Disclaimer: None at this current time, oh wait yes there is one. Bonnie Tyler performed the song that is seen in italics called 'Holding Out For The Hero'. The song itself is complete genius because not only is it an 80's classic which is a plus but it appeared on a movie that I love...Footloose!
Recap of Previous Chapter!
An evil smirk appeared as she glanced at Magnet, whom at the moment had his back turned. Then she rolled up her sleeves and made her trek over to the belligerent crowd of boys...
"Let him go," Ice demanded easily to the group.
"What?" Handles asked while holding the shaking boy down on the bench.
"I didn't stutter, Handles. I know you're better than this," Ice cooed.
"You know shit about me, besides this little fucker needs to pay his debt to society!" Handles spoke pushing the cowering boy further down.
"No see I do, I know for a fact that you are doing all this on Slick's command."
"Yeah, so what's it to you?"
"Are you going to be his bitch for the rest of you life?"
"Must you always answer a question with a question?"
"What he's doing is making his tent look like a bunch of lackeys. X isn't the perfect leader but at least we look good. He constantly gets on your case and ya'll get in trouble a lot on a count of him," Ice persuaded.
"Are you fucking running for president or something?" Handles asked annoyed.
"No, all I'm trying to do is get you to look around you. If the Warden were to walk in, what would she see? Who'd get the blame? Most importantly whose idea was it?" Handles froze and glanced at Ice.
Handles loosened his grip on the terrified boy and raised an eyebrow at Ice.
"What are you saying? Ice you know as well as I do that I don't like to postpone an ass whoppin' so get to the point!" He yelled gaining some outside attention.
"How much does he owe?"
"What is it with you...why do you care?"
"What does it matter? Why are you being so defensive...a due is a due, right?" Ice challenged shoving her hand in her pockets and pulling out a hand full of tokens.
"That's not the point...it's the principal," Handle snapped pressing the weights further down on the boy.
"Principal isn't the only thing stopping you from taking these token Handles," she said in a low voice.
"Huh," he asked intrigued.
"You're scared-
"Shit! Bitch I ain't scared of nobody!" He snarled silencing the room completely.
"Now that we have an audience, take the tokens and walk. When Slick gets here I'll take the fall," she swayed with a smile.
Handle thought for a while with the boy remained sprawled under the weights close to tears. Ice tapped her foot impatiently with her hand stuck out. She looked over Handles shoulders and smirked devilishly when she saw who was approaching.
"Handles its now or never...and I'm giving you a pretty sweet deal here," Handle swore and snatched the tokens out of her hand.
He ordered the rest of his tent to let the boy go and as they were leaving, Handles came face to face with a pissed off Slick.
"What the fuck Handles? Why isn't that fucker bleeding and on the damn ground pleading for his life? I tell you to do one fucking thing, be a leader, and you can't even do that right! I wonder half the time what good you asses are," Handles became red faced as the Rec. Room erupted in laughter.
Magnet remained silent and turned his gaze from Slick to Ice in a worried comprehension of what she was trying to do.
"He had his fucking dues then some, so we took that shit! We ain't your fucking runners...she was right. Ice said you would come in here and try to regulate as soon as you saw there was no blood shed. You ain't nobody...just a bitch," Handles roared throwing the tokens in Slicks face while the rest of A tent nodded in agreement.
"Handles is right, you been feelin' yourself for way too long," voiced Saint another boy from their tent.
"That how all ya'll fools, feel?" Slick asked in fiery.
"Yeah, dude get a lil power and he think he God," Neo growled as all the present members of A tent shoved past Slick.
Anyone could have mistaken the room for a comedy club the way the rest of the tents were acting. Some boys were on the floor close to tears while other were trying to hide their amusement. Slick sent deathly glares around the room causing silence until his defiant stare landed on Ice.
"You," he pointed to her as she was helping the boy off the machine.
Ice didn't respond she just smirked and continued to help the boy to his feet. Slick belted out a series of curses and advanced toward Ice and the quivering boy. She waited until he got close enough then threw the boy behind her leaving nothing between her and Slick but air.
"If your going to hit me you might as well do it now," she challenged.
Magnet groaned and pushed away from the pool table and moved closer to Ice with some boys from other tents ready to back him up.
"As you wish," he said raising his fist about to strike her down.
"Before you do though, might wanna look around," Ice offered sweetly.
Slick reluctantly turned his head to see about half the room had him surrounded with Magnet leading the pack. He growled and dropped his fist knowing no matter how much strength he had this was a fight he wasn't going to win.
"This ain't over," he fumed turning to the door.
"Til we meet again," Ice spoke to Slick as he trudged out the door.
As soon as he left, the room returned to normal and everyone went back to their previous activities only after making sure Ice was okay. Magnet was the last of the boys still standing in front of Ice.
"Are you fucking crazy?"
"Maybe...do I have your full attention?"
"I guess...because then if I don't you might try to jump off a cliff next."
Ice grabbed Magnets arm and ushered him back to the couch. The two sat in silence for a while then at once, they both spoke.
"I'm sorry," they both said in unison.
"You can go first, I insist," Magnet urged.
"Magnet, I'm so sorry for what I put you through this morning...I mean...with the whole nightmare situation. Even though it wasn't your fault, I should have fought harder for you. It was a bitch move the way I sat back and watch the way everyone treated you...wouldn't blame you if you thought I was a coward. Will you forgive me?" Ice begged.
"Uh-huh...well first off I forgive you for not fighting for me, but what I don't understand is what the dream was all about," Magnet said.
"I had this crazy...sick...delusional nightmare that one time when you and I were sneaking out...you...um...you...tried...I mean...you did...shit I don't know!" Ice exclaimed frustrated.
