My Security

warning: adult content, graphic violence and language

This chapter was extremely difficult to write and possibly to read. However, I needed to show the depth of the main characters situation. Hopefully, it won't disappoint.

"No man is ever whipped, until he quits -- in his own mind." Napoleon Hill

Chapter 7

Thursday, December1st...

The second period tardy bell rang well before Haley entered the computer lab. Luckily, it was an unsupervised class Monday through Thursday.

Marvin and Antwon were the first to notice her odd appearance. Although not the stylish of students, she was always well groomed. Her wardrobe was always clean and neat. Surprisingly, she was a mess today. Her hair was brushed just enough to remove the tangles. Her clothes were wrinkled, her coat dirty as she dragged it from her book filled hands and her shoes didn't even match. She seemed disoriented as she viewed the many high-walled cubicles that covered the room.

Her close friends descended upon her with relief and worry.

"Hi, Haley. I guess you were sick yesterday?" Mouth questioned by her appearance.

She jumped away from he when he touched her shoulder." Duuuhh." She sassed, twisting only to be directly in Skills sight now.

"Girl, if you had the flu, warn a brother." He joked.

"If you two would give me some damn breathing room, you wouldn't have to worry about it!" She barked as she pushed past them.

Confused and hurt by her behavior, they headed back to their shared work space. On the way, they watched her sweater rise as the girl gathered a copy of the lab work from the teacher's desk. Her peaches and cream skin was painted with red welts and purple bruises. They couldn't let it go this time.

Upon boxing her in at the desk, Mouth slightly raised her top while Skills pointed to the offending marks.

"What the hell are these?" They interrogated in unison.

She stood there frozen for a moment, taken completely off guard.

"Answer us, Hales." Skills pleaded. " Who did this shit to you?"

Jerking away, her mouth dropped open and her headed tilted down in shame.

"Uh... Look ...Ummm ... It's" She stammered.

"Hales! You're better!" Lucas interrupted, hugging her roughly.

The two other boys looked on as the battered girl bit her lip and winced in anguish.

"My mom told me you and Nathan called into work yesterday. ... must be that cold bug that's going around."

"Uh huh. I'm all better now." She faked a sniff and cough as he let her go, declining to give the others a glance.

"Good. I want you in tip top condition on our first date." He grinned from ear to ear.

"Haley!" Mouth interjected, trying to return the previous conversation.

"What date?" In order to ignore Antwon and Marvin's probing investigation, Haley quickly inquired not really interested.

Her two friends weren't backing down and noticed her eyes were constantly trained on the door.

"I guess Ms. Scott kept her word." Lucas said simply, garnering the trios attention.

"Ms. Scott?" Skills asked in disgust. He detest that lady. She was such a phony snob.

"Why in the hell would you be talking to her?" The brown haired girl howled with angry eyes and flailing nostrils.

"I went over to your house on Tuesday and asked her if I could take you to the ball. She said yes, Hales! Isn't that great?" He cheered, bringing her into a one-sided embrace.

Startling Lucas, Haley shoved him away.

"What! I can't believe you!" She shrieked in a slightly raised tone as she paced. "That's how she found out I didn't work Tuesday and that Nathan offered to take me to the dance!"

"Well, yeah." Lucas clueless smiled." Where were you? I wanted to hanging out. You know, just the two of us."

Skills and Mouth elbowed each other. Not only had Lucas broken the important conversation they needed to be having with Haley, but it was apparent that she didn't want him talking to Ms. Scott and wasn't thrilled about being his date.

Unconcerned by her harsh attitude, Lucas continued. "So. You want to share a limo with..."

As Haley clenched her sore fist and white teeth, she turned her back on him and focused on the door. She wanted to choke the life out of the blond! First he gets her hours cut at work, now this. Why was he such a damn busy body?

"Nobody asked you to talk Ms. Scott. The other plan would have worked out fine, Lucas!" She blamed icily. "I wanted to go with Nathan!"

"But..." Lucas declared on the verge of tears.

"Shut up! You only made things worst, Lucas." She warned. "Stay away from me!"

She headed for the door with the lanky boy on her trail.

