A nightmare occurred during one of her outings with, Bradley. The return of Brett. The asshole who tried to rape her. Rhonda couldn't breath as she took, Bradley's hand so she can speak to him. She told him what happened. Told him what Brett tried to do with her, but he didn't believe her.
Rhonda felt betrayal as she turned her back to him to walk away. She needed to leave. She couldn't breath as she summoned her strength. Calling her parents was a moot point due to the last time she asked for their help.
"Rhonda could you please come back in here. I have something to show you." Bradley requested kindly as his hand went to her waist.
She shook her head. "I don't want to know someone who can't believe me." His hand went to her wrist to force her to look his way. "Let go of me." She bit out.
"It's an art piece. It's important." His eyes tore right into hers. It made her feel uncomfortable. "Please. Inspiration will be great, correct?"
Brett was in there. Bradley didn't believe her. "I'm gonna go home." She said instead, but his grip tightened. "Stop."
He showed his perfect white teeth to her. "I just want to love you. Let me show you my love."
Her other hand was trying hard to pry him away. "This isn't love."
She argued before his strength shoved her against the nearest wall to press his lips against hers. She whimpered out as she felt his front press hard into her. Tears squeezed out before she relaxed enough to let him relax. His other hand brushed against her front.
"I love you." He bit out.
She noted that he shifted to where one of her legs was between his. Rhonda pretended to moan to give them a little space before she kneed him very hard in the groin. Pushing him away, she kicked him again for good measure before running away.
Anger and tears mixed in together as she continued to run. She wasn't much of a runner compared to Helga, but this was her life so in her opinion she'll run till she reached safety.
OOOOOO
Curly was on the pathway leading up to his stoop. The chill in the air was lessening due to it being mid-Feburary. He stretched his arms out to enjoy himself. Feeling something rub against his leg he smiled down at a small cat purring away.
"Hey Scout." He greeted the neighbors cat. The cat greeted him back in kind. "Enjoying the night air too?" The cat meowed in response.
Animals always did take a strong liking to him. Even the wild animals didn't seem to mind him at all given how easy they readily accepted him. He respected them and they seemed to too in return.
Hearing the sound of choking and sobbing, along with the sound of footsteps, Curly stepped closer to the sidewalk to find Rhonda running down the street. She was hunched over slightly before she collapsed to the ground. Alarmed, he rushed over to her to roll her over to her back before picking her body up.
"Rhonda?" Her eyes were closed. Her mouth slightly open.
Quickly he carried her inside to get her warmed up. He wished his parents were home to help him. Going up to his bedroom he expertly threw his blankets down to place her in. Removing her shoes, Curly covered her up to keep her warm. As he did this he noticed something on her wrist. A fresh forming bruise. It was in the shape of a hand. Anger swelled inside of him as he stood up to head to the linen closet for the electric blanket they had. Taking that out he came back in to lay it on her.
When that was all done, Curly went downstairs to make some tea for her when she wakes up. As he did that he was interrupted by the phone ringing to find it was his grandmother. He smiled into the receiver glad to hear her voice. He told her about Rhonda and she had to tell him something disturbing in kind. His eyes went upstairs to where she laid.
"I'm gonna kill him." He pounded his fist against the counter. Listening to his grandmother on the line, her kind gentle tone. "But?" Listening to her some more, Curly bowed his head. "All right I'll do that. Thanks for letting me know." He smiled loving how she always supported him. "I love you too. I'll talk to you soon. Good night." Hanging up he then went to fixing up the tea.
Rhonda's eyes opened up to a familiar room. She was confused even when he stepped through the door. "How did I get here?" Her tone sounded as blurry as her mind.
"You were running down the street when you collapsed. I picked you up and brought you in." He informed her as he placed the hot tea next to her. "Drink up."
It was warm and cozy in his bed. "He tried to." She couldn't say it as she looked away ashamed. "That guy Brett was there. They are friends. He didn't believe me about him so that was a yellow light. When I told him I wanted to leave he tried to... Tried to..." She choked. "He backed me into a wall so instead of fighting I relaxed to make him think I wanted it, but all I wanted to do was put him off his guard. I kicked him twice where it counted."
Curly actually chuckled lightly there. "With pointed boots too."
Rhonda smirked. "Nice choice with my shoes tonight. Still I just ran. I thought about calling someone, but my parents abandoned me last time. I was scared out of my mind so I just ran." Reaching out to get the mug she stopped when she noticed the bruise. "Bastard."
