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This chapter is rather long so get comfy.
Ch. 8 Silent Scream in the Darkness
(CLARE)
Vince is looking at me with a vicious smile and yet eyes clouded by lust. Several possible scenarios of how this will end begin to play out in my head all at once. Vince grabbing me while the others attack Jake, Vince taking me to the alley to rape me while the others attack Jake, Vince pulling out a knife or a gun and killing us both!
Jake and I back up to the only place for us to go which is against the wall. I can feel my lungs burning because the breaths I'm trying to take are getting strangled in my throat. We're surrounded and outnumbered, I squeeze Jake's hand as Vince steps up to me.
"You owe us for stopping the beating of Bianca's pretty boy," Vince says lacing his words with venom and I flinch.
"Stay away from her," Jake growls stepping in front of me. Vince responds by punching and then kneeing Jake hard in the stomach!
"JAKE!" I shriek as he doubles over from the blows, fear and instinct kick in and I take a deep breath. We can't run, we can't fight and my only other instinct is to scream, so I do and as loud as I can "AAAAAAGGHHHH!" My high-pitched scream is loud enough to shock Vince and attract attention.
"Hey what's going on over there?"
"Hey, you."
"Get out of here."
"Damn troublemaking kids get out of here."
A bunch of adults yell at once, some of them are coming over, but the only one I care about is the security guard running toward us. Vince sees the security guard coming too, and the other adults and now he knows they're outnumbered.
"Another time Sweet Face," Vince whispers to me before he turns, "let's go," he commands and they go running. Now that they're gone I sort of collapse, falling to me knees next to Jake and I look at him worried.
"Jake?" I whisper putting my hand on his arm.
"I'm okay, but man that hurt. And I think you're screaming damaged my hearing. Quick thinking by the way," Jake comments as he sits up slowly.
"Cops are on their way," the security guard comments kneeling down by us. I've started crying, all the adrenaline I had has drained away, and the thoughts of what could have happened are still running through my mind. I wipe my eyes and look at the security guard. "I know you," he says looking at me with his eyebrows pinched together as he tries to place me.
"You're…Jane's brother, right?" I ask after looking at his face and remembering seeing him at the ravine. He wasn't at DeGrassi much when I was there but I remember seeing him around. Mostly with Johnny, sometimes Jay and Spinner, rarely with Jane but I remember he dated Mia.
"Yeah Lucas," he nods "wh…" he starts but is promptly cutoff by my frantic mother.
"Clare? Clare, what happened? Jake are you hurt?" She asks rapidly kneeling down by us.
"I think they were jumped," Lucas says.
"It was Vince, he was here. He was going to…" I pause, I have no idea what he was going to do, "he hit Jake and I screamed."
"You alright Son?" Glen questions with a hand on Jake's shoulder.
"Yeah, just some bruises and the wind knocked out of me," he nods.
"I already called it into the cops they should be here any minute," Lucas tells them.
"Honey, are you alright?" Mom questions wiping the tears from my face.
"Just scared," I reply but my voice trembles.
"Well, of course you are Sweetie I'm sure it was terrifying," Mom says hugging me tightly.
"She did the right thing, she screamed really loud and I saw they were in trouble," Lucas tells Mom and she smiles proudly.
I can hear the sirens now, Glen is helping Jake up. Mom starts to help me up but I'm still trembling and my body doesn't want to move. Lucas bends down and takes my hand helping me up as well and I'm able to stand, although Mom is supporting me quite a bit. The cops come over and when they see me shaking they have me sit in the cruiser with a blanket around me. Jake and I both give statements, Lucas spends a while talking with a cop too but I'm not sure if he's giving a statement or just talking as they seem to know each other. Both Jake and I get confused when the ambulance pulls up.
"You and Jake both need to go to the hospital to be looked at Honey," Mom tells me.
"But I'm not hurt," I reply.
"No, I think you're in shock and I want you both looked at to be safe. I'll have you both taken to my hospital where I know you'll be taken care of," Mom says she walks away and Lucas walks over.
"I'll send in my report to the cops, I'll send some security camera footage from nearby buildings too, they may have caught what happened," Lucas informs me.
"Thanks Lucas. I'm Darcy Edwards' little sister by the way," I remind him.
"Yeah," he grins with a look of recognition on his face now, "Shep called you a bitch I remember you. It was good to see you Clare, you grew up since I last saw you."
