"Yeah, but that was a crush. You're talking about being in love."
"You know you're just being difficult right? I can see it in your eyes, your words and your actions. You are in love with that girl!"9
"No I'm not!"
"From what you told me, she is everything you want in a girl."
"Actually no she's not."
"Oh, what is she lacking?"
"She's straight!"
"There's something called bisexual you know."12
"Yeah, well, she's still a dumbass! I mean, who stays with Adam willingly for a year?! Doesn't she realise what a fucked up asshole he is?! She deserves better than him! He doesn't deserve her!" Peyton continued on her tirade and Kimberly listened.
"What the fuck are you smiling at Kimmy?!"2
Kimberly laughed now, "you are so in love with her!"1
"No! I am not!"
Kimberly poked her in her sides playfully, "you so are!"
Peyton stuck out her tongue as she attempted vainly to swat Kimberly away, "fuck you Kimmy."
"Awww... boo, you know I don't do girls."8
This caused them both to laugh for a while. When they composed themselves, Kimberly spoke seriously, "I recorded the whole thing on my phone so he can't pull any shit on you. Okay?"
Peyton offered a small smile before leaning across and giving Kimberly a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Kimmy. You are too good to me. I don't deserve you."
Kimberly put her hand on Peyton's and gave a reassuring squeeze, "that's not true. You deserve nothing but the best. I love you boo. And you do the same for me. That's why we're best friends."
Peyton smiled and said a small thanks. They sat there for a couple minutes in silence before Peyton said, "you do realise that we are missing class right?"2
Kimberly waved it off saying, "we're smart kids, we'll catch up."
They both laughed and silently decided to spend the remainder of the day right there.
The end of the day came quickly and they made their way down the bleachers and back into the school to get their bags before heading home. Their lockers were close to each other's so they walked together.
"Those fuckers!" Kimberly exclaimed when they got to Peyton's locker.
They had desecrated her locker. They wrote and drew all sorts of horrible things on it. From "queer", "dyke", "burn in hell" and so on to drawings of a vagina with the words "lick me" above it and other such horrible things.7
Kimberly was outraged. Peyton, however, accustomed to being ridiculed by her brother simply walked up to it, took out her bag and the books she needed, shut it and walked away as she usually would.
"What are you waiting for Kimmy? I want to get out of here." She said impatiently.
Kimberly nodded and hurried off to her nearby locker and did the same as Peyton. When she turned around Peyton was already walking away, heading out of school. Kimberly looked on with a heavy heart at her friend. I know this is bothering you boo. Please don't bottle this up...She sighed and walked quickly to catch up with her.
"Leave her alone you idiot!" Kimberly barked at a boy who was saying some nasty things to Peyton as she walked pass him.
When they were out of the school and on their way home Kimberly decided to speak, "Peyton, talk to me please. I know this is hurting you. You can't keep it bottled up inside."
"No it's not and if it were, yes I can."1
As they walked on Peyton kept her eyes focused on the sidewalk. The full effect of everything had just begun to dawn on her. Her whole life is now ruined and as much as that girl infatuates her and the very thought of her makes her all nervous and excited, it's not doing much for her right now. Her walls are closing in and she doesn't know what to do. Kimberly's words rang out loud in her head on repeat, "What's going to happen when your parents find out?"
She couldn't take it anymore. When Kimberly's house came into view and she knew that her own was only five minutes away, she couldn't breathe. Her body came to a stop.
"Peyton? What's wrong?"
Peyton looked at her, fright evident on her face, "what the fuck did I do Kimmy?"
Kimberly was not given an opportunity to respond, "they're going to kill me! They're going to kill my fucking ass! Oh Kimmy, why am I so fucking stupid?!"
Tears flowed freely down Peyton's face. There was no denying it, she was scared shitless. Part of her knew what to expect from her parents, and it was nowhere near a walk in the park but another part of her had no idea what they would do and that scared her more than the things she did know.
