Somewhere in Between

By: Broken Shadow Dragon

Chapter 5:

Helga looked in the mirror checking to see if there was anything out of place. The only noticeable bruise was a large one on her shoulder. Her dress covered most of it. The rest had faded almost from view.

Frankie glanced at his watch, as Helga emerged from the bedroom. She was wearing a yellow halter-top dress. "So, what do think?" she asked twirling in front of him.

"What are you wearing?" he said grabbing her arm.

"But you bought me this dress…" she whimpered.

"For you to wear around me, in the house. Not so you can go gallivanting around town looking like a slut. Go change."

Her face reddened, "No, we are supposed to meet my parents in ten minutes …"

Frankie's face became etched with anger, "What did you say?"

"I said no."

He grabbed her throat, "Do you want to go at all?"

"Yes."

"Then go change…NOW."

Helga wrenched free from his gripped and trudged to the bedroom to change. Angrily, Frankie stormed after her. She turned to find him looming over her. He pushed her against the wall and pinned her against it. "You had better not disobey tonight, like you did just now. You will regret it if you do."

A few minutes later they arrived at the Pataki House. Helga's parents were already waiting. "You're late." Bob said crossing his arms.

"B please it's just by ten minutes." Miriam smiled and greeted her daughter, "Thank you for coming." She said turning to Frankie.

He plastered on a fake smile, "No problem. Can you show me the bathroom?"

Helga pointed up the stairs.

Thanks babe. Sit here." He pointed to a chair next to his. As soon as Frankie was out of earshot, Miriam took her daughter's hand, "It's so wonderful to see you again." She said smiling.

"I missed you mom."

"How are you, really?"

"I'm fine."

"You didn't look fine the other night," lowering her voice, "Did Frankie hit you?"

"No mom. Please don't ask questions. I'm fine. Just leave it at that." She finished her sentence just as Frankie returned to the table. "So are we ready to eat?"

They walked into the kitchen to find barbecued burgers and fries. "Oh burgers and fries!" she squealed happily.

Frankie squeezed her hand, "Don't eat that it isn't healthy. Just get some salad and water." He said.

Once they sat down Bob spoke up, "Helga you wanted that burger and fries why didn't you get it?"

"Because dad. It isn't healthy. Anyway the reason Frankie and I wanted to have dinner with you is because today is our anniversary. We have been together for two years now."

"And I have asked Helga to marry me; she hasn't given me an answer yet. She wanted to wait and give it in front of you."

Frankie smiled and turned to Helga, "So what do you say Miss Pataki? Will you be my wife?"

Helga looked down at her ring, "Yes. I will."

Frankie laughed and kissed her.

Bob's face grew red, "Hell no!" He shouted standing.

"Dad, stop it."

"You aren't marrying him!" Bob stood, "You are staying here with us."

"Did I not warn you what would happen if anything went wrong Helga?"

Helga remained silent with her head bent.

"Let's go."

"You can't do that. She's only 17. And we are still her parents." Bob replied.

"Helga get up we are going home." Frankie said ignoring Bob.

Helga sat still. Her mother held her hand.

"Did I stutter girl? I said we are going home." He growled gripping her wrist. Helga yelped, "Now let's go."

"Take your hands off of her." Miriam piped up suddenly.

"Helga is mine! I will do what I please with her." Frankie said looking from Bob to Miriam.

"Helga, stay with us, please." Miriam pleaded.

Helga finally stood, with tears in her eyes she spoke, "Frankie, they are my parents…" before she could finish Frankie's hand whipped across her face. "I'll be waiting for you in the car." He said walking out.

Helga held her cheek, and then gathered her things, "I have to go." She said walking toward the door.

"No Helga. He hit you, in front of us. Just stay."

"I can't. I'm sorry."

"We'll call the police, he won't hurt you again."

"NO Mom, the last thing I need is that. Look, don't worry about this. I can handle Frankie." And with that she walked out the door.