Chapter 8ish

I got ready for school in record time, wanting to get to school early to see if I could find Edward anywhere. But I was ambushed downstairs by Mary.

"Good morning Bella, you didn't eat your dinner last night so I fixed you an extra large breakfast."

She beamed at me with a heaping plate of food in her hands. I couldn't help but smile. I quickly sat down at the worn kitchen table as she placed the food in front of me, my stomach gurgled in response to the enticing aroma. I looked it over, there were pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast.

I looked up at Mary

"Thank you."

I then shoveled up a heaping spoonful of eggs. I was so involved in my food that I did not notice that Mary had sat down in the rickety chair across me, again nursing a cup of coffee.

"So what happened yesterday, you looked absolutely dreadful."

I was so startled by her perception that I paused - mid bite then set my fork back down, thinking of situations that I could tell her that she would believe. I settled on the explanation that was closest to the truth, I am trying to not let the lies loose, especially not with Mary who has been so good to me.

"We went on a field trip yesterday to learn different about different kinds of plants and we hiked all over, it kind of made me tired, I am sorry I worried you Aunt Mary."

I smiled at her then dug into my plate of foodstuffs; polishing it off with gusto. I glanced at the clock on the wall. I would have to leave early in order to get to school in time to find Edward.

"I am sorry to eat and run Mary but I need to get to school early today to work on a project." It really wasn't a lie per se, because I did have something to do."

"Be careful" she cautioned me as I grabbed my back pack and flew out the door.

I arrived on the school grounds in record time there were quite a few kids mulling about but I had yet to see Edward. I decided to sit on the slate grey concrete bench that ran parallel to the grounds that way I could see him when he arrived. It was almost time for class to start and I had not seen any sign of him. But I did see Mike, his bright blue eyes radiating warmth as they looked at me. All thoughts of Edward at that moment disappeared I concentrated only on Mike.

"Hey Bella, did ya miss me?" He questioned sardonically

"With every bullet in my gun." I quipped back. His grin grew bigger with my statement.

"But to be truthful the field trip was not as much fun as I thought it should have been, Kari ditched it to go do something with Sean so I spent most of the day wandering aimlessly by myself." I pouted.

"Aww I am sorry, on the bright side that was the last meet of the season so from now on I can join you on boring field trips." Just then he slung his arm over my shoulder and pulled me close to him, I could feel the warmth radiating from his thin jacket. I snuggled closer, taking pleasure in the slight weight of his arm on my shoulder. We sat like that until the morning bell rang. He then stood up and pulled me along with him. Capturing my hand in his and walked me to my first class. Outside the classroom door he pulled me into a tight embrace and whispered "See ya at lunch?" I could only nod my head.

I felt giddy at that thought that he liked me, he really liked plain ordinary me. As suddenly as he hugged me, he let go turned and melted into the crowd. Still in a daze I floated into Mr. Anderson's class.

I found a seat that was in the middle by beside the large split panel window and looked outside at the beautiful bright morning, Reflecting on the fact that Mike had actually held hands with me again, and in front of the whole student body. I leaned my head on my upturned hand and sighed, It has been such a perfect morning, I cannot wait until lunch time to spend with him. So lost in my reverie I didn't notice the other kids enter the room until I felt a gentle poke in my shoulder, I turned from the window and saw Mandy looking at me quizzically.

"Morning Bella, what planet did you just come back from?" she beamed

I laughed heartily "No planet just really happy."

"HMMM" she narrowed her eyes and pursed her mouth for a moment then her eyes brightened up… "Does this have anything to do with Mike by chance? Did you have a good afternoon with him on Saturday?"

I nodded but then added, "Yes it was wonderful but this morning was even better."

Her mouth opened as if she was going to ask another question but then the offending bell rang signaling the start of class.

