A/N: I'm sorry for not updating in months...I just haven't really gotten any ideas for this story. But I'm back now! And I'm in a good mood tonight, I get Taco Bell for dinner and I had no school today so I got to sleep in! Life is good.
Chapter Seven(Ruthie's POV)
I slowly made my way towards the shower. I turned on the faucet and watched water flow down into the drain. Although the water was steaming hot, I decided to give it a minute or so to heat up. As I turned around, I nearly jumped out of my skin after I swear I saw Doug's grinning reflection in the bathroom mirror. Oh God! He was watching me! I swear...it feels like Doug is in every direction I turn. For the past two days, I've lived in fear. I still felt so dirty, so used, so raped...
And I hate it.
I hated living my life in fear. Just because I was the victim of some sex-obsessed loser doesn't mean I should let him control my life. But I couldn't help it...he was everywhere. He was smiling back at me from the mirror, he was watching me through the window, he was lurking in the dark shadows of my bedroom at night, he was behind every corner waiting to grab me, and he had even found a way into my dreams, which I now call my nightmares.
I hated this so much. I hated feeling like Doug had won. I hated the fact that I didn't prevent this whole rape in the first place. I'm such shit. Maybe I should just kill myself...
Suddenly, I found myself in the shower. Screaming at the top of my lungs...with my clothes still on. I felt a weakness in my legs and collapsed onto the shower floor and I screamed even louder. Doug's voice filled the room...
"You're so fucking worthless..."No I'm not.
"You don't deserve to live..."I have just as much right to be on this earth as you do.
"You won't live to see tomorrow if tell anyone about this, got it..."
"Damnit! Leave me alone! I fucking hate you Doug Lane! Just leave me alone! STOP HAUNTING ME!!!!!" I screamed as I pounded my fists onto the shower floor, tears falling from my eyes...
I was having a breakdown. I was living in fear once again. I hate myself...
(-----)
Later on, after my breakdown in the shower, I entered my kitchen. I had a fake look of joy upon my face. I hated to do this. I hated to live in fear and live a lie at the same time. But it was the only way if I never wanted anyone to know that I was raped. I cringed at the mere thought of the word.
I noticed that my mom was on the phone with somebody, "Sure Amy, that sounds great. See you tonight. Bye."
"Who was that, mom?"
"Oh, that was Amy Lane from down the street. She and her son Doug are coming over for dinner tonight. I feel bad for Amy; ever since her husband Charlie left her for that waitress she's been all alone. And I think her and that darling of a son of hers will enjoy eating dinner in a family setting."
I felt sick. Doug Lane. Here? At my house? Eating dinner with my family? Eating dinner with me?! Oh God no...
I put on a big fake, cheesy smile, "That's great mom! I can't wait! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to use the bathroom."
I dashed up the stairs and into the hallway bathroom, slamming the door behind me. I began puking. I was releasing my inner sickness towards Doug. I soon again found myself in the shower, having another breakdown. Only this time, the thought of killing myself then and there was really present in my mind...
(-----)
(Chandler's POV)
I looked at her. She was so beautiful. Her long, tumbling blonde hair. It was as bright as the sun. Her ocean blue eyes glowed happily, representing all that was innocent. I loved her...
"Chandler..." Roxanne's voice snapped me out of my trance.
"Yes, Roxanne."
"I just asked you a question."
"I'm sorry, I was lost in thought, and I didn't hear you. What was it?"
"Will you marry me?"
"Um...yes, Roxanne, I will marry you."
I all of a sudden felt her arms embracing me. Her hair smelt like a field of flowers. I could be lost in her beauty forever. I then felt myself kissing her.
"I love you," she mumbled in between our kisses.
"I love you too."
"Roxanne, Chandler, hey," Roxanne and I both noticed Kevin standing up above as from the table that we sat at upon the Promenade.
"Hey Kevin," I said.
"Hey Kev, where's Luce?" Roxanne asked.
"Oh, she's at home. She's studying for a big test. So, what's up with you guys?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.
"Well, you two looked, um,'cozy' before I came over here."
"Roxanne and I are getting married, that's why we looked 'cozy'."
"Wow! That's great! Congrats!"
"Thanks Kevin," Roxanne and I both replied, practically in unison. It sort of freaked me out.
"Hey, why don't you both come over to the Camdens' house for dinner tonight. You guys can announce your engagement and then we can all celebrate."
"Well...sure, we'd love to," Roxanne said with a smile.
"Yeah, sounds great," I added.
"Ok, see you guys around seven tonight. I'd better head home now. Bye," Kevin walked off.
This was it. I finally had the chance to help Ruthie. I was going to help her get over her rape. Roxanne's love had helped me move on and forget what Mr. Hunter had done to me yesterday. Ruthie, on the other hand, had no one to turn to. No one else in her family had been through something like a rape, so they wouldn't understand it. And if Ruthie's anything like other rape victims, she probably feels too embarrassed to talk about what happened. But hopefully, she would open up to me. I mean...we both went through the same thing. And hopefully, Ruthie wasn't thinking about killing herself like I had after my rape...
"So...Chandler, are you going to talk to Ruthie about 'you-know-what'."
I had told Roxanne of what I suspected of being wrong with Ruthie the previous day.
"I'm going to try, Roxanne. And hopefully succeed..."
"But what if she won't talk to you?"
"We have to pray she does, Roxanne. Otherwise, Ruthie Camden just might think about killing herself."
I saw tears in her eyes, "Oh God, Chandler...rape and suicidal thoughts. Poor Ruthie...poor you."
I hugged her tightly, "It's ok Roxanne. I'm fine now. I'm over my rape because I finally talked about it. I thank you for that. And now, it's up to us to help Ruthie get over hers."
End Of Chapter 7A/N: Well...there's another chapter done with. I hope you all are enjoying this story. Please review and tell me what you thought of this chapter.
-Alexa