line. That couldn't be good. No good at all.
How was she going to get home?
Her father was going to ground her for the rest of her life.
"Looks like you've got yourself a flat tire," a voice said from behind her.
She turned around to see Ned Banks looking over at her. He had just pulled in on his black motorcycle beside her and was still sitting atop of it. He took his helmet off and opened the small compartment in the back of the motorcycle to place inside. He began to walk toward her as he swung his legs around and off the seat. He wore a pair of pressed khaki trousers that seemed to do this bad boy fine and it paired well with a fitted black graphic sweater.
His look couldn't be more handsome, but round it out with his blonde hairstyle (a casual part, ruffled by the wind). He had a cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth as he smiled. He wasn't the person she'd hang out with, but she knew him. She knew everyone that went to the high school and everyone knew her.
He was the mechanic's son, so he definitely knew what he was doing. He leaned down and touched the tire before standing back up. "I can fix it for you," he said. "It's an easy fix."
"Well aren't you an eager-beaver. That's mighty nice of you to help me out," she said and held out her hand for him to shake. Her father had always told her a handshake was the best way to start a relationship with someone. "Katherine Clancy, I know we've met before, but I don't think we've ever actually spoken, which is a pity."
"It's good to see you. I know your father. We bump into each other often with the shop and gas." He nodded and held out his hand to her then, grasping hers. "Ned Banks, it's nice to finally talk to you too."
She smiled and took his hand. She could feel his hands were callused and raw like he'd had worked twice as hard for everything he had. Every pinprick touch felt rough. Funny how somethings can feel like that, but she guessed he'd just worked a lot in his father's shop.
He brought his cigarette to his mouth, inhaling slowly, his system responding to the smoke, and he felt his lungs being wrapped by a warm blanket. Taking small, slow draws of the cigarette, he felt delighted as he exhaled. "This shouldn't take long."
"If you say so," she smiled and touched his shoulder. "Thank you for fixing the tire for me."
"It's no big deal. I do this at least twenty times a day when I'm working," he replied as he threw the cigarette on the ground and stomped on it. "I'll patch it up real quick. You haven't lost much air yet. You should be able to get home just fine. You'll have to let your father know to air it up when you get home, but that's it."
"Thank you, Ned, really. My father would've been furious if I'd had to call him about this. You're doing me a real favor. I guess I owe you one," she said, wiping her brow off with imaginary sweat before she hugged him. "I better get going. It was nice to see you again."
Thank god he put that thing out. She hated the smell of cigarettes, she didn't see the point in them.
They smelt and tasted terrible from her one experience with Hannah. She'd snuck one from her father's pack and they shared it. Katie had only taken on puff before she let Hannah have. They were thirteen and it was summer fun. They still laughed about it. Katie thought they were gross.
"Katie?" A voice came into her earshot and she turned around to see William.
He must've seen her hugging Ned. Oh no.
"WHat's going on here? Her boyfriend was nearly six feet and five inches tall. A whole foot taller than her. She felt so tiny compared to him, always.
"Will," she said quietly. "I was just thanking Ned... he is gonna fix my flat tire."
"Is that all?" Will asked and wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Yeah," she said and tucked the keys in her book bag. "We should be getting to class, right Will?"
"We better let the help do their job anyway," Will laughed and pulled her with him.
"Why do you always have to be so rude? Ned's doing me a favor," she muttered and pushed his arm away from her waist. "I can't stand to be around you when you're like this."
"What did you say to me?" He turned around immediately and grabbed her arm, pulling her up against his chest. His grip tightened on her wrist and she winced as he pulled too hard. She was going to bruise, again. "Do I need to remind you of last weekend? Don't talk to me like that again."
"William," she cried, her tears rolling down her face. "Please, stop. You're hurting me." She pushed him away and ran onto Ned's back as he stepped up onto the sidewalk behind her.