"Calm down baby...it couldn't have been that bad," he soothed.
"You don't understand...you weren't there!"
"But I thought it was about me," Magnet asked.
"It was...don't play stupid you know what I mean...in my dream you...you," Ice rambled.
"What did I do? Beat you? Cuss you out? Embarrass your ass...no I got it...did I rape you?" Magnet joked.
"Yep," she said solemnly.
"Cuál parte?" He gasped disbelievingly.
(Which part?)
"The uh... (cough) rape (cough) part."
"Joda...que el infierno son usted hablando acerca de yo nunca le violó. Cristo...Jesus lo que clase de sueño le hizo tiene?" Magnet exploded.
(Fuck...what the hell are you talking about I never raped you...Jesus Christ what kind of dream did you have?)
"Calme sé que usted nunca colocó una mano en mí, pero en alguna parte de mí se debe haber espantado pero en el sueño que usted no era usted...baby usted era violento. ¡Espantó la mierda fuera de mí!" ice responded in Spanish.
(Calm down I know you never laid a hand on me, but some part of me must have been scared but in the dream you weren't you...baby you were violent. It scared the shit out of me!)
"Usted sabe maldito bien yo nunca le dolería. la mente ..subconscious ni no tan pronto como usted dice la parada. la parada...I. La chica del momento ellos rameras le saltaron supe que era mi obligación de protegerle, y vaya si cualquiera aún yo mismo quiero dolerle." Ice sniffled.
(You know damn well I would never hurt you...subconscious mind or not as soon as you say stop...I stop. Girl from the moment them bitches jumped you I knew it was my obligation to protect you, and I'll be damned if anyone even myself wants to hurt you.)
"That was the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me," Ice cried.
"Well it's true," Magnet, whispered wiping her tears.
The couple sat in silence to contemplate everything that was said when Ice suddenly pushed Magnet away. She got up and began to walk toward the door when Magnets hand shot out and grabbed her arm.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to fix this, I'm going to explain to everyone what's going on between us. If they have any beef with it than they can see me about it," Ice exclaimed.
"Are you sure about this?"
"It's my turn to protect you."
"I can't let you walk into the lions den alone," Magnet whispered getting up.
"Huh?"
"We're in this together, right?" Ice nodded.
Magnet led the way out the door with Ice quick on his heels. Even though it had to be over 90 degrees, all they could feel were chills down their spines and arms. Magnet whose hand was shaking uncontrollably in anticipation felt Ice grab hold and he smiled. When they arrived at D tent, a sleeping Squid and Zero who was seated next to Caveman with a notepad in hand greeted the pair.
"Hey guys...Squid get up," Magnet called out.
Squid moaned and grumbled as Ice began to shake him awake. Magnet side eyed Zero as he slide the notepad under the pillow.
"We need to tell you guys something," Ice said.
"What is it, I want to know too," Armpit whined.
"What is that asshole doing here?" ZigZag spat as he stepped in behind Armpit.
"Stop it Ziggy he didn't do anything to hurt me," Ice pleaded.
"Like hell he didn't your just covering for his sorry ass," Squid yelled.
"Squid...instigating is so unbecoming of you," Ice scolded.
"But he-
"No buts...Magnet did nothing to hurt me, if anything I'm the one who hurt him," Ice whispered.
"Shit, now I'm confused, I thought you had the nightmare about him," Armpit asked sitting on his bed.
"She did...you see we have been um...well," Magnet added.
"Spit it out," Caveman spoke up.
"We've been secretly going out for a while," Magnet said.
"What's a while," ZigZag snapped.
"A week or so," Ice interjected.
"Jesus...why didn't ya'll say anything," Pit asked Magnet.
"We...well I mostly was scared that ya'll would come after me," Magnet confessed.
"Damn straight but that still don't explain your nightmare," ZigZag spoke spitefully.
"Listen I can't really explain the nightmare being that I don't even understand it myself. I mean the only reason why I guess the dream came was because in my life the only time when men showed me affection were when they tried to hurt me. When Magnet never hurt me, it must have hit a soft spot, because all this time I have been waiting for him to disappoint me and with the waiting came the fear. The fear of being hurt was too much to take so the nightmare came." Ice explained.
"I guess that makes since," Caveman nodded in agreement.
"Make I don't know how everyone else feels but I sorry for...everything," Zigzag apologized.
"Me too," Squid and Caveman choired in.
"Just take care of her, and there wont be any problems," Armpit fumed but then smiled.
Magnet smiled as all the boys gave their approval of he and Ice being together, even Zero smirked in favor of the sanction.
"Group hug!" Ice announced.
"Ah...no this is a Kodak moment all on its own," Magnet said.
"Fine, but it isn't a Kodak moment, though."
"Why not," Ziggy asked.
"X-Ray," they all bobbed their heads in agreement.
"Then we'll just have to tell him," Caveman proposed.
"No! I think I should be the one to tell him, on my own. He won't go off on me when shit hits the fan. So until then just don't tell him or anyone else, agreed?"
"Okay," they said in unison.
The group slowly began to file out of the tent heading in different directions but with the same sentiment on their minds, 'What about X-Ray?'...
MAGNET
I sorta feel like that girl in the Western movies whose boyfriend is about to do a showdown. I feel all nervous and anxious about the whole situation because I should be the one who deals with X-Ray not Ice. I mean look at me I'm comparing myself to a woman in an old Western flick.
'I'm a bitch,' I thought spitefully to myself.
Why am I allowing my girl to face off her brother in my favor? Matter of fact why is she always defending herself or others? I'm never there to protect her, in the end all I am is a shoulder to lean on...almost like her best girl friend or something. Well this time I gonna change all that I'm no longer just a shoulder to lean on, I'm her hero.
