For The Love of a Greaser
Chapter 19
Nothing Lasts Forever
When Monday came around, Abigail went back to work. Despite her current problems, she wouldn't let them hold her up. Although as the week went by, Joe was still none the wiser on what had happened.
Each day before she would go out, she'd put makeup on, covering up the bruises on her face so that no one could see them. Darry had even gone out and bought her a couple long sleeved button up shirts for her to wear at work, that way her arms would be covered up and out of view. She'd been particularly grateful for that, biting back her hesitation and hugging him.
As the week went on though, things didn't really get much better for Abigail. Everyday she'd end up flinching at loud noises and biting her tongue around customers. The bell hanging from the door made her jump every time that she heard the thing. For the first time ever, she was starting to loathe her job because it was turning her into a nervous wreck.
T
I couldn't help, but to wonder what the day would bring. Each day, I'd just stand around at work, serving people and taking orders. So far, I'd had yet to relapse, but I knew that it wouldn't last forever. Nothing lasts forever…
"Orders up," Joe called from the kitchen, tapping the small little bell that in turn made me jump.
I'd never understand why such a small thing made me jump so much. Every time the bell at the door would ring, I'd just about jump out of my skin.
"Abigail," Joe called again, dinging the bell a few more times.
"S-sorry!" I stammered, quickly grabbing a tray and the food.
Once in my hands, I scurried right back over to the customers, placing their food down in front of them.
"E-enjoy," I said quickly, walking away and back behind the counter.
Lord, I couldn't wait til I was done tonight. Darry or Two-Bit would pick me up tonight and take me back home, then I wouldn't have to worry about anything more until tomorrow.
"Abigail," Joe called, making me jump slightly.
"Y-yes, sir?" I nearly choked out.
"Is something goin' on at home again?" he asked, laying his folded arms on the opening between us, leaning against it as he looked at me.
"N-no, nothing is going on," I assured him.
"Are you sure? You seem kind of out of it," he concluded.
"Like I said, it's nothing Joe, I swear. I just…have a headache, that's all," I lied, hoping that I could convince him.
"Hm… if you say so, but go into the bathroom and clean up a bit, you have some dirt on your face," he said.
Dirt on my face?
My eyes widened slightly, before I ran off to the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I nearly gasped when I saw my reflection in the mirror. A couple of the bruises were starting to show through the makeup. I just thanked God that it was subtle enough to pass off as dirt in Joe's mind, allowing me to pull the small compact from my back pocket and cover it back up.
I couldn't allow Joe to know the truth. If he were to see that, then he might just think that Darry had done it since I was so adamant in keeping the spots covered up. Even if he didn't though, I still didn't want anyone seeing me the way that I was. It was already bad enough that I had to look at myself everyday and see the same thing each time. I didn't need anyone else to see exactly the same thing. Things such as that were frowned upon. Heck, with the way that people were at times, some wouldn't even believe me even if I were to tell the truth. So, for now I was better off just staying quiet and dealing with it instead of causing trouble. At least that's what I thought anyway.
Once I was satisfied with the fixes in my reflection, I placed the small compact back in my pocket. I then fixed the collar of my shirt, making sure to keep the small bruise on the side of my neck covered, before walking back out.
"There, better?" I asked, walking back out in front of the small kitchen window.
"Missed a spot," he said, making me freeze in my spot. "Just kidding," he chuckled, making me go slightly red.
"Joe!" I exclaimed, turning around and walking over to one of the now empty tables.
"Oh, come on, I was just pulling your leg," he laughed, before going back to work.
That left me cleaning off the tables and replacing empty condiment containers, the same with topping off the salt and pepper shakers.
T
"Hey, what do ya say we stop by the diner and give Abby a little visit?" Two-Bit suggested.
"Sure, why not," Ponyboy said with a shrug. "Let's go get Steve and Soda first though, that way we can all grab somethin' ta eat," he proposed.
"Kid, you read my mind," Two-Bit laughed.
T
"Abigail, why don't you sit down and take a break for a bit darlin'?" Joe suggested, poking his head out the little window.
I sighed slightly, but nodded my head nonetheless, before going and sitting down at one of the booths. There were still a few dishes sitting there, but I didn't really care. To my surprise, Joe came out a few minutes later, coming out with a plate of food and a small sundae for me.
"Joe," I sighed, a small smile on my face.
"Hey, I gotta take care of my girl," he said, ruffling my hair affectionately once he sat the food down in front of me.