"What are you doing here, Banks? This is a private conversation," William scoffed, walking up to him. "Don't you have a job to do?"
Ned shoved him back and turned to see if Katie was alright. "Are you okay?" Ned asked, seeing the bruise on her wrist and then sighing. He'd seen enough to know what kind of person William really was. He was just like his father. He liked to control the women who loved them. Katie could barely hold his gaze before pulling her hand away.
"I'm fine," she said, her jaw and breath shaking. "I'm fine, Ned. Will, you should go. We can talk later."
"To hell with both of you," he muttered and threw his hands up. "You'll pay for this Katie."
"Does he mean that?" Ned asked.
Katie knew he had done, but shook her head anyway. "He thinks he can say whatever he wants just because his father owns half the county, but that doesn't mean he's better than anyone else." She said and started to walk away. "Thank you for coming to my rescue again, Ned… I'm sorry for what he said to you." She said and touched his shoulder softly.
"It's alright. I'm used to the Davis family acting like they are better than everyone else," Ned said and smiled down at her. "You don't have to apologize for him. I'm just glad I could step in."
The bell rang. "Well, I better get going. Thanks again." She said.
"Anytime, you're lucky I always skip and no one will miss me in my first period," Ned chuckled and went over to his bike to pull out the few tools he kept in the compartment on the second seat. He brought over the jack and cranked her car up to remove the tire. "It should be done before your first class is done."
She waved at him and locked arms with Hannah as they walked toward their first class of the day.
"You'll pay for that," William reminded her and pushed past her. "And for everything the dirty Banks said."
"What was that about?" Hannah asked.
"You know Will, always thinkin' he's better than everybody else." She sighed, shaking his words off. It was all she could do to get through her day. "Don't worry."
"I do worry..." Hannah muttered as they took their seats.
She set her bag on the floor next to her and relaxed into the desk. She worried too.
After school, Katie stopped by the library. It was the only place she could clear her mind. After sifting through all of the mystery books, she'd moved to the romance. It was her favorite genre after all.
She drove down her street which looked perfect, it always did. She drove slow as many kids drove by her on their bikes. What some people called a cookie cutter neighborhood which included, neat lawns and nice smells. A few people waved to her as they cut grass.
She knew everyone.
She noticed that Mrs. Larson was visible in her house baking cookies with her young son. The smells had leaked out of the open window and Katie smiled.
Mmmm… so good.
Katie noticed her mom bent over and gardening out front as she pulled into the driveway next to her father's car. It must be his turn to cook tonight. Her parents had always done things like that, for as long as she could remember. She parked and pulled out the keys, grabbing the two books she'd checked out and her bag as she moved out of the car.
"Hey mama, need some help?" She asked as she walked toward her. She carefully placed the books inside her bag. "I stopped by the library. I got us each a book."
"How nice, you can help me plant these tulips," Melinda said as Katie kneeled down next to her placing her bag on the sidewalk next to her.
The girl carefully smoothed out her dress and pulled on the gloves in the small bin beside her. "Order me around," She laughed.
"Take these seedlings and put them in the holes, fill around it with soil and then water it," Melinda explained. "Got it?"
"Yeah. Seems easy enough," she said and took a few seedlings from her.
They work together and quickly get the garden planted for this summer before the sun begins to set. Katie could smell the meat cooking in the backyard and smiled. Her father must be cooking. She loved whenever he cooked.
"Teamwork," Melinda said and high fived her before planting a kiss on her cheek. "Did you have a good last day?"
"Yeah. A little sad, but it was okay." She explained and took off the planting gloves. "I have a book to start reading. What's daddy cooking?"
"I think he fired up that old grill and is making steaks. They were on sale for a quarter!" Melinda exclaimed and began to pack up her gardening tools.
"I'll put it away," she said and took the bag from her. "You go in and get cleaned up."
Her mother grabbed her book bag and hung it up by the door as Katie went in and placed the gardening tool bag in the hall closet. She closed the front door behind them and reached into her bag to grab her book.