The EMTs come over so Lucas waves and leaves. Jake and I both argue about going to the hospital but Mom wins the argument. She even forces us both to go in the ambulance in case something happens on the way to the hospital. We both ride sitting on the gurney, the EMTs give me another blanket and ask us a few questions on the way to the hospital. I'm still trembling but Jake and I both walk in when we get there. Mom must have called ahead because we're taken straight back to ER beds, and are quickly followed by our parents. Since Mom works here we're considered VIP patients and treated as such.
"She's in shock, mild shock that's all Helen. She just needs some rest, after what she went through it's no surprise she's in shock," the doctor tells Mom.
"Thanks John, let's get you home to rest Baby. I'll see how Jake is doing and when he can be released, you just rest," Mom comments. She turns to go but I catch her hand.
"Mom I don't want to go home I want to go to Adam's. I'm just going to wake up from a nightmare and call Drew anyway. Please I want to be there, with Drew, I'll feel better being there," I plead with her.
"Alright Honey, I'll call Audra," Mom replies stroking my face soothingly before leaving the room. I'm sure she'll go upstairs to her office to make the call.
I lie down on the bed to wait for her return, I close my eyes but as soon as I do all I can see is Vince's face when he had us backed against the wall. My eyes shoot open again and I'm trembling even harder than before, my eyes crowded by tears again. I wish Drew was here with me, holding me, I know I'd feel better.
"You'll stay the night at Audra's, I'll bring you a change of clothes and your backpack before work tomorrow. Audra and the boys are on their way to get you. I'll stay here with Jake and Glen so I can take them back to our house. I think they'll sleep there tonight," Mom tells me.
"Is Jake okay?" I question. I know he said he was, but my mom works at a hospital, and I know that blows to the stomach may not seem bad can lead to worse things.
"Yes, he's alright Honey, just bruises I made sure they did a CT to be safe. He'll be sore a couple of days but he's okay," Mom assures me rubbing my arm. She keeps rubbing my arm until the door opens again and Drew rushes in followed by Adam and then Audra walks in a moment later.
"Are you okay? Did you tell the cops?" Drew asks and I nod in answer to both questions.
"Come boys let's get Clare home we all need to rest," Audra says.
Drew helps me up, he puts his arm around me, Adam does the same, and we walk out to Audra's van. On the silent ride back to their house I sit in back between Drew and Adam. When we get there, we go in through the front door which feels a little odd since I always go through the basement.
"You and Drew will sleep in the basement of course. In bed by midnight kids. Do you need anything Clare?" Audra asks after locking the front door.
"No, I'm okay, thanks Audra," I reply mustering a bit of a smile.
"We'll take care of her Mom," Adam says.
Audra kisses all three of us goodnight before she goes upstairs. The three of us go down to the basement but we have to walk single file down the stairs so Drew has to let go of me. I don't think I realized just how much I was holding it together until I'm almost down the stairs. Suddenly Vince's face flashes in my mind again, and then I break again, quivering at first, then a torrent of tears rushes from my eyes. Drew turns around and holds me tight, somehow, he gets me to the sofa although I don't remember walking or him carrying me.
"Vince stepped out from an alley, he had other guys with him," I tell them and my voice shakes.
"You're safe Clare," Adam says. He's sitting on my other side and squeezing my hand.
"He said, he told me he'd see me again. He brushed a strand of hair from my face," I shudder when I think about Vince touching me and Drew tightens his arms around me. "I tried to leave, they surrounded us. We were backed up against a wall. Vince said I owed him for…" I stop talking and look at Drew, I don't want to say it because he'll feel guilty. Drew nods, he knows anyway. "He stepped towards me, looked at me like…" I pause again and shudder again, tears falling from my eyes. "I was afraid of what he would do, so was Jake, he tried to stop him. Vince hit him, in the stomach, I didn't know what else to do so I screamed, as loud as I could. It attracted attention, adults started yelling and a security guard came. I was so scared, I thought they were going to take me or kill me, and kill Jake."
"You're safe now," Drew says.
"I'm sure after what Vince did it's enough to grant a restraining order," Adam comments.
"Yeah," I nod wiping my eyes. "Can we watch TV or something? I need to get Vince's face out of my mind."
Adam lets go of me to turn on the TV, he finds "I Love Lucy" on TV, the light-hearted, goofy comedy even makes me laugh. What makes me feel the safest however is being in Drew's arms.