Taking her hand gently, Curly came closer so he wouldn't hurt her. Getting on the bed he kissed her wrist. He wished that kisses did have a healing power so she wouldn't feel it anymore. He just knew he wanted to feel some gentleness. "You are better than this. I seen your second piece of art and that is just as stunning. I really believe in you, Rhonda."
She couldn't breath. She melted against his cushions. Rhonda wanted those lips on hers. "T-thank you." She felt nervous after that kiss. Her skin tingled in delight. "The girls are a great help to me." Her eyes went down to avoid his own.
"Any other pieces you are working on?"
Nodding her head, Rhonda grabbed the mug so she can drink the hot liquid. It felt so good. Humming her satisfaction to that she unhappily placed it down. "Yes. The outfit. The first one is delicate in a way so it takes a few people to help me put it on. This newer piece feels like I'll be exposing too much so I need to rethink it."
"So you aren't as confident as myself when it comes to being nude?" Curly caught her blush. "Just design one for a male and perhaps I'll model it for you."
Rhonda loved that idea. "That is a marvelous idea. I can see you wearing something one of a kind, but I want it to compliment you as well as enhance you." She tapped her chin as she examined him. "Oh that will be a marvelous idea."
He thought it was interesting she would consider it. "So I'm good looking enough to model?" His voice became lower.
Her mouth opened up slightly. Rhonda thought he was insanely handsome. Raven hair. Hazel eyes. Those full lips. Chiseled jaw. That body was just perfect. "Very much so."
Smirking at her, Curly stood up to stretch. "Then I look forward to your upcoming design."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Rhonda woke in the morning to find she was still in, Curly's bed. It felt like comfort there as her head turned to see him laying on his side facing towards her. She blushed before feeling bad that she took over his room. Hearing him stir beside her, she found herself watching his eyes open up. There he was without glasses. Naked in that way. Handsome still.
"You complained you were still cold." He whispered as he rolled on his back. "Did you sleep?"
She didn't mind that she shared a bed with him. She felt safe. Perhaps this was the reason why she chose this street to run down. She knew where her safe haven laid. "Yes. Did you?"
Never had he slept beside anyone in his life so for the first time, he answered. "I slept pretty well considering."
"Considering what?"
"I want to kill him for trying that with you." His tone held that edge again.
She placed a hand on him. "He isn't worth it, but now I really have to put my foot down with this whole marriage thing. I would never marry a would be rapist."
They both fell into silence even as she shifted in the bed. All she could do is smell, Curly. She wished his arms were around her. She wanted to feel those lips against her skin once more. Her eyes closed.
"Do you believe he went to your home to check up on you?" Curly spotted how she twitched at that idea. "You have to think about it."
"Ugh. I know my parents will give me a hard time thinking him to be the golden child. If they didn't care about me being attacked the first time, this won't make it any different." Grabbing her phone, Rhonda went to dial Nadine's number. "Hey Nadine. I have a quick question for you. Did my folks call you?" She glanced to Curly. "That's good. Well just in case anyone does please tell them that I was there. Thanks." She paused to listen. "I promise to tell you later in person. Thanks, Nadine."
Curly didn't have to ask to know that no one questioned Nadine if Rhonda was there. "What now?"
"Head home." Sighing, she slipped out of the warmth of the bed unhappily. "Thanks for being here."
"Why did you come this way anyhow?"
"Because I couldn't go my usual route to go home. I was afraid of them finding me to do something worse." Seeing where her boots were, Rhonda went to them to place them on. "I'm sorry I'm so much trouble."
"It isn't you if it isn't." Curly teased as he stood up. "You need to eat before heading home."
Agreeing to that, Rhonda followed him out.
When Rhonda finally made it back home she immediately received a guilt trip for leaving, Bradley like that. She listened to them as she heard the terms: Disappointment, ungrateful, and the downfall of this family.
Now that one hurt the worse.
Still she wasn't about to stand for that. "He tried to rape me. How dare you think that he is suitable for me? Don't you care one bit about how I feel?"
Brooke narrowed her eyes at her. "Of course we care, but Bradley is young. He is tempted. Of course he doesn't know how to go about trying to... Oh what do they call it?" She waved her hand around in the air. "Court a woman properly."
"That wasn't courting me." Showing her the bruise he gave her, Rhonda raised her voice. "This is not what you do when you court a lady."