I busied myself getting out my supplies and opening my textbook to today's lesson. I drifted off occasionally during Mr. Andersons lecture on quadratic equations. It is not for lack of trying on my part, I really did try to pay attention but my thoughts kept drifting back to this morning. While I was absorbed in my thoughts the class had broken into groups to work on today's assignment. I was a little late to ask Mandy if she wanted to partner up, she already had with another friend of hers. I scoured the classroom looking for someone who was partner less, but there were none to be found. I looked again and then met Josh's dancing green eyes; he waved me over to him. I grabbed my book and paper and went to join him.

"Hi, are you sure it is okay that I join you?" I asked suddenly feeling very shy

"Sure Jasper and I are pretty good at math, but I noticed that you were off in la-la land so I'm sure you have no clue what you're doing so we will help you through it. He laughed at me then. "Where were you anyway?"

"Oh , just about things, nothing important anyways."

"Oh okay well lets get to work"

The next hour flew by quickly under the boys' tutelage I actually had a basic concept of the math that we were working on, and I even had completed over half of my assignment. Granted Josh and Jasper finished it all, but I knew the material well enough to finish it at home this evening. As we were leaving the class I threw them quick "thank you" They both smiled at me and left to their next class.

The rest of the morning passed exactly the same, meaning I kept spacing off. Finally it was time for lunch I quickly grabbed my food from the lunch line and sat at the table with Kari and her friends. She and her boyfriend Sean were already there. It was hard to figure out where one ended and the other began, I rolled my eyes, I have never been much into PDA. I found anything more than handholding or hugging disgusting. I guess I am a little old fashioned but some things are meant to stay special- private and not broadcast to the world for everyone else to see.

"Hey Bella, have you figured out if your going to the dance yet?"

"Yeah I answered, "Mike asked me on Saturday although I am not sure what I am going as yet, for my costume I mean" I added brightly

"That is so cool that you're going to go, it is going to be a blast."

"Yeah I am sure it will. " I distractedly replied

I saw Mike coming towards the table he wasn't carrying a tray. A bit puzzled I waited for him to sit at the table.

"Hey"

"Hey"

"Aren't you eating today?"

"No I am not really hungry, do you want to go for a walk outside?" his voice a little too serious.

"Sure" I replied "Just give me a minute to dispose of this" I crinkled my nose at the untouched tray on the table.

We walked outside around perimeter of the courtyard; I could tell that there was something wrong. I placed my hand on his arm. "Is there something wrong?" I enquired

"Oh no nothing wrong I am just a little tired I guess." He said as he was looking out over the courtyard. He then grabbed my hand and started walking again. I smiled; I would never grow tired of holding his warm hand. We didn't say anything, just walked around. As we came closer to the building I actually noticed Edward was there with his sister. He looked like he was really mad at something, and as much as his sister tried to calm him down, it appeared that he got agitated more. I looked away quickly. I know I needed to thank him, but I did not want him to spoil my time with Mike.

We walked together hand in hand to photography. Today we were working in the dark room so there was not much time for conversation; Mike was constantly at my side. I did notice a white gleam coming from the corner of the red tinged room. I looked over my shoulder to see what it was. It was Edward, his teeth bared into a snarl, shooting daggers at Mike. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why. I couldn't even remember a time that I had seen Mike or Edward talk, Peculiar to say the least. Then Edward's gaze met mine. The snarl disappeared but he still looked displeased. I turned back to the teacher making a mental note to talk to him the next chance I got.

The week passed quickly Mike and I were almost inseparable at school, together before and after school, during lunch and of course photography. I have been so wrapped up in being the good girlfriend that I totally forgot about Edward. I really feel bad about it. Here it is now Friday in history class and I haven't seen Edward all day.

Come to think of it I cannot even remember if I had seen him at all this last week. Kari was rattling on about how well her and Sean's relationship is and how perfect they are together. But I tuned her out for the most part absorbed in my own dilemmas.

Mike said he would pick me up tonight at seven we were going to double date with Kari and Sean. I really wasn't looking forward to it because every time I saw Kari with Sean they were exhibiting major PDA. I guess I am just uncomfortable with anything other than holding hands. Perhaps it will be a good evening, especially since I get to spend time with Mike.

