Ballad of a Broken Boy

Remembering Addison

Tw: mentions of drinking
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I was frozen. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I mean, I knew Ricky wasn't a virgin. He made that clear, and even if he hadn't, it's common knowledge. But I guess hearing this just made it sink in a little more. And knowing that he had sex with Gina Porter hurt more than I wanted to admit. I glanced at Ricky who also stood frozen with the look of utter shock on his face. I cleared my throat to get his attention, but it was no use.

"Ricky!" I snapped, waving my hand in front of his face. He snapped out of it and his arm dropped from where it was around my shoulders.

"I, um... what?"

"Last year, at Dani Wilson's seventeenth birthday party. I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't remember. You were wasted, and I was pretty out of it myself. But I remember. I remember you following me upstairs to the bathroom, and then when I walked out you jumped on me. I've liked you since the beginning of high school, and I was too drunk to make any good decisions. As if I was going to say no." she scoffed. I could see the pain and shame in her eyes, and I couldn't help but feel bad for her. I stepped forward, and though she looked a little suspicious, she didn't move back or say anything, so I spoke.

"Look, Gina, I know how hard it is to lose your virginity and regret it. I know you don't believe me, but I'm telling the truth when I tell you Ej was lying. And I know it hurts... but if you're telling the truth, and both you and Ricky were drunk, you can't entirely blame him. I'm not saying he wouldn't have taken advantage of you if he was sober, but the point is he was drunk. He didn't take advantage of you. And you can't blame him for this. Not any more than you can blame yourself, especially if he was more drunk than you were." I said reasonably. She glared at me, but it didn't reach her eyes. I could tell she knew I was right. Everyone was silent for a second. And then Gina burst into tears.

She threw herself into me, forcing me to wrap my arms around her. I was so surprised I almost fell over, but Ricky's hand on my back helped me regain my balance. I rubbed her back comfortingly, unsure what else to do. People had started to leave, probably disappointed that there wasn't going to be a fight. I was just shocked. Gina Freaking Porter was crying on my shoulder.

"I know it was stupid. I thought maybe it would mean something... that maybe he actually wanted me. I don't know. I just... that was my first time. I wish it hadn't been so crappy." She sniffed loudly, and I continued to rub her back.

"Look, Gina, as bad as I feel for you right now, I don't think there's anything more that I can say or do. So why don't you go get yourself cleaned up, Maggie and Alyssa will help, and then you can get to class." I said softly. She nodded, pulling away and wiping her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Nini. I'm sorry I was so harsh to you. I actually knew Ej was lying... I know you're not a slut, and I will tell everyone you're not. I just... its always been kind of obvious that Ricky liked you. And it hurt to see him look at you the way he did, considering how I felt about him. It was wrong of me to treat you like that, though, and I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?" she asked me. I nodded, smiling softly.

"Don't worry about it. I'm fine. But could you do me one favor?"

"Sure." She said.

"Do something to Ej. I don't care what, but please get some kind of revenge. He's a twisted, lying bastard."

"I could do that, Neens..." Ricky piped up, smiling cheekily. I glared at him.

"You've already broken his nose. I was thinking of something less physical."

"Leave it to me, Nini. There is nothing I do better than revenge." She smiled evilly and turned to walk off. I turned back to Ricky, taking his hand and leaning into his side.