"I... I... I can't go home Kimmy. I... FUCK!" Peyton yelled now, unable to control herself any longer.
She sat herself down on the sidewalk with her feet in the road.
"What are you doing boo?"
"Go home Kimmy. I'm staying here for a while."
Kimberly sat beside her, "you know I would never go and leave you here."
Peyton began to sob loudly now and she was immediately wrapped in the arms of the only person she had in the world.
They sat there for well over half an hour and Peyton was yet to stop crying. Kimberly didn't mind one bit though. Actually, she was glad. Glad that Peyton was finally letting it all out, one way or another.
A car screeched to a stop in front of them then and the driver threw open the door, which just happened to be the passenger side door. "Get your fucking ass in the car Peyton!"
Chapter 9
"Peyton! I said get in the fucking car!"
Peyton was no longer crying but she held Kimberly tighter, practically squeezing her now. "I'm scared Kimmy. Kimmy, what's going to happen to me?"
Kimberly felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. She had never once heard Peyton admit that she was scared although she has been countless times since they've known each other. She returned Peyton's hug, "I know boo. I am too." A few tears rolled off her cheeks and fell onto Peyton's head.
"Don't make me come out there and drag you in here Peyton! You'll be sorry!"
Peyton knew better than to push her father anymore than she already has. She released Kimberly and got into the car, looking back at her with the most pitiful, scared, hopeless eyes. Peyton was not ready for what lay ahead of her.
Kimberly rushed to the car running alongside it as Peyton's father took her away. "I LOVE YOU PEYTON!" She screamed. She knew Peyton heard her because she saw a tear roll down her face as the car sped up.
Kimberly stood there, dumbfounded, staring as the person who meant the most to her in this world was taken away and she could do nothing about it. She realised in that moment just how much she loves Peyton. More than Timothy, even more than her parents. Peyton meant everything to her.9
"FUCK!" Kimberly screamed out of frustration and anger and fright. What's going to happen to her? I have to do something! Why didn't I stop him?!
Kimberly ran home and, as she had expected, no one was home. She is an only child and both her parents work at the local hospital. Her mother is the head nurse of the pediatric physiotherapy department and her father is the head surgeon of the neurosurgery department.5
She called her mother first. Her cell just rang so she called the hospital and was told that she had already left for home. Probably why she didn't answer her cell. She doesn't answer her phone when she's driving.
She tried her father's cell next but it also just rang so she called the hospital.
"Hello? Neurosurgery department how may I assist you?"
"Diana! It's Kimberly, is dad there?"
"He's in surgery sweetie."
"When will he be out?"
"Well, he's been in there going on eight hours now... so I'm guessing anytime. Hold on... ... ... Kimberly?"
"Yeah?"
"The surgery is done so he should be out here anytime now. Do you want to hold?"
"Yes!"
She didn't have to wait long before the line connected again, "Kim? What's wrong?" Her father's voice was laced with worry.
Kimberly and her parents had m
ade the agreement that she would only call their cells if she wanted them while they were at work but if she had an emergency she was to call the hospital.
"Dad! It's Peyton!"
"What's wrong? Is she in here?"
"No but she's in trouble! She needs help! Please dad! I need you! When will you be home?"
"I'm leaving now sweetheart. Did you call your mother?"
"Yeah, apparently she's on her way home so she didn't answer her phone."
"Okay. I will be there in twenty okay?" He hung up without waiting for an answer.
Kimberly threw her phone on the couch and began to pace back and forth. As much as she was dying to call Peyton she knew better. That would only get Peyton into more trouble. She knows this from past experience.
"Kim!"
Kimberly jumped and turned around to see her mother walking towards her with concern etched into her very being. "Dad called me. What's happened to Peyton? Where is she?"
Kimberly ran the rest of the way and latched on to her mother for dear life. Her mother held her tightly and for the first time since Peyton was taken, she bawled and screamed, feeling her very soul hurt her.
Her mother sat them down on the couch, "what happened baby?"