It was well after five in the afternoon before I walked in my door, I had to catch up on my programming for computer lit class. It, by far is the most boring and useless class, well unless you're destined to become a computer programmer or a designer or even a hacker. I knew that Mary was still at work because when I asked her this morning if I could go to the movies she said that it was okay but she had to work until midnight. I dropped my backpack in the entryway and headed to the kitchen to find something for dinner.

I don't know what the boys were planning as far as the date but I was hungry and didn't want to wait. I popped an enchilada TV dinner in the microwave and poured a glass of milk. It was not the most appetizing of meals but Mary always made sure that there was something quick for me to fix since she has not been making it home until after I had gone to bed. The timer on the microwave signaled my food was done; I grabbed it and ate it in a hurried fashion. The boys and Kari were going to be here in less than an hour and I still had to get ready. I threw the empty tray in the trash and placed my cup and fork in the dishwasher.

I decided to stay in the clothes that I was wearing, a long sleeve navy blue and black shirt, jeans and my favorite converse. I inherited them from one of my foster sisters whose feet had grown two sizes in one year. They are black Chuck Taylor high tops and they are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. I grabbed a thick jacket from my closet and headed downstairs to wait.

Almost immediately the doorbell rang. It was Kari on the other side. I opened the screen door to let her in.

"Hey Kari"

I looked around her to see if I could find Mike or Sean, but there was only Kari's moms car sitting in the driveway running. Kari looked awful, her eyes were reddened and puffy, tear streaks ran down her cheeks and her hair was a complete mess, reddish blonde tendrils sticking out every which way. As she opened the door she threw herself at me sobbing… Her face was stuck into the shoulder of my jacket so I couldn't understand what she was saying. Uncomfortably I hugged her back not sure what was going on.

"Kari I cannot understand what you're saying" I slowly pushed her away from me so that I could look at her. Her usual bright green eyes were dulled into a sort of sadness.

"Tell me what happened"

"Sean called me this evening and told me that he doesn't think that we are working out as a couple. He said that I am too flighty and not very bright." At this last statement Kari broke down, her shoulders were shaking so I drew her back into my arms and just rocked her, rubbing her back.

"It will be okay, you will see, he is not worth your time or effort anyways Kari, You are better than him…Cheer up Kari, It will get better." I led her over to the couch and sat her down.

"But first, let me call Mike and cancel and we will have a girl's night, how does that sound?" Kari just nodded her head, still sniffling.

"All right I will be right back."

I headed to the phone in Mary's room so I could have some privacy, I really wanted to go out with Mike but my friend needs me first. He picked up the phone on the second ring,

"Hello?"

"Hey Mike its Bella,"

"Oh hey Bella I was just about to go get Sean and Kari then head over to get you."

"Yeah about that, Kari just showed up apparently Sean has broken up with her and she is really upset. I was wondering if we could reschedule for another day, I think she needs a friend right now."

"Oh bummer, Yeah that is cool, I am sure I can find something else to do"

"Thank you Mike, your sweet. I will call you tomorrow"

"All right, Late."

I heard the phone click off, so I sat the receiver back into the cradle. I cannot believe how nice he was about that. Most guys would have at least given some attitude. I guess I am very lucky. I went towards the living room and could still see Kari moping on the couch, as her friend it is my duty to cheer her up.

I skipped out into the living room and put on my happiest face

"Alright Kari, I am all yours? What do you want to do?"

Kari lifted her eyes so that they were looking at me and then she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know my mom is still waiting for me, maybe she will drop us off at the movies."

"That would be cool; you think she would pick us up too?"

"Yeah, I don't think it will be a problem but let me go ask."

Kari sluggishly pushed herself up off of the couch and walked out the screen door. I have never actually met Kari's mother most of the time I am either here or at school, well except the one day that I met Mike at the coffee shop. I hope we can go it would be nice to get out of town; Manitou is very small so they do not have any malls or Cineplex's. They do not even have a 24hour gas station. After eight at night this place is as eerie a ghost town.

The closest city is Colorado Springs, and I have yet to go do something there. Mary works so much of the time that I find contentment just being at home or exploring the woods behind my house. It is a great place to go and read or to just be one with nature.

