Fight Like A Girl

by Lindsey Owens

  “But,” she said.

  “I don’t want them to come in here and hurt you Lilly.” He frowned. “Now go out the window.” “Bye Lilly.” He said leaning forward and hugging her.

  “By Jake,” She smiled softly, “thank you.” Her bag was packed and she was out the window before Jake even dared leave the room.

  As Jake walked out the bedroom door he made sure everyone heard him “Clean yourself up or I’ll be forced to come back in here” He yelled at nothing but air as he slammed the door. He hated coming over here and watching Frank beat the poor girl, his father would have done the same to him or worse if he refused and he couldn’t protect her then. Will had been the only one to fight back and look what it got him.

  “It’s done” he smiled “and it was good.” He chuckled.

  “Good boy,” Bobby said passing money over to Frank.

  Lilly ran through the back yard not daring to stop at anywhere in particular until she reached the safety of Mara’s house. Mara had been Will’s girlfriend and she would let her stay the night, hopefully.

  She pounded on the door as she looked behind her. “What do you want?” Mara snapped as she yawned and opened the door.

  “Mara please,” Lilly asked.

  “Come on.” She said holding the door open.

  Trip from Hell

  Chapter 6

  “Come on Mara,” Lilly said softly as she shook Mara’s shoulder. “It’s time to get to school we got the trip.”

  “Really Lilly, it’s a school trip what are you so happy about?” Mara scoffed.

  “Freedom” She muttered under her breath.

  “Hmm… I think Will would have enjoyed that smile on your face… come on” Mara sighed, still very much in love with a memory.

  The girls had talked for a while before they fell asleep. Will had asked Mara to marry him when they graduated. She generally liked Lilly but just like everyone else, she took pity on Lilly for her brother’s death.

  Lilly tried to explain to her what had happened but she froze up and decided she didn’t want to take the chance of Mara being hurt. She thought back to last night “Try not to wake me up next time.” Mara said. “But you can stay anytime.”

  Mara might just be her friend one day, Lilly thought.

  When they arrived at school the busses were already loading up with students. The busses were due to leave in thirty minutes for New York and Lilly wasn’t about to miss it. “See you later” Mara smiled as she made her way to her friends.

  “See ya, and Mara,” Lilly called softly “Thanks.”

  Lilly could hear the whispers blooming and by the time she figured them out it was too late. “Lilly Walker!” Ashley screeched.

  “What now?” Lilly mumbled.

  “How could you sleep with my boyfriend?” She cried.

  “What?” Lilly mumbled as Ashley approached her angrily. Her hand reached out and slapped Lilly as hard as she could. Jake had told his father who in turn helped to spread the rumor. But both would be beaten if they denied it and their fathers found out about it. Jake stood behind Ashley, mouthing sorry when Lilly looked up.

  “Ashley, I am sorry,” Lilly mumbled.

  “Miss Briggs,” Snapped Mr. Park, one of the chaperones, “Please, get on your bus,” he said pointing off the other direction.

  “But Mr. Park!” Ashley sputtered.

  “NOW!” He yelled. Ashley huffed as she turned sharply stomping her feet as she went. “Ms. Walker, get on the bus.”

  Lilly nodded and climbed aboard the bus. Students lined the seats and stared at her gapping. She could hear some mumbling “how could she do that?” others muttered “Jake wouldn’t go for her, she’s lying.” She tried to ignore the words. She had apparently picked the wrong bus because every girl was sneering at her. “I could tap that” a guy chuckled and Lilly’s eyes went wide as she looked down the bus. When she thought she saw an open seat she hurried toward it.

  “My favorite is “Damn, he’s lucky” Nick smirked as he sat up. He was just another guy from her class.

  “Ahg” Lilly scoffed and turned around to look for another seat.

  “Oh chill out Lilly and sit.” He gripped her hand and pulled her down to the seat. She yelped as she fell into his lap.