I know what I have to do and I ain't gonna punk out of shit, because this is where I have to show her I'm a man.
"I gotta find her," I whispered right before taking off in a heated run.
I probably look like a chicken with its head cut off the way I'm running around the camp searching for my girl before she talks to X-Ray. I spot her as she is walking behind the Mess Hall.
'Gracias Dios...she's alone,' I thought.
(Thank you God)
I suddenly slowed down my fast-paced run into a slow stroll as I collected my thoughts preparing what I was going to say. When I got to the back of the Mess Hall Ice was going around in circles taking to herself.
"Lively conversation your having there...can I join," she giggled and nodded.
"What are you doing behind the Mess Hall taking to yourself?"
"Um...just thinking about what I'm going to say to my brother. Speaking of, you need to become a ghost in a minute because I sent for him to meet me here."
"No...No, hell no! I can't let you do this," I yelled.
"Okay...I'm lost."
"All your life you had to fight, you were always the one defending yourself and other people and that shit pisses me the fuck off! For once, allow me to be your knight and shinning armor. Allow me to gallop in on my white stallion and save you...let me be your hero," I pleaded passionately.
"Damn...boy I have never met anyone as poetic as you, but no. I know you mean well and you want to protect me but I don't need it...never have, never will. I'm not the damsel in distress type all I need is to know that your got my back."
"I don't want to have your back...I hate being your backup, your shoulder to fucking lean on. That shit ain't right, I never had a girl who didn't need me, and when you say crap like this it drives my up the fucking wall," I seethed.
"See Magnet that's where you and I differ, I can't let you jump in and rescue me when I know I'm not drowning. Baby, you have to let me be my own superman because that's all I know how to be," Ice insisted.
"Well...will I ever get to be your hero?"
"I don't know what the future holds but if...and I do stress if the time comes I'll hold out for you. I'll wait for you to rescue me," she whispered as we embraced then I began to laugh.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Close your eyes and you'll see," she complied.
I immediately began to tickle her; she kicked, screamed and cackled in joy as my hands moved up and down her sides.
"Help...me...Magnet...stop it...I'm serious," Ice screamed between giggles.
Suddenly I felt somebody rip me away from Ice and throw me to ground, and as I rebounded to my feet, I realized who it was. X-Ray in all his madness stood in my face ready to take me down.
"Magnet I warned you to stay away from my sister," a furious X-Ray roared at me as I shielded a cowering Ice.
"If we want to be together that ain't got shit to do with you," I roared back and turned away from X-Ray.
"Oh the hell it does," X-Ray roared grabbing his sister's arm and pulling her away from me.
"You don't run my life! I hate you, Rex you know nothing about me, Magnet knows and cares about me. He lets me live my life; he doesn't treat me like a piece of glass ready to break. You need to stop acting like you know me, you weren't there when mom died, you weren't there when Lawrence beat us, you weren't there when he raped me, you weren't there when I over dosed on drugs, and you certainly was not there when those assholes from A-tent jumped me. Don't go all big brother on me when someone I like shows interest. Now...let go of me!" Ice screamed at her brother and flung her arm out of his grasp.
X-Ray's eyes darkened and his facial turned hateful. Ice must have realized what she said because she made a grab for him but his hand curled into a fist and sent her flying back into me.
In that moment, it was as if the world had stopped for all three of us. Ice lay on top of me as the force of the blow knocked us both off our feet. X-Ray still stood there fist closed up but his expression had changed. He looked scared and almost ashamed at what he had done, as if he had killed someone.
"Les...Lesile...baby girl I'm sorry," he whispered.
"No...go away, get out of here! Like I said before I hate you! How could you do what he did...how could you hit me," she said venomously as she pushed past him.
"I'm sorry," he apologized while gripping her arm softly.
"Yeah...me too. Sorry that I thought that you actually cared and that I thought I loved you," she spat running away.
The two of us remained silent as space itself not knowing what to say or if anything could be said.
"Magnet I...don't-
"I know hombre...I know, you didn't mean it. Lets both give her some time to cool off. She didn't mean that shit she was upset and come next week we'll all be laughing at this," he nodded even though we both knew no one would laugh about this.
"Come on...man dinner's almost ready, if we're not there Pit might eat up everything," X-Ray joked as we began to walk to the front of the Mess Hall just as the bell rung...
ZERO
I've never felt so much tension in my entire...even though we were speaking to each other, something wasn't right. X-Ray ate and laughed as though nothing was wrong which made me think that Ice hadn't brought it up. Then when I saw he was speaking to Magnet, I knew something went down...
ARMPIT
I have never in my life been so happy for a dinnertime to end because that was pure hell. X tried to put on this big front by laughing and carrying on, but Magnet blew that for him. He sat there all two faced attempting to be like X joking and shit, his eyes gave him away. Every time X made a comment Magnet would size him up like they was gonna fight...then roll his eyes and look away. Maybe X didn't notice but I did and now that dinners over I'ma let X in on those foul looks being thrown his way. X is my boy, what would it look like if I didn't have his back.
"X...dog wait up!" I yelled.
"What?"
"You know I ain't nobody's a snitch or nothing like that but I thought you should know," X turned to face me.
"Know what?"
"Magnet got your number, saw him sizin' you up earlier, thought you might wanna know...just in case he plottin' shit," X nodded.
"Thanks for the heads up...but I don't blame him, matter of fact he probably was sizin' me up," X sulked.
"Huh?" X-Ray took a deep breath and began to retell the story of how he caught Magnet onto of Ice. Of how he misread the situation, which resulted in her, lashing out against him then his fist colliding in her jaw.
