Return to Love

by Lynn Hubbard

  Her mom kissed her cheek and then headed into the bedroom to get some rest. Joanie was restless. He hadn’t mentioned seeing her again maybe he didn’t want to. Her thoughts flew through her head, and she knew the one person she needed to talk to was only a phone call away. Making sure her mom was asleep she quickly dialed Kate’s number. The cord wouldn’t stretch into the living room, so she just sat on the kitchen floor with her back to the refrigerator, facing the rest of the house.

  “Hey Kate. What’s up?” She asked unsure of how to word her question.

  “What the heck do you mean what’s up? What’s up with you? You’re the one who left alone with Eric. You two seemed quite cozy as you drove off.”

  “You were spying on me?” Joanie squealed.

  “I’m your best friend of course I was spying on you! Now out with the details. I was dying to call you, but I didn’t want to interrupt anything.”

  “Interrupt anything?! Just what do you think we did?”

  “Well, I don’t know why don’t you tell me.”

  Joanie hesitated as she whispered into the phone. “Ok after you left he gave me his jacket to wear and he kissed me.”

  “He gave you his jacket?! You’ve got to come over, so I can see it!” Kate said excitedly. “That’s so romantic!”

  Joanie hesitated already knowing Kate’s reaction to her next words. “I gave it back to him.” She barely whispered into the phone.

  “Wha-what did you say? I thought you said you gave it back to him.”

  “I did. It wasn’t like he wanted me to be his girl or anything; he just let me wear it so I wouldn’t be cold.” Joanie explained.

  “HA! Cold my butt! I was cold too, but you didn’t see him offering me his jacket! Plus you said he kissed you! I can’t believe that you gave it back to him. I’m so disappointed. Do you know what girls would have given to be in your shoes?”

  Joanie sighed. Maybe she had interpreted the situation wrong. He wouldn’t want her to be his girl or would he? She felt her insides began to warm at the thought.

  “Hello! Earth to Joanie are you there Joanie?”

  Joanie quickly jumped back to the present. “Yes I’m still here. Maybe your right but what do I do now?” She moaned.

  Kate replied. “I don’t know, but we’ll think of something.”

  Chapter 12

  Monday came much too quickly. Joanie groaned as she forced her feet out from under the warm covers into the cold air. She quickly dressed and showered. She was surprised to find Brad at the kitchen table working on a mixing bowl full of cereal. She went over and felt his forehead with her hand.

  “Nope no fever. Maybe you’re just delirious.”

  Brad looked over at his charge annoyed. “For your information Missy I happen to have a job interview this morning.”

  “Really? Where?” Joanie asked surprised.

  “At the Miller Theater.”

  “That’s great! If you get it can you get me free passes?”

  Brad shrugged. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  Joanie realizing the time grabbed a banana and ran for the door she stopped to yell back good luck as she headed over to Kate’s house. On the way to school, Joanie told her about Brad’s job.

  “That would be too cool. Do you really think he would take us?” Kate asked excitedly. “I love going into the city. I just hate crossing over the bridge.”

  “Probably. He’s been nice lately. It’s kinda scary maybe he’s been cloned.”

  The girls headed into the school and were surprised to see kids pointing and whispering at them. Joanie glanced over at Kate and saw that she noticed it too.

  “What’s up?” Kate asked, and Joanie just shrugged.

  Suddenly an arm went around her shoulders, and she jumped in surprise. Chris grinned down at her as he bent down and whispered in her ear. “I know you’re just playing hard to get.” He said as he held up the slam book. Joanie regaining her senses grabbed the book with one hand and elbowed Chris hard in the ribs with the other one. She tossed the book to Kate who grabbed it and ran into the girl’s bathroom to destroy it. Chris doubled over but was able to grab Joanie’s arm and force her against a locker.

  Joanie more angry than scared glared at him as her mind reeled with ways of escape. She looked around, and her hopes fell as she realized that Chris’s football buddies were surrounding them. She tried to kick him, but he side stepped and just moved closer to her. “What the hell do you want?” Joanie asked her eyes flashing.