"We should get ready for bed," Adam says after a few hours of TV.
"I'm not sure I can sleep and I don't really have anything here for the night I took it all home with me this morning," I remind them.
"I'll get you something to sleep in, and you've got a toothbrush here you've used before. Why don't you go brush your teeth, I'll get ready for bed and Drew can stay down here with you," Adam says.
"Thanks Adam," I reply with a small smile. Adam grins and goes upstairs, I know I should get up to brush my teeth but I don't want to leave Drew's arms.
"Are you okay?" Drew questions.
"Just terrified, I was sure he was going to take me or kill me."
"He's after you because you stopped them from beating me," Drew sighs apologetically.
"It's not your fault he's after either of us Drew. Besides he should have been kept in jail," I respond unable to hide the bitterness from my tone. "I should brush my teeth," I comment after a few silent but tense seconds. Despite what I said I don't move, I don't want to leave Drew's arms. A moment later he moves a little letting go of me just a bit and I finally get up pushing myself up with my hand on his leg.
I go into the washroom finding the toothbrush and toothpaste in the medicine cabinet. I brush my teeth, spit in the sink for the final time and rinse my mouth. After spitting out the water I stand up and I see Vince in the mirror. I shriek and gasp, I'm sure he's behind me, that he somehow got in here but then his face vanishes.
"Clare?" Drew calls knocking on the door. I turn around but Vince is gone, he was never here and I know that. "Clare are you okay?" Drew calls again and I open the door.
"Yeah, I just…"
"It's okay," Drew says putting his arms around me again. I put my head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat, inhaling his scent. I only stay there for a moment but a part of me wants to stay forever. We break apart when we hear Adam coming down the stairs.
"Here Clare you can sleep in these," Adam says handing me a t-shirt and sweats.
"Thanks Adam."
"I'll stay with her, you get ready for bed," Adam says to Drew.
I go back in the washroom to change but I leave the door open a crack, I'm not taking the chance of seeing Vince's face again. I can't even get the sweats over my hips so I take them off. The t-shirt did technically go over my breasts but was very constraining.
"Uh Adam," I call after wrapping a towel around me.
"Yeah?"
"These don't fit with my curves," I tell him.
"Right. I never had that problem even without the bindings. I'll find something," Adam replies taking the clothes. I hear Drew coming down the stairs and Adam tells him the clothes didn't fit and he'll be right back. Adam returns a few moments later and knocks on the washroom door which is still ajar. "Here this should work, the undershirt is Drew's it's stretchy and he's bigger around the chest so it should fit. The pajama top is mine you can wear it unbuttoned. I brought a pair of Drew's sweats too, they still may not fit but they'll fit better than mine. You don't mind that she borrows your clothes do you Drew?"
"No, not at all," Drew replies.
"Thanks, I'll be out in a moment," I tell them. I close the door a little more but still keep it open a bit. The undershirt and top do fit well and work, the sweats are still a bit tight but they fit. When I come out I see the boys have the sofa ready for me and Drew to sleep.
"Oh good, those work. I was going to go to bed but I'll stay up if you want me to," Adam says when he sees me exit the washroom.
"No, you go to bed Adam we have school tomorrow. I don't know how much I'm going to sleep," I reply.
"I'll see you two in the morning," Adam says before going upstairs.
"I'll put on a movie," Drew tells me when I get under the blanket.
He puts a movie on and gets under the blanket, I'm only under the blanket a few moments before the sweats become too hot. While Drew is getting comfortable I quietly slip them off and put them on the floor. I watch the movie and for a short time I'm able to concentrate on it, absorbing the character development and plot so I don't think about Vince. And then, all of a sudden, the memory of what happened today comes into my mind. At first, I don't even notice, it begins playing in the back of my mind over and over, always pausing on Vince's face when he had us backed against the wall and told me I needed to pay. Slowly the memory replaying in my mind is all I can see and I shudder inadvertently, tears begin swelling my eyes and I feel sort of ill.
"Clare? You okay?" Drew questions.
"Will you hold me?" I request and my voice trembles.
Drew doesn't say anything but he does get up and comes over to me. I'm sleeping on the chaise part of the sofa, I sit up and he gets behind me. His legs come around me, his arms come around me, and I lie back against his chest, solaced because I'm enveloped by his whole body now. Now that Dew's holding me, now that my body is against his I feel better, I feel safe and I stop shaking. He's wearing just pajama bottoms but he still seems to notice I'm no longer wearing the sweats, as his leg caresses mine gently. Even though I don't feel his skin my stomach fills with butterflies, my heart races for a moment and I bite my lip habitually.
