I swear my heart was hammering a mile a minute with the amount of anxiety that was coursing through my veins right now. I knew I would have to look, because if it was Will, I would need to book it someplace he can't follow. I was gaining up the nerve to look over my shoulder now that the car was advancing enough to nearly be on my tail, when a familiar voice called out.

"What are you doing out here Princess?"

I could have cried out in relief at the sound of Ace's voice. I looked over fully now, my eyes starting to well up in tears but I kept them back, and he stopped his car in the street when I stood still on the pavement. He was dressed in what looked to be black slacks, and a black shirt, covered by this printed button up. I would have wondered why the need to "Dress up" If I haven't seen him dress in slacks before.

"Well get in princess can't have you walking around town dressed like that." He said leaning over to open the passenger door for me. I took his offer gratefully setting my heels in the back seat as I climbed in.

"The dance not go so well?" He asked while he drove off once again.

"I don't really want to talk about it. Trust me when I say it was absolutely horrific." I sighed, lifting my legs up on the seat to sit more in a little ball. Ace looked at me suspiciously, his eyes narrowing and his grip tightening on his wheel.

"Did he do something?" The question was threatening, and though my heart melted a bit that he cared even a little, I didn't need him getting in any kind of trouble for me.

"Don't worry about it Ace, I'm alright. I just want to not discuss the dance at all if that's okay."

I watched his reaction, him facing forward, jaw setting hard giving away that he is grinding his teeth in. He didn't seem to want to drop it, but for my sake he did with a nod of his head. His knuckles were still white as he gripped the wheel, but he wouldn't ask anymore about Will at least.

I looked around to see we were just cruising down random streets for now, no destination in mind. I looked around the vehicle and spotted a coke bottle sitting in a holder between the seats, and a bat in the backseat. I couldn't be sure if he was playing the "Mailbox baseball" game he mentioned before, but it still shocked me that he has been alone, and NOT drinking.

I lifted the bottle, gaining Ace's attention as I looked at him with a silent question, bringing the bottle to my lips for a small sip.

"You know I have been cutting back." He said not looking me in the eye.

I smiled at him and gave a short laugh.

"I'm just a little surprised is all. You said you were only cutting back around me, I figured you'd drink all the time when not expecting me." I said with a shrug.

"It hasn't been as fun lately, and I work better sober, I got a lot on my plate." He defended himself, though I wasn't sure exactly why he felt the need to. It was okay to not want to be drunk or drinking all the time, but I didn't want him to feel like I was babying him so I didn't say anything.

"You do, that's for sure. How is working at the shop?" I asked wanting to fluff his ego just a bit, and get him on a topic he generally loves.

"I Think it's going well, technically Dave isn't suppose to be paying me, but he started doing it anyway under the table. Said I deserve it with the work I've been doing." Ace tried to make it seem like it wasn't a big deal, but I knew that he felt pride in his work, and cared about Dave's opinion.

"That's great Ace, you do deserve it. You work hard on everything that comes through those shop doors." I told him sincerely. He has worked hard, as soon as I found out he worked there for his last class, I told me about how he has been working later and later, and sometimes has even popped in on weekends when Dave needed him.

That is certainly not the qualities of a good-for-nothing hood, but rather the qualities of someone who was just trying to make an honest living. Ace continued on, explaining his new projects in the garage, and then telling me how far he is on the racing car in his yard now. It would seem that it would be ready for test runs here in a few weeks, and if he stayed focus on it, he could have it ready for the races during the County fair, come June.

"Can I come with to watch your first race?" I asked, practically bouncing in my seat at the thought. He chuckled bringing the bottle of coke up to his lips.

"Yes, we already established this, I need someone cheering for me, as I win." He had a true grin on his face as he said this, that made my heart skip. Ace really was too handsome for his own good.

We drove around a little more, now leaving the lights of town and sticking to the dirt roads and countryside of Castle Rock. I thought about how if Ace asked me to run away with him at this moment, just drive off and away from it all, I would have agreed, no hesitation. The amount of trust, and feelings I had for him so soon was alarming to say the least.

Despite the short amount of time, it all came up though, it made perfect sense. John Merrill has been the absolute kindest person to me these past few months, and he seems to really care about my well-being. I feel close to him, like he is my absolute best friend who I can tell anything to, and in return I will listen wholly to anything he has to say.

I wanted to see him succeed, I wanted to see him well taken care of, and I desperately wanted to just be close to him. Not just socially, but physically, I loved being in his car sitting next to him. I loved the few times he'd place a hand on my shoulder or upper back. I wished I could be in his embrace fully, but I did cherish the closeness we already had.