  Lilly didn’t say anything. She just sat there glaring at Nick the entire time. She didn’t want to be near him. She didn’t want to be near anyone right at the moment. With a huff she tipped her head back and slept the rest of the way. “Okay students” Mr. Park called. “There’s a party tonight, which you all know about. You have two hours to get changed and dolled up. Dinner and dancing will be at five.” He said.

  “You all have your room assignments so go forth and change,” Mrs. Smith called.

  Unexpected Guest

  Chapter 7

  Each student grabbed their bags and headed up to their rooms. Lilly had been paired up with three girls, which she had barely known, very friendly nice girls. She slipped into the room and raced to the bathroom. “I’m going to take a shower!” she called.

  “Okay, do you mind if I use the mirror?” one girl asked. It was Tina, a short dark haired girl.

  “Go ahead.” She said as she stepped into the shower. The cool water felt good against her skin. She savored every moment of the ten-minute shower, scrubbing her hair and gently rubbing her skin with soap. It had been a long time since Lilly had the opportunity to shower in peace.

  When she was about to step out she heard the door open and close hard. “Hey, Tina?” She asked.

  Nobody responded. Maybe Tina had left she thought and peaked out of the curtain. “Ahh!” She screamed as her green eyes widened falling upon Jake standing before her. He leaned against the bathroom counter, his brown eyes staring intently at the shower curtain. He rubbed his hand through his hair and looked down at her with a small smile.

  “You know you’re kind of hot when you’re mad.” He smirked.

  “What are you doing in here?” She asked nervously. This was the second time he had seen her naked and she doubt she was going to last through this one.

  “Well… I forgot. I had something.” Jake said nervously.

  “What did you do to the girls?” She cried.

  “Don’t worry about them. They’re in the other room gossiping. Hoping to catch sight of something I am sure.” Jake laughed.

  “You can’t be in here,” Lilly whined. “I…” she paused and then decided to whisper “I’m naked.”

  “I would hope so” Jake laughed “you’re in the shower. Let’s talk.” He grinned.

  “No!”

  “Lilly, either we talk now or I come in there” he winked “that could be fun; you know with you a virgin and all.”

  “Didn’t you hear?” She asked.

  “It’s not true.” He said.

  “And how do you know.” She snapped. “I could have with someone else.”

  “Why are you defending the lie?” Jake asked “and to me of all people Lilly… Now come on.”

  “Get out.” She screeched.

  “You come out first.” He said calmly.

  “I…” she paused. “I can’t.”

  “Sure you can.” Jake smiled and grabbed the curtain and whipped it open as he slung a towel around Lilly in one smooth motion. “Oh Lilly” He sighed. “I’m sorry.” He took in all the new bruises that covered her body.

  Lilly simply shrugged. “So what do you want… before Ashley finds out” She whined.

  “Don’t give me that crap. Here get clothes on we’re going in my room to talk.” He demanded.

  “Jake.” She pled.

  “I have something for you.” He shrugged “now come on.”

  “Will’s gone. You have no obligation to me.” She snapped. “We’re not at home where our fathers can see us…” She dragged out.

  “Exactly now, either you get dressed or I’ll carry you out like this.” He said with a grin.

  “Fine” She rolled her eyes.

  As Lil
ly dressed, Jake stood in the room looking at the door instead of her. He may be a jerk, but he was respectful when he wanted to be. “I’m dressed.” She scoffed and stepped around to Jake.

  “You can’t leave, where are you going?” Tina asked as Lilly stomped across the room.

  “Don’t worry about it girls,” Jake smiled. “I’ll bring her back safe and sound. Lilly, grab your dress.”

  “Sleeping around isn’t good for your reputation” Emma snorted.

  “Oh, but it can be so fun.” Susie giggled as she winked at Jake and then glared at Lilly. She was more than jealous. She was one of Jake’s past victims to his charm and she wanted more.

  Out in the hall, she stood stone still as Jake closed her door behind him. “This way,” He said.

  “Don’t you have roommates?” she asked nervously.

  “Of course, but I know one won’t talk and the other well we can just kick him out.” He shrugged.

