Chapter 3 – Nice Shiner, Eh?

After cleaning the mess, I decided to go out for a walk. Mainly just to clear up my head.

Did I really want to leave Degrassi? After going through all this crap just to stay here?

I sighed heavily and my made my way to The Dot, praying it was still open. I got to the door, even after realizing from a few feet away that the place was closed, and stared inside to see if anyone was still working.

Nope. No one was there.

I kicked some rocks from underneath my feet and headed back to the same park that my heart had been stomped on about an hour earlier.

-x-

"Terri?" Rick asked turning to face me. We were sitting on the swings at the park. Why he wanted to take me here, I didn't know. I didn't dare ask either.

"Yes?"

"Do you love me?"

I felt myself flinch, but hoped that he didn't notice.

"Of course I love you. You know that."

"Then how come you're always avoiding me?"

His voice was now beginning to rise.

"I'm not avoiding you. I'm here aren't I?"

He stared into my eyes, as if studying them before speaking.

"You're lying, I can tell."

I began to grow uneasy, feeling that he obviously knew what was going on.

"Um, I should be going home. My dad is probably wondering where I am." I said getting up from the swing. I heard the clinging of the swings before Rick grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him.

-x-

I walk towards the park, trying to ignore the annoying chirps of birds. What good did birds do for the earth anyway besides eat worms and other crap? Oh sure, some might say it balances the eco system or what not, but that doesn't really matter. At least not to me.

I knew I was rambling. I had to do anything just to get my mind off the pain, and the thought of leaving this place. All I really needed was one reason, any reason, for me to stay here and I would.

I came upon the park, and my thoughts were interrupted when I heard yelling coming from the swings. I didn't mean to be nosy, but I couldn't help myself. I slowly made my way over to them, but hid in the bushes so they wouldn't see me watching them.

I squinted, trying to make out the faces of the people in front of me. Wait... was that... Terri McGregor? I turned to the guy she was arguing with. I immediately knew who he was, after hearing that annoying voice. Rick.

"You're always making me do what you want to do! I never have time for me!"

"What the hell are you talking about? I let you do the things you want to! I just don't see why you have to do the without me!"

Terri grabbed her hair in frustration.

"God, Rick! You're suffocating me! You never give me--"

Once I saw Rick's fist connect with Terri's face, I immediately came out of the bushes.

"What the--" Rick squeaked before I grabbed his shirt and pinned him to the ground.

-x-

I didn't fully understand what had happened. One moment I was arguing with Rick, and the next... where had Sean come from anyway?

I touched my lip, which was bleeding. I didn't think about the pain. That was something I had grown used to.

"What the hell is your problem Rick? Were you born an ass or was this a recent development?"

I wanted to scream at Sean to leave him alone, but something was holding me back.

"No! I... It was an accident!"

"So are you trying to tell me she ran into your fist?"

"No! I didn't mean to I swear!" Rick looked at me, as if pleading for something. "Tell him Terri! Tell him it was an accident."

I stood there, mouth agape. I didn't know what to say.

Sean forcefully picked Rick up by his shirt, and then let go.

"I should probably beat the crap out of you, but I won't. You're not worth it."

"Oh like you're so perfect, Mr. Eminem wannabe!"

"I know damn well I'm not perfect, but I don't go around beating women!"

"Look, this was all just a misunderstanding. Why do you go home to your little hoodlums ok? Terri and I will just leave."

"No! You're not going anywhere with her! Not after was just happened. I'm going to be nice just this once and ask you to leave. Next time, our visit won't be as pleasant!"

"Look I--"

"What are you deaf? I said go!"

Rick shook his head and walked off.

I looked down at the ground and mumbled a slight thank you. I turned around to go home, but I was stopped when Sean grabbed my arm.

"Are you ok?"

I nodded "I'm fine."

He looked at my lip and reached over to touch the cut, but I pushed his hand away.

"Sorry. Nice shiner, eh?"

"Yeah, well..."

"Look, why don't you come over to my place?"

I stepped back. Who the heck did he think he was? Did he think just because he stopped Rick that I would just sleep with him?

"I have to get home."

"If you think I'm trying to get into your pants or something, you're wrong. I just think we should get you cleaned up before you go home. That's all."

I sighed. "Fine. I guess it's better than having to explain this to my dad."

A/N... So the love affair of Terri and Sean begins... or does it?? Mwah hahaha