Drew tightens his arms around me and the tears back down from my tear ducts, I let out a breath and I'm able to relax. My top is covered but I still relish the feeling of his bare chest, rolling to my side just a bit I feel his skin and listen to his deep breathing. His heart seems to race for a few moments too, but then slows down again. I have to wonder if it was racing because he's holding me or because he had to move?
When we're both comfortable and settled we turn our attention to the movie once again. Drew falls asleep before the end of the movie, I'm still awake but I don't want to leave Drew's arms. I try to sleep, I shut my eyes but all I see when I do is Vince's face, so I quickly open them again. I look up at the ceiling, I watch the lights from the TV hitting the ceiling, making dancing shadows on the textured ceiling. After a while I feel my eyes getting heavy and I'm beginning to drift to sleep when Drew wakes up. He wakes with a gasp, sitting up and tightening his arms around me as he does.
"It's okay Drew, it was just a nightmare," I assure him.
"Vince had you, he had you backed against the wall, I was forced to watch while he…" Drew stops and looks at me. He's still a little pale from the dream, panting hard, still afraid. So, I do the only thing I can think that might comfort him; I kiss his cheek.
"I'm safe Drew, here with you," I whisper.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," he says slowly and looks at the TV. "Uh let's put on another movie," he comments letting go of me to reach for the remote. He turns off the movie and puts the TV on, flipping through channels a bit until he finds a movie on the premium channel for us to watch. Then he lays down and tightens his arms around me once again. This time I fall asleep before the movie is over and I don't even have a nightmare, only because I was sleeping enveloped by Drew I'm sure.
"You two are really lucky that I always come to wake you up," Adam says in a loud voice waking us up the next morning.
"We…I couldn't sleep and…Drew had a nightmare so…" I stumble over my response.
"It's okay, I don't need an explanation. Just promise me when you two begin dating you'll tell me first," Adam says sardonically but my cheeks still go red.
"We're not going to date Adam, we're like teddy bears to each other," Drew refutes. I admit I get a pang in my chest and my heart drops a little at his words, and the slightly harsh edge to his tone.
"Yeah, sure," Adam shakes his head chuckling softly. "Drew we need to get ready for school, Clare your mom's on her way over with your bag," Adam comments before he goes up the stairs.
"I need to use the washroom," I tell Drew getting up as quickly as I can while getting out of his arms and over his leg. Of course, once I'm up it's obvious I took off the sweats and he's giving me an odd look, despite the fact I'm sure he knew they were off. "I got hot," I explain quickly grabbing the sweats and running into the washroom.
When I get out of the washroom my backpack and the bag Mom brought for me are on the coffee table. I take the bag into the washroom to change and get ready, when I get out I put the clothes I slept in on the washing machine and then Adam comes downstairs.
"You should eat breakfast," he says.
"I'm not very hungry."
"Yeah well you need to eat," Adam replies coming downstairs. He takes my arm, pulling me up the stairs and into the kitchen. Drew's at the table and I sit down, Adam sets a bowl, box of cereal and the milk in front of me. "Eat," Adam commands. I give in and pour myself a small bowl, I start eating and Audra comes downstairs.
"Clare I'm meeting your mom for lunch, we're going to file a restraining for you, and Jake too if we can. It may take a couple days but after what happened yesterday I can't imagine the restraining order wouldn't be granted," Audra tells me.
"Thanks Audra," I reply with a smile. I want to say that a restraining order will make me feel safer but it won't. It's just a piece of paper and Vince has to be caught breaking it.
After eating Audra drives us to school, she drops us near the stairs and we go inside together. Eli is in the foyer and he watches us walk in together. Adam puts a hand on my back before he goes over to Eli.
"I thought you both slept better when you were together?" Jake asks coming up to us.
"We do, usually," I respond.
"My fault, I had a nightmare but Clare didn't. I probably woke her," Drew says.
"No, after what happened I just wasn't able to get to sleep. I didn't get to sleep until after he woke up from his nightmare and we put on another movie," I explain to Jake.
"My dad and I are working on the house this afternoon, we'll probably be there pretty late," Jake tells me putting a hand on my shoulder as if to comfort me.