Honestly I cared so much and wanted it badly enough, that it almost hurt to know he didn't seem to return the feelings. Ace doesn't seem to be the hold back type, so I was pretty sure that if he cared for me romantically, he'd say so. I shouldn't be too surprised though, even Ace admits the only time he shows interest in a girl, it's to get laid, not to get attached, so in reality him simply being my friend is the best any other girl has ever got. I shouldn't be so selfish as to want even more than that, and I should be satisfied that he isn't just wanting to sleep with me.

I shook my head to push away the thoughts in the back of my mind, I have plenty of time to fantasize and feel sorry for myself when I am at home in my room. Right now I was with Ace, and I should be enjoying this time.

I looked at our surroundings to see that the road looked a little familiar even in the dark, and once Ace took a turn into a field of grass I knew exactly where we were. We were in the little spot he showed me the night I ran out after mom gave me that large bruise on my cheek.

Ace parked his car on the little grassy hill, and turned the engine off, Giving it a break. I liked just sitting here and talking with Ace, it also made me feel better that he isn't wasting his gas on me ALL night as we drive around.

Ace turned the radio on, to play softly as we sat there. I leaned back against the seat, letting my head rest on the back of the seat as I did so. I closed my eyes and relaxed as the cool air blew gently across my face, and I listened to the crickets chirp into the night. This was nice, It was a beautiful gentle night, and I felt absolutely safe with my company.

"You look real good tonight by the way."

I looked over curiously at Ace, who was lighting a cigarette that was placed between his lips. I felt my face heat up a little with the compliment, and I thanked God that it was dark enough outside that he wouldn't be able to see the blush.

"Thank you." I said softly, trying to hide how giddy I really was about it.

"You always look good, you just look really dolled up tonight. That Baker asshole really screwed up." He continued with a small grin. Though he brought up Will's name, it only made me smile. Will really did screw up bad, this is probably the nicest I have ever looked, or will ever and I as his date ran out on him. However, I was mostly just happy that Ace got to see me all dolled up, seeing as he was the only one I really cared to impress.

"Thanks Ace, glad you think so." I gave a small laugh to dispel my nerves, and threw him a smile to show I really was appreciative.

"You look a little spiffed up too tonight." I said, hoping that it wasn't because he had a date tonight before this or something. He only shrugged, and gave a noncommittal, "Just felt like it.". Though I didn't feel he was being 100% honest, I knew if he had a had a date, or was with a girl, he'd have just said so. Ace wouldn't have been embarrassed about saying anything like that, and he'd have no reason to hide it.

So instead of pressing further I let it slide, and nodded in understanding. We sat there a little longer in a comfortable silence, just enjoying the company and freedom away from our troubles. I heard a soft melody play on the radio and swayed to it.

"Did you get to dance tonight?" Ace voice brought me back out of my own world and hummed softly still swaying with my eyes closed.

"A little, wasn't that fun, especially with Will as a partner. Too bad too, because I love to dance." I said, opening my eyes to look right at him and give him a soft smile. I went back to swaying, and started to hum along to the lyrics, happy to lose myself in the song again.

I was slightly startled out of my thoughts when I heard the soft bang of a car door. Opening my eyes, I saw Ace was out of the vehicle, he leaned in the turn the dail on the radio, turning up the volume, then proceeded to walk around to the other side of the car. He stopped in front of my door, grabbing the handle and holding it open for me.

"Well come on."

I put a hand on the door as I stood up and got out of the car, still looking at Ace curiously. Why did was have to leave the car? I thought maybe he wanted to show me something, when he held a hand out for my to take.

I placed my hand in his gently and let out a soft yelp and laugh When I was twirled around, almost losing my balance. I lifted my free hand to rest it on his shoulder, as we got into a rhythm that matched the slower song that was filtering through the air from the radio.

The grass was soft against my bare feet, and the taller pieces tickled my ankles with each step, and the light breeze blew through my curls gently as we danced. I noted that though he wouldn't be considered an excellent dancer, like someone who had years of lessons and practice, he still knew what he had to do.

I smiled up at him, as we swayed back and forth. This possibly being the best moment in my entire 17 years of life thus far.

"Well Ace, I didn't peg you as one who likes to dance." I teased, remembering how he said he didn't like dances a few weeks ago. He shrugged, he hands never leaving my waist and my own hand he held.