"Did you see that gas went up! It's eighteen cents, that's so taxed!" She said walking into the kitchen.
"I heard it has somethin' to do with Mr. President being so sick." Her father said as he walked inside with a plate of meat.
"I heard about that!" Melinda gasped and went to check the food that was cooking on the stove. "I heard it has something' to do with all the cigars he smokes."
"Oh mama, you're such a gossip." She giggled and sat down, opening the book.
"I thought there was a rule about reading at the table, Katherine," her father joked and placed the main plate in front of her, and kissed her forehead. "Only fun activities are allowed, remember?."
"Oh, daddy stop being such a fuddy-duddy." She giggled and closed the book. "Gone with the Wind happens to be an incredible novel. I picked it up from the library on my way home. I love to read, remember?"
"Says you. I like a good ball game with a beer," he laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Did you wash up?"
"I probably should," Katie stood up and Jim went to see the food he'd prepared in the kitchen. Melinda was helping with the finish touches and brought the mashed potatoes to the table. Jim went to grab the small serving dish of grilled green beans to set it on the table.
Her parents shared a kiss once he returned and she smiled. They loved each other, they really did. She wanted that for herself one day.
Her mother didn't give in to any of her father's requests for an arranged marriage. She powered out until she met her father on that train when she was twenty, and even if everyone wanted her to marry rich she ran off with her father and married with him.
That's a love Katie wanted for herself, as did her parents.
"So, my boss is taking all of the workers out for drinks," Jim said to Melinda as he sat down at the head of the table and grabbed a steak for himself and then brought one to Katie's plate and then Melinda's. "There will probably be some call girls. It's the politics of running a car business and I don't like it."
"I trust you," Melinda shook her head, scooping some potatoes. "Do you what you gotta do, but just make sure you come home at a decent hour. I can't stay up as late as I used to... "
"I'm right here," she laughed and grabbed herself some green beans and potatoes, not too much, but enough. She opened her book and began to read as she ate.
"We know," he chuckled and kissed her mother once more. "I love you, those green beans from the garden looked great.."
"Thank you and I love you too," Melinda replied and touched his face. "Who's saying grace?"
"I will," she said and they all held hands, each closing their eyes. "Bless us, O'Lord, and this food which we are about to receive. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen."
"Amen," her parents said too.
They all dug into their food and Katie continued to read her book, her parent's small talk was the last thing on her mind. She just wanted to eat and enjoy the time with her family before William eventually came over.
"How'd the car drive?" Her father asked.
"Good, a minor mishap, but it was fixed." She said absentmindedly, flipping the page.
"What happened?" He asked, calmly, and then began to cut his steak.
"I'm not sure what I drove over, but there was a flat tire, but Ned Banks fixed it up for me." She explained, taking a bite of potatoes and then cutting up her steak. "Will wasn't too happy with me for talking to him though."
"I've always liked the Banks' son. He seems nice," Melinda chirped, but then shook her head about the news with William. "That Davis boy is always getting on my nerves lately. I'm not sure how I feel about him anymore. Are you sure about your date with him tonight?"
"Yes, mama. We should probably talk things through. I can handle myself," she nodded, reassuring her and then looking to her father, who hadn't said much. That wasn't entirely a bad or a good thing. She wasn't sure what to think of it. "Daddy, what do you think?"
"Of Ned?" Her father looked up and took a bite of his steak. "Or William Davis?"
"Of both," Katie said, closing her book. She sat up in her chair and began to eat.
"I like the Banks kid. He's had a rough life," Jim nodded, eating some potatoes and then wiping his mouth before continuing. "But he is always taking care of his little siblings with that older brother of his and that takes character. I like him for that. I'm glad he was there to help you today."
"Me too," Melinda said, smiling at Katie. "He seems like a nice boy."