"Good, I'll get a ride home with you then," I comment.
"Sure," Jake nods.
"Actually, can I put this bag in your truck? I don't want to carry it around all day," I remark.
"Yeah, here's the keys you can give them back to me at lunch," Jake says handing me his keys.
"Thanks," I smile turning around to the front doors. I walk to them putting my hand on the handle, but as I start to open the door the overwhelming fear that Vince is out there freezes me. I'm not sure how long I stand there staring at the courtyard but when I feel a hand on my shoulder I jump. When I look up it's just Jake, I let out a relieved breath and nervously tug at the corner of my lip with teeth.
"I'll put the bag in the truck," Jake tells me and I nod. I give him the bag and keys and he goes outside.
"Clare, you okay?" Adam asks.
"Yeah, I just couldn't go outside alone," I reply.
"Come on, let's go to our lockers," Adam says taking my arm.
We visit our lockers and go to class. Adam starts talking about class and by the time it starts I'm able to concentrate on class. I just hope Vince stays out of my mind for the rest of the day.
(DREW)
"So, you two didn't sleep last night?" Jake asks when he comes into homeroom.
"I slept fine, well until the nightmare. I didn't even know she was awake," I reply and then Eli walks in the room and I decide to add another detail. "Must have been holding her in my arms, having her head against my chest, I slept great with her sleeping on me," I grin and Eli shoots me a glare.
"Yeah, I guess that would make you sleep pretty well," Jake laughs.
Eli keeps glaring at me but he doesn't say anything and he stops when the teacher comes in. I try to pay attention in class but all I can think about is Vince finding Clare yesterday and threatening her.
"You didn't pay attention in class at all did you?" Jake asks as we walk out after the bell.
"No, I was thinking about what happened yesterday with you two and Vince. He wouldn't have gone after her at all, he wouldn't even know who she is if she hadn't stopped them," I reply and Jake puts his hand on my shoulder to stop us from walking.
"Drew, she wasn't going to let them beat you it's not who Clare is. Even if she didn't know you I'm pretty sure she would have tried to make them stop. And it's not your fault that Clare happened to find you as they were beating you up. In fact, the way I heard it if she hadn't have come along and made them stop they might have killed you. I know that Helen's trying to get restraining orders for Clare and even me from Vince. And he can't be on the streets forever, his trial for the assault has to be some time."
"Yeah, but my dad said it could be months, possibly years."
"Well he can't seem to stay out of trouble, I'm sure he'll get arrested soon for something else. Maybe this time they won't let him out and they'll keep him in jail," Jake says.
"Yeah, he probably will, but what happens if he hurts Clare or kills her while he's free?" I question and then walk to auto shop. I'm the first one here and I go to my station. Other people come in but I don't look up until Owen comes to the car.
"You know one of these days those glares from Eli are just going to make your head pop. I swear he's trying to figure out how to make your head pop with telekinesis," Owen remarks.
"He's just jealous because I sleep with Clare almost every night," I reply.
"She slept over again?" Owen questions.
"Yeah and I was sleeping great with her in my arms, until the nightmare anyway. She apparently wasn't sleeping but did fall asleep sometime after I woke from the nightmare and fell back asleep. Adam keeps joking about us dating."
"She sleeps in your arms why aren't you dating?"
"Many reasons, not the least of which is that if we were dating my mom wouldn't let Clare sleep over."
"Oh, come on, you don't think that just because you were dating you wouldn't still sleep better together?"
"I think if we were dating my mom would automatically assume we were going to have sex. Besides we might sleep better when we're close but I can't keep her safe."
"What does that mean?" Owen inquires but the bell rings and Mr. Ehl starts talking so I can't answer. Mr. Ehl talks for most of class while he walks us through the parts of a carburetor and where it is, what it does. "Hey, Julian says to meet in the gym for practice," Owen tells me as we clean up after class.
"Good, I need to work out some aggression," I respond.
"What did you mean about protecting Clare earlier?" Owen asks as we walk out.
"I should text Clare about the practice," I remark getting out my phone and avoiding his question.
Drew: Practice in the gym. Are you going to come watch?
Clare: Can't. Sorry. Have a project to work on.
"Clare's not watching today, says she has a project to work on," I tell Owen.
"You going to tell me what you meant by not being able to protect her now?" Owen inquires.
"She and Jake were attacked by Vince yesterday," I reply just as we walk into the gym.