"But You do."

If my heart could have jumped right out of my chest at that moment, it would have. Something about him dancing with me just because he knew I liked it, setting aside any embarrassment, or his pride, just did something to my young heart.

We danced through many songs, some faster, some slow, it didn't matter what it was, we still just swayed along together in little circles on the grass. I really felt like a princess, like Cinderella or sleeping beauty dancing with their prince at some ball.

He gave me a few twirls as another song ended, and I let the giggles erupt freely from me as he did so. After about 3 or 4 twirls I was good and dizzy, and he stopped to go back into a sway as an even slower love song started up next. A few more giggles escaped my lips and I leaned in resting my forward against his shoulder to close my eyes and allowing the world time to stop spinning.

Being this close to him now I could smell the smallest hint of cologne on him, mixed with the smells of cigarettes, and motor oil. I disliked the smell of cigarettes so I was surprised to see that smelling it on him didn't bother me one bit. The smell of oil and the faint cologne mixing with it well, and making me feel safe, and comforted. It was a fitting smell I think; it did seem like a distinctively "Ace" scent.

I felt his hand fall a bit to my lower back but not in an uncomfortable or unwanted way. His hand still rested at a respectable point in my lower back, and it didn't have any intentions of dipping lower. It did however send more of those butterflies in my stomach in a flutter. It just felt very romantic and that we were something a little more than friends.

After a bit and my head stopped swimming I lifted my head up to say something to him to settle my nerves, but I realized that his face was MUCH closer than I remembered. His face was already crouched down a little and I started to blush as I realized kissing him would be a matter of getting on my tip toes and stretch my neck out just a few centimeters to press my lips to his.

I took my eyes off his lips only to be caught in his eyes now. The look he was giving me at that moment was just too smoldering, to be embarrassed about, being caught staring at his lips. I then saw his eyes flicker down for a split second before making eye contact with me once more. I knew then that some of the feelings I was having in this moment were reciprocated.

I noticed his face was getting a little closer to mine, and I badly wanted to lean into it further and let this happen. I closed my eyes instinctively leaning in ever so slightly automatically, and I could feel a warm puff of breath fan over my lips indicating how close Ace really way. A few seconds passed, but when no contact was made, I opened my eyes once more.

Ace was still there, but not at the same closeness before, his eyes closed and pinched ever so slightly, in thought. When he opened his eyes back up and met my gaze, he stared back, without making a move. I desperately wanted to tell him to just kiss me, or ask him what's wrong, but my lips wouldn't move. Soon instead of the kiss I was pulled in a little closer, and Ace rested his head on top of my own.

"I should bring you home soon, it's getting too late for excuses." Ace mumbled.

I was a little disappointed to hear that he sounded completely normal, as if we weren't just centimeters away from kissing. However, He didn't outright shove me away, and he still seemed to care about what kind of trouble I'd be getting in with my parents, so I guess that was a plus. I rested my head into the crook of his neck and gave a sigh, releasing the disappointment I just felt.

"Just after this song ends okay?"

I felt the vibrations in his chest and throat as he chuckled, and then I felt his head turn down, to what felt like him placing a discrete kiss to the top of my head.

"Alright princess, after this song."

We swayed together for a few more minutes, in that blissful moment, until the song faded away. As the song faded Ace slowed our movements, coming to a complete stop as the song ended. We stood there still embraced for just a moment longer, before he started to back away first.

I let him go, not wanting to hold on too long and make it awkward between us. He kept one hand clasped around mine to lead me back to the car, opening the door for me once more once we came upon it. I slid in and looked up at him from my seat as he moved around to the driver side to get in himself.

"What time is it anyway?" I asked once he sat down, feeling the need to cover up the silence in fear that if it lasted to long, he'd say that what almost happened was a mistake and that he didn't want to see me.

Ace lifted his arm up, to inspect the time on the watch he wore, eyes squinting as he tried to read the numbers on it's face in the dark.

"12:04"

He then started up his car, turned the radio down a bit and started to back out, and get back on the road behind us.

"You weren't kidding, it's too late for me to just be getting back from homecoming." I muttered, trying to think of what my excuse was going to be. I wasn't going to say I was with Will the whole time, because I wanted mom to know that I will never be seeing Will again. What he did was inexcusable and I didn't care how much she threatened me, I won't marry a man that thinks nothing of forcing himself on a girl.

