by Lauren Wood
He looked at her cautiously. “You don’t sound too confident about that. I’m telling you it would be better if you just leave now and never look back.” Johnny told her.
“No I don’t want that. I want you.” She murmured and kissed him deeply.
Johnny didn’t stop her this time, he made love to her. Even if he wasn’t sure if she would stay, at least he could enjoy her while she was with him. He looked down at her and said, “I love you Sally, but I really think you’re making a mistake being with me.”
“Johnny Young all these years you’ve been proclaiming to me how much you love me, and now you’re telling me its wrong. I don’t think so; I think I’ve just finally realized the truth.” Sally said.
“Remember this when people start saying stuff to you in town, because they will. I get looks all the time now, and they aren’t nice ones.” Johnny commented.
“Johnny Young I love you and that’s all there is to it. I’m behind you 100 percent of the way.” Sally commented.
“Sally why did I have to change for you to love me though?” He asked.
“I think you’re still the same boy deep down, you’ve just changed on the surface.” She stated.
“I don’t feel like the same person.” He admitted.
“But you are.” She kissed him.
He only wished it was that simple, but he knew she wasn’t looking at the full picture. Only time would tell if she was being completely honest with him or not.
Chapter 3
Sally decided she had to go back and get at least one of her jobs back now that she was back. She hoped that they would at least give her part-time to begin with. She also wanted to be able to spend time with Johnny, so full-time wasn’t something she wanted. Just in case he really did have to go to jail on these false charges.
Another thing she wanted to do was to go and see Mary. It was bad enough Mary had said the things to Sally that she had when they had talked when she was in Paris. But now Mary was lying about a man that Sally wouldn’t mind spending the rest of her life with.
She had thought about it overnight and had decided that she would stay beside Johnny, even if he went to jail for a lot of years. It would only be right on her part, and she had to admit she had learned to love him even more than just the bad boy image he had created.
Sally was still shocked when she thought about that kind of love he must have to change himself completely. Well not completely, she could still see a lot of his old self underneath the outside layer. But even she would admit that there were just slight glimpses of that person now. Some of her missed that old Johnny, but not enough to say anything to him.
“Now onto the job search, I’ll call my old jobs now.” She was saying to her mom.
“I really wish you would consider this relationship you have with Johnny.” Her mom began to lecture. She had heard it many times since she’d been back. But like all the other times, she stopped her mom quickly.
“Look mom, I know what you think. But you only know one side of the story. If you wouldn’t automatically jump to conclusions like everyone else, you might just see that. You’ve known him for the last 10 years now; do you really think he could be that person they say he is?” Sally questioned her mom.
“You didn’t see old man Denton after Johnny beat him. If you would have you wouldn’t be so sure about him anymore either. If that wouldn’t have happened and it was just the girls, maybe I would still believe him. But honestly I think I would still have doubts. He was different right after you left. He wasn’t the same little happy boy that I remembered seeing so many times in the past.” Her mother explained.
“How could someone change that much though?” Sally asked.
“I don’t know Sally, but you know that I wouldn’t lie to you. He was no longer the boy who was over here every day and making googol eyes at you. I’m not really sure how to explain it. He stopped saying hi to us; he never came over to ask about you or anything. He was out all hours of the night, and would often come home and be loud and drunk. I just wish I could be sure that you were safe with him. That’s all I want is for you to be safe and happy.” Her mother stated.
“Mom, he wouldn’t hurt me I’m sure of it. Plus I am happy, really happy for the first time in a long while. I don’t even mind being in Kearney anymore, not like I used to be. Sure a lot of that has to do with my bad experience in Paris, but thanks to him I’m happy here. So don’t worry about me mom, and please stop lecturing me on my choice of men.” Sally said.
“Fine honey, I’ll do that. I just hope you are making the right choice. You know a lot of people here are talking about him. If you are with him, they will think badly of you too. It may not be right, but they will.” Her mother said.
“Its okay mom, I’ll be fine.” Sally responded and picked up the phone to start making phone calls.
“Hello Mr. Samuels it’s Sally Leach. Yes I’m back in town. I was wondering if you had an opening still, anything, part-time would be great. Sure I can stop by later today, say 5:00? Okay great I’ll see you then.” Sally hung up the phone.
“Well that will be nice, I know their system and he said he’s only hiring part-time for now.” Sally told her mom.
“Great sweetie. Just remember this town gossips. That’s all I’ll say, but I hope I’m wrong about these things.” Her mother said.
“Mr. Samuels has known me for years; he won’t be like that even if he’s heard anything.” Sally commented.
“Everyone has heard about this in town, it’s the story of the year. It really doesn’t look good for Johnny. Are you sure you’re ready to see him go to jail? I would imagine it would be hard on you, and him.” Her mom questioned.
“Johnny and I talked about this already and yes I am ready. Aren’t you supposed to stand beside the one you love, even in times of trouble?” Sally asked.
“Yes sweetie this is true. But I don’t know if they were using it this way. If he’s in jail, oh I don’t know honey. Do what you feel is best, I just hope for you to be happy.” Her mom said.