  “You.”

  Suddenly the bell rang and Chris released her almost dropping her to the ground. He smiled. “Later.” And he strutted off down the hallway with his friends.

  “Are you ok?” Kate asked grabbing her friends arm.

  Joanie didn’t trust herself to speak she just nodded her head. The second bell rang and Kate gave her a quick hug before running for her locker. Joanie sighed and headed for the gym. She made it to the locker room and forced herself to take deep breaths to calm down. The rest of the morning passed uneventful, and Joanie was thankful. She met Kate for lunch. They noticed that Jane and Sally were sitting at their usual spot with Chris and Co. Thinking quickly Joanie turned and headed towards a different direction she motioned for Kate to follow her.

  “Hey Chad.” She called as she and Kate came up to his table. He nodded to his friend Jack to scoot over and Joanie and Kate thankfully sat down. Chad smiled over at the girls.

  “Rough morning?” He asked.

  “I don’t wanna talk about it.” Joanie mumbled through bites of sandwich. She wanted to eat and get out of there as quickly as possible.

  “You want me to take him out just say the word.” Chad said under his breath as he looked over in Chris’ direction.

  Joanie smiled. “I would love to see that, but he isn’t worth the trouble. ‘Side’s he just wants the attention. I can handle him.”

  Chad grinned at her. “Good ‘cause he’s coming over here.”

  “Hey babe, why are you hanging around these punks?” Chris asked looking down on them. He rested his hands on Joanie’s shoulders.

  “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.

  “Are you okay? Where the heck did you learn how to do that?” Kate asked.

  Joanie forced a smile. “The head mistress at the academy insisted that all her girls learn self defense. I got an ‘A’ in it.”

  “That’s so neat! If he bothers you again, all you have to do is karate chop him, right?”

  “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.

  “Thought you might want some company.” Chad offered as she looked at him questioning.

  Joanie hesitated. “Thanks Chad but you can’t be with me all the time. I’ll be okay.”

  “You’d better be, or Eric will kill me if anything happens to you.” He nodded and headed off.

  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.

  “I can’t believe his nerve! He’s such a jerk you should have broke his arm.” Kate muttered.

  “Well if I did that we’d probably lose the rest of the season. He is our quarterback ya know.” Joanie added sarcastically.

  “Well when Eric finds out I bet he’ll do worse than that.”

  “You think so? I mean I barely know him.” Joanie moaned.

  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 smiled at the memory. “I hope your right Kate. I hope your right.”

  They passed Kate’s house and Kate hesitated. “Maybe I should walk you home. I mean just in case.”

  “Don’t be silly! It’s freezing out here, and it’s way out your way. I’ll be fine.” Joanie said more confidently than she felt.

  “All right but call me when you get home!!” Kate yelled running inside out of the cold.

  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.

  “Who is it?” She yelled.

  “It’s me! Open the dang door. Why is the dead bolt locked?”

  Recognizing her brother’s voice, she quickly put the knife on the table, unlocked the dead bolt, and opened the door.

  “Hey Brad did you get the job?” She asked casually although her heart was still pumping hard.

  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.”

  Chapter 13

  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.

  “Shit!” Brad cursed staring at the empty gas gauge.

  “That’s great Brad! Now what are we gonna do?” Kate grumbled.

  “How could you forget gas?” Joanie cried.

  Brad glared at the girls. “Don’t worry I know where we are. There’s a place I hang out at a few blocks from here.”

  “A few blocks!” They yelled in unison.

  “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.

  “See? What did I tell you?” Brad said picking up the pace.

  “A bar?! You’re taking us to a bar?” Joanie squealed as it dawned on her what kind of place is open this late at night.

  “Neat!” Kate said shivering.

  “Come on.” Brad said grabbing their arms and pulling them through the door.

  “Stay here.” Brad said.

  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 s
it 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.