"Yes, he is." Katie nodded, looking down at her food. "Not sure about my boyfriend anymore."
"Remind me to bust the chops on that kid when he comes by," her father muttered. "I like the boy, he's smart, but he is just so short-tempered."
Katie nodded. She knew that better than anyone. "It's hard. I don't know who he is anymore," she whispered, pushing around the food on her plate. "Can I be excused?"
Melinda and Jim both looked at their daughter and then at each other. Neither were sure what to say to the other or Katie.
"Sure, sweetheart," Melinda said and then looked back at her. "Want me to wrap your plate up in case you get hungry?"
Katie slowly stood up and collected her book. "Sure. It was very good food, daddy. Thank you for cooking it." She pushed her chair back into the table. "I'm going to get ready for the movie," she whispered and then walked out into the hallway.
"I think she's grown enough to handle herself with William. You should take to him though," Melinda whispered, taking a bite of her food. "I'll try and talk to Katie before she goes, but if not, when she gets back. She said she's leaving before seven, right?"
"It's almost six," he nodded, finishing the last of his steak and then leaned back into his chair. He stacked a few green beans on his fork and ate them too. "I think there's still a bit of time before she leaves. Don't worry, but these green beans are to die for. You're gardening is getting better each spring."
Melinda smiled and reached over to squeeze his hand. "Thank you, sweetheart. I'm glad you think so." She then looked away and sighed. She was worried about Katie too. She just wasn't sure what she needed to be worried about.
Katie was fixing her hair as the doorbell echoed through the house and she looked over her makeup. She was so worried about tonight.
What was her father going to do when he saw William? What was William going to do when they were alone?
Katie walked out into the hallway slowly, she could hear her father talking to her boyfriend. His voice wasn't too loud yet, but stern.
"If you ever treat my daughter like that again, it will be weeks before you ever see her again." His voice boomed through the house and she inhaled softly before walking down the rest of the hallway. "You hear me?"
"Yes, sir," William muttered.
"What are your plans for tonight?" Jim said, crossing his arms. He was blocking Katie's view of William as he stood in front of the open door as she peeked around the corner. "Just the movie?"
"Yes. We will probably get snacks, but then I will bring her right back home," William explained, clearing his throat softly. "Should be around nine or nine-thirty."
"I'm coming with you," her mother said and wrapped her arm around her. "Are you sure you want to go?"
She nodded, slowly, even if she wasn't completely sure. They both walked into the foyer and she saw William, who was trying to contain himself from the look in his eyes.
Maybe she should stay home tonight. His voice invaded everything.
"Katherine," William said and held out a bouquet of roses. "For being flipping my wig earlier at school. I'm really sorry about that sweetheart."
She took the flowers with a smile and gave the flowers to her mother to put away in her room, and then took an uneasy step forward. William kissed her cheek and she hugged him slowly before turning to her father and mother to say goodbye and grab her coat.
"Have her home by nine," Jim warned.
"Yes sir," William said.
"Daddy, remember what I said earlier?" She reminded him. She did want a little bit of time to talk to William. She intended on watching the movie. "I kind of wanted to get a milkshake before the movie at seven thirty."
"That sounds like fine. You have her home by ten o'clock." He said and released William's jacket slowly before he embraced his little girl tightly. He never wanted to he let her go, especially after seeing the way William was looking at her. "You come straight home if he tries anything. Alright?"
"You're gonna worry yourself into being a chrome-dome, daddy," she whispered and kissed his cheek. She hugged him tightly. "I'll be fine."
"I worry just enough," he coughed and walked back toward Melinda. "See you at ten."
"I love you both to the moon," she smiled toward Will and took his hand into hers as they left the house.
"If you ever tell your father about me like that again…" He shook her hand away. "I'll bust your pretty face up and no one will ever want you again. You hear me?" William muttered and opened the passenger door for her. He looked over at her as she moved to sit in the car. "If you weren't such a dramatic and listened to me I wouldn't have to be strict with you, but Ned Banks was putting moves on you. You just are too sweet to see it, okay?"
