East Side Sunsets

Chapter 8

I woke up to Ponyboy patting my face with a wet towel. When I realized who it was, I hugged him real tight. I was so scared.

"It's okay, darling. I won't let him hurt you no more."

He said to me. He began to rub my back gently, which made me cry. I could see some tears in his eyes as well.

"I just can't believe it. I don't believe that he did that to me, Pony. All I wanted the entire time was you, and only you. I was so scared."

I said to him. He stared at me with resent.

"He won't get away with this. I'm taking him to court, I don't care what happens, but he won't go unpunished."

He said to me, gathering my hair to one side. Pictures of the previous night began to run through my head. He was so intimidating, so determined to get what he wanted. I fell back onto my pillow and began to cry again.

"Darry told me everything he did to you. Don't worry, I'm here to protect you. I won't let that ever happen to you. Ever again."

I turned to lay on my back and looked up at him.

"Do you promise?"

"I promise."

He says, latching his hand onto mine. A tear ran down his face. I took my thumb and wiped it off.

"I'm going to be honest with you. This is exactly what he did to me. I didn't want to tell Darry or Soda or Shanna because its too embarrassing, but I can tell you, just because you're my best friend."

Ponyboy nodded, with a concerned look on his face.

"My boss kidnapped me and locked the door so that I could get out. He completely tore off my shirt, and attempted to get my bra off. He sucked on my neck, which still hurts. He kept mounting my leg, and he slapped me and punched me everytime I yelled for help and made gross noises to go along with it. He didn't let me run for help like I was supposed to be able to do. I was supposed to surrender, but I wasn't allowed to. I felt worthless."

My head fell down and I began to sob, trying to catch my breathes. Ponyboy pulled me into his lap and comforted me. His bear hands rubbed my back as I cried into the crevasse of his shoulder.

"You're safe now, my love. You're safe now."

He said to me. I snuggled closer to his embrace. He lifted my chin and kissed me lightly on the lips. This was something I needed desperately. The comfort and love of the person who actually cared.

"I need to take a bath. I feel disgusting."

I said.

"Here, I will go run the water for you. You just stay here, my love."

He said to me, lightly laying me back down on the bed.