Chapter 22
I head back to the kitchen to get Ethan’s fries. I pay for them out of my check so it really isn’t a bother for him. He gets to chill and study and get free drinks and food. Since I am back from my break and I don’t want him to give me anymore shit. I check on Justin. “Do you need anything else or do you want the check?” I am trying to hint that I want him to leave.
“Only what I asked for outside.”
I lower my voice. “I am not going on a date with you.”
He smirks. “Well, then you have left me no choice but to make a scene.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
I am shocked and surprised. What the hell kind of a scene is he talking about? He stands up and pulls me into his arms. I fight him but he is actually pretty strong. He slams his lips into mine. I am revolted and want to be sick. He is forcing shit on me. I push him back with all my strength. Only when he is ready does he pull back. “I know you wanted to keep our affair a secret but I can’t do it anymore.” His voice carries through the whole diner.
“What the hell are you talking about?” I shriek.
Again, he talks loudly. “I want everyone to know how much we love each other. It’s time. Stop hiding it.” Then he leans closer so that he is whispering in my ear. “Now, everyone will know you are mine.”
I pull back and slap him. “Like hell I am.”
He snickers. “Your affection is strange sometimes but I love it.” He’s back to his show.
“Get out.” I scream.
“I’ll pick you up after work.” He smiles and leaves the diner.
As soon as that door closes I want to die. How could he do that to me? I told him I wasn’t interested. I even sink into the seat a little. I only look up when there is a shadow over me. I look up at Trey. “Is that why you don’t want to kiss me anymore?”
“No, that’s not it. I don’t have a relationship with Justin, he just made that up. I just met him yesterday. He asked me out and I said no. This is his retaliation for that. I had to hit him to get him to leave me alone. I don’t have anything to do with Justin.”
I guess I didn’t notice the tears coming from my eyes, but Trey did. He sat next to me and wiped my tears away. “Hey, it’s alright. It’s going to be ok.” He wraps his arm around me. “I’ll talk to him. Try to get him to back off. I didn’t realize that he was harassing you.”
“He started yesterday. He wanted me to sit with him after my shift and I told him no. Then today he told me that he was going to complain about me to my mom and that if I didn’t want him to then I needed to talk to him out back. I figured it was just talking so I went. Then he grabbed me up and I had to hit him to get loose. He had asked me out and I told him no. So when he came back, I figured he would be civil here. He asked me again and I said no again. This was his answer to that.” I never break down, what is wrong with me? I can’t stop crying.
It takes me a minute to realize that Ethan is on my other side. “He isn’t going to get away with this. He thinks because his dad is some big shot that he can get away with this shit. Well his dad isn’t that big of a deal.”
“Who is his dad anyway?”
Trey answers. “Kelly’s and his dad, is the principal of the high school and part of the city council. He is part of most of the decisions in town. Most people in town are scared of him. But this is something that can’t be ignored. He can’t bully you like this.”
“What am I going to do? His dad can shut down this diner in a heartbeat. Then what is my family going to do?”
Ethan sighs. “It might be best to go along with what he wants until he tires of you. Justin gets bored easily. I am not saying let him touch you, but go on the date. Let him think he won. That will at least buy you some time.”
“I don’t want to go on a date with him.” I protest through my tears.
Ethan tries again. “It’s one date. It can’t hurt.”
“Oh, yes it can. You saw how he acted a minute ago.” I sniffle a little trying to dry my tears.
“Yes, but if you give in he will let his guard down. He will try to impress you rather than bully you. Manipulation.”
Trey shakes his head. “I don’t like it. That means that she will be alone with him. He could do anything to her.”
Ethan argues with him. “He may be an asshole but if he thinks he’s winning he will back down. I know from experience.”
“I don’t agree. He is just like Kelly. I didn’t think it before, but I do now. Look at what he just did.” Trey argues.
“I was here too. She is my friend too. I am trying to protect her just as well as you. At least I am not trying to get in her pants.” They are starting to shout at each other.
“So, what? At least I am not going to force her. Justin will.”
“Only if she doesn’t go on the stupid date with him. Were you not listening to what she said?”
“I listened just fine. Maybe you need hearing aids. It doesn’t matter why he did it, he still did it. She isn’t safe around him.”
Well, at least listening to these two has made me stop crying. “I’ll do it. It’s just better to get it over with, I’ll be the worst date ever.”
Ethan seems satisfied. “See she gets it. Make him not want you. That’s the key to fixing this.” He turned his attention back to me. “Make him not like you anymore. Then he will move on.”
“That’s the plan.” I wipe my tears and stand up. “I can do this. I am not letting him touch me again.”
Trey pulls me into his arms. “Keep me on the phone. I want to make sure he isn’t going to hurt you.”
“I’m not going to let him hurt me. Plus he has been pushy and has sexually harassed me but he hasn’t hurt me. Just emotionally and I am not going to let him do that again.”