The Darkest Night
The moon was almost nonexistent on Marty's walk back through the woods. She was humming a merry melody as she thought of Todd, his love, and his passionate kiss. She knew that times were changing. Todd had admitted his love. She was certain that now she could convince him to escape his uncle's abuse. Todd would be safe again and they'd be happy.
Marty's lantern flickered. She hoped she made it home before the light went out. Without it's glow, she knew she'd be consumed in total darkness.
The wind picked up, causing her lantern to go out completely. She stumbled against something, her body pitching forwards. What was that in her path? Was it a tree stump?
Marty landed against something solid. She recoiled. It was a man! There was no mistaking the feel of solid flesh and muscle. She was pressed up against a man's chest.
"No!" she screamed. She couldn't escape as he clutched her.
He grabbed at her skirts, shoving a hand beneath the fabric as he breathed heavily. He was being very rough with her. She could feel his fingers scraping at the delicate flesh between her legs.
He tore at her clothes, his intentions dark and twisted. She was struggling, trying to get away from him, but he was much stronger. He threw her to the ground and crushed her beneath him. She screamed, but no one heard her.
"Todd!"
His name tore from her lips.
In a heartbeat, in an instant, the beast had raped her.
Marty lay there, broken and bleeding, her clothes torn beyond recognition. She was barely breathing. She realized the man who had attacked her had jumped up and had fled into the shadows. She got up cautiously, unable to see anything in the darkness. The lantern was no good to her. It had gone out. Marty was all alone in the woods.
She relied on instinct alone to get her back to the cottage.
When she finally reached her bed, she collapsed. Her body hurt. Every cell ached. She wrapped her arms around herself, willing the pain to go away.
It didn't.
She was bleeding. Her blood fell in hot droplets onto her covers. It poured out of her, but the tears would not come. They were frozen inside her soul. She swore she'd never speak of it. Not to anyone.
For the rest of her life, she would not say those words.
She didn't know the man who hurt her. It had been dark and he was wearing a mask. All she had seen was his eyes - those cold, evil eyes, glowing in the moonlight. So dark; so hateful. His had been the eyes of the devil. How she wanted to forget them.
She prayed the pain and the horrifying memories would go away forever. Hurting so much, both physically and mentally, Marty finally drifted off to sleep. She didn't open her eyes again until it was morning.
She was lying in bed and someone was watching over her. At first she was startled.
"What's wrong, Marty?" said a little voice.
She looked up to see Danny. "Why didn't you get up for breakfast?" he asked.
"I'm sick," Marty said in a whisper.
In truth, she couldn't get out of bed, even if she wanted to. Marty was far too sore. A single tear rolled down her face.
Danny lightly caressed Marty's cheek. He brushed the tear away. "I can bring you something to eat," the little boy offered. "How about a biscuit?"
Marty nodded, but she really wasn't hungry. Danny loved her. He said he'd take care of her.
He ran off to get a biscuit. A few minutes later, he pressed it into her hand. "You should eat something," he insisted.
"Thank you, Danny."
Marty saw the worry and concern in his eyes. Lovingly, he covered her with the quilt. With his tender care, she forgot for a moment about the soreness between her thigh... and for a brief second, she felt almost normal.
"You're going to be alright," he softly soothed.
Marty nodded, but she knew she'd never be alright. Not again. She was completely shattered. Her innocence had been taken; she'd never be the same. Sadly, she knew that it was only the beginning.