“I know mom. Hey I’m going to go out and shop a bit. I have some extra money since I didn’t stay in Paris long. Oh I’m also going to give you and dad the money back, well most of it. I’ll pay the rest back as I get paid from work.” Sally stated.
“Oh honey you don’t have too.” Her mom commented.
“I want too though.” Sally said. “I’ll be back in a little bit.” She said and headed out to go to the mall.
At the mall she ran into a few people she knew who were shocked to see her back.
“Hey Sally, I thought you want to Paris?” Tom asked he had been a friend in high school.
“I came back early, it just wasn’t what I expected it to be.” Sally told him and the other friend who was with him.
“Oh hey did you hear about your neighbor?” Tom questioned.
Sally decided to play dumb and see what they would say. “No, what about him?”
“He is a psycho, they say he raped 10 girls, one of them was Mary. He beat up old man Denton, and a few other guys at the Southside bar. I don’t know he used to seem pretty normal in school. But that’s what they say about the quiet one’s they are the ones you watch out for.” Tom shook his head as he talked. His mind had obviously been made up about Johnny’s guilt already.
“I don’t know about that, he isn’t the type of guy who would do those things. I’ve known him far too long, I don’t believe it.” Sally commented.
“Yeah that’s just because the guy always had the hots for you.” The other guy who was standing with Tom commented. Sally couldn’t even remember his name, but she looked at him with a glare that shut him up quickly.
“No I’m not saying it because of that.” Sally stated. “I just don’t think he would be capable of those things.”
“Well you were gone, so you didn’t see it all happen. It would have been different if you were here. Then you wouldn’t be so quick to defend him. Jack Denton is my cousin and
I saw his dad after Johnny beat him. He had to be in the hospital for almost a month because of it.” The other boy said to her.
“I don’t know, I guess it’s possible.” Sally gave up trying to convince them that Johnny was innocent. Honestly, she did know he had beaten old man Denton, Johnny admitted that, but he hadn’t said how badly.
She had to wonder again about how honest Johnny was being with her. He seemed to be hiding some things from her, but it could just be the doubt that other people were putting in her mind too. She wanted to believe in him. But what could you believe about someone who you seemed to know so little?
“No I don’t think he did those things. I know he beat up his old boss. But really, how bad was it? Are you sure you aren’t exaggerating those injuries just to make it sound worse?” Sally looked at the boy intently.
He looked down as she continued to stare at him. “No he was bad.” The boy said, but not very loudly.
“Did he actually go to the hospital and stay in for that long?” Sally continued to question. She was searching for the truth, she had a feeling this boy was adding some falsities into the real story.
“He got checked out at the hospital.” The boy said.
“So did they keep him?” She pushed.
“Well for a couple of hours.” The boy finally admitted.
“So you were lying? I thought so, and you don’t wonder what those girls might be lying about?” She commented.
“I don’t know Mary was your friend. Are you saying she lied about it?” Tom asked her.
“I don’t know honestly. But I’m telling you I don’t believe the story.” Sally stated.
The boys left her standing there; they seemed to actually be wondering about the story now. Sally knew that wouldn’t get him out of the charges. After all, these two wouldn’t be on a jury, if they even had one. She wasn’t sure how big of a trial it would be, or even if Johnny had decided to do the plea bargain.
She hated the fact that he might have to do that; it would be like admitting you were guilty. Sally hoped that somehow she could get Mary to change her story.
Sally called Johnny and asked him if he would meet her for lunch.
“At the mall? I don’t think that’s a good idea really. People will all know you are with the town rapist, as they are now calling me.” Johnny said.
“I don’t care what they think Johnny. Come meet me please?” She asked.
“Fine, but if it backfires on you I don’t want to hear it.” He said and hung up.
She shopped for a bit and bought a few things. Her phone buzzed and she looked at it.
I’m here.
The text message was from Johnny. She headed over to the restaurant area and looked for him. He was standing by one of the doors. She noticed several people looking at him and whispering. Sally fought the urge to say something to them all. Instead she walked up to him and kissed him.
“Hey how are you?” She asked.
He pulled away from her. “You really don’t care. I don’t know if that’s so smart.” Johnny commented.
“Let’s eat, screw these people. They’ll know the truth one day.” Sally stated.
“I don’t know about that. If I plea bargain they’ll all think I’m guilty. If I go to trial my attorney says I don’t have much of a chance either.” Johnny commented.
“I was thinking of talking to Mary.” Sally told him.
“For what? You think you can get her to recant her story? No chance, she loves the publicity.” He stated.
“I don’t know I’ll appeal to her as her best friend for years now.” Sally stated.
“I doubt it will work, but if you want to try it, good luck.” He finally gave in.
“Yeah maybe after I go talk to Mr. Samuels. I got one of my old jobs back!” Sally told him.
“That’s great! Congratulations.” Johnny said.
They ate most of the rest of the meal in silence. Sally looked around and saw people talking about the two of them. She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to Johnny. “So what are you doing after you leave here?” She asked him.