"I can't bear to say it twice, so when dad comes okay?"
"Sure."
Kimberly let go of her mother and looked her in the face, "mom? What would you say or do if I told you that I'm a lesbian?"12
Her mother was confused, "what? You're gay? I did not expect that from you. From Peyton, yes. But you? Where is this coming from honey?"
Kimberly sighed, "you knew about Peyton?"
"Peyton's gay?"
"She came out to me yesterday."
"Well, like I said, I'm not surprised. It was blatant. Plus, with that crush she has on you..."1
"You knew that?! Why didn't you tell me?!"
"You didn't know? Seriously? Are you blind Kim?" Her mother chuckled lightly, "she's always liked you Kim. From day one."17
Kimberly threw herself back on the couch and covered her face with her hands. "How did everyone know but me?! Why am I such an idiot?!"
"It's okay honey. Now you know." Her mother reassured her, "is that why you're asking me about my reaction to you being a lesbian?" Kimberly nodded. "Are you in love with her?"
Kimberly shook her head, "I don't like girls. But I love Peyton. But I don't think I'm in love with her. But she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love her more than anyone. No offense to you or dad. I cannot bear the thought of losing her. And if she wants to be with me, then, for her, I'll go gay! Hell, I'd even marry her! We'd be eighteen soon, we'll get married and I'll take her away and give her the life she deserves."24
"Just know that whoever you choose to love we will love you the same. Our love for you will never change or die."
Kimberly shot up off the couch at those words and ran to her father who pulled her into a tight, warm embrace, "dad!"
"Now, what's going on Kim? What happened to Peyton?" He asked as they walked over to her mother and sat.
Kimberly explained everything to her parents. Everything that she has been keeping from them, per the begging, pleading requests of Peyton. This included the abuse she suffered at home and all the times they've lied to Kimberly's parents about different bruises Peyton has had over the years.
"Kim! Why did you keep this from us all these years?!" She knew her father wasn't really angry with her but more at the situation.
"Kim, sweetheart, you should have told us about this a long long time ago. We could have intervened."
"She begged me not to. She didn't want to get herself into more trouble and she didn't want to involve us in it." Kimberly explained as she hung her head.
Her mother patted her shoulder, "it's alright honey, we'll take it from here. Now, what happened today?"
Instead of trying to explain it all, she just played them the recording she made on her phone and then told them what happened when her father took her away.
It's safe to say that Kimberly's parents were beyond enraged.
"They won't get away with this! I assure you, I will see to it that they pay for what they've done to that innocent child!" Her father bellowed.
Chapter 10
Kimberly followed her parents into her father's car and he sped off to Peyton's house. No one had spoken a word since his last outburst.
Both Peyton's parents' cars as well as her brother's was in their driveway. Kimberly took that as a sign. She just didn't know whether it was a good one or a bad one but it definitely was a sign.1
The three of them hustled out of the car and up the Saunders' driveway with Mr. Dexter in the lead. He pounded on the door although there was a doorbell. He didn't care about these minor details. No one answered the door so he pounded it again, harder this time.
"What the fuck?!" Peyton's father yelled as he opened the door.2
"Michael! Where is Peyton?!" Mr. Dexter yelled as he pushed Mr. Saunders to the side, entering the house.
Kimberly and her mother followed him in.
"Where do you get off barging into my house like this!" Mr. Saunders yelled.
By this time Peyton's mother and brother had joined them asking what was going on.
"I'll tell you what's going on!" Mr. Dexter yelled, "We're here for Peyton. We're taking her out of this hell hole. We know what you've all been doing to her and it's going to stop! Today!"
Mr. Saunders laughed menacingly, "it's a bit late for than now Evan."5
"What is that supposed to mean?!" He bellowed taking a step closer to Peyton's father.
