Chapter Nine

A Tormented Mind

Miley was in the kitchen whipping the batter for a cake. Oliver was still just as distant as ever. He still hadn't visited like he used to, and it had been almost a month. There was a knock at the door. Miley opened it and there stood Oliver. His face was pale and thin, there were black shadows under his eyes, and he looked lifeless. Miley led him into the house. She held his hand, being careful to be gentle. Tears began to flow down his face.

"Tell me," she said softly, sitting next to him on the couch.

Oliver sobbed and drew in a breath.

"Rico," he stammered. "R-Rico..."

Miley stroked Oliver's hand gingerly with her thumb. He looked at her.

"Rico raped me," Oliver sobbed out.

Miley's eyes widened. Then she realized the pain Oliver must be feeling. He covered his eyes with his hands and cried deep, heartwrenching sobs.

"Miley help me," Oliver begged in tears.

"It's ok," she whispered pulling him into a hug. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"He's been hitting me," Oliver continued hysterically. "He hits me and toys with me. Makes me feel like no one loves me, then he rapes me every few days..."

Miley held Oliver tightly. A few of her own tears fell, but Oliver didn't see them. What kind of monster was Rico to completely break the cheerful spirit of her friend?

"He won't hurt you anymore," Miley whispered.

Oliver pulled away from her. The tears were gone and he looked distant.

"Yes he will," Oliver whispered. "I deserve it. I've been bad."

"No you don't deserve it Oliver," Miley said fiercely. "You know that is not true! No one deserves it."

"I-I the reason," Oliver stammered, his bottom lip quivering. "I love Jackson. He beat me because I love Jackson."

Miley covered her mouth with her hand. Finally it all made sense. That's why Oliver would get so upset when Cassandra was around.

"It'll be ok Oliver," Miley said. "Please don't go by to Rico. Stay here."

"I have to," Oliver said looking entirely withdrawn. His voice had no life. "Rico loves me. He'll punish me. He'll say he must for my own good."

"Oliver wait!"

It was too late. Oliver had already sprinted to the door and ran out. Meanwhile, Jackson and Cassandra were dancing. He had taken her out to a fancy restraunt. He felt bad about Oliver. He knew he shouldn't be here. Something was telling him that Oliver needed his help. He then pictured himself dancing with Oliver, holding Oliver close. Protecting him, so that no one could ever damage him again. Miley had said something was wrong. Jackson knew it must be something along the lines of rape, but who? Surely not Rico. Jackson could take no more. He walked away from Cassandra.

"Jackson," she yelled after him.

"I need to go," he said walked ahead of her quickly and grabbing his coat.

"Jackson wait!"

Jackson walked out without even looking back. He needed to go home and talk to Miley. The needed to make plans and do something to help Oliver.

TBC...