“I think I’ll go work out at the gym. It’s usually not too busy during this part of the day and people leave me alone, the few that are there anyway.” Johnny commented.
“Do people often say things to you?” She asked.
He looked up and she turned to see what he was looking at. There was a lady of about 30 standing there. “You should be ashamed of yourself. How could you rape those girls? I hope they throw the book at you.” She spat at him. “Don’t you know what he is? He’s a rapist; you really shouldn’t be with him. You might get hurt like one of those girls did.” The lady said to Sally.
“You do realize that there are two sides to every story and that what you’ve heard may not be the truth right?” Sally begun. “Remember you aren’t supposed to judge other people either. Let thee who is without sin cast the first stone.” Sally stated.
The lady turned red and made a noise and walked away.
“I hate people like that.” Sally commented.
“Wow that was amazing, you handled her very well.” Johnny had to laugh. “Can we please go now? If one person comes up they usually start coming up more and more to me. It’s just the way it goes. One person breaches the gap and they all jump in. Even with what you said, I’m not sure we will be safe from another visit.” Johnny explained.
“Sure let’s get out of here. I have a little time before I have to go see Mr. Samuels, would you like to go back to your place?” Sally asked.
“Sure, let’s go.” Johnny smiled knowing what they would be doing when they got back to his place.
He took his Harley and she drove her car, the trip seemed to take forever for her. But soon they were back at his place and inside. She smiled at him and closed the gap quickly. Sally kissed him deeply and he undressed her quickly.
Johnny looked down at her and smiled. He lowered his head between her legs and lapped at her pussy opening. She arched into him and moaned loudly as her juices flowed quickly. He bit her clit and she climaxed and yelled loudly.
He moved up and pushed his cock into her with one quick thrust. He slowly thrust into her and pinched her nipples as she arched her back to meet him. She rang her fingers down his back and scratched him.
Sally screamed out as she felt his orgasm coat her walls with his sperm. Her pussy started to quiver as another orgasm hit her body hard.
They fell together sweet pouring down their bodies. He kissed her and pulled her closely to him. “I hope you never leave me again.” He said to her.
“I won’t Johnny, I promise. I’ll be beside you the rest of our lives if you want me.” Sally stated.
“We’ll see this may be a tough few months or years, depending on what happens.” Johnny said.
“After I’m done at Mr. Samuels I’ll go talk to Mary and see what I can do, she’ll be reasonable I’m sure of it.” Sally said.
“Like I said, I don’t think she’ll change his story.” Johnny stated.
“We’ll see.” She replied.
She didn’t see any reason why Mary wouldn’t listen to reason, and she had known Mary for so long. They had been best friends since they were 4 years old and first met in nursery school. She smiled remembering the good times she had with Mary through the years. However, she knew that Johnny thought Mary wouldn’t budge, Sally had more faith though.
Sally looked at the time and said, “I have to go and get a quick shower before I leave.” She kissed him. “I’ll see you later Johnny, I love you.”
“See you later honey, love you too.” Johnny said as he kissed her.
She ran next door and got her and shower and got dressed. As she drove off she smiled thinking about Johnny. She was positive she would be able to talk Mary into changing her mind and recanting her story. If she did, perhaps the other girls would follow along.
“Hi Mr. Samuels how are you?” She said as she walked into her old work.
He smi
led at her. “Come back her Sally.” He led the way to his office. “I just need to talk to you about a few things.”
“Sure no problem.” She answered.
“Tell me how was Paris, I see you didn’t stay long. You know they say a Nebraska girl will always come home, it’s in their blood!” He laughed.
“Yes I’ve heard that too. I guess that’s what happened. Paris was okay, but I really missed everyone so much.” Sally said.
Mr. Samuels rubbed his chin for a second. “I have some bad news though Sally. I think I spoke too quickly in offering you the position. They hired another girl just yesterday for it; I really can’t take you back on.” He explained.
Sally had known him for years and could tell when he was lying. “Is that the real reason?” She asked. “I mean if it was for something else you could ask me about it, you know I’ve always been honest with you.” She told him.
“Well I know that Sally and honestly I wish I didn’t have to even ask you about this, but I should. You know we have a reputation we like to keep, as far as the type of people we hire. That can even go for the people that our employees are associated with, if you can understand. But I’ve heard rumors that you and the Young boy are hanging out, actually very close. Is that true?” He asked.
“Well yes, it is true, but what does that have to do with me? He hasn’t even had a trial yet, and he’s innocent.” Sally stated.
“Sally, I hate to tell you this, but he’s guilty. Everyone knows this, and we can’t have you as the face of our store and be associated with him. It just doesn’t send the right message to our clientele. We’ll surely lose a lot of business, and it would break us. I can offer you the job but only if you aren’t with him. I know you are neighbors and you’ll see one another, but I’m talking about the type of relationship I’ve heard it was. You know people talk in town, and well this isn’t a good business decision for us.” He explained.
She sighed heavily. “I understand, but I don’t agree with this decision. When everyone finds out the truth and learn he’s not guilty, they’ll change how they are talking. I can’t believe so many people are judging him without the full story.” She said.