When he was done, I stood there slightly flabbergasted at the realization of what happened. In all his glory stood somebody that I had respected more than my own father but in those few seconds discovered, he was no better than anyone in this camp. In my on mind, I had put him on this pedal stool whereas he was more bad, tougher, and stronger than the rest of us. In reality, that's what we were all sent here for in the first place.
"You kinda quiet big guy...you hate me," X asked looking me in the eye.
"Disappointed in you...yes, but X you're like a brother to me, I could never hate you...we all fall short of grace," he smiled.
"Do you think she hates me...because I'm sure Magnet does?"
"Naw...Ice could never hate you man, she's just hurt but eventually she'll get over it. As for Magnet any man would hold a grudge if he saw someone hit his girl," I said as we walked toward the tent.
"I know what you mean, bro," X agreed as we finally approached the tent flap.
"On the real, there's nothing you can do about this now so just get some rest because talking to Ice isn't the wisest choice to make right now," X nodded his head.
I patted X on his shoulder as we both retired into the tent where everyone else was either asleep or getting ready for bed...
ICE
I jolted up as another cold sweat violated my already nervous condition. After Rex hit me, I ran back to my tent and just sat on my bed for the better part of an hour. When I finally came to my senses, I pulled out a compact mirror from my purse to examine the damage, and thanks to my tough skin not even a scratch. From then on, I spent the rest of the night thinking and writing another letter to Monica. No one came to check up on me or try to mend fences except for Magnet.
FLASHBACK
"Knock, knock," a thick Hispanic accent interrupted my thoughts.
"Hey."
"How you feelin'...no damn I mean-
"I understand what you're trying to say Magnet, but it won't do any good," I whispered.
"I know and I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better," he coaxed lightly while sitting down on my cot.
"Well there isn't!"
"You don't hate him do you?"
"Yeah I do!"
"Baby I know your mad but you can't hate him, he was only reacting out of anger as you were before he hit you," Magnet explained as if he were talking to a five year old.
"You are so two faced it unbelievable...couple of nights ago you were like hate the world if they wronged me, now you want me to pardon him, why? 'Cause he's my brother, fuck no! Oh...and by the way you suck as a hero!"
"What? You wanted to be little miss independent woman so I let you. I'm sorry you got hurt but you have to learn how to handle situations better. You jump off a roof you might break your neck," Magnet quoted.
I stared at him in awe for a moment because in my heart I knew he was right but being the person I am I wasn't about to give him that kind of satisfaction.
"Magnet the last thing I need from you is a shrink...for once when something goes down, be my boyfriend. Its a good thing I don't need you to fight my battles and I never will. For your own good leave now and I won't completely disown you," I spat and returned to my letter.
"Huh?"
"I didn't stutter...leave, vamanos," he pulled himself up and walked to the door.
"Ice, you're upset and hurt which is the reason you're lashing out right now, but you're still my girl, night," he said before leaving.
END FLASHBACK
I lie back down looking up blinking away the fresh tears, which were stinging my eyes. I looked at the envelop addressed to Monica even though I knew she wouldn't write back. Ready to crack I jump up from my cot and put on my boats.
"All I need is a walk," I whispered and began to exit my tent.
The night air thick with dust and despair assaulted my moist skin making me itch. The camp was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop...it was one of those nights that you didn't want to be caught alone or unarmed. The further I walked the more uncomfortable I felt as darkness began to consume me. All I could hear was the hissing of the rattlesnakes and the pitter patters of yellow belly rattle snakes, unable to stop I just turned around. As I began to walk, back I felt a hand on my mouth, which jerked me back into a well-built body.
"Well...well...well bitch you shouldn't wander so far from camp, you know what they say 'the freaks come out at night," a voice hissed in my ear.
Do do do do
Do do do do
Do do do do
Ah! Ah!
After that, I began to viciously struggle against my captor kicking, scratching, biting. In the end, the resistance had been nothing more than wasted energy because his hold only tightened...deathly.
"I told you it wasn't over," he said before throwing to the ground.
'Slick,' I thought fearfully.
"I see you're not so tough without your bodyguards, huh?" He mocked pulling me up by my hair.
Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where's the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?
Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and turn and dream of what I need
"I'd still kick you ass," I jeered having to get a word in.
He spat in my face and threw me to the ground.
"You know if you weren't such a cunt you'd make a good girlfriend," he said bending down next to me stroking my face.
"Well its a good thing because I don't want you anyway," I respond with a lame comeback.
"Feisty...now I know why your daddy fucked the hell outta you," he teased cruelly, as I pulled away from his grip.
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
"Go to hell," I yelled kicking him in the groin then getting up preparing to make a break for it.
"Oh, no you don't," he groaned grabbed my ankle pulling me to the ground.
"All I was gonna do was kick ya ass and let the buzzards pick you clean, but now I think I'm gonna half to finish what your daddy started," he hissed getting on top of me.
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
Tears once again stung my eyes as Slick began to violate my body. He tore open my jumpsuit, ripping it away from me as I squirmed and screamed for freedom.
"Bad girl... (slap) no screaming," he scolded as I cried from pain. He smirked and pressed lips to mine harshly.
"Let me go!"
"There's no escape...there's no one to save you," he sneered.
'That's what Lawrence use to say,' I thought to myself.
Somewhere after midnight
In my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach
There's someone reaching back for me
Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat
It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off feet
In that moment I could feel nothing not even the gnaw of his teeth at my breast through the wife beater, his slimy kissing on my neck, or his fingers between my legs. I was numb; it only brought back the horrid memories of the nights spent with Lawrence. Now I can hear nothing, not his moaning, the insects or the rattlesnakes; just silence. When the sounds faded, my site went next; vivid scenes of torture turned into a blinding white.
