Never Broken

Chapter 3

Rhenn

The next few months are a blur. I had withdrawn even more, so much so that even the teachers at school started to notice. I would spend every minute possible out of the house so much so that I would spend a number of nights sleeping at the skate park. My grades were starting to drop but I couldn't find it in me to care. My dad wouldn't let me go to college even if we could afford it, so why bother. It was nearing the end of school for the year and the seniors were planning a bonfire down by the river. I wasn't really a party person, but anything that kept me out of the house was welcomed. Most of the seniors were going so I could easily get lost in the crowd. Most people usually steer clear anyway. Everyone beside Zeke. I haven't seen much of him since my birthday, but I do see him watching me from a distance sometimes. I wish I could go back to that night at our tree, that one perfect kiss. But I can't think of that night now without remembering what came after. So, I have kept my distance from everyone, even him. He deserves to have someone who can still smile, who he can still talk to, someone who can still welcome his magical touch. I am not that person, not anymore. I feel broken. I am terrified at the thought that my soul is beyond repair. How can I tell him about it? How can I tell anyone. I am afraid that I will burst into tears the moment he hugs me.

The last day of school I wander the streets for the hours in between the end of the day and the party that night. I don't want to go home. I would never go home if I could. I start to make my way to the river after nightfall knowing there will already be people there. The music is already pumping and there is a picnic table covered in available drinks. I am not a drinker because of my dad, so I go sit near the fire. More and more people are turning up every minute, and before I know it the party is in full swing. There are a few people sitting by the fire with me, they are talking about something, I am not really paying attention. They start passing around a joint, and before I know it, I am offered a drag. I accept because it would be honestly welcome to check out of reality for a change. I breath the smoke in deep, instantly coughing after, causing the group to laugh. I stay with them for a bit, partaking in the joint as it is offered. I feel myself relax for the first time in years. I felt like I am floating and before I know it, I get up and dance. I enjoy the felling of the bass pounding through me, I close my eyes and left go. I don't know how much time passes but when I next open my eyes there are a couple of guys dancing with me, one in front and one behind. I don't recognise them from school. They look older. The one behind me puts his hands on my hips, pulling me into his body. I can't bring myself to care and keep dancing. The one in front looks at the one behind and nods slightly. He grabs my hand and leads me away from the party and down the bank a bit.

"What happened to the music?" I slur slightly.

"Don't worry babe, we will make our own music." The one in front says, pulling me into him and kissing my neck.

"No, I want to dance." I say, trying to fight him off weakly. I feel the other guy close in behind me, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

"Ah babe, don't be like that. We can have more fun here." His hands start to wander. One up to my breast the other down to my crutch. I let out a whimper.

"Please, no." I plead trying and failing to move out of their grasp. All of a sudden, the man behind me is gone. I fall to the ground as the other looks in shock at whatever is happening behind me. Then I hear him.

"I'd advise you to leave unless you want a broken nose too." A warmth flows through me at the protective growl I hear from Zeke.

"Hey dude, we were just having fun." The guy answers with his hands up, backing away.

"Didn't look like she was having fun." He says taking a menacing step forward. The guy concedes and heads back to the party.

I sit up, pulling my knees up and start to cry. Zeke sits next to me and gathers me in his arms as everything I have been holding in these last few months come pouring out. He holds me letting me get it all out. He is patient and continues to soothe me, holding me close. Once the worst of it has passed, I turn to him.