Kari opened the screen door and poked her head in "Yeah, it is okay she said she would drop us off and pick us up."

"Cool let me get my wallet and we will jet"

I flew up the stairs grabbed the wallet that was on the dresser and hurried out to the car.

Kari was already seated in the front passenger seat beside her mom, I opened the door and said hello, then proceeded to buckle myself in.

"Hello Bella, it is nice to finally meet you, Kari has told me so much about you." This came from Kari's mom, I really couldn't see what she looked like the dim lights from the dashboard didn't illuminate the cab well enough.

"Nice to meet you too ma'am." I said as politely as I could. One thing that I have learned over the years is how to speak respectful to adults. I really didn't have much of a choice. One of the foster moms that I had would literally beat me if I spoke one word of disrespect in her direction. Come to think of it, she reminded me a lot of the leading lady in Mommy Dearest I to this day still shudder when I see the coat hanger scene.

The rest of the ride was made in silence, I wasn't sure if Kari didn't feel like talking or didn't feel like talking in front of her mother. When we pulled up to the Cineplex Kari's mom told us she would pick us up at midnight because she had some things that she needed to do while in town. We stood on the curb and waved goodbye.

"No not really, but nothing sappy I don't think that I would be able to handle that"

"Alright nothing sappy, how about we find an action movie then.. Oh here is one it doesn't start until nine though."

"That is okay, we have nothing but time."

We went to the counter and purchased our tickets and then walked through the doors to the main theater, immediately the smell of warm buttered popcorn floated through the air around me. I inhaled deeply, I cannot remember the last time I actually went to the movies, usually I never had the money for such trivialities but Mary, being the kind soul that she is turning out to be, gives me a weekly allowance to go and do things. Mostly I have been saving it for a rainy day but I think it is completely worth it to cheer up a friend. To the left of us was a huge arcade, I ran to Kari and grabbed her arm…

"We are going to have fun whether you want to or not, so let's go beat up some bad guys." I pulled her along behind me into the dimly lit room. Everywhere was noise and flashing lights. I felt like a kid in a candy store. Growing up I had never got into the video game stage, I guess I was always to practical for it… We did have a regular Nintendo at the last shelter home that I lived in but I only played it once or twice and got really bored really quick.

By the time we left the arcade Kari was in such a better mood. She and I double teamed to kill some evil monsters. Turns out that she is a very good shot, I on the other hand only killed maybe one out of every ten. We got to the snack counter and grabbed a large popcorn and soda then settled in to watch the movie. Kari was staring intently at the screen while munching on the buttery snack. I couldn't help but chuckle. I focused back on the screen content that Kari was slowly coming out of her funk, well at least for now.

Kari and I walked out of the movie theater arm in arm laughing hysterically

"I cannot believe how stupid that movie was" Kari exclaimed in between peals of laughter

"Yeah I know, who would believe that werewolf would actually be a good guy and save the maiden, No wonder there was nobody there with us, they probably thought it sucked too, the graphics were so cheesy, I could have went and got a werewolf costume and been more believable."

"You are so right Bella"

We walked down the long ramp that led to the exit signs toward the back of the building. We both pushed on the heavy doors and immediately a rush of frigid cold air hit us.

"Brr it has gotten cold" I exclaimed

"You haven't seen anything yet, this is still mild compared to December. See that?" Kari pointed towards the moon, "Those rainbow rings around the moon tell us that it is going to snow soon."

"Snow, ugh I do not like the snow" I huddled down further into my jacket and put my hands in my pockets. I forgot to bring my hat so my ears were starting to get cold.

"What time is it Kari, I hope your mom gets here soon otherwise were both going to be popsicles"

Kari glanced at her watch, It is only 10:45 she wont be here for another hour or so and the theater is closed. Maybe we should walk over to the coffee shop around the corner to warm up for a bit."

"Very good Idea" I said shaking my head in a nod

The streets were dimly lit as we walked over to the coffee shop. I noticed that there were a couple of bars lining the street; I could hear the hum of the neon signs as we passed. We could see the brightly lit coffee shop in the distance so we quickened our pace.