'I need a hero,' I thought.
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
NO ONE'S POV
Magnet cursed himself as he kicked off the covers of his bed. He had forgotten to use the bathroom before bed and was paying for it now. Magnet slipped on his boots and crept out the tent. The night air was chilled slightly causing him to be more alert of his surroundings.
'Something isn't right,' he thought.
He quickly dismissed the thought and went to search out for a hole to relieve him in.
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
Magnet breathed out a sigh of liberation as the urgency of his bladder ceased and he could return to his cot. As he was about to leave the unsettling feeling returned and make him uncomfortable. Soon after, he heard terrified screams coming from the distance.
Do do do do
Do do do do
Do do do do
Ah! Ah!
He ran to Ice's tent with high hopes in which she would be safe and sound in her cot. To his misfortune she was not there that could only mean one thing...oh no!
Somewhere after midnight
In my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach
There's someone reaching back for me
Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat
It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off feet
Magnet had never run so fast in his life, the air whipped his face blinding him at times but he didn't care. Further, into the distance he could see to figures one on the ground and one standing up. The he saw some kind of struggle than the person standing on top of the other.
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
As he finally approached, his jaw dropped and he paled at the site in front of him. Ice lay slumped on the ground with Slick on top of her defying her half-naked body. Magnet fist clenched as rage quickly built up inside of him...all he saw was red.
"This ain't ah peep show Taco Bell hit the road," Slick said.
(A.N: There is this completely sick drum solo in the song and if you have the opportunity listen to it. I think is crazy, my favorite part of the song, it's about 30 seconds.)
Magnet who could no longer contain himself cried out fiercely and rushed Slick. The strength of forty men he jerked Slick away from Ice an on the dirt. He wasted no time commencing a major ass whoppin' on Slick, foaming at the mouth with tears in his eyes he delivered a series of kicks and punches which devastated his opponent.
Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I would swear that there's someone somewhere
Watching me
"Stop it...please stop," Slick screamed as he too was tearing up.
"Why? You didn't do you have any idea what she has gone through! You deserve to die for what you did I should fucking kill you," Magnet screamed as his fist continued to plow into Slicks head.
"Have mercy...Jesus help me," Slick cried as he tried to protect his face.
"Shit, you ain't have any mercy on her and look at her now! How dare you ask God to help you...you'll go to hell for this," Magnet screamed as he slammed his head on the ground.
Through the wind and the chill and the rain
And the storm and the flood
I can feel his approach
Like the fire in my blood
No longer speaking Magnet was in his own world of revenge as he proceeded to assault the now unconscious Slick. In his mind, he was no longer just hurting Slick he was hurting Oscar's murderers, his dad for never being there, his sister for leaving, the cops who arrested him, CPS for separating his family, his mom for loving Oscar more than the rest of her kids, and Oscar for dying.
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
Magnet was so wrapped up in his own actions that he never heard Pendanski's cries or felt Mr. Sir trying to pry him away. After a few more seconds, Magnet was sucked back into reality as his punches began to slow and Mr. Sir finally was able to pull him away. After remembering what had led up to it Magnet pulled away from Mr. Sir and crawled over to his girlfriend.
ooooooooo
ooooooooo
ooooooooo
ooooooooo
ooooooooo
ooooooooo
ooooooooo
ooooooooo...
When he reached her his tears flowed freely as he laid eyes on her, her body was stiff, her face resembled a china doll's but her eyes were glassy. Though she was facing him, it was as if she wasn't even looking at him. Her pupils were so dilated that you couldn't even recognize her eye color. Her eyes were dead.
"El bebé se despierta por favor," he begged while cradling her rigid body.
(Baby please wake up)
"¡Lamento mucho permití su herida usted, yo prometí protegerle y yo fallé!"
(I'm so sorry I let him hurt you, I promised to protect you and I failed!)
Pendanski moved slowly toward Ice past the shaking Magnet, he extended his hand to her face and Magnet flipped out.
"¡No la toque, obtiene el jode lejos que pueda manejar esto, ella no le necesita¡Ella es mi chica!" Magnet snapped at Pendanski shooing him away.
(Don't touch her, get the fuck away I can handle this, she doesn't need you! She's my chica!)
"Jose you have to move, so we can help her," Pendanski pleaded.
"Dije que ella no le necesita yo la obtuve ella será bien, dará apenas su tiempo."
(I said she doesn't need you I got her she'll be alright, just give her time.)
"You catch any that Pendanski," Mr. Sir asked.
"Nope...you?"
"No but not to worry you just radio the Warden and I'll handle this," Mr. Sir answered pulling out his gun.
"Whatcha gon' do with that?"
"Nothin' much," he whispered before hitting Magnet in the back out head with the butt of the gun causing him to fall to the ground.
"Oh...good plan," Pendanski said as he continued to radio...
CAVEMAN
The bell rung once again...on schedule like an alarm clock...an alarm clock from hell. Everyone slowly began to get up and get dressed for our daily rituals, but in the mist of the preparation a voice commanded everyone's attention.
"Did ya'll hear yet?" The orange haired olive skin leader from C tent said.
"What are you talking about?" X-Ray asked.
"Magnet isn't here," Squid called out.
We all turned to see an empty cot that looked like it had barely been slept in, X-Ray cursed and turned back to the leader of C tent.
"Redbone what the fuck is going on?"
"Come outside and you'll see its crazy," he said left.
No one need to be told twice as we all rushed out the door after him and then were stopped in our tracks at the site. The were about five police cars parked outside the mess hall with the lights flashing, two ambulances, and to top it off the adults were running around like it was the end of the world.