  “Where do you think you’re going young lady?” one of the chaperones asked as she was about to enter Jake’s room.

  “Ah…” she paused.

  “Get back to your room and Jake you should be ashamed of yourself, Miss Walker is a good girl.”

  Lilly ducked her head and raced back toward her room.

  Unexpected Acquaintances

  Chapter 8

  The girls helped each other get dressed up. Each did the others hair while another did makeup and so on until they were all ready. They made their way down to the ballroom together chatting like they were close friends.

  Dinner went along great. Lilly couldn’t believe she had gotten so much food. She gulped it down greedily, making herself sick. She raced to the bathroom and tossed up a good percentage of the food then knowing she was still going to be hungry she tucked a piece of wrapped bread roll into her shoulder bag before walking out to the dance floor.

  The girls she was rooming with had each found a guy to dance with and she was about to turn around when two strong hands latched on to her hips and pulled her against him. The music was booming and the lights were low as she weaved her hips back and forth against the guy’s body. She tried to turn and look at him, but he pushed her gently against him and watched as she continued to grind against him.

  Jake liked the feeling of Lilly’s body grinding against his. She was such a beautiful girl. When the song finally ended he allowed her to turn around and then he pulled her close. This time it was his turn to dance dirty and grind against her. As he dipped between her legs and pressed his groin against her. He slid up her and leaned in whispering into her ear. “Your hips don’t lie, baby, you like this.”

  Lilly scoffed. “What about Ashley?”

  “She’ll be okay. I told her I needed to speak with you about what happened and told her it wouldn’t happen again.” Jake shrugged.

  “And she believed you!?” Lilly nearly shouted.

  “Hey… I’m sorry about Will.” He sighed pulling her close and hugging her as he continued to whisper into her ear. “I thought it strange at the time but… he told me if anything ever happened to him… you needed to look under his mattress. There’s a letter there.” Jake told her.

  Lilly looked up at Jake with surprise. “what?” She questioned.

  “Yeah. When Frank’s out, look under Will’s mattress. It’s important.” Jake said once more. “Thanks for the dance.” He leaned forward pecked her on the cheek and then hurried away.

  The students were allowed to dance late into the night. Flicking the lights on the chaperones separated people who didn’t care to pay attention and began to tell them to leave. “Everyone it’s time for bed. We will meet back up in the lobby at ten o’clock. Breakfast will be down here, anytime between seven and nine-forty-five.” One announced.

  Lilly had danced with Jake and a few other guys through most of the night. When it was time to go she stepped in line with her roommates and left.

  The class trip was more than Lilly could ever dream off. They toured many places, but they seemed to be a blur in Lilly’s brain. After she talked to Jake she couldn’t stop thinking about what her brother had told him. She was eager to get home and find out but when would Frank not be around long enough so she could search… Frank had not allowed her anything. Not even allowing her to search Will’s room for even a single picture. So, ever since Will’s death the room had been barren of life.

  When the bus began its trip back home, Lilly was bouncing slightly in her seat. Grayson couldn’t help but look back at Lilly with curiosity. It had been the first time he had ever noticed her so happy. Everyone slightly looked on at Lilly in curiously, but nobody questioned her. Jake smiled softly adding a wink at her once.

  When the bus pulled into the school parking lot, Lilly grabbed her bag and raced home.

  Suicide?

  Chapter 9

  Lilly had been home for nearly a week now. Frank had left her alone for most of it only slapping her around a few times. She had been having a good week between Frank’s lack of beatings and her making it home in time every night early enough to make Frank’s dinners.

  Lilly made it into the house before Frank again for the fourth time this week. She quickly tossed her things down and began to cook. Frank had requested a meal which required a lot of dishes and she was petrified of his return home. She quickly cut up the onions, peppers, and mushrooms for the meal. Then she scooped them into a frying pan. She would fry them before stirring them in with the other ingredients.

  The door slammed open and Lilly’s head snapped over in the direction of it. No, she thought, he’s early. “Where’s my food” Frank barked. “And look at these dishes you made!” He screamed. Frank stalked forward. Lilly backed away nervously.