Brooke and Buckley shared a quiet look before he spoke up. "Look, I stumbled quite a bit with your mother. I even fell on her in my bid to try to win her over more. I bruised her backside, but look at us now. We love one another very much. I'm happy we are still together and have a wonderful daughter in the process." Placing his hand around his wife's waist for emphasis, he added, "Now give Bradley a chance and I swear you won't regret it."
"Your marriage worked out for you, but this won't with me. I already regret it. I won't marry him. I won't." Turning on her heel, Rhonda ran upstairs. She felt like that spoiled brat doing this, but she wanted to put her foot down.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Rhonda lifted her eyes when she saw Curly sit down at the desk in front of her. She felt his hand on hers as sadness wrapped around her soul.
"I put my foot down and it had been quiet all day." Rhonda's voice was so quiet. "When I came down for dinner there he was as if nothing was ever said from me."
"Rhonda?" He felt her take her hand away to wrap her arms around herself. Curly felt helpless.
Her head went down. "I'm trapped." Her voice was strangled.
He saw how white her knuckles were. She was forcing a tension as if trying to squeeze herself to death. Moving his hands to pull her own away from her body, Curly placed them up near her. "It will get better. I promise you."
Her head went down again. "Oh Curly." A lone tear escaped her eyes.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Arriving home, Rhonda walked in to find her parents sitting across from an elderly lady sitting across from them. She never seen this woman before in any social circles, and she would have too. The woman was elegant in her mannerisms just by how she raised her dainty tea cup to her lips. She was most attractive for a woman of her age. She was slim with slender shoulders, a swan like neck, full lips, bright intense brown eyes, and the way her eyebrow quirked up, Rhonda saw amusement showing in her features.
Brooke was the first to speak. "Rhonda! I would love for you to meet a very special guest that has come to visit us. Rhonda, this is Bianca Goldentwait. Bianca, this is our beautiful daughter, Rhonda."
Goldentwait?! Rhonda knew that last name. Of course she never met her and her family personally seeing that they shunned social events. They came from old money. They were savy in the business world as they invested in plenty of things. They believed in hard work. Their word is what mattered to others and if she's here, what does this mean?
"Mrs Goldentwait. It is a pleasure to meet you." Rhonda greeted out. She was nervous even as she watched the woman stand up.
Bianca approached the young beauty. To finally see her face to face, she knew her grandson did have the taste for the finer things. First with Helga and now with Rhonda. Placing her hand under her chin, Bianca smiled at the nervous creature. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I seen your art making the rounds, and I must say; Bravo."
She blushed. "Why thank you. I appreciate the compliment, but I do get help with all that."
She enjoyed that Rhonda wasn't taking credit in this whole thing. "It is a superb bang up job, dear. Now come sit by me." Taking her hand, Bianca led her back into the formal sitting room where she placed her next to her.
Rhonda was floored by this as she settled down next to her. Her tongue felt lost on her as the woman had a devilish glint in her eyes. Who does she remind her of?
"Now that we are all gathered here something troubling has come to my attention. Something that concerns this lovely young lady next to me." Bianca announced. Oh she loved the questioning expressions from her parents across from her. "First of all I would like you to know that she isn't the one that brought this to my attention." She patted Rhonda's hand.
Buckley was confused. "And that is?"
Bianca's expression turned serious. "The impending nuptials of Rhonda and Bradley Green." Turning her head to glance at Rhonda, she made a face. "Reprehensible young man. Horrible even."
Scoffing, Brooke placed her tea cup down. "Bradley is a gentleman. He treats our Rhonda with the utmost respect."
With that Rhonda was heard scoffing. "He tried to force himself on me."
"Rhonda Wellington-Lloyd! You take that back this instant. He has done nothing of the sort." Brooke was outraged at this.
Narrowing her eyes, Bianca lifted her bag up to bring out a file she had. "Then I suggest you take a look at this then." Holding it out for them to inspect, Buckley was the one who took it from her hand. "As you will see that there are several instances where they paid off law enforcement for some dirty deeds that he has done. Deeds that caused misfortune to other females."
Buckley perused the file throughly. He was sickened. "How did you obtain this information?"
Bianca smirked. "When your family is as savvy as my own, you know how to get into the nooks and crannies of anything. This is just the same as us knowing that you are running out of money from poor investments." Watching Brooke now take the file, she continued. "To force your daughter into this life is something that I will step in between. You are the ones who brought this upon yourself. You are the ones to bring yourself out of the hole." Her hand held Rhonda's gently. "As for your daughter, she will be fine."