"Thanks," I whispered, watching as he walked away and back into the kitchen to continue his cooking.
T
"Hey there Sodapop," Ponyboy said as he walked up to the DX with Two-Bit.
"Hey Ponyboy, what are you guys doin' here?" Soda asked, wiping his hands off on a rag.
"We just figured we'd drag you and big nose over there down to Abby's diner with us," Two-Bit grinned, biting back his laughter as Steve glared at him for calling him big nose.
"What do ya Steve, feel like grabbin' a bite to eat?" Soda asked.
"Sure, why not," Steve shrugged, wiping his hands off on his pants, before running a hand through his already greasy hair.
"Maybe is we're lucky, we'll get free food," Two-Bit cracked, before turning on his heel and walking off toward the diner.
"You just don't wanna pay," Ponyboy snorted, shoving his hands into his pants pockets as he stood there waiting for his brother to wrap things up.
T
Honestly, I didn't really feel like eating, but I didn't want to disappoint Joe. So, I decided to pace myself instead, eating little by little as I tried to bide my time til the end of the night.
I thought about what I was going to do with everything that had happened as I looked down at my sandwich, slowly chewing at the bite in my mouth. I just wasn't sure what to do with myself really. I mean, at this point, the whole gang knew about the incident. I was also pretty sure that Shepard and his gang probably knew about everything at this point too knowing Two-Bit. Unfortunately, I knew that something like that wouldn't just stay between our little gang.
"Nothing lasts forever," I whispered, before shoving a few mouthfuls of the ice cream concoction into my mouth.
It wasn't long though before the bell rang against the door again, causing me to flinch at the sound as I looked up, quickly catching sight of the guys.
"Well, hey there baby," Two-Bit grinned, coming over and throwing his arm around my shoulders, easily pulling my head into his chest as he ruffled my hair in a playful manner.
"Hey Two-Bit," I mumbled lightly. "So, what are you guys doing here anyway?" I asked, my eyes running over everyone.
Save for Johnny, Dally, and Darry, everyone in the gang was there. I couldn't help, but to notice though as Steve rolled his shoulders, painfully so to be honest.
"We came here for a bite to eat, that, and to see your pretty face," Two-Bit grinned.
I just ignored his attempt at flattery, my eyes still on Steve.
"You pull a muscle or somethin'?" I asked, nodding in his direction.
"Been liftin' too much," he told me, trying his best to work it out. "That, and I hit my head against the hood of one of the cars."
"And how'd you do that one?" I asked, giving him a skeptical look.
"I snuck up on him," Soda laughed, a cheesy grin on his face.
"I'll get you back eventually," Steve promised, shaking a fist at him halfheartedly.
"Why don't you guys sit down and I'll get you set up," I said, standing up from my seat. "I'm done eating anyway," I told them, looking down at my plate of half eaten food.
"You sure?" Ponyboy asked, noticing my lack of an empty plate.
"Yeah, I'm sure. In fact, here," I said, pushing the plate into Two-Bit's hands.
"Sweet," he grinned, before quickly finishing it off.
I just shook my head as I walked over toward the kitchen, giving a small tap on the counter window.
"Four burgers," I said, before grabbing a tray and filling up glasses.
"Four burgers coming up," he announced, a grin on his face.
I just shook my head slightly, before walking back over to the guys, the four glass balanced on the tray in one hand.
"Here ya go guys and sorry Two-Bit, but I don't serve beer," I said flatly, earning a grin in return.
"That's alright baby, I don' mind," he chuckled. "Why don't ya sit down and join us?" he asked.
I just shook my head though, my hair moving side to side slightly with the movement.
"Can't, already took my break," I told him, going back over to my original table and taking another bite of my sundae.
I then went and grabbed a damp rag, bringing it back over and placing it on the table.
"Order up!" Joe called, placing the plates on the little counter in front of the window.
"Well, I hope you guys are hungry, cuz here's the food," I said, coming back over and placing everything down on the table in front of them.
"Thanks Abby," they all chimed, causing the corner of my lips to pull a bit.
After that, I left them to their meal, going back to cleaning up.
T
Halfway through their meal, the bell on the door rang, a few customers piling in.
"I'll be with you in a moment," I said, my back to them as I piled a few plates and glasses on the tray.
When I turned around though, I could have sworn that my heart stopped, the tray slipping from my hands and falling to the floor with a crash. All of the plates and glasses shattered, pieces flying and scattering across the floor.