"Okay. I know. I'm sorry," she said and got inside the car. She looked up at him and he closed the door. The window was open and he leaned down to look at her.
He reached out to touch her face and kissed her. She almost felt something, but it had been months since he'd made her feel something real. And right now, all she felt was fear.
Maybe this is how things were now. Maybe she needed to get accustomed to this new William because he was nothing like the boy she'd fallen in love with.
After going out for milkshakes, William drove them to the Drive-In. They were showing The Wizard of Oz just like she'd read in the paper. Her favorite.
"This was the first movie to be in color back in 1939, you know," she said as she scooted herself up against William as they settled in his Chevy. "Have you seen it yet?"
"I don't care," he muttered and laid back into the seat. "Just watch the damn thing."
She sighed and looked back to the screen as the movie began to play. She wished he'd liked one of the things she did. Not anymore apparently.
He turned to face her and cupped her cheek. "I'm sorry," he muttered and drew her in for a hug.
She wanted to push him off, but she knew better. William kissed her harshly, while she stayed frozen in his grasp. He wrapped both arms around her and laid her back against the seat.
"Will... no." She sighed and turned her head. "Can we just watch the movie a little more? I can't see it from here?"
"What is your problem now?" He snapped and slammed his hand down on the seat, right next to her face. Was this some sort of scare tactic of his? He did it again and she sat up. "One second you're wanting my attention and the next you're wanting me off of you. You love me, right?"
"Of course I do," she said, looking over at him. "The movie just started. I need to turn on the sound box."
He turned away, for now. "Whatever." He muttered and let her sit up, moving back to his seat.
After an hour passed and the intermission popcorn popped up on the screen, William stormed off and slammed the door. He said something about getting something sweet to her. She just sat there, trying to contain her tears until he came back with licorice, her favorite sweet treat, and she considered forgiving him and gave him a kiss. He smiled and they shared a few pieces as the movie began again.
Katie laid back on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her.
"Will you let me have you now?" He asked, leaning in to kiss her head.
"Not tonight," she whispered and tried to turn away. She wasn't sure what she wanted to say and took a bite of her licorice. "Not after everything today. I'm not in the mood. Maybe another day."
"I'm your boyfriend, Katherine. I'm sick of this. You can't say no to me," he laughed and moved her back on the seat, getting on top of her. He moved her hands to side as his hands gripped her waist and ribs too tight. "I'll take what's mine when I want to. This isn't like the first time, you can't say no to me anymore."
She didn't know what to do. His weight was crushing her, pinning her down onto the hood of the car. She could barely breathe under him like this. "You're hurting me," she winced, trying to push him off her. "Stop it, Will. Please…"
His lips silenced her voice and she has confined her thoughts as she turned her head. He couldn't look at him. She couldn't look at him when he was doing this to her.
Maybe Will was right. They'd been together like this before... more than once since the new year. It was alright, nothing too special. They were nothing special.
Maybe something was wrong with her, she knew how her father could make her mother feel. She'd heard it one too many times between the thin walls of their house when she was younger. They got better at being quiet when she was older. It also wasn't hard to hear her mother talk to the neighbor and her friends on the phone.
William brought his lips to her again, his hand slipping beneath her dress and trailing up her thigh. They felt warm, and he moaned as he touched her. It was... too forced.
She didn't want this.
She felt helpless and confused.
Was this love? Was this her fault?
If she hadn't talked to Ned, maybe this wouldn't have happened. She was ashamed because she let herself get into this situation. She should've told her parents everything that had happened. They never would've let her come then.
William grabbed at her hair and yanked, and all she wanted to do was scream. There were so many people all around them, laughing at the movie in their cars, but they were unable to hear her with the windows up and her pinned down out of view.