Julian is here already so I say nothing more and Owen doesn't ask. We all change into gym clothes because they'll be easier to move in. Julian starts teaching us some moves and has us practice on each other. After several moments of sparring with Owen, using what we've learned, and some instinct, I take Owen down hard and he hits the mat with a loud thud.
"Dude I'm not Vince take it easy," Owen scolds.
"Sorry," I apologize.
"I think that's enough for today. We'll skip tomorrow Drew has his appointment at lunch and you have practice after school," Julian comments.
"If I'm cleared for basketball I'll have practice after school too," I remind them.
"We'll have to meet at lunch, weekends and maybe before school some days," Julian replies.
"Come on let's go change and eat lunch," Owen says.
After changing we all go to the caf to get lunch, most of the football and hockey teams are still in here at two tables, next to each other because many of the guys on the football team are also on the hockey team, and we eat with them. After lunch, I toss my trash and start walking to my locker.
"Stay away from Clare," Eli says in a menacing tone as he passes me.
"I'm not the psycho one that crashed my car for her," I respond harshly but without turning around. Guess I hit his trigger button because he turns and shoves me into the wall. If he hadn't surprised me with it I would have just knocked him to the ground.
"Stay away from her, she shouldn't be in your arms or in your bed. She was going to sleep with me, she's mine. She will be mine again," Eli growls.
I shove him away from me and hit his chest with an open palm strike, "You stay away from her Psycho Boy. She's not your girlfriend anymore!"
Eli gets up and shoves me into the wall with a thud, it's hard enough to knock the wind out of me. I still grab his shirt and get ready to kick him. Some kids have gathered around us now, and are chanting fight, fight, fight, but before it goes any further we're stopped Mr. Simpson.
"My office now," Simpson orders. To make sure we come he grabs us both by the back of the shirt. As we're being dragged to Mr. S's office we pass Clare in the hall, she looks worried and then angry, she knows we were fighting over her, or at least about her. "Eli wait here," Simpson says when we reach his office. Eli has to wait outside so at least he's speaking to us separately. "I don't think either of us wants me to call your mother so what's going on Drew? The only fight you've been in previously was because of Adam, I just can't see Adam being the cause of this fight with Eli."
"No, it was because Eli's being a crazy jealous ex," I reply.
"I see, this was about Clare."
"You know she was there when I got beat up?" I ask and he nods. "Well she's been sleeping at our place a lot because we both have nightmares and then we call each other anyway. Eli knows she's been sleeping over and he's jealous, he told me to stay away from her. Then he started fighting with me."
"Alright I'll speak with Eli, one-hour detention after school and I'll keep your mom out of this."
"Thanks Mr. S," I reply getting up and glaring at Eli on my way out.
"Who started it?" Adam asks when I get to my locker. Guess he heard about the fight.
"He did. Not going to ask what it was about?" I question getting my backpack from my locker.
"I know what it was about, he thinks you and Clare do more than sleep when she sleeps over. I've tried talking to him he doesn't listen," Adam replies.
"Well remind him that she's not his girlfriend. An hour of detention after school but Simpson won't call Mom," I inform my brother.
"Good, we'll tell Mom that Coach wanted you to observe practice, in case you're cleared tomorrow. I have DeGrassi Radio after school anyway," Adam points out.
"Yeah, I'll text Mom," I smile at my brother's quick thinking.
I text Mom and then walk to photography class, even though there's still almost ten minutes until the bell. Owen comes in and we decide to work on our project tomorrow after practices. We still have several minutes before the bell so Owen keeps talking.
"So, fighting with Eli?" Owen questions.
"He started it! He still thinks Clare is his," I say in my defense.
"Dude all I've seen of Eli is being super possessive. Don't forget when Fitz took Clare to the Night in Vegas dance Eli poisoned him."
"Yeah, Eli's nuts," I agree as more kids come into class. "Where's Bianca?"
"No idea, she wasn't in home room either and she won't answer my calls. I even went to her aunt's yesterday but nobody answered the door. I'm honestly a little worried she ran," Owen tells me.
Great like I didn't have enough to worry about now I'm worried about Bianca too.
(CLARE)
"Alli and I are going to The Dot, I'll walk home from there," I tell Jake when I see him in the foyer after school.
"You sure you want to walk after yesterday?" Jake asks and suddenly walking doesn't seem like a good idea.
"I guess Sav could maybe bring me home when he picks Alli up," I reply.