"Wow," was all I could say.
"I gotta wake Ice up...she has to see this," X-Ray said running to her tent.
"Guys," he yelled running out.
We all look at him with knowing expressions, and then Squid spoke.
"She ain't there is she?"
"This can only mean one thing...Magnet and Ice and evolved in all this," Armpit explained.
Moments after I could see Mom and other counselors in the distance rounding up the tents and urging them into the Mess Hall. Mom began to wave widely for us to join them.
"C'mon ya'll," X-Ray sulked as we trekked to the Mess Hall.
Everyone sat there for almost twenty minutes arguing the different possibilities to what could be going on. D-tent and Redbone sat in silence waiting for a guaranteed answer from one of the counselors. Soon the Warden walked in and the room was so quiet that only the sounds of her footsteps could be heard. When she got to the front of the room and turned to face us, her expression was murderous.
"Listen and listen good...today there will be no bull shit! You all will eat your breakfast, dig your holes, eat your dinner, and go to bed. There will be no horseplay or any kind of nonsense because I swear whoever wants the test the waters will be on the first bus to a federal prison. Oh, and don't get any ideas cause it ain't ah cake walk...little boys don't do so well in a man's jail...if you catch my drift," she ordered before walking out the room.
Even after she had gone, her presence was still felt in the room like a force of nature. Even in thick desert heat, I feel this sickening chill running down my spine.
"Now I want everyone to move calmly to the 'Library' and remember...no funny business," Pendanski chirped signaling everyone to leave.
D tent was the first out the door, the pandemonium that commanded attention when we first came out shrunk down to one squad car.
"It's about damn time," Squid said.
I turned to where he was looking and saw a busted and broken up Slick slumped over in a wheelchair. There was one cop in front of him reading him his rights and another handcuffing him and then helping him into the squad car.
"You never lied but I hope he ain't have anything to do with Magnet or Ice," X-Ray said as we all nodded in agreement.
I heaved a deep sigh as we began our morning routine...
MAGNET
I moaned softly as my eyelids fluttered open, I grabbed my head as a massive pounding assaulted me. I sat up holding my head in my hands against the light that was aggravating my headache. My clouded mind began to clear as memories flooded back.
'Ice,' I thought as I began to search around the round for her.
I was sitting on an old wooden bench inside an air-conditioned room painted white. There was a filing cabinet and desk adjacent to me, the lights that penetrated my vision flicked continuously. I looked out one of the windows to see it was barely dawn and the Warden and four cops were swiftly approaching. When they entered, their agitated expressions made it clear to me that they didn't like me one bit.
"Magnet...now that you're awake...we want answers," the Warden demanded.
"I...um...I don't understand. Why are they here? Where's Ice?"
"All in do time Magnet...all in do time. Do you remember anything?" I nodded.
On of the officer pulled out a notepad and a pen while another pulled out a video camera.
Officer 1: What your name?
Magnet: Magnet
Officer 2: No your government-
Magnet: I know what you mean...I was just being sarcastic...my name's Jose Miguel Castro.
Officer 3: How old are you? D.O.B. also, please?
Magnet: 16...um...January 27, 1989.
Officer 1: What is your last known place of residence?
Magnet: What does this have to do with last night?
Officer 4: Just answer the question!
Magnet: No! All your questions are unnecessary and have absolutely nothing to do with what happened last night! I'm not going to sit here and choke up my whole life story to you when it can easily be found in Mr. Sir's office...they keep all records on file.
The small room was suddenly silent as all the police officers turned to face the Warden who was glaring daggers at me but I don't care.
Officer 2: I thought you said...that all the records were kept on computer and that every computer was down.
Warden: Well they are...but...some of the boy's files are kept non-electronically...I'm going to see if his is one of them...be right back.
Officer 4: You do that.
As she left, the Warden never broke eye contact with me but to my surprise, what use to scare me only made me roll my eyes to her. Soon after the nurse burst in and said, Ice was awake. I jumped up only to be shoved back down.
Officer 4: We'll handle this...
Officer 1: Yeah we'll go...you two stay and finish questioning him...we'll see if their stories match.
No later had the two cops disappeared did their counterparts begin their endless questioning. After thirty minutes, I was restless and livid as they began to ask the same questions but form them differently. As I felt myself about to explode both of the cops stormed out of Ice's room, one walking faster than her partner.
Officer 4: Where is he?
Officer 2: He's right here...he'll crack any minute.
Officer 1: Not him! Where's the asshole they bought in with them?
Officer 3: The nurse and the EMTs are prepping him...their taking him the hospital. Why do you care we have the perpetrator right here.
Officer 4: Wrong one the girl says...from what she can remember...the other one attacked her.
Officer 2: Bullshit, she's trying to protect him.
Officer 1: We don't think she is...Warden slipped us all their files from the back door and the...other boy has a history of violence.
Officer 2: Well don't all of them?
Officer 4: This boy is different...read it for yourself! (hands over Slick's file)
Officer 2: My God...he's a monster.
Officer 3: I'm gonna be sick...what kind of psychopathic fuck is he?
Officer 4: The kind that's about to go jail...real jail! (pulls out her handcuffs)
Officer 3: Fine by me but why'd the judge send him here in the first place.
Officer 1: Beats the hell outta me...but now we have to set it straight.
Officer 2: Son...as you can see...you are no longer a suspect and can go.
Officer 4: Before you leave...you had better go and see that girl before she has an aneurism. (winks at me and I nod)
The four officers quickly disperse and I waste no time in checking on Ice. As my distance from the door shortens my speed-followed suit. My sweaty hand grasped the door handle twisting it slowly. As the door creaked open, I could see inside the room, which was dimly lit. One cot like bed decorated the room with a medicine cabinet across from it and another door at the corner of the room.
