Return to Love (12 page)

“Because they're better company than you are.” She got to her feet facing him. She had to tilt her head back to look up at him. “You stay away from me and my friends. If you ever lay a finger on me again, you’ll regret it.”

Chris only laughed at the little spit fire in front of him. She barely came up to his shoulders yet here she was issuing orders. She had some nerve. Laughing he reached out and touched her shoulder with one finger. She grabbed his hand, and twisted it behind his back, as hard as she could. She buckled his knee, and he went down to the ground, hard. His astonished friends could only stare open mouthed.

Joanie leaned over and whispered so only Chris could hear. “Touch me again and you’ll lose more than your pride.” She quickly rose to her feet and headed towards the building leaving a flabbergasted Kate running to keep up. She followed her into the girl’s room where Joanie sat down in the corner shaking.

“Wrong.” Joanie sighed. “I caught him off guard this time. He won’t let that happen again. Hopefully he got the message and will leave me alone.”

“Hopefully.” Kate added as the bell rang. The two girls headed off to their classes neither one convinced.

Joanie barely slipped into her class as the last bell rung. She hurried over to her seat avoiding everyone’s eyes. But she could still feel them watching her. Jane leaned over and whispered to her. “You’re an idiot! All he wants to do is go out with you. How bad could that be?”

Joanie ignored her and tried to concentrate on the teacher. She should have never done that, especially in front of Chad. He’d probably tell Eric. What would he think of her then? Most guys went for the weak and helpless type. Course Eric wasn’t like most guys.

“Miss Caldwell? Are you with us today?” Mr. Redmond asked as the class snickered.

Joanie looked up embarrassed and nodded yes. She was relieved when he left it at that. Looking at Mr. Redmond she remembered that someone had put him in the slam book. She wondered who it was and how Chris had gotten hold of it.

The day finally ended, and Joanie walked to her locker more cautious than usual. Kate was waiting for her, and she was surprised to see Chad there also.

Joanie blushed just at the mention of Eric’s name. She turned her attention to her locker and stowed her things. Her social studies teacher had given them a research paper for homework. She had ’till Monday to work on it, but it was going to be hard finding a way over to the library. Kate was in her class maybe they could go together. On the way, they chatted about the day’s events.

Kate shook her head. “You should see the way he was looking at you in the car. When he asked us for a ride all he did, was look at you! He kissed you for Pete’s sake.”

Joanie quickly walked the rest of the way home. She jumped at every sound and every car that came up beside her. She finally reached her home and let herself inside. She locked the door behind her and called Kate. She sat down at the kitchen table and started her homework. She heard a knock at the door, and she froze. She grabbed a kitchen knife and headed towards the door.

Brad didn’t seem to notice her odd behavior. He told her he did get it and that he could get two people in but only during the week.

“That’s great Brad! When are you taking me and Kate?” Joanie asked excitedly.

Brad looked annoyed. “Well I guess I could take you this Wednesday. You two can ride in with me after school, but you’ll have to stay until I get off at ten.”

She squealed and hugged him hard. “You’re the best Brad!”

“I know, I know.”

Finally, Wednesday arrived. Kate and Joanie were waiting for Brad to pick them up outside of school. The last couple of days had passed uneventful. Joanie heard Brad’s jalopy before she actually saw it. She smiled, and she and Kate went to the curb to meet him. The ride seemed to take forever, but they finally made it. Joanie and Kate followed him in through the back entrance, and he led them to the balcony, where he threatened them to behave themselves.

“Your right Joanie he has changed. He’s actually acting responsible.” The theater only had one screen, so the girls had to contend themselves with watching Ben Hur over and over. Bored they both nodded off. Joanie was startled as she was shook awake.

“Time to go home sleepy heads.” Brad whispered.

Joanie looked around the darkened theater and was surprised to find it empty. Kate was yawning beside her. They step out into the frosty air and quickly made their way to Brad’s car. It started on the third try, and they were on their way. Since it was so late, Kate had gotten permission to stay over at Joanie’s that night. They had just crossed over the bridge when the car died.

“Do you wanna wait here and freeze to death or are you coming with me?” Brad asked irritated. Grumbling Kate slide over into the driver’s seat to steer as Brad and Joanie pushed the car to the side of the road. Joanie and Kate huddled together against the freezing wind as they slowly made their way along the deserted street. The wind bit right through them as they forged on. Their heads were bent low, so the relentless wind wouldn’t steal their breath away. Joanie had about given up hope before she saw the bright lights of the place Brad was talking about.

Inside it had loud blaring music and Joanie nearly choked from all the smoke in the room. It made a haze which you could see hovering near the ceiling. She looked around and noticed that Brad had left them and headed over to the bar on the other side of the room.