"Call me, I'll come get you. Alli's house is the opposite direction and your house is just down the street from The Dot," Jake tells me.
"Thanks Jake," I smile kissing his cheek.
"No problem," he grins before going out the front doors.
"Come on girl, you need sugar and caffeine," Alli says linking her arm with mine as we walk out the front doors. We walk to The Dot and order, sitting at a table near the window. "Eli should have gotten more than an afternoon's detention for picking a fight with Drew in the hall. Some boys really just don't know what it's over means," Alli shakes her head when we're sitting and sipping our coffee.
"Yeah, he is having trouble letting go. Not that it's so much of a surprise after the way he acted with Fitz," I reply.
"At least Drew and Eli can't kill each other in detention. Have you heard about the restraining order?" Alli asks.
"Not yet, Mom works late tonight and if they petition for one it doesn't mean it will be granted, even if it is it could be a day or more before it's processed. Let's not talk about Vince, or Eli, or Drew, or any boy please."
"Okay no boy talk," Alli says and her eyes dart around the café as she tries to think of something besides boys to discuss. "Ummm, Jenna will be back at school soon. She's going crazy at home, she says she even misses math class," Alli says and I laugh. We talk about Jenna for a while and then Alli talks about her parents, when Sav pulls up to get her we're talking about music. "You want a ride home?" Alli asks.
"No Jake will come and pick me up. I'll see you tomorrow," I tell Alli.
"See you tomorrow," Alli smiles. She hugs me and waves goodbye as she goes out the door.
I wave to her and Sav, finish my coffee and go outside to call Jake because it's loud in here. The phone rings a couple of times and I absentmindedly pace to the end of the building, where the alley leads to Above the Dot.
"Hey Clare, you ready to be picked up?" Jake questions when he does answer.
"Yep."
"Cool, I'll be there in a few," Jake replies and hangs up.
I turn on my heel and take a step to go back inside when suddenly my arm is grabbed, and I'm pulled into the alley. My heart is pounding, a breath trapped by the lump in my throat, I begin to tremble because the only thought I have is that Vince has found me. When I'm spun around rapidly I find that my captor is not Vince but Eli and I let out a relieved breath.
"What's wrong with you Eli? Fighting with Drew, grabbing me? We're through, we broke up and what I do with Drew or anyone is not up to you and no longer any of your business," I snap at him trying to get away but he keeps a firm grip on my arm.
"YOU'RE SLEEPING WITH HIM," Eli yells.
"You have no idea what you're talking about Eli. Drew makes me feel better a…"
"You were supposed to sleep with me," Eli growls pushing me against the wall, pinning me with his arm across my collarbone. He's pressing me into the wall and it's painful. I can feel it hitting my other bruise. "You wanted to sleep with me, you're my girlfriend," Eli seethes.
"Eli, we broke up. I am not your girlfriend anymore now let me go," I assert. I'm terrified of the look in his eye but I can use it to my advantage, by using the fear and the adrenaline surging through me to give me a means of escape. I put my hands on his chest and push, forcing him off of me. I run around the corner and back inside, I get a few looks from the people in the café but no one says anything. A moment later Jake pulls up and I go out getting in the truck.
"You okay?" Jake asks.
I consider telling him about Eli but something stops me, "Yeah, I'm fine."
Jake shrugs and drives back to my house. He parks out front and we go inside. I know Mom is working until eight and we won't have heard about the restraining order yet.
"Hi Clare, I'll be leaving in a little bit to meet your mom for dinner. You kids can order pizza," Glen tells me.
"Okay sounds good, thanks Glen. I'm going to do homework in my room, I guess come get me when the pizza is here Jake."
"Sure thing Clare," Jake nods.
I go upstairs and into my room, take off my shoes and get out my homework and books. I sit on my bed doing homework for a while but soon my back begins to throb. My collarbone is hurting too, a dull throbbing pain and I try to ignore it. When I get up to go to the washroom I look in the mirror after washing my hands. I take off my shirt and look at my chest and collar bone area first, there's a bruise forming, it's already blue and light green. It not only throbs but hurts when I move my arms. Turning around I look at my back, the bruise that was already there from the last time Eli shoved me into a wall is now black. Any movement with my shoulder blades is very painful, of course now that I'm aware of the bruise it throbs like crazy.
"Clare pizza's here," Jake hollers up the stairs.