"Let her cool off , Man." Mouth beseeched as his best friends restrained Luke.

Peering over at his brown skin partner, they came to the conclusion Haley was upset about a lot more than a stupid dance. If only she would confide in them.

Haley smacked into Nathan on her way out. He had finally arrived, telling her earlier he had to stop by the attendance office. The truth was after all lashes his aunt had bombarded him with the other night, it was still difficult to walk. However, she only let them skip one day of school wouldn't want anyone getting too suspicious. She had personally dropped them off when they missed the bus.

Haley completely forgot about her plight. Cautiously, she guided him into the learning center pretending to discuss their current assignment. They eventually made it to their cubicle in the back right corner of the classroom without too much attention being drawn to them a couple of leers from Tim and Lucas, a perky wave from Brooke, and a wary stare from Mouth and Skills.

After getting him seated behind the walls of their partnered area, Haley fluttered about the space, rambling incoherently. If not in so much pain of his own, Nathan would have chased her and brought her to a halt. A shell of the strong, smart, rational girl he once knew, she was unraveling right before his eyes.

Nathan was positive he and Haley couldn't live in that abyss of punishment and persecution know as the Scott Estate much longer. His nightmares were more frequent and extremely graphic. He was so angry, short tempered and anxious that he knew he was going do something unstable soon. Murdering his aunt was the first thing to come to his mind.

Haley wasn't fairing any better. She was crying at the drop of a hat and scared of her own shadow. She was withdrawn, reclusive even. She was barely eating and he knew soon she would be dropping weight. She was literally his psychotic next of kin's punching bag and he couldn't do a damn thing to stop it.

They just couldn't see a means to being free of the vicious guardian that continued to prey upon them until they graduated. That was several months away. She had money, power, and credibility. They were two orphans. Even if they were rid of her, they would be torn apart for awhile. If they got emancipated, it would be months before they could live together. They couldn't get married with out parent or guardian's consent in NC or any of the neighboring states. There was no way he could survive losing the only person he had left. They would just have to stick together and try not to do anything to set the mean bitch off. Whenever he got a chance he planned on escaping to their hideaway for a few hours of stolen peace.

Nathan's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Haley slamming her fingers against the keyboard and then marching over the printer as she worked at a frantic pace.

Painstakingly, he rose and glided his feet over the tiled floor until he had trapped Haley's body between his and the printer.

"What's really wrong?" He put plainly. "Talk to me, Hales."

She looped around, making eye contact. "Lucas did this!" She touched his tender back so he winced and lifting her shirt to reveal the fury Ms. Scott had laid upon her.

Vexed, his brows furrowed and she relayed the story of Lucas and Deb's discussion to a listening, yet calm Nathan.

"How can you not be upset about this?" She cringed in anger and despair.

He pressed his unharmed torso closer to hers, so she could rest her forehead on his collarbone. He could feel her body trembling. Barley touching her delicate sides, his large hands relaxed on her nipped waist.

"He didn't know what havoc he would cause, Hales. He just like you and wants to be with you. How could he not?" He charmingly consoled.

She gave into his care for a pregnant pause, reveling in his sweetness and sensitivity. He knew her so well. Not releasing their pose, she shook he head in agreement.

"You're right. I guess I should be flattered." She admitted flatly.

Nate could clearly see she was not thrilled at being the object of Luke's desire. He had been sure the girl he wanted would love spend a night with the Sawyer boy instead of him.

"But..." He urged with a soul warming stare that could do nothing but elicit honesty.

"I want to go with you, Nathan."

Joy radiated from his handsome mug and he couldn't fight of the sexy grin covering it. Also he couldn't stop his mouth from merging with hers. Their lips fused together in a passionate and romantic dance that had both pulsing racing and heads spinning. The sweetness of her strawberry Chapstick mixed with the minty mouthwash she used every morning created a delectable taste to Nathan. He hadn't expected a kiss from her to be so powerful, sensual and immensely satisfying. I mean this was his closest friend, his chosen family, his Haley. He surmised in his head. Oh Shit. I'm kissing, Haley!

"Stop. We can't." He whispered. Stepping back as if his lips had been seared by his tongue traced his lips as his chest heaved.