"I will?" Rhonda was confused once more.
Turning to face her again, Bianca wanted to hold her. "I want your work in a gallery. They are stunning. I want to see those lovely dresses in person."
Rhonda felt proud. "You may. I have them at Helga's house right now, but I'm currently in the process of making more."
"Excellent dear. I am personally acquainted of Helga."
"You are?" Was Helga responsible for this?
"Indeed."
Placing the file before her, Brooke adjusted herself to appear more formidable. "I still want her to go through with this marriage."
Bianca quickly turned her head towards her. She appeared like a snake about to strike at its prey. "Then you are far more foolish than I previously thought. You will subject your own daughter to a rapist."
"It is his word against these girls. He is rich and they obviously wanted money."
She glared at the daft woman. "That many girls over that course of time is not a mere coincidence. You are nothing but an insult, not only to women, but to mothers all over this world for doing this to your daughter. You have any idea that it will be far worse for you if you don't cut this engagement off? Do you know that my being here shows more than this." She implied in a low tone.
Meaning they will be cut off from society. Rhonda knew that her parents would die first rather than let that happen. "Mother? Father? Please." She pleaded. "I didn't ask her here, but I wish for this engagement to stop now."
Hearing the doorbell, Bianca beamed suddenly. "No she didn't ask me here. I had another who informed me of this. My grandson."
Hearing footsteps approach everyone turned to the familiar young male standing in front of them. Rhonda's mouth dropped open. Feeling the shifting of the cushion she saw Bianca breeze past her to walk to Curly. He stood there confidently as he then entered into the room to come sit on the other side of, Bianca.
"Brooke and Buckley, I know you have met my grandson Thaddeus Gammelthorpe. Otherwise known as Curly." Bianca smiled with pride at her grandson.
Curly thought that her parents looked a little too mind blown right now. Still he had no clue how Rhonda was taking it since he sat on the other side of Bianca. "Nice to see you again."
Buckley's eyes were a bit too wide before he relaxed them. "Are you proposing that she marries him instead?"
"She isn't." Curly responded for his grandmother. "As much as I care about your daughter we both agree that we will marry for love and not for convenience."
"And you are the one who brought this to your grandmother's attention?"
"Yes. The changes I seen in Rhonda as of late has been deeply disturbing. She has been doing so well until you sprung this marriage on her. I brought it up to my grandmother and now we are here." Curly kept his voice level. His body calm.
Rhonda thought to speak up. "When I was being chased in the woods by someone by the name of Brett, I asked for your help and you both denied me saying I got myself into that. When I last was with Bradley, Brett was there. I told him about it and he treated me like I didn't speak the truth. Then he went ahead to attack me when all I wanted to do was go home. Twice, Thad was there when I needed someone the most. He didn't question me. Just like my own friends didn't question me. They care about my well being."
Brooke was becoming even more embarrassed by this charade. "Rhonda, please be quiet."
Standing up, Rhonda had her hands clenched to her sides. "Do you even love me? I asked this before and you really didn't give me a proper answer. I came back here thinking it will be different, but it isn't."
"Please be quiet, Rhonda." Brooke repeated with more emphasis.
"No I won't." Rhonda pointed towards, Bianca and Curly. "That's love. What you have done with me isn't and I have something to share with you: I love you. In spite of the flaws, I love you. I just wish you felt the same."
Sighing, Brooke stood up herself. She examined the young lady in front of her. Fully grown and already doing her own thing. "May I speak to you alone. I don't wish this to be shared." She implored her daughter.
Nodding her head, Rhonda glanced back to Curly. She had many questions involving him, but still the most prevalent was on thing she had on her mind for some time. She followed her mother into her fathers office where she closed the door behind her. Was she about to get another guilt trip.
Brooke looked past her to the door to make sure it was truly closed. "I was raised to keep my mouth shut. If something were to happen. If I put myself in a situation and something happened, I have to keep shut." She only told her husband this. "I found myself at a party. A boy took interest. I told him no but he forced himself on me. This happened another time too."
Rhonda was in shock. "Does dad know?"
"He does, but he told me all will be fine. That's all he told me." Seeing a picture of her with her husband, Brooke touched the frame. "He was raised the same way. I'm unsure if he has ever done the same thing to women since I've been afraid to ask. Still since he has been so gentle with me I would like to say no."