She'd beat me to no end though if I said I spent so much time with Ace. I didn't even realize it has already been hours since he picked me up in his car. Time just flew by as we cruised any and every street we came upon, and then quite literally danced the night away. Maybe I could use Beverly as an excuse?

We sat in silence for a short while, as I thought of a good enough excuse; my head laid back on the back of my seat. Once I was satisfied with just saying I was with Beverly, I rolled my head over to look at the man beside me. Ace was looking at the road ahead, steering with one hand, holding his surely luke-warm coke in his other hand.

"Thanks Ace. You really made this night great."

I watched as he looked over at me for a second before giving a nonchalant shrug.

"No sweat princess. Glad you enjoyed yourself." He said. I knew even though he sounded like it was all for me, and he got no enjoyment out of the night, he enjoyed it just as much as I did. He still wore a smirk on his face he couldn't hide, and most of the time, he was laughing and smiling right along with me.

"I Really did." I said, with a firm nod. Not leaving any arguments on how I truly felt about the night. I smiled to myself as I went through my little memory bank of how the night ended. The only thing that could have made it better would have been Ace NOT backing out of the kiss, but he didn't treat me coldly after the fact.

He acted completely normal, as if it didn't happen at all infact. I actually started to wonder if I just imagined the moment between us, maybe I read it wrong?

'No, there was no way I could have dreamt that up.' I told myself.

I wasn't sure what the issue was, but I was adamant that I knew what about happened, and I held on to the small piece of hope I had, that Ace maybe felt a little something towards me. I kept this in mind all the way back home, well down the block from my house. Just in case my mom was still up and waiting to tear into me, it was best to not be seen in Ace's car being dropped off so late.

I hopped out the car, grabbing my shoes to carry in with me, then shutting the door softly.

"Thanks again Ace, you really saved my night." I knew I already thanked him a million times, but words just can't describe how truly thankful I was for what he did for me tonight.

"Don't mention it. I will see you in school Monday alright?"

I gave him a gentle smile and nodded backing away from his car to get on the sidewalk.

"See you Monday. Goodnight Ace." I said, before turning around to start walking down the sidewalk towards my home.

"Goodnight." He called out to me as I walked away. I could see by the light across the road, and by the sound of the roaring from his car's engine that he stayed put until I got to my lawn. I sighed relieved at the small act, comforted in the fact that he still felt the need to make sure I get all the way to my home before leaving my sight.

I looked towards the front of my house as I drew closer to the front porch. From here I couldn't see many lights from inside giving me hope that my mom was possibly fast asleep, and wouldn't even realize how late I was coming in.

I opened the front door slowly, and slipped inside, then slowly shut the door behind me, trying to make as little noise as possible. I turned to tip toe my way to and up the stairs when a soft glow suddenly flickered on from the doorway to my left, indicating that someone was infact up, and seemed to be waiting for me.

"Robin, get in here." My mom's disembodied voice came from somewhere in the room to my left. It sounded eerily calm, and I knew what that meant, she was absolutely livid with me. I sighed and took a step back down the first step of the stairs, and padded my way over through the doorway.

When I entered I saw that my mom was currently sitting on our couch, in her night gown, and a silk robe. The little lamp on the table beside the couch was the only thing on, bathing the living room in a warm glow.

"Mother." I greeted, stopping not too far into the room, not trusting her if I were to get close enough for her to reach me.

"Where were you?" Was all she asked. She was baiting me, expecting me to lie and say I was with Will this entire time.

"I was with my friend Beverly." I answered. A bold lie, but one she can't really prove wrong, as she doesn't know Beverly much nor her parents at all. Mom's jaw set tightly, and I hated to admit it, but I felt a bit smug, knowing she wasn't expecting me to admit to NOT being with Will.

"Will called the home phone, told us you hit him, and ran out early in the night." She hissed at me crossing her arms, as waiting for an explanation of my behavior.

My jaw dropped a little at the audacity of Will Baker, He actually called my parents after what he did.

"I didn't hit him! And he sure deserved me doing so, did he tell you what he did?!" I asked, my voice raised in anger, as I thought back to the little sleezeball.

"He told us you were being cold most of the night, and not spending any time with him. And When he pulled you away from your little friends, you hit him and ran off." She said raising her head up in a manner that really pissed me of. She was acting like I was all in the wrong, she really did believe the words of this boy she met TWICE over her own daughter. She didn't even care what I had to say it seemed.

"That's not what happened at all! He dragged me away from my friends only a few minutes after talking to them, then he got handsy on the dance floor, and when I refused to let him paw at me, he got angry! Then he said he'd take me home early, and instead he pounced on me in his car, and was all over me again!" I cried out in anger tossing my shoes aside of the ground, and crossing my own arms over my chest.