Across from him, Haley stood, panting. Her eyes stung with rejection and perplexity. Promptly, she got herself together, cloaking her emotions.

"Umm ... we better get started on the Power Point project." She suggested and headed for the PC.

Later, Haley repeatedly straightened an already neat stack of computer paper as class wrapped up.

Nathan filed through his backpack for his literature book during the awkward silence. Finding what he needed, he headed out of the shelter of the cubicle.

"Nathan." Haley called.

"Yea?" He halted, not turning around.

"I'm wish you liked kissing me." She digressed.

"Hales, It's not.." He went over to explain when her beautiful brown eyes hypnotized him speechless.

"But I'm not sorry about kissing you back." She vowed. "I wanted it. I always have."

Lunchtime...

Our two teens didn't discuss their earlier antics during chemistry. The pop quiz they were given took up then entire period.

As soon as the bell rang, Nathan took off.

Meanwhile, Haley stayed to get the previous days missed work.

Paying no attention to where she was going, she bumped right into the man of her dreams in the otherwise empty stairwell. She felt an all to familiar object in the front pocket of his baggy jeans. She dug into his pants and brought out a pint of alcohol.

"Give it back!" Nathan gritted his teeth, taking the bottle and returning it to his jeans. "You're going to get me in trouble."

"You started drinking again? Great! Just great….and I thought your life couldn't possible be any worse." She sighed dejectedly. A thick cloud of tension wavered over them. "Is this because of the kiss? Was it really that bad kissing me?"

"No! That's not "

She made an attempt to bolt past him, but he blocked her way.

"Move!" She fussed and tried to dodge him, but his much larger frame was winning.

"C'mon, Haley. I don't need you to be mad at me about this. We have enough going on." He blew out in frustration.

"Fine." Relenting, she folded her arms across her chest.

He pushed the door open, waiting for her to enter the atrium first. She debated for a moment, then chose the parallel door.

"I think I'll eat in the cafeteria today. Lucas has all these plans for the dance."

She was gone before he could argue and now lunch was the furthest thing from his mind. He returned to the science hall and out the main doors to a unpopular grassy area that had large oaks and shrubs that spelled out Tree Hill Ravens. For some reason it was sparse with students during Senior lunch The cold temperature could have something to do with it. Taking a seat on one of the more comfortable benches surrounded by five huge trees, he zipped up his jacket and dug his head phones and mp3 player, hoping to drown out the disaster that had been his day. Unwelcome guest wouldn't permit it.

"Nathan Scott! You're loosing your touch!" Brooke gawked as she stood before him in her stylish cheerleading sweats. Felix in tow. "How could you let Lucas Sawyer one up you?"

"I was only taking her to be nice. Lucas and Haley would make a good couple." He mumbled unconvincingly. "At least he has the balls to stand up to my aunt." He remarked bitterly.

"Scott, you are so not funny." Felix teased. "I can't believe your skanky ass Aunt said yes."

"Yea. I wonder how the hell he did that." Brooke said suggestively.

"Why am I defending him?…. What he did get my ass kicked and hers!" Nathan growled in remembrance. Taking out his bottle, he took several gulps before sharing it with his friends and continuing.

"She played it real cool this time. Sitting there sipping tea by the kitchen sink when we came in on time... She didn't say a word when Haley excused herself to a shower and I went in search of the dinner I knew Whitey had left me in the refrigerator...

"I heard you had a free afternoon, Nathan. I hope it was worth it." She mocked in a feminine drawl.

The next thing I knew, I was on the ground from one of those moves she learns in that martial arts class she takes ... before I could get up she had wet that strap and was cutting into my back like we saw on that slave movie in Mrs. Hendrick's class last year... Whip me, kick me, whip me, kick me over and over until back was slice up like a loaf of bread. I blank out a couple of times. All I could do was pray for death ... it didn't come."

Brooke was crying and clinging to Felix now. They watched Nathan drink down more of the liquid courage and braced themselves for the rest of his tale.


"Nope! Instead, she hears Haley coming and restrained my arms to legs of the breakfast nook with duct tape before she makes her way back inside. Hales was imploring to that monster that she leave me be, that I had enough." He lost since of reality and was temporarily reeled back into the nightmare.