I open the door a crack so he can hear me, "Be right down." I put my shirt back on, make sure the bruises are covered and go downstairs.
"I got half cheese and half meat, I hope that's okay," Jake says.
"That's fine," I smile.
Jake gets down plates and we sit at the table at first, before deciding to eat on the sofa watching TV. I'm more comfortable on the sofa anyway and do my best just not to move my arms much, or show how much it hurts.
We're still watching TV when Glen comes back and tells Jake they need to finish up. Mom won't be home until eight so I go upstairs to finish my homework. Jake comes up to tell me they're leaving but they have keys so they lock up. Being alone in the house I start to feel vulnerable and alone, every noise outside I'm certain is Vince or Eli coming for me. When I hear the front door open I start to panic, until Mom calls up the stairs and I let out a breath relaxing now that she's home. After finishing my homework, I make sure all the curtains are closed and the doors are locked, Mom is getting ready for bed because she has a board meeting tomorrow morning. I watch TV downstairs for a while before going to bed. At first, I sleep well and then the nightmare begins.
…It's dark, I'm alone, walking alone. I feel someone watching me and I wrap my arms around my body, trying to make myself small. I feel a chill, and I feel someone watching me. I try to walk faster but I'm just walking in darkness there's nothing around me, nowhere for me to go, no one to help. A hand grabs my arm and I try to scream but no sound comes out. "You're mine. You can't sleep with him," Eli hisses in my ear. His menacing face is dimly lit and he looks almost demonic, but now there's another light. I look over to it and Eli is gone from me, in the light with Drew and they're fighting. I scream for them to stop; another figure comes from the dark. Vince. He grins at me with wicked lechery and then Drew suddenly goes down, he's dead! I know he's dead and I know I'm next. Vince and Eli both look at me, both are coming for me now. I try to scream but again no sound comes, as if my voice were stolen or scared away. Suddenly both Eli and Vince are next to me and I feel myself being swallowed by the dark as their hands…
Awoken by my ringing phone I grab it from the nightstand and hit accept. I'm sobbing, my body trembles, I try to speak but words won't come out.
"It was just a nightmare Clare, I'm okay and so are you. You're safe at home," Drew's deep and soothingly melodic voice floats into my ears and forces a breath from my lips. I'm still trembling and sobbing but I feel my heart begin to slow. "What was your nightmare?" Drew asks after a moment.
"No, you called, talk about yours first," I insist when I find my voice again.
"Vince had y…" he starts and then abruptly stops, "was beating me up. Same as always."
I know he's holding back, there's something he's not telling me and I'm not sure why, we've always talked about our nightmares. Thinking of my nightmare and what happened today with Eli though, I'm not sure I want to tell him about my nightmare either.
"Yeah, me too," I reply.
"I'm never going to feel safe with Vince out there. I hope he gets arrested again soon, or he dies, that would be better," Drew sighs.
"Me too. I still don't understand why they let him out. I was worried he was going to kill Jake yesterday."
"I'm sorry Clare," Drew apologizes in a quiet whisper. "Sorry that you got dragged into this, you shouldn't be a part of this. I can't protect you, not yet, but I'm learning," Drew says. I bite my lower lip, slowly raking my top teeth across it as I realize Drew feels guilty for the attack from Vince and his gang. "You should have seen me at practice today, I took Owen down hard," he tells me and I hear the pride in his voice. Just from his tone, and even over the phone, I hear how learning this fighting style is filling him with dignity and confidence, it makes me smile.
"You shouldn't hurt Owen he's your friend," I lightly scold Drew. I realize just in talking to Drew that I've stopped shaking and crying, hearing his voice is such a solace for me now.
"Eh, Owen wasn't hurt. Anyway, it's not like I can practice on Vince."
"Yeah, I suppose between hockey and football Owen is pretty used to taking a hit," I remark and I hear Drew chuckling lightly. Suddenly all I want is to be in his arms, to have him hold me and make me feel safe. "I wish you could come over. I don't even feel safe in my house anymore," I admit.
"Did something happen today? Did you see Vince again?" Drew asks with worry and guilt in his tone.
I bite my lip pondering if I should tell him about Eli?
It's not as bad of a cliffhanger as last chapter. Update soon picking up from right here probably still in Clare's pov. Next chapter will also include a bit of Owen/Clare friendship and Drew looks for a bigger arena for releasing aggression. Next updated will be Alone on a School Night.