Clare handed me the paper towels and I held them to my nose to stop the bleeding.
"I'm really sorry about that Fitz…" She said sincerely, patting my shoulder.
I looked at her saddened, tired face and immediately felt bad.
"It wasn't your fault Clare."
She shrugged and looked down at the ground. "I'd offer to help you talk to Eli but…I think we both know that's a lost cause now." She said, frowning.
I nodded. "It's fine. I appreciate that you were even willing."
She smiled slightly and I returned the gesture. A few moments later I slowly made my way into a standing position, sticking my arms out to balance myself since I was still a little lightheaded from the punch.
"Well, I think I should probably go now."
"You sure?" Clare asked while getting up to unlock the door for me.
I nodded. "Thanks for letting me in Clare."
She smiled. "Anytime Fitz…really."
She opened the door and sighed when she saw that Eli's hearse was still parked in the driveway.
"I told him to leave." She gritted through her teeth, an agitated tone in her voice.
"Try talking to him, he probably just misunderstood why I was here and that's why he did what he did." I reasoned.
Clare gave me an incredulous stare and raised her eyebrows. "You really have changed, haven't you, if you're defending Eli after he punched you?"
"Turn the other cheek, right?"
She nodded. "Right."
"Bye Clare." I said, grinning a little as I walked down her porch steps. I didn't dare look at Eli, I was afraid of what kind of look I saw on his face. The rain had let up a little and I was starting to get kinda hungry. I figure I'll walk to The Dot and get something to eat, might as well take advantage of that employee discount, right?
-x-x-x-
I tossed my empty coffee cup in the trash bin outside The Dot and shoved my hands into my pockets, walking idly down the road. The rain is totally clear now and I'm liking the fresh air. It's nice to be outside, after being cramped up in Juvie for so long.
I was walking past an alleyway when I heard a girl yell.
I whipped my head around and saw Ron-Ron (A guy I used to get high with back in during the dark days) harassing some girl.
He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her to him; she struggled to break away but couldn't, she was a lot smaller than him.
"Let GO of me!" She screamed. Ron-Ron just laughed.
"Hey, get off her!" I said, running into the alley and over to them.
"Hey Fitzy Boy, long time no see, wanna join in the fun? Just trying to convince this bitch to come to the ravine with me." He gestured to the frightened looking girl that he was harassing.
"Let go of her Ron-Ron, she obviously doesn't want anything to do with you."
"Man, what's your problem?"
"My problem is that you're sexually harassing someone and that's not right."
I tried to remain calm but forceful, like how Father Greg told me to do if I was ever in an intense situation. He told me that I shouldn't fight, but that I should take charge and do the right thing if something bad is happening around me.
I turned to the girl who had now managed to break free due to Ron-Ron's shocked state.
He reached to grab her again but I stuck my arm in between them and angled my body so he couldn't reach her.
"Are you okay?" I asked softly.
She nodded a little but still seemed pretty shaken up. She muttered "thanks" and then ran out of the alley.
"Dude what the hell?" Ron-Ron cursed, smacking me on the back of the head.
"You can't just force yourself on people like that!" I said firmly, pointing in the direction that the girl had disappeared in.
"Are you serious bro? You've groped and grabbed at tons of bitches before!"
"They weren't bitches, and I feel terrible about that. I've repented and apologized to them."
"Repented? What are you now, some Jesus freak or some shit?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "If that's what you wanna call someone who follows the Lord, then why not?"
He laughed then and rolled his eyes. "Okay Fitz, give it up. It's not funny anymore, really."
"I'm not joking." I stated seriously.
"You're for real about this shit?"
"It's not shit Ron-Ron, it's the way we should all live. You can come to church with me this Sunday; I can help you, I-…"
"The only thing I want from you right now is a chick. Go get that slut to come back here or I'll beat you up."
He stared at me coldly and I realized he was serious. I looked into his eyes and noticed how glazed they were. I'd smelled the alcohol on his breath when I first came up to him but now I'm thinking he may be drunker than I thought…
"Ron-Ron you're not thinking straight."
SLAM!
He punched me and blood burst from my nose for the second time today as my head slammed back against the brick wall from the impact. The back of my head was tingling and it might be bleeding too.
"Ron-Ron, stop it."
He punched me in the stomach and I keeled over.
"Grow a pair and fight like a man Fitzy, what the hell kinda girl have you turned into?"
I balled my fists out of instinct and habit but then remembered my faith…it's not right to hit people. I can't do this.
Please help me to control myself Lord. I prayed silently, and then staggered to my feet.
I was beginning to feel weak again since I'd already bled a lot today, and I'm almost positive that my nose is broken.
He swung his fist at me again and I narrowly dodged it, but then tripped on his foot and smashed my chin on the ground.
"Fight me you cunt!"
Turn the other cheek…
I took a deep breath and stood up, preparing myself to run. I didn't know if I'd be able to make it very far but then I heard the car horn beep and looked up, realizing I wouldn't have to.
"Fitz, get in!" Eli yelled, throwing open the passenger side door of his hearse for me.
I smiled. "God bless you man."
I ran to his car and buckled up as he was already speeding away.
"I'm doing this because Clare told me to, that's the only reason." He muttered. "So don't make me regret it."
"I won't Eli, I promise." I said sincerely. Maybe now's my chance to show him the new me.