"No! Go back! Go back!" I screamed through the bile rising in my throat, but she didn't hear me. Innocently, Haley strolled in only to be choked that bitch! Then she started punching her, and kicking her and whipping her. I struggled and toiled with the tape until my wrist were dripping with blood, but I couldn't get free! I couldn't stop her...There was a loud smack! and Haley's little body flew across the room, landing near the pantry. ... I called out to her, but Aunt Deb kicked me in the mouth ... She blacked out for a while, but she just would let up." He was sobbing and pacing now, the cool boy that never cried.

"I know my aunt dislikes me, but she loooaathes Haley to the depths of her black heart. I swear to God, she would kill her if she didn't think Hales would be getting off easy." He fumed, feeling nauseated from the memories of the horrid night. "She kept calling her a slut, whore, skank, tramp, bitch.anything cruel and degrading. She kept saying how worthless she was and how she was just like her mom... Haley didn't put up a fight. She just took it. Even when she tied to that God damned kitchen chair and lit a cigar." The tears were coming faster and his breathing was weighted.

"She took a smoke break?." Brooke asked, completely disturbed by the whole scenario, but not sure what Nathan would do if they left.

"Oh, it wasn't for her." Nathan gave her a tight smirk through his tears. He was crying so hard, he could barely breath. "She tore the front of her gown down the middle, expose her, invading her privacy. Then she pull the chair over to where I was and tugged my head up by my hair so I was forced to watch her use the cigar on Haley. ... on her breast, on the beautiful skin of her stomach, between her thighs, boasting about how no man will ever want her now. I struggled and prayed to be free. But there I lay, useless to protect her! ... I love her more than my own life and all I could do was watch her suffer." Suddenly he covered his ears. "She was screaming and begging her to stop and for me to help her. Deb just laughed and continued to torture her, us. ... If one of those bastards she's banging hadn't have called, I think she would have done something even more retched, it that's possible!" Nathan wept. "She just dropped everything, cut Haley loose and told us we better have that kitchen spic and span before she got back."

The boy was exhausted, bringing his body down on the bench, head in hands. He wiped his damp face with his sleeved before speaking again. His eyes full of admiration, love and agony as he recalled the spirit and resilience of his favorite girl.

"As soon as she could guide herself out of that chair, Hales came to me. After cutting me loose, she mopped my body through kitchen and down to our quarters, because I couldn't stand. I could feel the wet trail of blood and God knows what else that follow us. She was barely coherent... For the first time, I tried to get her to go to the hospital, but she refused. Instead, she made me her priority, getting me clean up and put on her bed before she did anything for herself. I could hear her crying as she made the trek back to the kitchen. She gave it a thorough cleaning, before finally tending to herself. ... I guess I passed out for a while, because the next time I saw her, it was hours later. She curled up close to me in bed and cried herself to sleep."

An eerie silence swirled through the winter air as the threesome sat in silence. Then he said that blew his friends away.

"Yesterday, I was in so much pain, lying there on my stomach, my back stripped to pieces ... and Haley was nursing me and her own wounds until she just dropped to the floor in exhaustion. I just wanted it to end. I couldn't watch her suffer like that anymore. That's when I knew, I could never let this happen again." He sniffed and Brooke took his hand in hers, rubbing it gently. "So, I reached out and picked up the almost full bottle of Extra Strength Motrin that Haley put on the nightstand and I asked Haley to share it will me, to permanently end our nightmare."

"Suicide! No, Nathan. Dude, no." Felix shook his head. His best friend was at the point of taking his life and he didn't see it! He had done nothing to help.

"Well, you see it didn't work." The taller boy gaffed flippantly. "Haley refused and said she would never forgive me if I did. She convinced me not to let my aunt win. ...But she has won, look at me and Haley . We are so fucked up and I love her so much. ... I do."

"Don't go back there. We'll hide you and Haley " Brooke offered.

"Yea. I'll get my parents to call the authorities. Show them your marks. Somebody will have to believe you." Felix urged.

"Thanks, but this is Haley and my fight." Nathan said bravely. "final round."

He got up and walked away...

Pamela