“Well at least it’s warm.” Kate said cheerfully. Joanie just growled. They stood by the doorway still shivering. She noticed several guys with matching bandanas and assumed they were together. The small crowd was pretty rambunctious, and Joanie wished that Brad would hurry. When Brad didn’t come back soon, she began making her way towards him, when she noticed a familiar figure in the corner at the pool table. Eric and Marc were playing pool with a couple of guys that Joanie didn‘t know. Joanie watched humiliated as a bar maid came over and was leaning against Eric. She was tall and thin and had dark auburn hair she would have been attractive except for all the makeup she had caked on. Joanie heard her laugh at something Eric said, and her heart sank. She spun around quickly to find Brad, so they could go when a hand seized her shoulder.

“Well, well, isn’t this a nice surprise.” A rough looking man said grabbing her and pulling her down on his lap. He had a bandanna tied on his head holding his greasy, long, blonde hair back. He wrapped his arms around her locking her arms to her side. “You sure are a sweet thing.”

“Brad!” Kate screamed as another guy grabbed her.

“Damn it! Let me go!” Joanie shouted. Wriggling to free herself from his grasp.

The man laughed and whispered in her ear his foul breath making her sick. “Um that feels good sugar you just keep on wiggilin’.” Joanie froze instantly terrified.

She was relieved when she saw Brad heading back towards them.

“Let ‘em go Baker they ain’t your type.” Brad said his voice deadly calm.

‘Baker’ Joanie thought that seemed familiar somehow. Then she remembered Brad telling her about a gang leader named Baker. ‘Oh shit.’ She said softly as she started counting the other members in the room. She could tell that Brad was tensed up ready to fight, but he didn’t stand a chance. Not wanting to start a fight they couldn’t possibly win she decided to sit still and let Brad handle it.

“Hey Brad she your girl?” Baker asked moving one hand up from her waist to just below her left breast.

Brad opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted.

“No she’s mine.” Eric had come up to the table brandishing a pool stick. Marc and another guy were behind him. She felt her heart thudding in her chest. She knew she was staring, but she couldn’t help it. However, Eric never glanced at her once; instead, his eyes were pinned to Bakers as they sized each other up.

Baker tensed as Eric came closer. He wasn’t expecting that. “It’s cool man.” He said releasing Joanie, Kate was released also. Joanie spun around and slapped Baker across the face before Eric could grab her. He quickly grabbed her arm and placed her behind him in case Baker would retaliate. He relaxed slightly as Baker laughed and rubbed his cheek.

“She sure is a little wild cat you better tame her a little before bringing her out in public. “ Baker stood up and walked out his gang following him.

Eric turned around to face Joanie. “You alright?” He asked looking at her intently.

“Yes, I‘m fine. Sorry to interrupt your little party.” Joanie said glancing over at the redhead.

Eric glanced over to where Joanie had looked and recognized the waitress who was flirting with him. Realizing that she had seen her, he cursed.

“It’s not what you think Joanie.” He tried to explain.

Joanie shrugged “It’s not important.” She walked away and went to stand by Kate.

Eric sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He focused his anger on Brad. He grabbed his shirt and held him against the wall. “What the hell do you mean bringing her to a place like this? Don‘t you know what they could have done to her?”

Seeing this Joanie ran over and grabbed Eric’s arm causing him to release Brad. “Leave him alone Eric. It’s not his fault. The car broke down, and this was the only place open.”

Brad had stood up glaring at Eric while he rubbed his chest where Eric held him. “That right Brad?” Brad nodded still simmering. “You guys need a ride?”

“Yes! We do!” Kate spoke up. Joanie looked over at her friend and gave her a dirty look.

Brad explained the situation to Eric, and he offered to drive them home. Joanie was irritated at herself for being irritated at Eric. She kept telling herself that it didn’t matter, but it did.

“I don’t need a ride I’ll just walk home.” She turned as if to leave, her eyes were burning but not from the smoke. She knew if she didn’t get out of there soon she wouldn’t be able to stop the tears.

He started to turn away not sure what to say, then he changed his mind and pulled her into a tight bear hug. He held her so close he could feel her trembling. He knew she was more scared than she had let on, and he was again thankful that nothing had happened to her. He held her until the trembling stopped ignoring Brads warning looks. He slowly pulled back and bent over to look at her except she hung her head down, so he wouldn’t see the tears brimming there. Undaunted he forced her chin up and saw a single tear sliding down. Joanie was mortified of all places to fall apart right in front of Eric. He gently wiped it away with his finger. “It’ll be all right baby. Why don’t you just let me take you home? It’s awfully cold out there. Your tears would freeze.”