"Magnet," Ice called out to me.
I quickly approached her as she was stretched out in the bed, her face etched in bleakness.
"Hey baby," I whispered holding her hand about to kiss her on the check but she flinched away.
I was hurt but that was to be expected from an almost rape victim so I continued to hold her hand.
"I sorry," she cried.
"No, I'm sorry I shouldn't have kissed you."
"Oh...God Magnet I was so scared! It happened so fast...I couldn't think I didn't know what to do," she cried.
"What happened?"
"I couldn't sleep so I decided to take a walk...but as I was walking nothing felt right...ya know. The camp was so quiet so started to walk away from it...but the further I went the worse I felt. So I decided to turn around and that when Slick grabbed me from behind. We argued for a while until I broke free...I thought I could get away but it only made him angrier. Next thing I know he's on top of me...touching...and kissing. I couldn't breathe hear, think, see, smell...it was like I was losing all my senses. Magnet you were right I don't think when I act and I got what I deserved." She whispered making me feel so guilty.
"No, I was wrong and you were right...I am two faced and I do suck as a hero," I apologized.
"If it weren't for you...Slick might have actually raped me...I freaked when I woke up because I couldn't remember a thing...the nurse told he hadn't. How did you know...how did you know I needed a hero?" She asked sitting up.
"I didn't know...I woke up last night because I had to use the bathroom but when I came outside, shit ain't feel right. As I was going back to the tent, I heard somebody screaming so...my heart dropped and I ran to your tent...and you weren't there. I ran to the noise...deep down I knew it was you...I had to help you, but when I saw you, nothing I ever thought mattered. When I saw him on top of you, I lost it...completely. I don't even remember Mr. Sir or Mom yelling for me to stop. Every bad thing that had happened in my life flashed before my eyes and clouded my judgment. When I finally came to my senses...I went to you...but when I looked at you it wasn't you...you looked catatonic."
"I get like that...I mean...when Lawrence use to...you know...but Slick really reminded me of him," she explained.
"How so...was it because he tried to-
"No, he quoted Lawrence...he said "there's no escape...there's no one to save you" and that's what Lawrence would say. Each time he said it I knew what would happen and I knew what I ahd to do."
"What was that?"
"Desaparecer...everything going on around would become void...no sound...no feeling...and all I could see is white until it was over."
(Disappear)
"Basically...you just zone out until it's over," she nodded.
I untangle my hand from hers feeling very uncomfortable about the whole situation. She looked at me puzzled then glanced away in understanding of my actions. She started to shy to the other side of the bed and curled up into a ball.
"What's wrong," I asked touching her shoulder resulting in her cringing.
"Sooner or later...it was only a matter of time...I knew you would get like this. When people find out they immediately cut themselves off from me, not wanting to be around me. I haven't had anyone I could truly trust since my mom died...so it was only a matter of time before you went too. Well, it was fun while it lasted," she sighed.
I felt like a complete asshole for detaching myself from her like that, I left her when she needs me the most. In her eyes, I'm no better than Lawrence or Monica for that matter. Well, I'll just have to show her otherwise...she'll see I'm never gonna leave her.
"Fun while it lasted? Chica, I'm not him or Monique...or Michelle, I was just gettin' ah chair," I joked while going to grab the chair which resided near the door.
She made a face when I came back and sat down then she tilted her head. A small smile separated her lips and she giggled.
"You are not slick...you know damn well her name is Monica, but I'd understand if you didn't wanna be with me...or know me for that matter. Hell! If I were you I wouldn't wanna know me either," she said.
"Ice...Leslie...the last thing I ever want be is my father...do you remember when I said he was never around (she nods) well I sorta fabricated that part. From what I can remember...you see the weird thing is...I never had the same father as Oscar and Julia. According to my mother, he was a drunk...an old useless drunk. Basically, the rest of us had the reject father and Oscar's dad died...in desert storm. My dad left two days before my seventh birthday and I never forgave him for that. I mean it was bad enough that he was never there but still for some reason I thought he would change and be better. I don't want you to think everyone is going to leave you...not me...X...or the rest of D tent for that matter...we love too much for that to happen," I preached.
"Thank-you," she whispered astonished.
I just smirked and held out my hand toward her waiting for her to take it, she slid hers into mine and we sat there, thinking of the past and what was to come.
"Magnet?"
"Huh?"
"Right before the detectives left they were yellin' about Slick...mostly his file and why in the world he was sent here."
"You wanna know why he was sent here, correct?" She nods excitedly.
"Slick and I got here around the same time...while on the bus he was chained to the seat...I mean really chained, legs, arms and all. There were four guards on the bus just to watch him...I ain't never seen anything like it. While I was put in D tent he was in A tent, but that didn't pan out so well. He almost castrated the former leader of the tent for trying to take his lunch. When word got around camp about what he had done I was more than curious...I needed to know. One night after lights out I snuck into Mr. Sir's office and read his file...shit was crazy."
"What'd he do?" She asked wide-eyed.
(A.N: This man on a History channel special did that and the memory of what he did stuck with so I had to incorporate that into the story.)
"He...he sexually assaulted his mom then severed her body in tiny pieces and then consumed her."
"Bullshit," she gasped.
"I wish it was...the only way D.A. could pin it on him was because of the fact that he recorded the entire thing on video. Along with that one, he had a collection of tapes and drawing or what he had done to animals and other people. Those are some home movies I won't be watching," I explained.
"Wow...he's ah sick bastard...does the rest of the camp know about this?"
"Just D tent, I told them as soon as I found out and we decided that it was best not to share the information with anyone else."