Being that close to him, Mr. Dexter's eyes caught something on the collar of his shirt. "Is that blood? Is that Peyton's blood?!"9
When he was not given an answer, being a man prone to a terrible temper, he punched Peyton's father in the face causing him to stumble backward. "Answer me Michael! Is that her blood?!"1
"So what if it is? It's none of your concern." He said with the most evil smirk anyone in that room had ever seen. "It's the blood of a dyke anyhow. A dyke who's long gone."12
Kimberly felt her knees go out under her but luckily her mother was right there to hold her. After a second, however, Kimberly couldn't contain herself any longer and launched herself at Peyton's father. She, being a lot smaller than him, jumped up on him and began scraping and slapping him while screaming at the top of her lungs, "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?! YOU FUCKING BITCH!! WHERE IS SHE?! I'LL KILL YOU!!!"6
Kimberly's father had to drag her off of Mr. Saunders literally kicking and screaming.
"Kim! Kim! You have to calm down!" Her father said as he put her down.
Kimberly wouldn't hear it. Her best friend was somewhere, hurt or probably even dead. There is no way in hell she can calm down!
She ran back at Mr. Saunders but this time Jason, Peyton's brother, stepped forward to protect his father. Kimberly was not going to be deterred. So lashed out at Jason, knowing all the torment he had caused Peyton. Jason, however, reacted to her and punched her in the eye resulting in her falling to the ground.7
Satisfied with himself, he smirked at Mr. Dexter, "you coming too old man?" he looked at Mrs. Dexter now, "or how about you?"
Kimberly's mother rushed to her side and helped her up while her father proceeded to punch Jason so hard that he fell to the floor.4
"Somebody better answer me! What the fuck is Peyton?!" He yelled at them.
It was Mrs. Saunders who decided to proffer the information, "we kicked her out. We don't know where she is."3
"You did what?!" Mr. Dexter bellowed, "I'm taking her things!" He stated as he ascended the stairs.
Kimberly and her mother followed him and they gathered as much of Peyton's things as they could before leaving her room. As they left the house Mr. Dexter said to Peyton's family and threatened, "this is not over!"2
On their way back home, Mrs. Dexter said with a shred of hope in her voice, "maybe she'll come by us. She always does..."
/> Kimberly knew better than that. Sometimes, when things got really bad, Kimberly's house was not Peyton's first choice. She'd go somewhere, she never said where, to spend some time alone before coming to Kimberly. That always worried Kimberly because she felt that it ever got really really bad, Peyton may never come to her. She fears that that day has come.
They put all of Peyton's things in Kimberly's bedroom, at her request, before her father announced that he was going to call the police.
"Dad! What if that makes things worse?"2
"Trust me sweetie, there's no other way. We have to do this. Those people need to answer for what they've done. Plus, Peyton obviously has not been here and she is hurt! That's what the police are there for. They will find her. I promise."
Kimberly nodded as she began to cry once more. Her mother hugged her close, "do you have any idea where she might be?"
This question only served as a means to make Kimberly cry harder. "No! I have no idea! And she's hurt! I can't live without her mom! I just can't!"2
"Don't worry honey, we'll find her. Everything will work out just fine."
"Do you really believe that?" Kimberly asked, looking her mother in the eye.
A tear escaped her as she just kissed her daughter on the forehead without a word.
Chapter 11
The tension filled room was silent barring the continual beeping of a machine. Peyton's eyes slowly flickered open and searched the room in an attempt to figure where she was. She just could not determine where she was. The place felt strange.
"What the fuck is that beeping?" She mumbled to herself as she attempted to find the cause of such a disgusting noise.2
She reached a shaky hand up to rub at her eyes because only then did she realise they were fuzzy and that could be part of the reason why she couldn't figure out where she was.
Why do I feel like such a fucking wreck?!
She groaned as she sat up.
My head is killing me!
"Oh my god! Peyton!"1
Peyton was startled to say the least as she whipped her head to the side to find the culprit who made the outburst. There, standing next to her was Kimberly with a tear-streaked, worry-consumed face.3
I Stole Your Girlfriend Page 4