"Oh please he did no-"

"Yes he did mom! His hand was all the way up my skirt, and I probably have bruises from his "fondling". And the only reason I got away was because I smashed my palm in his face to push him away, while I got out of the car." I hissed out, glaring daggers at my mother.

Tears were flowing from my eyes, most from the anger and frustration of the night, and of my own mother not believing me when I tell her what some asshole tried to pull on me.

"What did you do to make him expect so much from you?"

I slowly snapped my head up to look at my mom incredulously. She couldn't possibly be serious in asking me that could she? Her expression said she was though, she was thinking I Seduced that dimwited jerk!

"What do you mean what did I do? I didn't DO anything! When he let his hands get too low during the dance I lifted them back up, I didn't even flirt with the guy. There was no possible way for him to think I wanted to be groped." I defended myself, gesturing my hands around crazily.

Mom threw her hand out infront of her in a "stop!" like motion while she closed her eyes. I watched her inhale sharply as if she was frustrated with ME. She is the one making wild assumptions based on the words of a molester, and I am annoying HER.

She left her hand fall and she opened her eyes to look back at me, her gaze cold and sharp once more.

"I want you to call and apologize to him come morn-"

"Absolutely not."

"Robin Young!"

"I will NOT!" I yelled, not caring what she did to retaliate anymore.

"He assaulted me, he forced himself on ME, I will not apologize for not allowing him to take advantage of me! I will not talk to him again, I will not go on another date with Will, and I will not Marry him!" I was pointing an accusing finger at her and taking a step towards her with every declare I had. Once I was done I stood right infront of her, a godsmacked expression on her face, as she looked at me from her seat.

"I can't believe that my own mother would even THINK of asking that of me. You use to tell me to respect myself, to not let any man get away with disrepecting me in any way!" I exclaimed, turning around starting to retreat from her once more. I was done with this conversation, I don't understand why I stayed this long in the first place.

"I swear I don't even know you anymore!" I huffed, still just floored at her assumptions and demands. I reached the doorway, and placed a hand on the wood lining the arch, but paused and looked back at her with a glare.

"And It's Robin Brooks! You can fool the school and this town, but you don't get to erase that part of me, just because YOU have regrets." I growled at her, before leaving her in the room alone.

I rushed up the steps, with all intent to ignore whatever my mom might yell at me as I left her presence, but she didn't say anything to me that I could hear anyway. I was able to escape to bathroom upstairs and shut and lock the door just incase my mom decided to barge in once she picked her jaw up off the floor.

I leaned against the door and sighed in relief. I closed my eyes and pressed my fingers into the temples of my head to try to push away the the stress induced headache that was starting to pound behind my eyes.

After a minute of just resting there, I finally pushed up off the door and walked further into the bathroom and started turning the knobbs in the bath, and pulling up the pin to switch the water to expell through the shower head.

While the water heated up I took the time getting out of all my clothes. I flinched when I stood back up straight a saw that I was not too far off when I said I'd probably have bruises from his hands. The area around my left breast did have small bruises where his thumb pressed to hard into my soft flesh.

I prodded the areas softly, and grimaced when I realized that the area was in fact sore to the touch. I huffed angrily once more before turning and hoping into the now steamy shower, and started to scrub at my body. I scrubbed my skin a little harder than normal, to try and mentally take off the feeling of Will's unwanted touches.

Once I was satisfied I switched to washing my face a couple times to make sure all my makeup was off, and not going to make me break out come morning. Finally I ended my shower with shampooing all the hairspray and whatever else out of my hair.

I stood in the shower, with my head knocked back a little to let the hot water run down my head, and through my long hair. I felt the tension slowly leave my body, and I was finally able to sigh contently, and start thinking some good thoughts. All of them surrounding the dance I shared with Ace, and how much he showed me he cared.

He was always the one to take me away after a terrible situation, and cheer me up, and remind me of all the great things I can do. He comforted me, and made me feel special in such a way, that no one else has even came close to.

I just knew he really cared about me, which was a lot more than what anyone else seemed to be doing right now. Even if it wasn't as strong as I would have wanted, he still cared for me as a person and as a friend. He is always concerned for me when I am walking around town upset, and he is more than willing to defend my honor.

I smiled to myself while I thought of the crazy blonde. I was really starting to think that maybe... Just maybe, I loved him.