(A/N: Hey everyone! Here is my second one-shot. This takes place after the S3 episode "Cindy Breaks A Date." This also has a minor reference to an S2 episode in which the girls get after school/weekend jobs. I hope you enjoy! Please review! ~TRP~)
Story: Just The Ten of Us
Title: Not Just An Object
After my conversation with my mother, I felt better. But not much.
My experiences with Derek really shook me. While I don't mind swearing off guys, it probably isn't something I want to do forever. I do want to find someone for me, someone who will love me and value me as a person, not just an object.
I know I've had plenty of guys that I've not only dated, but kissed - who are we kidding, made out with. But with Derek, it was different. Maybe I just wasn't as attracted to him like I thought. But he was just too...aggressive.
I haven't told Mom and Dad what my sisters thought of things. But I think if anyone, I'll talk to Connie. She seemed to be the only one on my side last night.
Fortunately for me, Wendy and Marie werne't home, but Connie was lying on her bed reading.
"Hey." I said softly.
"Hey, you okay?" She asked.
"Sort of. I went to Derek to apologize for breaking his arm-"
"Cindy, he deserved it!" I held my hand up to halt her rant.
"Well, the sleaze-ball didn't stop, and I ended up breaking his other arm."
The look on my sister's face was part shock and part happiness similar to my dad.
"I want to give up on guys, temporally anyway. I think I just need a break. Thanks by the way."
"For what?" Connie asked.
"For being on my side last night. You were the only one. At least until Mom and Dad to a certain extent today."
"He really got to you the past few days." She was referring to Derek, and it wasn't a question. I nodded, holding back the tears I could feel building up in my eyes and I subconsciously wrapped my arms around myself Connie also hugged me tightly.
"IF you need anything, and while I know I'm a bit younger, know I'm here for you."
"Thanks, Connie."
"And don't worry about Marie and Wendy"
"Why not?"
"They'll chill out."
"What about the rumors that may spread around school?"
"Well, you'll have JR to defend you worst-case, but you'll have me. And youknowo when it comes down to it, you have them too." Connie said, referring to Wendy and Marie.
"Thanks. Well, I'll let you get back to your reading."
"What about you?"
"I think I'll take a nap before I review my chapter for history again."
"Cindy, I'm proud of you - for everything in the past few days, and for not letting me or any of us deter you from showing us you can do a lot more than we give you credit for." Connie replied with a smile on her face.
I nodded, giving a genuine smile that hasn't graced my face in the past 24 hours. I watched as Connie opened her book and began reading again. I laid on my bed, as I stared off at the ceiling and slowly let my mind and body drift away into a quiet, deep sleep.
(A/N: Please review! ~TRP~)