"Hot chocolate sounds really good about now" I threw out

"mmm Chocolate, I hope they have that chocolate fudge it is so yummy just the thing to brighten my spirits" She countered.

About a half a block from where we were we saw a group of men stumbling out of one of the bars. It looked like a complete dive the building exterior was in great disrepair. I didn't want to get anywhere close to them.

"Hey Kari, why don't we go over to the other side of the street, those guys look really creepy" I could hear my voice quiver. Kari froze and then looked at me. Fear was actually registering in her eyes. She quickly nodded furiously.

"Yea let's hurry"

We started for the street and walked in-between an old Volkswagen van and a new Prius. Hoping to cross undetected, we held on to each other while we walked secretly adding comfort to one another. Then before we knew it, we were blocked half of the guys were in front of us, still in-between the car and the van, We turned around to go back the other way, and more of the guys were standing there. I didn't know what to do so I just grabbed Kari tighter; she did the same to me. I could here her start to whimper in fright.

"Hey pretty girls," One of the boys said with a sneer, he was much taller than my 5'6'' Broad shoulders, long shaggy hair his eyes were narrowed in on Kari as he talked.

"Look Guys, I don't want any trouble just let us pass and we will be on our way" I started back towards the direction of the sidewalk looking at each of them in the eyes, there were 3 of them. And all of them obviously drunk they were leaning on either side of the opening.

The tall one waggled his finger at me "I don't think so; me and my boys are bored and want a little excitement." I flashed a look at Kari whose eyes were as wide as saucers. Trying with my eyes to tell her that when she has a chance to run for it. I was trying to think of something that I could do so we could get away. I know Kari is not much of a fighter and they would get to her instantly. I on the other hand had more of a chance of fighting them off since I had been protecting my self since I was a child. I backed up back to Kari and whispered in her ear "when I distract them, you run, run and get help." She nodded.

"Come on boys I am sure that you can find something better to do with your time than pick on a couple of teenagers. Besides my boyfriend and his friends will be here soon to get us and you don't want to mess with him." I stated with as much confidence I could muster. Kari still was huddled toward my back as I moved forward… In my jacket pocket I felt the tazer that Mary had given me a while ago, I remember that day, she told me that since she works in the E.R. she has seen a lot of the vile disgusting things that boys will do so she wanted me to be protected. I had forgotten about it up until now, Manitou is such a quiet place where nothing ever happens. I looked heavenward and said a little prayer to Mary in thanks. I wrapped my hand around it and turned on the switch while it was still in my pocket. Then I walked forward towards the guys, It all happened so fast. One of them lunged at me grabbing my other arm.. I pulled the tazer out of my pocket and stunned him. He fell to the ground

"Run Kari" As I said this I tazered the next guy who had dirty blonde hair. I felt Kari slide beside me and start running. I don't actually know which direction I was going. I saw Kari's silhouette in the distance and started running after her. Before I could even get toward the sidewalk I heard a loud bellow from the guys behind me

"Get that stupid bitch" The malice in those words echoed in my ears.
No sooner than I had reached the side walk I heard the boys on the street side come run after me. I was grabbed from behind and lifted off of the sidewalk; my arms were pinned so I couldn't even get to the taser which was suddenly knocked from my hands. I thrashed about with all my might trying to kick and make contact with my attacker so I could escape, screaming at the top of my lungs.

I couldn't see which one was behind me but I saw two of them stumbling towards me from the front, there was a short portly man with a sinister smile and another tall gangly man who was catcalling…

"Boy, Eric, looks like you have a feisty one on your hands. Want some help?"

"No you stay back from me, Let me go" I screamed and continued trying to get out of his grip.

