The next few days Rose didn't show up. Everett began to miss the way her hair would shine in the sun, the way her eyes would sparkle when talking about something she liked. He closed his eyes and sighed. How could he of said something as disgusting as that to a girl he knew was abused? She probably took it seriously; she did seem rather convinced the boy would do it.
Ever Lemon wasn't doing much better. With the charismatic and adorable girl gone, customers didn't give a second glance to the boy with the sign in his hands. He had go pay off his debt before college; he couldn't carry that around with him. It seemed like he had a chance when Rose was there, but she was gone now. Thats what he thought, at least.
Shuffling toward him was Rose, her hair matted and bloody. Her arms and legs were filled with bruises and hand markings. It horrified Everett to say the least. She looked up from the mess that was her hair.
"What... happened..."
"I think you can guess."
"Your father..."
"He..."
"What baby girl? What happened? Come, don't cry..."
"He took it..."
"What? Sit on my lap, its okay."
"H-he took it."
"What did he take? Shh, shh, its okay."
"The one thing I lived for..."
"Rose, tell me what he took. I need to know now."
"He took my innocence... my... sanity..."
"Please don't tell me you mean what I think you're saying, please."
"You know what I mean... Thats why I have those hand shaped mark on me... he was gripping me in places a daddy shouldn't touch..."
"He... raped..."
"..."
"That man raped you?"
"..."
"He's going to pay..."
"..."
"Shh, please don't cry Rose. It's going to be okay."
"How do you know that?"
"Because I'll stand right by your side."