Even if they could, they would just be another couple of rascals getting it on at the drive-in to them. No one was paying attention as her boyfriend pulled the buttons open on her dress against her will and exposed her breasts, his mouth moved there, his teeth pulled and yanked. He bruised, cut and hit her more as he moved closer to his bride.
She felt tears sting her eyes more. His hair was sweaty and he was biting his bottom lip to keep from moaning out in triumph. She was doing everything she could to study every single feature on his face. She would never forget this. She would never forget how she feels violated and... ashamed.
He finally removed himself from her and pulled his belt off, and unzipped himself enough to expose himself. There wasn't much, to say the least. He leaned up against her and kissed her neck. "I love you," he said and brought her face to his, kissing her briefly before he looked down. "You know that right?"
She turned her head and closed her eyes. She didn't want this, but he did, and she loved him. At least she thought she did. Was this supposed to be happening?
He forced himself inside her. As she cried in pain, he cried in relief. It seemed as though it had always been like that. It wasn't long, it never was. He rolled off and fixed his pants and kissed her cheek.
"It didn't have to be like that. I wouldn't have to be rough if you just listened to me." He said and fixed her dress quickly.
She laid there, crying silently. It was only a moment later when she sat up wiped away her tears. "I need some air," she got out of the car a moment later and leaned up against the back end. She couldn't catch her breath and she just wanted to run home.
She heard the car door on the other side open and close as her boyfriend came around the back end to check on her. "Are you okay?" He asked and brought his hand up to her face to wipe away any more of her tears before trying to kiss her again.
She turned away from. "William, please don't," she sniffled.
"Is everything alright?" A voice asked and she looked up to see Ned.
This boy always seemed to be there to save her lately.
"Piss off, we're having a private moment," William muttered.
"I wasn't asking you," Ned said and looked at her. He stepped closed and looked at Katie, who was crying. He could hardly believe she was having a good time with him. "Come on. I'll bring you home." The boy she hardly knew held out his hand and she wanted to take it, but she didn't want to get herself hurt in the long haul.
"She doesn't want you to take her home," William said, stepping over to push his hand away. "We're having a nice time here. Katie just needed a breath of fresh air, right?"
Ned took a step closer and wiped away another falling tear from her cheek. "Is that right?" He asked.
She looked up and could barely take in a breath without wanting to just break down and sob.
Everything hurt. Her whole body and then some. She just wanted to go home, and not with William. Anyone but him.
"You'll take me home?" She asked Ned.
"Of course I will," Ned said and smiled at her. "I was checking in on my little sister. Making sure everything was still PG."
She laughed, walking toward Ned slowly and away from William. "That's awfully sweet of you to check on her."
"If you go with him, we're done, Katie," William warned her.
She took another step back toward him and took the ring he'd given her for the first year anniversary off her finger. She placed it in his hand. "I don't ever want to see you again after tonight. I'll never forgive you," she said softly, just breathing through before she turned around to Ned.
The blond was staring at William, making sure he didn't move toward her before he placed his jacket around her shoulders. "Ready?" Ned asked before guiding her to his motorcycle. "I'm sorry you had such a sour night…"
"It's alright. William has not been the man I loved for a long time," she sighed as they walked toward the back of the lot where Ned's bike was parked. "Is this a 1940 Triumph Tiger 100?"
"You know bikes too?" He asked and straddled it, giving his helmet to her.
"My dad's a salesman, remember?" She asked and clipped the helmet in place. "Aren't you going to wear one?"
"I would, but I only have one helmet. Don't worry I'm a safe driver, you can trust me." He explained with a laugh and held out his hand.
She took it and he pulled her on, she gripped his shirt tightly. He was strong, she could feel the muscle with each breath he took, especially when he laughed.
"You ready?" He asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she said and as the motorcycle took off, they basically flew to her house. It was so fast she didn't even realize where they were until they came to a stop, everything moved so fast in a blur of colors. She'd never been on one before. "That was fun."
