Chapter Twelve:

“Puummmpppkkkiiiinnnn…” Derek sang from across my room. I feel like I’m little, again. I’m hiding under my bed, praying that he won’t find me. It never matters what I do to fight him off or where I go – he always finds me. I always prayed that my mother would show up and save me and each time, I was disappointed. “I’m coming to get you, Lydia.” He whispered. I whimpered, unable to stop myself. I clamped a hand over my mouth, two seconds too late. His hand shot under the bed and grabbed me. I bit and clawed, but his grip was too strong. I cried and thrashed as he pulled me out. I grabbed onto everything I could, but it was no use. He sneered down at me and ripped off my nightgown. I froze. He makes me feel so helpless.

“D-Don’t d-do th-th-this.” I stammered. His smirk just grew more vicious.

“Come on, pumpkin – you’ll enjoy it.” He winked and he threw me onto the bed. He was on top of me before I could even blink. He tore off my underwear and his shed his. I clawed his face and kneed his groin. He growled and backhanded me. I cried out and he pinned my wrists. He put his fingers around my neck and forced my legs open.

“Ace, wake up!” A voice forced me to open my eyes. I sprang up, panting. Brian turned on the light and I couldn’t look at him. I was trembling too hard to do anything but cry. He wrapped his arms around me and I buried my face into his chest. “Everything’s going to be okay, Ace. Don’t think about it.” He whispered. I didn’t say anything.

We stayed that way for an hour, before my breathing slowed and I was able to calm down. I pulled away from him and mopped my face. I excused myself to go the bathroom and collect myself. I blew my nose and washed my face. I went back to bed and stared at him. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say.

I’m supposed to avoid stress. It’s a dangerous trigger. It seems to be the one thing that I’m never short of. I took my pills off of my nightstand and swallowed them dry. Maybe they’ll help – they can’t hurt.

“Talk to me.” He requested.

“What is there to say?” I asked him, my voice raspy from crying.

“What’s been bothering you?” He asked me.

“You know what’s bothering me.”

“It was just a letter.”

“A letter that dug up a lot of painful memories,” I explained.

“I’m here for you.” He told me as he moved me to face to.

“I know.” I assured him, rubbing my forehead.

“Ace, you’re not hearing me. I am here for you. You could tell me that there is no chance in hell that we would ever get together and that wouldn’t change. I care about you and I’m not about to let you go this alone. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” He swore as he cupped my cheek. The way he was looking at me, right that second, was unnerving. He looks so sincere and determined. He looks at me like I’m the most important thing in his world. It’s intense and it scares me. At the same time, I’m grateful and so comforted by that fact. It makes me want to be with him even more.

“You’re just so…” I thought about the right words.

“So what?”

“So fucking wonderful. Do you know that?” I asked him, giving him a glimmer of a smile.

“Only to select few,” he argued.

“Bullshit.”

“I’ll be here for you, if you let me.”

“I’m trying. I don’t trust easily.”

“Let me earn it.” He persisted. I nodded. “Let’s watch a movie to get your mind off of things.” He suggested.

“Okay,” I agreed.

---

I tried to focus on the movie and failed. Brian seemed to notice. He laid facing me. “Talk to me.” He whispered.

“About what?”

“About anything – tell me something I don’t know.”

“I have a best friend, back in New York. He’s like the most stand up guy I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I’ve known him since we were kids. He was always so serious about our problems and the best kind of comedic relief when I needed it. His name is Oliver. He’s coming out here in a few weeks. He’s like an older brother to me. Missing him is like being homesick for me. You know? He’s my family.” I told him, grinning.

“He sounds like a good man.”

“He really, really is. He’s gotten me through just about everything. You remind me of him, sometimes.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It’s definitely a compliment, B-Man.” I smiled. He laughed.

“You should try to sleep.” He told me as he draped my blanket over me. I groaned.

“Yes, Dad.” I made a face.

---

“Dude, we shouldn’t be in here.” Whispering woke me up. I yawned and opened my eyes. It took me a minute to focus them. I saw Jimmy shaking his head. Matt looked amused as he plopped his happy ass on top of my bed. Zacky was smirking in the doorway and Johnny was chuckling next to him. I looked next to me and saw Brian flipping them off.

“Haven’t you ever seen someone sleep before? Damn. It’s weird to creep on a chick while she’s snoozing. That oozes a creep vibe.” I complained. I sat up and stretched. This is one of those times that I thank the gods that I slept in clothes and didn’t just wake up from a night of dirty, dirty sex.

“I was outvoted.” Jimmy apologized. I shrugged, flipping my hand.

“Men – what can ya do?” I sighed. Matt laughed.

“We’ve got her trained!” Matt drew his fist back with mock-excitement. I rolled my eyes.

“I’m comfortable. I don’t wanna get up.” I whined.

“Then don’t.” Matt told me. I raised my eyebrows in confusion. He pulled up my blankets and slid into bed with me. I laughed.

“Anybody else want to join?” I asked, not really sure if they would take me up on the offer. They shrugged and fell onto the bed. “Is everyone ditching?”

“Yeah, why not?” Zacky spoke up. “Dad is calling for me and you, saying we have a bad case of food poisoning. He said it’s good for everyone to have a mental health day.” He shrugged. I nodded. If my dad was half the man Doug was, I’d be happy.

“So, what are we doing?” I asked.

“Road trip,” the invading four answered in unison.

“Where to?” I questioned.

“It’s a surprise.” Jimmy informed me. I groaned.

“I hate surprises.” I griped.

“Tough shit, get up and get dressed or we’re taking you while you’re in pajamas.” Matt commanded. I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Calm your tits, Mr. bossy-pants.” I shot back, pushing him off of the bed. Brian laughed.

“Get ‘em.”

“Your rude asses need to get out so we can change.” I directed to the majority of the guys. I headed to the bathroom, closing the door behind me. As far as distractions go, this one sounds promising. After all, who doesn’t like road trips?

Notes

More Lydia/Matt bonding next chapter!