Scars [An Exclamation Point Fan Fiction]

PART 3

I walk out the back door into the pourng rain and sit on the ground. By now I'm sobbing. I look up and see a shadowy figure walk up to me.

"Nikki are you ok?" Paul asks.

"Yea. What are you doing here?" I ask wiping my face.

Paul pulls me to the covered doorway. "I heard you were singing tonight. I wanted to hear. Are you sure you're ok?" He pushes hair off my face and I wince. He sees the bruise. "Who did this to you?" He asks.

"No one." I lie. "I walked into an elbow last night."

"No you didn't" He says. "I would've seen the bruise before I left." He pulls my chin so I'm looking at him. "Did he hit you Nikki?" I slowly nod as new tears spill. Paul wraps his arms around me, as I collapse against him sobbing. He strokes my hair and rubs my back. After I calm down I pull away and wipe my eyes.

"Sorry about that." I say. "I don't do that very often."

"Don't worry about it." Paul says smiling at me. "Can I get you something?"

"No I'm ok." I say.

"Nikki! Is that you?"

I turn and see a voice running toward us.

"Shit." I say. Paul sees Nate and pushes me behind him.

"Nikki. What are you doing with him? I thought I made it clear last night I don't want you around him." Nate takes a step forward and Paul pushes me back more.

"Leave her alone." He says. "You've caused her enough pain."

Nate move forward and Paul doesn't react fast enough. Nate grabs me and shoves me to the ground. Paul punches him in the jaw. I crawl back to the doorway as Paul fights Nate. He hits him one last time before Nate gives up.

Walking away he yells, "Watch your back you little slut!"

Paul comes over to where I lay crying. He kneels beside me and I crawl into his arms. "Let me take you to my place." He whispers. I nod my head and Paul carries me to his car. We get to his house and he leads me to a couch where I fall asleep instantly.