He parked on the street and helped her off, unclipping the helmet as her parents stepped outside the house onto the porch, wondering what that noise was. "I'm glad you had at least some fun tonight. I'm sorry for whatever happened between you and William… I saw you gave him your ring."
"We're done and over with, that's for sure." She whispered and slipped off the jacket of to give it back to him "Thanks for saving me, again." She said and smiled at him. "I guess I owe you two favors now, Banks."
"You can call me about those anytime, rich girl." He said and smiled at her.
"I'm not-" She muttered, not sure what to say not him.
"You are," he laughed, looking back at her house as he saw her parents waiting on the porch. He waved gingerly, and Katie looked back and almost cracked a smile, but was looking back at him before he knew. Her parents were giving them a little space, for now, seeing that there wasn't any tension between them. She wasn't going to waste it. "I know my house doesn't look like this. Not to be rude-"
She embraced Ned, cutting off his words. He had saved her when it came down to it Tonight had been a nightmare and he'd brought her home.
He slowly let himself wrap his arms around her frame, and she wasn't small like he expected her to be. She had a body, a womanly one. There was something so warm, something that felt right, smelled right to him. Ned had never felt like this, and neither had Katie. She let her body sag, her muscles become loose. He gave her the respect of an equal but cradled her like he would any girl he liked.
In that embrace, she felt her worries lose their keen sting and her optimism raise its head from the dirt. Perhaps the hope had been there all along, but without some love, it was trapped, like crystals in a stone. She felt him brush her hair back with his mechanic fingers and kiss her gently.
Was this love?
Maybe... because she knew this was never what she felt around William. She'd never felt so warm, so happy. Not in a long time. It was like the whole world fell away.
Their kiss was slow and soft, comforting in ways that a hug would never be. His hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek as their lips mingled. She ran her fingers down his back, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest.
She never wanted to let go of this feeling, the warmth that crept up her back and pooled in her stomach.
Her father coughed and it all went away. They separated slowly. She had forgotten about her parents until now.
Jim Clancy was standing just behind Ned, resting his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Thank you for bringing her home, Ned," her father said, patting him. "But I think you should be going. It's rather late."
Ned nodded and looked up at him. He gulped and stood up straight. "Anytime, Mr. Clancy." He turned to Katie and smiled at her. "I should get going. I'm glad I could get you home safe and sound after all that ruckus at the drive-in." He said softly, reaching out to hold her hand once again before he had to come. "I'll see you around?"
"Yes, you will," she nodded. "Thank you."
He stepped closer, hugging her for a moment before he took the helmet from her and slipped it on his head before straddling his bike again and driving off.
"Daddy," she sighed and walked toward him. She hugged him tightly then. She had never needed one of his hugs more in her entire life, even if it hurt as he gave her a squeeze. There had to be bruises on her sides from William. They had to be everywhere. "What time is it?"
"It's almost ten," he shrugged, rubbing her back. "Where's William? What was with that kiss?"
"Oh, that…" She blushed. She had not intended her father or her mother to see that. "I left William at the drive-in. We broke up," she whispered, walking past him. She could see her mother was on the porch and she wanted to see her, hug her. Anything. "I ran into Ned as he was leaving. He was checking on his younger sister. He gave me a ride home."
"I'm sorry about William, sweetheart. That's awful. I'm glad Ned was there and could get you home," he said, shaking his head as he followed her up to the porch. His arm was around her side still and he pressed a kiss to her cheek.
"Of course, daddy." She leaned into his side for a quick hug as she stepped onto the porch. "I just wanted to come home."
"Oh, baby." Melinda hugged her immediately and Katie began o cry in her shoulder. She just couldn't hold it in any longer. She just couldn't. "What happened?"
Katie wasn't sure what she wanted to say. She just wasn't. How could she tell them everything that happened?
"I broke up with William," she cried out.
That was enough for now.