"Damn...this shit is probably going to be front page news," I nodded.
Soon after we were propelled into thunderous silence, which captivated us, so we only focus on nothing but each other. The calmness was comforting and made me forget everything bad that had ever happened. As the old saying goes good things never, last because Mom barged into the room robbing us of the tranquility.
"Times up, Jose you better get going you have a hole to dig and send for Rex while you're at it. Don't let him know too much just tell him the Warden wants to see him and that you will be finishing his hole; got it?" I bob my head in comprehension.
Ice squeezed my hand as I rose out of the chair while bending down to embrace her before I left her side. Out the corner of my eye I could see Mom fidget frenziedly in my presence. Our eyes met for a second before he pulled away nervously as if he thought I would fly off the handle again. But no matter how empowering it felt for him to fear me I didn't want that. Oscar's words shot through my head scolding me. 'If someone fears they'll be the first to deceive you!'
"Mom can I talk to you outside," he nodded dashing out the door.
I made sure Ice was okay before I joined him outside of her room, he looked worse than ever now.
"So what did you need...Jose," he asked.
"I just wanted to apologize for my actions earlier I didn't mean to let it go that far. I don't what happened but when I saw them I allowed my anger to control me. I broke the rules...I fought him...and I was wrong...I should have came and got you instead. I just feel terrible for not using the techniques you taught us in group...I could have killed him. Nothing I can say will make up for it but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." I explained masking the humor I felt for saying those words.
"Jose that was beautiful...I couldn't dream of punishing you! You know what I'll just tell the Warden that I made do extra holes...so once your done Rex's hole just hide out until dinner," I smiled.
"Thanks Mom...um I'm gonna get X," I said shaking his hand and walking out the door to the site.
By the time, I arrived at the site the sun was barely though the clouds, which meant the guys, had yet to even make a descent hole. Now I would have to do mine and X's...shit!
"X!"
Everyone looked up at me surprised at my arrival and even more puzzled to the fact as why I didn't have a shovel. With my stone cold expression set I approached X and lightly explained the situation loud enough for everyone to hear me. He smirked handing me his shovel and walking steadily back to the camp where he would get the shock of his life...
ICE
Seems like forever since Magnet left and all I could do is put on the clothes Pendanski gave me and wait for the inevitable...my brother.
Knock! Knock!
My heart pounded in my chest as the door slid open revealing Rex...an extremely confused Rex. He studied me for a moment and I sat under his intimidating gazed glowering as his eyes searched mine.
"What happened?" Rex demanded folding his arms.
"You might want to sit down first."
"Hell no, you're going to tell me now!"
"Sit 'cha ass in the chair and then I'll explain"
"No!"
"Sit!"
"No!"
"Sit!"
"No!"
"Sit!"
"No!"
"SIT!"
"NO!"
"You know what...fine...don't sit, but I ain't telling you shit until you sit down Rex," I yelled.
He rolled his eyes and slumped over amplified than need be. I took a deep breath and held his hand in mine as I began the painful task of retelling my ordeal. Rex almost lost his mind while I spoke; his face went from fury, rage, sadness, and then failure. By the time I was done, he was inconsolable.
"Rex are you okay?"
"Funny thing is...I should be asking you that."
"I'm fine...Magnet did a great job...huh?"
"Yeah he's ah real fucking hero?"
"What's wrong?"
"I sick and tired of watching you from the side lines, for once I would like to be the big brother!"
"You've been there on many occasions for me!"
"Oh really...when?"
"Okay...remember when I came back from the hospital and Slick was picking on me you were the first to come to my rescue-
"Wow...one time!"
"Then after that when you all were digging and A tent was instigating shit...it was you who shut them up first! All the other times when the boys here weren't so nice...you let them know what time it was...nobody else. The most important time was when I had to endure Lawrence-
"I was never there for that," he whispered.
"Yes you were, because when I had no one to protect me or for the most part be my friend your voice my memories of you kept me going. You protected in my dreams and you maintained my sanity when it felt like I was about to fall apart. Rex I could never ask for a better brother...thank you for being with me wherever I go. I love you," I said through tears.
Rex sat there shaking unable to hold in his feelings any longer; his hands cupped his face building a barrier between him and me. I tried to touch him but he jerked away.
"Rex...you guys said it was okay to cry because I was around people who loved me and would never relinquish me...it goes the same for you. Besides it's just us in here I promise what you say and do will never leave this room...or my heart," he uncover his face.
We stared into each other's tear streaked faces waiting for someone to save us, to whisk us away for the hell we called life. I broke first collapsing into my brother's waiting arms weeping and soon after he followed suit. Next thing I know we are on the floor crying out all our pain as loud as we can. After what seemed like an eternity, our weeping weakened and our tears dried. We were left with only the silence of the room and the comfort of each other's arms.
We remained there for the rest of the day holding each other talking and crying, it felt good to have him back.
Ding!
"Dinner bell," Rex said hoarsely.
"Come on lets go eat then," I responded.
We quickly cleaned ourselves up and walked out of the back door leading to the outside.
"I love you Leslie," he whispered.
"I love you too Rex," I whispered back.
No sooner had we came outside had we witness all the tents grouped together watching something with great interest.
"What's going on?" I asked Redbone who was standing on the wooden bench.
"Well baby girl...looks like you about to get some competition," he said patting my shoulder.
"Huh?" Rex asked.
"Look," he pointed.
Rex picked me up so I could see over the sea of heads, but it was useless. Redbone pulled me up onto the bench to get a better look and when I saw what he meant I gasped...
That was long and tiring but I sure your pleased. No preview for the next chapter I want to keep you all guessing! Hope you had a happy Fourth of July!
-Spiggi!