  “I…” She stuttered “you’re early.”

  “I don’t care, my food’s not ready” Frank snarled as he began reaching for the knife Lilly had been cutting the onions with. “Look what we have here.” He hissed.

  “No please.” She begged.

  “Oh, but it would be so much easier than taking care of you” Frank raised an eyebrow as he swung the knife and caught Lilly’s shirt.

  “I’ll leave” Lilly begged.

  “What good would that do me? I can get a good chunk of money from your death.” He laughed; his breath oozed of liquor as he inched closer.

  “Please.” She whimpered. There was nowhere for her to run except out the back door. Not daring to turn her back on Frank, she reached behind her and grabbed the frying pan for protection.

  Frank grabbed at another knife, which was in its rack and flung it at her just missing. Lilly swung the frying pan as hard as she could; smacking Frank in the arm. His hand latched onto her tiny wrist squeezing until she dropped the pan. Then he sliced before she could move. “Suicide’s not a good option sweetheart.” He muttered as he shoved the knife into her other hand and pushed her to the floor.

  Frank quickly grabbed his keys and left. Returning to wherever he had been to provide an alibi if needed. Lilly’s head was swirling, lack of blood was making her dizzy. She grabbed at her sweatshirt, which she had dropped on the floor and wrapped it frantically around her arm. Stumbling to her feet she ran out the door.

  Frank had disconnected the phones and always took his cell with him. She would have no help here. Lilly stumbled down the road her eyes hazy and lacking the color of her surroundings. She couldn’t quite tell where she was going, but she went. She finally made it to her only safe haven within miles. Knocking frantically, Lilly slumped against the door and slid to the ground.

  “Lilly?” someone questioned. Blood gushed from beneath the makeshift wrap. “Lilly, shit! Dad!” The person yelled lifting her up and carrying her into the house.

  Alone Time

  Chapter 10

  Lilly woke up groggily to the sound of beep, beep, beep. She tried to reach her eyes to rub the sleep from them, but she couldn’t move her arm.

  “Huh?” She mumbled.

  “Lilly? Shh… It’s alright.” M
ara said grabbing hold of her struggling arm. “You have to be careful your arm is all stitched up and you have an IV in the other.”

  “Mara?” She asked.

  “Yeah,” Mara replied softly. “Why did you do it?”

  “I…” Lilly frowned. She never finished, yet instead she simply stared at the wall.

  “Frank was here,” Mara told her.

  Lilly’s face paled. “Relax…” Mara told her, knowing that Frank and Lilly didn’t get along. “He just told me that he’s going to be gone for a few weeks… I guess his work wants him to go to another state and train a few employees… or something…” Mara frowned not being able to remember the whole story that Frank had told her.

  Lilly shot up from the hospital bed cringing with a slight yelp as the IV yanked angrily against her arm. “When did he leave?” She questioned eagerly. Lilly remembered she had something specific to do when Frank left and it was now or never.

  “Take it easy. He left yesterday. Hopped a flight to California” Mara shrugged.

  “I got to get out of here.” Lilly tugged at the blankets urgently.

  “Hey… wait. I’ll get the nurse and she can help you, calm down.” Mara jumped from her seat beside Lilly and quickly pushed her back against the bed. She pressed the call button and watched as a nurse rushed in.

  “Oh… hello, dear.” The nurse said with a smile.

  “I have to go get these needles out of me!” Lilly shrieked. She had to get out of this bed and get back home.

  “It’s okay, take it easy.” The nurse answered softly.

  “NO YOU DON’T GET IT!” Lilly accentuated every word with fierce.

  “Well we can’t hold you here; your father left you some clothing, why don’t you get dressed.” The nurse asked.

  “He’s not my father!” Lilly screeched.

  “Okay. Well just get dressed dear and…” The nurse took out the IV and unhooked all the cords and wires from Lilly. As soon as the nurse cleared out of the way, Lilly was up and dressed in minutes. She was practically running out the door. She stopped turning around abruptly.