"Abby?" Two-Bit called, turning around in his seat and glancing over at me.
I didn't respond though, I just stayed where I was, eyes wide and hands shaking. I could feel my eyes water as I stared at the man before me, a smirk slowly forming on his face.
"Well, if it isn't the little piece of Greaser trash," he seethed.
I still couldn't say a word as I stood there, my entire body frozen. I could feel a few tears fall as images rushed through my mind. Scenes from the incident running rampant through my head in little bits. I could hear my name being called, but I still couldn't speak. Although, I finally managed to take a step back, but Dan took a couple steps closer. A moment later, he had hold of my wrist, pulling me closer.
As I took a closer look, I noticed the black eye that he had, along with a couple missing teeth. Dally had really done a number on him, but not nearly enough.
"Maybe we should finish what we started," he whispered in my ear.
I swear, I couldn't breathe, and my lungs felt like they were on fire. I was almost afraid that I would fall where I stood as I screamed in my head, merely wishing to be somewhere else. Then, almost as if answering one of my prayers, Steve stepped forward.
"Get your hands off of her!" he growled, knocking Dan away from me and standing in front of me.
A moment later, Two-Bit was jumping out of his seat and over the booth, coming to stand in front of me as well. Pony and Soda were soon to follow, coming beside me and gently taking hold of my arms as I fell to my knees.
"I had no idea that you had so many friends Winters," Dan said as the smirk on his face grew even bigger. "Or are all of these your little bed buddies?" he laughed spitefully.
Boy oh boy, did that set a few people off.
"Son of a…" Two-Bit started, his hand balling up at his side.
"You guys are sick," Soda said with distaste, carefully pulling me back up to stand with him and Ponyboy.
"H-have Joe c-call the cops," I choked out as quiet as possible.
Soda nodded his head and gestured for his brother to do just that.
"Pony," Soda said, motioning with his head toward the kitchen.
"Yeah, I get it," he nodded, slowly and carefully making his way back toward the kitchen.
T
"Joe?" Ponyboy called, sneaking into the kitchen quietly.
"Technically, you're not supposed to be back here kid," Joe said, keeping a close eye on the happenings outside of the kitchen.
"Abby said to call the cops," Ponyboy told him, glancing back out at the scene in the diner.
Joe nodded in regards to Ponyboy's request, quickly going over to the phone in the ball and dialing 9-1-1.
Personally, Ponyboy was glad to be back in the kitchen away from everything, but he also felt sorry for Abigail. It was obvious how scared she was and unfortunately, he was sure he knew why. When those guys had stepped into the diner, Abigail had completely lost all sense of feeling, her tray falling to the floor. The sound had nearly sent the poor boy jumping out of his skin as the plates shattered against the tiled floor. Not to mention, the head guy looked like he'd been beat up a few days prior to stepping into the diner, a few teeth missing as well.
"He said he knocked the guy's teeth in."
Ponyboy put the pieces together and found himself standing there, body numb from the realization that he was staring at the very man that tried to destroy the young woman whom his eldest brother was in love with.
They hurt her.
Scared her something afoul.
Stabbed her.
Carved the word 'trash' into her stomach.
They started the fire.
Ponyboy could feel his hand shake as he stood there, the realization hitting him in the face like a ton of bricks. The guy that had grabbed her had been the very same one who had hurt her, the one that had started the fire that had nearly killed Eden, the reason why they were left without a home save for living with him and his brothers. If Ponyboy had a fiery temper like some of his fellow Greasers, then he'd be leaping forward that very instant with his fist in the man's face.
"He did it," Ponyboy said quietly.
"What are you talking about kid?" Joe asked as he hung up the phone.
"He started the fire," Ponyboy said aloud.
"Wha…" Joe's eyes widened as he stood there, his feet slowly bringing him back over to the little kitchen window.
He could see Abigail standing there, her body leaned up against the young man that was Sodapop Curtis, his arms holding her in place. The young girl that he'd known for so long was standing there, hands shaking and eyes wet and fearful. She was scared and vulnerable and he'd had no clue to what was wrong until now. Although, his gut told him that there was still more to it than that.
T
Soda held me there against him as everyone stared each other down, our gang against theirs. It was nerve raking to be honest or at least for me it was anyway. I'd say that the guys were more pissed off than anything else to be honest. I also knew that Two-Bit and Steve were just itching for a fight. I mean, they'd sure try their best to knock them out of the park, but still. I was still surprised though that Dan and his lackeys were still standing there. With any luck, the cops would get here before they left, even if it meant that Soda and the rest had to keep them from leaving.