"But mom, it isn't right at all. I don't want things like to happen to anyone. I'm sorry it happened to you." Rhonda felt sick over her own grandparents to teach their children this. "When I have children of my own I will come to them when they want my help. I want them to talk to me. I want them to know how much I love them."
Brooke sighed once more. "Forgive me darling. I have to take a parenting class I guess. I do love you. The thing is I never heard it myself so I only thought it was natural."
"It isn't." Rhonda pointed out.
"I know." Heading towards the door, Brooke smiled warmly. "I guess we'll figure out our own finances." Opening the door she stepped out.
Rhonda followed her mother out to see that they interrupted them speaking in the formal room. Brooke stood there resigned as she went to join her husband. Rhonda stood where she was.
"We need to figure our finances, Darling. Let Rhonda out of her engagement." Brooke placed a hand on her husbands chest.
Buckley had been over his investments over and over again. He tried to figure it all out. "We could always downsize our home. It is best to have a roof over our heads than not. This one here will be heading to college soon."
Bianca listened to them intently as she went down to another folder willing to show them it. After she did, she waited as they went over it all. As they did, Curly went up to Rhonda. Feeling her hand pull him into the same room she disappeared into with her mother, he found himself wrapped up into a hug.
"I've been dying to do that for weeks." Rhonda breathed. "I can't believe how selfless you are. I'm so happy you were there when I needed someone the most."
His arms circled her. She didn't need to do this, but it was nice just the same. "I do ask for something in return, Rhonda."
"Name it."
"Keep the knowledge of my wealth a secret. My grandmother has a lot of power and that is why I went to her." Pulling away, Curly had to see it in her eyes. "Will you promise me to keep it a secret. It is only mines to tell."
She nodded her head. "I promise. I swear it to you." Remembering that Bianca knew Helga, Rhonda inquired. "Does Helga know?"
"Yes. I knew she would of kept that a secret seeing that she had many she kept to herself." Curly spotted something in her eyes. "Don't tell me you are jealous of this."
"A little. The thing is I actually understand. You done so much for a person who did so much wrong for a long time."
"Eh." He shrugged. "I'm not the only one who has, but now after all this is done with for today, I need to let loose."
"What will be on the agenda tonight?" Rhonda wondered as he removed his glasses to start cleaning them.
He continued to clean his glasses even as he heard his grandmother beckon for him. "Whatever it will be, you will find out." Winking at her he placed his glasses on. "Enjoy your freedom." Turning on his heel they both left the office. "All done?"
Bianca smiled at the handsome man. "All done and all set." Turning to Brooke and Buckley she bid them adieu. With Rhonda, she took her hand. "I'm serious about placing those beautiful pieces in a gallery. Be proud of yourself, dear."
"I am and thank you so much for everything." Rhonda still couldn't believe it. "It was an honor meeting you."
Letting it rest there, Bianca said one final good bye as she left with Curly beside her. Waiting till she was at her limo, Barbara turned to him. "I'm not blind my dear boy."
He knew what she was getting at. "I'm still unsure, Grandmother." Kissing her cheek, Curly hugged. "Love you."
"Love you too. I'll see you soon." Slipping inside her limo, Bianca got comfortable as the driver sat back in the car. "Home, Steven." With an affirmative, the vehicle was on its way out of there.
As for Curly he just ended up heading back to his own car and to his own adventure after all of that. He hoped everything would be all good with Rhonda.
Late at night, Rhonda drifted off to sleep without a worried thought. Her parents and her did have a more extensive talk after. It was a talk that eased her mind all the more. She had to forgive them for how they were raised since they seem now to be willing to change. She questioned what Bianca gave them, but they just informed her that they are still thinking about it.
In any case, her dreams were filled with fantasy. Dreams that weren't even interrupted by the loud cackling in the air by a certain someone.
Bye bye, Bradley!
If anyone forgot about an earlier explanation about Curly's family it is this: They do come from high society. His last name isn't the same as Bianca's for a good reason. They just want to hide who they are to the general public. The family is unique in their own stature that is why they are completely accepting of Curly's odd behavior at times. Any offspring of Bianca's have all mutually agreed to pretend that they are middle-class mostly to avoid headaches. If all of this confusing, well it was fun for us to explain. I'll just let you know that there are some families who do this. Change their last names if they come from old money. It helps avoid things.
Now we both need to play catch up with more chapters. Fun. Also thank you for the kind reviews. :)