The other two guys came up and each grabbed one of my arms while the guy behind me let go, I twisted about trying to kick but it didn't work "Eric" Came in front and grabbed my legs and they started carrying me into an ally beside the bar. I screamed and screamed

My throat was starting to hurt and the grip that the men had on my arms tightened. The alley was dark and I couldn't make anything out. Abruptly I was thrown to the ground and hit my head on a wall. I could feel the pain shooting through my head I struggled to right myself, but there was a weight on my chest. One of the men had me pinned to the ground, I tried to push him off and ignoring the rockets exploding in my head but it was futile he was over powering me. I was not going to give up though.

I screamed as if I had never screamed before. I looked around frantically to find an escape as my eyes adjusted to the darkness I saw an arm raised. It came down hard and hit me in my jaw… Stars danced in front of my eyes… I could not move, I resigned to my fate, whimpering please, let me go. I won't say anything.

"No can do pretty, we're going to have some fun" He leaned in closer I could smell the bitterness coming from his breath as it washed over me… I closed my eyes as tight as I could, wish I could disappear and that this was only a dream. I felt his slimy tongue lick my neck. I tried to move away, praying that I could leave my body, His weight crushing my chest even more. I could hear the cheers of his other friends in the background encouraging him. I felt two different hands grab my ankles and start to pry apart my legs and the guy who was on top of me started to unzip my coat.

"NO NO NO…. Stop! Please don't do this."

I kept repeating this over and over the man started to pull up my shirt, His calloused hands reaching under and scratching my skin.

He paused I could hear growls and snarls coming from behind the man- Screams of agony and of pain. Inhuman sounds that echoed in the small dark alleyway. I didn't dare open my eyes, I was afraid of what I would see.

The weight lifted off of me suddenly and I could move. I could only see shadows figures moving. I scooted back as far against the wall as I possibly could fold my knees to my chest and started rocking… It all was fuzzy I couldn't make out what was going on. The screams and growls continued for what seemed forever. But as soon as it began, it stopped and there was eerie silence.

I was too petrified to move, my head still thrummed and my jaw hurt. I just sat there on the cold hard ground, trying to disappear.

Then there was a hand in front of my face. It was pale and reflected what little of the light that invaded the alley. I shrank back further against the wall trying to scoot between some rusted metal trashcans that were beside me. I could feel my whole body shaking not from the cold but from the sinister act that had taken place.

"Come on Bella, I wont hurt you, let me help you up?" I knew that voice, I have heard it before, but never had it been so serious. I slowly looked up and found a set of faintly glowing green eyes staring back at me. Confused I scrambled at the wall and righted myself keeping my hands wrapped around my waist in an effort to protect myself. I couldn't talk; my voice was completely stuck inside. I felt a wave of dizziness take over and leaned against the wall for support. The boy with the green eyes took a step closer, but I held my hand out in a motion to have him stop. He slowly backed away from me

"It is alright, they are gone, and they cannot hurt you anymore" The faint glowing eyes retreated out of the alley.

I looked around, nobody was there then one thought flew through my mind… "Kari". I ignored my headache and my sore muscles and sprinted out of the alleyway, intent on finding my friend… I hope nothing happened to her… I stumbled over the cracks in the sidewalks as I ran, remembering which way she had escaped to.

I stopped and leaned against a light post that was near the movieplex and that is where I saw her. She was standing by a car talking to three people whom I could not see. Her red hair reflected in the streetlights so she was easy to spot. I slowly walked closer as she didn't appear to be in any danger. Then one of the guys turned towards me, It was Josh, I knew that I had heard that voice before. And beside him were Edward and Jasper. I sighed in relief and fell down in the middle of the street, no longer able to support myself. Kari noticed and she sprinted towards me. I buried my head in my hands. Not able to look her in the eye.

"Oh Bella, your alright, I was so worried, I saw you following me but then I turned around and you were not there. I didn't know what to do so I came back here to the theater but there was no one here and I couldn't find a phone anywhere." She knelt beside me and wrapped her warm arms around me. I could not fight the tears anymore so I started sobbing into her jacket. Eventually the sobs subsided and I looked up at her and said "Thanks"

"So what happened? Are you alright?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now Kari, I am sorry" I looked at her apologetically. I am just not ready to relive what happened in there. It could have been very bad for me, that much I am sure.

