Note from the Author-

Chapter 7: Bus Bench

I woke to something on my lap. My eyes nearly bolted out of my eyes when I saw a homeless man looking as if he is in his fifties.

It was dreadful. His face was lying foreword on my lap. I felt eerie about it and searched him with my eyes to see if he had anything to threaten me with. And he did. The strange man has a gun in his back pocket.

It was unnerving to see this man with a weapon, especially because he was so close to me.

He smelled like dead rodents and cigarettes. The man was dressed in ragged dirty clothing. I was never rude to homeless people, but he was invading my privacy.

I could not let much more time from my hands slip. I had an idea. Before he could wake I'd take the gun from him and move myself away before he could use it on me.

I began reaching cautiously for the weapon. I bit my lip in concentration. Sweat falling from my forehead in panic I pulled the weapon out.

The man started to mumble in his sleep and then I freed myself from him.

He woke, rubbing his eyes. "Hey darlin' where are you going?"

I frantically hid the gun behind my back, "Anywhere away from creeps like you."

His eyes enlarged when he noticed his gun was missing.
"Give it back, bitch!"

My hands were clammy and I tightened my hold on the gun. I wanted to run, but I was afraid that if he'd decide to chase me I'd shoot and the truth is I'd never want to take anyone's life from them.

"There's a few guys in a van coming up. They can't wait to get their hands all over you."

I was startled and disgusted.
"Go to hell!"

He flashed his yellow teeth at me and started to chuckle hysterically. "I can't believe you don't remember last night. I saw your nice body lying on the park bench and damn I knew I was in for a treat."

I wanted to hurl right now and right here. "I can have you arrested. I'm only 17!"

"The young ones are easiest to sell."

His last words made my insides crawl. Anxiety hit me like a hurricane and I ran. One thing was being tormented by Dianne, but I would not live one second as a sex slave for repulsive pedophiles like him; for anyone.

My feet took flight and I ran as fast as I could. I ripped my phone out of my pocket and realized that I had no one to call.

I found my way home and raced to Ross' door instead.

A boy with blonde hair looking similar to Ross opened the door.

"I'm sorry, but I don't remember you. I was really wasted last night."

I believed him. His breath smelled of alcohol.

Out of nowhere I saw the van pull up and I pushed my way into the house. "I'm sorry, you must be Ryan. I really need to see Ross right now."

My body trembled and Ryan stared at me in confusion. "Ross, get your ass down here some hot chick is claiming that she knows you!"

I wasn't able to laugh at his comment knowing there was people waiting for me outside.

Ross sprinted down the stairs pulling me close to him. "Where the hell did you go last night? I couldn't sleep at all last night without knowing if you were safe?"

"It's not like i'm safe in her house either!"

He looked exhausted and it made me hurt to see how much stress I caused him.