Neighbors Chapter 19

Before long, things began to seem like that emotional trauma I had experienced never happened. It was almost like I was back to the way I was before. Marceline described me as cute, shy, and easily flustered. I'll admit, I still had a few nightmares. But I was back to a normal weight and sleeping better with Marceline telling me she was going to spend more nights with me since it was obvious that her being in the bed with me was good for my mental health. I felt selfish, but she insisted she was cool with it.

My work ethic was improving, too. There was even talk about me getting a raise. I wouldn't be promoted, but the extra money would be nice. I wouldn't mind getting a nicer apartment to share with my lovely girl friend. I'm sure she'd love that idea. But I wouldn't say anything until I was positive it could happen.

At work, I was casually talking with a co worker as we took our break. I stood down wind from her while she smoked a complained about how busy the day was before walking back in to help tend to the impatient customers. When everyone was satisfied and it was time, we closed shop and did our daily cleaning. When that was done I saw everyone off, then went to use the bathroom before locking the doors and leaving for my car. I looked around before I walked away from the building. It seemed like no one was around.

As I began to make my way towards my car, I was stopped by a hand on my shoulder. Surprised, I turned around to see who it was. When I saw his face, my heart jumped into my throat and my palms began to sweat. My throat was dry and I felt like if I tried to speak, only air would come out. He squeezed my shoulder tightly enough that it felt like it would bruise as I gawked in fear at him.

"Been awhile princess. How have things been?"

I swallowed hard, but it didn't moisten my throat. When I inhaled through my nose as a way to try and calm myself, a toxic scent of whiskey filled my nostrils. His eyes were unfocused and his body was swaying back and forth slightly.

"No answer? Am I scary looking or something?"

No, no. I wasn't going to let this happen again. I'm finally okay. I don't need this. I'm happy now. I'm as close to normal as I can get. This isn't happening again. I've got to do something. Dammit if my body would just move!

I managed to put a shaking hand over the one crushing my shoulder bone. I scowled at him and moved it away, with much more ease than I thought would be necessary.

"G- Get the h-hell away from me," I demanded with a terrified studder.

He scoffed at me and grinned.

"Ooh, I'm scared, now," he mocked with a crooked smile.

My heart felt like the engine of an airplane whirring in my chest. I had to think of something. The only light around was a dim street light and I was trapped against the wall of the back of the bakery, with my car being the only one in sight. It was numbingly silent. I can do this. I've taken self defense classes. He's highly intoxicated. This should be easy.

But before I could make a move, He grabbed onto both of my shoulders and slammed me into the concrete wall. There were black spots in my vision and my body began to feel heavy. Something cold and metal touched my throat. I was over come with the intense urge to fall asleep, but I fought it. I waited until my vision cleared and felt a hang tug on the button of my pants.

No. This is not happening. Not again!

In a twisting motion, I disarmed him with ease. Once I was behind him, I used my right foot to kick him against the wall. The top of his head hit hard and I was pretty sure I saw a small blood stain on the concrete. I smirked at that, feeling confident, now. When he turned around I balled my fist and punched, aiming for his eye. When it hit, he stepped back, wobbling. He leaned against the wall for support. I took that as my opportunity to leave.

I bolted towards my car and jerked the door open, slammed it shut, then checked to make sure it was locked. I turned the ignition quickly and sped off towards my apartment. I prayed Marceline wouldn't be there waiting. She didn't need to see me like this. When I stopped at a red light, I texted Pepe, begging him to come spend the night, saying I'd explain in person.

When I got to the building, I quickly walked up to my apartment and walked inside. Marceline was no where in sight, thankfully. When I closed the door and everything was quiet, I fell down onto my couch and broke down. I felt cold, but I was shaking and my face felt numb. Tears were falling beyond my control and it was difficult to keep the sounds of my loud sobbing quiet, but I did somehow. After some time had passed, my door burst open, and my friend, looking panicked and worried was staring at me.

"Bonnie, what in the hell happened!?" He demanded.

"It almost... He almost," I couldn't find my breath.

My best friend put his arms around me in a warm embrace.

"Bonnie, slow down, tell me everything," He whispered calmly.

"Ash caught me leaving the bakery. He almost... He had me, he was gonna try and... Rape me again," I said in between sobs. I felt sick to my stomach saying it, but he already knew everything. There was no point in holding back.

"You got away, though, didn't you? You're all right, now," He told me.

Hearing those words eased my nerves and I calmed down just enough to stop crying.

"I didn't want it to happen again," I said in a slightly calmer voice.

"I'm glad you taught that freak a lesson," Pepe chuckled. "So you're okay?"

"Yeah," I replied.

I heard a chocked sound somewhere close by. I looked up at Pepe, who was just as confused as I was. I carefully peered over my friend's shoulder. Marceline was in the hall way, probably listening. The door was wide open. I had never seen her face so red. She was shaking worse than I was a moment ago and her fists were balled up so tightly that her knuckled were white. She grit her teeth and kept her eyes focused on the wall. She heard everything.

Before I could say anything, she punched the wall between our doors and stomped away. But she didn't walk back towards her apartment. I watched her leave the building. When she was gone, I noticed the fist sized hole she had left in the wall. She was angry. Was it with me, or with Ash? I wondered, should I follow her? In her enraged state, she might make a bad decision. If she got hurt because of being angry with me, I would never be able to forgive myself. If she went after Ash, she could get hurt, too. He held a knife to me. What if she tries to fight him and he pulls a weapon on her? She could get badly injured, or worse.

"Pepe, we need to follow her and make sure she's okay," I said.

Without a word, my friend nodded and locked my door. We ran down the stairs and jumped into my car. Marceline's was already gone, but we caught a glimpse of it just before it turned out of our sight. We would speed toward her and make sure she would be safe.