"It is okay, I understand, good thing that Edward and the twins happened to come by huh. I bet they pummeled those guys into oblivion."

I looked up at her confused, "Edward?"

"Yeah he and Josh and Jasper were walking and I ran into them, I told them what had happened and they ran off… Then Edward comes back with Jasper, but Josh didn't follow until a little while later, I asked what had happened and all they said was that they ran into some boys trying to harass you so they scared them away."

I didn't know what to think of this, these boys were my saviors; Edward again, had come to my rescue. Kari reached her hand to help me up, I gratefully accepted while slowly she walked with me over to the dark blue sports car. I at first saw Joshua, He smiled at me, I ran up to him and gave him a big hug, starting to cry all over again. He rubbed my back and said, "See I told you your safe now." He was quite chilly not the warmth that I had when Kari held me. I shivered and pulled away. I looked into his eyes and noticed that his blue black hair had fallen over them; I reached my hand and brushed them away,

"Thank you"

I couldn't face Edward, I felt so bad on how I had treated him this last week, I didn't even apologize for the last time that he risked his own life for mine, I shuddered at the though of how badly this could have turned out. Then I felt a heavy weight rest on my shoulders. I breathed in it smelled like leather and spice, but didn't really acknowledge where it came from. My own coat lay discarded in the alley I know my attacker ripped it off of me so it would be of no use and I couldn't bare the thought of putting it on again, All I could think about was going home and taking a shower, I feel so dirty. I saw a bench sitting a few yards away so I walked over to it and sat down. My body is completely in shock, the ghastly scene playing over and over in my head.

I was relieved to see that Kari was left unscathed. She would bounce back from this quickly. I looked up at her and the boys, watching her shamelessly flirting and talking with Edward. Well much quicker than I thought. I however I have no Idea how I can put this behind me. If I had an aversion to physical contact before, I couldn't even fathom someone touching me now. Also I have no idea what possessed me to hug Joshua, perhaps it is because he was there and he told me I was going to be okay.

Headlights were seen coming down the street and stopped abruptly beside Edward's car. It was Kari's mom. I don't think I have ever felt more relieved than now over seeing a person's parents. Had it only been less than an hour that his whole thing happened? I heard Kari exclaim to Edward that he was her savior and that she would see him Monday in school, hoping that they could have lunch together. He must have nodded because she let out a high pitch squeal said thanks and walked up beside me.

I was on auto pilot at this point I don't remember getting into the car, nor do I remember the drive home but here I stand in front of the house I share with Mary. I am digging thorough my pants pockets trying to find my house key but my fingers are not working very well and it takes a couple minutes to find the correct one. I opened the door slowly and tiptoed into the dark house, Mary was probably sleeping. So I lightly walked up the stairs and went directly into the bathroom.

I looked at the person staring back at me through the mirror and I was shocked at what I found. My brown hair was completely tangled and had bits of trash entwined in it, my face was dirt streaked. I didn't even recognize that girl. I saw the reflection of the shower through the mirror and I could not wait to get in and scrub the feel of that mans hands and tongue off of me.

I stood in the blistering hot shower scrubbing until the water ran cold my skin was red from the over use of the loofa sponge but I could still feel him on me. I really don't even know what happened to them, they were no where in sight but truthfully I don't care. I dressed in my sweats and ragged t-shirt then gathered the clothing that I discarded and headed back into my bedroom, the smell of something spicy filled the room. Before I deposited the clothing in my hamper I realized that I also carried a men's jacket. I pulled it out of the pile and then disposed of the rest; I don't think I could ever bear to wear those clothes again anyway. I recognized it immediately as belonging to Edward. I made a mental note to return it to him on Monday. I sat down on my bed after putting Edward's coat on my rocking chair, massaging my sore muscles. I felt the bump on the back of my head, I am very lucky that I it didn't bleed I would have no idea how to explain that to Mary. Unable to keep my eyes open any longer I climbed into my bed and snuggled under my covers. I whispered a thank you to Edward where ever he was and dozed off to sleep.