"You know, I'm starting to think that you're not even fit to be raising that sister of yours at this point," Dan started, making me flinch at his words.
"Just shut up," I choked out, my right hand curling around the back of Soda's dirty DX shirt.
There was a smug look on Dan's face as he looked over at me, trying his best to intimidate me.
"Or perhaps, someone should just find your dad and have him take care of her?" Dan suggested.
I felt my eyes widen and my blood run cold when he said this, anger welling up inside of me at the same time.
"Shut up!" I screamed, lunging forward, only to be held back by Soda and Two-Bit. "You have no right!" I cried, glaring daggers at Dan.
He just continued to smirk though, satisfied that he'd managed to get under my skin like that.
"I mean really, your dad would be the only taker, especially since everyone knows that your mom is dead," he laughed.
"Shut up!" I screamed once more, tears slipping from my eyes as I struggled against Soda and Two-Bit.
I didn't want Eden anywhere near my father or vice versa. Heck, I didn't even want to be anywhere near him and I sure as hell didn't want him taking care of her. The mere fact that this guy was even bringing it up set me on edge, my temper flaring immensely.
"Abigail, you need to calm down," Soda whispered, making sure to keep a good grip on me, same with Two-Bit.
"He has no right!" I cried, struggling even more. "You've no right!"
It was then that we heard a couple cars pulling up, officers stepping out and heading toward the diner.
"Oh crap, Dan!" one of his friends said, before hightailing it out of the diner, only to be grabbed by one of the cops.
After that, it was Dan's turn to try and escape as he tried to get passed Steve in order to get to the kitchen. Before he could do that though, Steve grabbed him and tackled him to the floor, wrestling him to the ground. His other two friends just stood there, afraid to run.
"You're not goin' anywhere buddy," Steve told him, putting him in a headlock as the cops walked into the diner.
"Break it up," the cop said, raising his baton as he stood ready to strike.
"Steve, let him go," Soda said.
Steve gave him a look, but let go nonetheless, only to have Dan try and run out the door. Steve was quick to grab him though, throwing him back into the diner, only to get hit in the stomach with a baton as a result.
"Steve!" Soda exclaimed, watching his friend fall to his knees, arms folded over his stomach in pain.
"Please Sir, this young man isn't the reason why you were called here," I said, carefully pulling away from Soda to stand by Steve. "He is the reason that you were called," I said, pointing over at Dan whom sat on the floor by the bar.
"And what exactly has been done here?" the officer asked.
I just looked away for a moment when he asked this, closing my eyes and biting down hard on my lower lip.
"Why don't we try assault, battery, and attempted rape for starters," Two-bit said in a dead even voice.
I flinched when he said that, trying not to think of what happened.
"And do you have any proof of these allegations?" the man asked.
Lord, how I didn't want to say it. I hadn't meant for Joe to find out so soon, especially at the diner of all places.
"Well?"
It was silent for a few moments as everyone stared at me, my hand shaking terribly.
"Y-yes," I croaked.
"Well then?" the two officers looked at me expectantly.
I bit down on my lip even harder, the coppery taste of blood entering my mouth, before I walked over to the table that I had been cleaning. The officers gave me a curious look as I stood there, but that soon faded as I placed the damp rag to my face, removing the makeup that I had used to cover up the bruises on my face. After that, I slowly began to unbutton my blouse, each button taking about three seconds.
"Abigail," I heard Soda whisper.
I kept my eyes closed though as I turned around, throwing my blouse down in the booth. I then pulled my undershirt up away from my stomach, allowing them to see the marks left behind.
"Is this enough p-proof for you?" I asked, trying my hardest not to cry.
I could hear Dan stifle a laugh as he sat there, only making it worse for him.
"Shut your mouth," Two-Bit glared, taking his jacket and placing it on my shoulders, allowing me to pull it around myself. "It'll be alright darlin'," he assured me, giving my uninjured shoulder a light squeeze.
As promised, I made sure that this chapter was longer. I hope that everyone enjoyed reading it? Please remember to REVIEW and MESSAGE me with your thoughts, ideas, opinions, and feelings on this chapter/story. I love hearing from everyone and it keeps me happy and writing. I also want to thank everyone for the current reviews that I've received. They've made me very happy! Anyway, thanks for reading. ALSO, the next CHAPTER might be up within the next HOUR or two, so keep an eye out everyone! :)