This school's staff was unbelievable. One moment they are on top of helping me out and easily found video proof of me being attacked by Dovie. Apparently it's difficult to find a video of Charlie Love beating down a guy in a hoodie. On a daily basis.
It's been a few weeks since I made my report on Zeke. Everything seemed to be forgotten by that stupid principal. I was back in the mall with Zeke at the moment. We decided to have a hang out day. After all, he was my best friend.
Zeke had gone to the bathroom while I was leaning against a wall in a more closed-off place. Where Zeke was supposed to meet up afterwards. I was on my cell phone. Playing an old game that not many play anymore. Even if I sucked at it.
From the corner of my eye, I sensed a presence and I looked in the general direction. I saw a man, a few years older than me smiling at me. Eyeing my figure. Making me uncomfortable, but I was trying not to think much of it. People do it all the time without realizing it. If I'm walking behind someone in the halls at school I tend to view what's in front of me and notice the type of clothing they wear or whatever.
This was more deliberate and obvious. His eyes caught my brown ones. He smiled. "I must say you are a beautiful girl." The man complimented.
I decided not to be rude and take the compliment. Though my intuition was saying to walk away from him which I was going to trust. I've learned this at a young age.
"Thank you very much sir. Sadly, I don't have much time to talk. I have to leave for an appointment with my friends." I lie. Trying to be as smooth as I can. I tried to walk past him from the corner, but he grabbed my wrist rather aggressively.
My danger radar was going off immediately. "Whoa there. There's no reason to rush. I'm sure your friends can wait a few moments. I 'd really like to get to know you." He insisted.
"I'm sorry but, I have to get going now," I say more assertively. Tensing my muscles, trying to free my arm in his grasp.
Which tightened his grip. "Well, I think you should stay. You look like a girl who needs to relax a little." He stated sternly and pulled me into the corner even further. Out of most people's views. I fought back to get this disgusting man to loosen up.
"I said let go now. I'll scream if you don't. If you let me go then no drama will happen." I threatened. Standing my ground against a womanizer.
The man smiled wickedly. "Feisty and stunning. Your threats don't scare me. I know how to shut you up." He said and forced his weight on me against the wall.
Pinning me down. I squirmed and kicked and was about to scream when he forced his disgusting mouth on mine. While feeling up my body without permission. I began to panic more. Having been already serially assaulted at a young age, this was bringing back flashbacks. As I felt those same feelings of struggle and trying to resist the sick person on top.
Tears poured out of my eyes. Afraid and defenceless as this man had his way with me. Forcing me back into the mindset of my naive thirteen-year-old self.
He squeezed my breast harshly for the second time. He went for the left one, not before suddenly getting off me. I dropped to the ground and backed up to the corner. My eyes were blurred but, I had noticed it was Zeke who had thrown the file man off of me.
"Who the fuck do you think you are forcing yourself on a girl. A minor! You're a sick fuck! You don't treat women like that! Don't ever fucking touch another person like that. You're a piece of shit! I'll make sure you get your ass reported for what you did. " Zeke screamed at the attacker. Gaining wary eyes from bystanders.
The man was furious. Zeke had a tight hold on the man. Who was clearly more built than him. Fairly taller to add. "Like hell I am! You worthless piece of shit!" He screamed and punched Zeke in the face. Making a stunned Zeke stumbled back. I screeched in horror.
The man ran off. Getting away from the scene he caused. Zeke quickly composed himself and stood up. "If anyone is worthless it is men like you who take advantage of women!" He screamed at the predator.
Zeke was ready to chase down the bastard but, just in time, a mall cop arrived. "We got that man on surveillance. We'll take care of him and make sure he's dealt with. Go comfort your girl ok?" You're a good man being brought up like to protect women like that." The cop stated. Zeke nodded and hurried his way back to me.
Zeke ran to me and held me in arms. Knowing I wasn't afraid of his touch. I leaned my sobbing form into his. After going through another traumatic experience. That he interfered with from getting worse.
Zeke scooped me up and carried me out of the corner. Finding a less painful reminder. He found a quiet area with couches to sit on. While holding me in his arms like a baby. Being protective and on guard for anyone else that threatened to harm me.
"I know you don't want pity but, I'm so, so sorry Pattie. I'm sorry I left you alone. I could have avoided it by picking a better, more public place to meet. Or just hold it in a little longer." Zeke murmured that out as he held me tighter. Self-blame and guilt eating him up. Feeling his body quiver with heavy breathing.
"It's over now Pattie. You don't have to be scared anymore. I'll make sure that predator gets what he deserves. No one will hurt you again. Not on my watch. I'll keep you safe." Zeke rambled on. He was trying to get me to focus on his voice and nothing else at the moment.
"Everyone I ever care about always gets hurt when I'm around. You being twice. I'm never going to be sorry enough. So fucking sick of people hurting you. This is what happens to the people I love all the time." I held onto him more, giving him comfort as well. This is traumatizing for both of us.
"You'd only be hurting me further if you did something stupid and harmed yourself. I swear Zeke Jensen you better not do anything to yourself because of this. It's not your fault. Nor mine. It's the sick person's fault." I replied through sobs.
"If you suddenly die on me after this for thinking you caused this. Or everyone you cared about got hurt or depressed because of you then you'll really kill me. It's not your fault your friends got in a crash. It happened. Like it is not my fault I was raped at thirteen by two men...I need you around. You interfered today. Stopping it. From getting worse. Which is a very rare case for assaults. You saved me today. If anything." I cried harder.
Burying my face on his shoulder. "Please promise me that you will keep yourself safe after I go and get some help again. I want your support during it. I want to support you too. Don't let go. You're the bravest person I know. Please" I plead and beg. Praying for Zeke to keep himself together.
"I'm not going anyway, Pattie. I know that would hurt you too much. I promise I won't do anything. I'll be strong for you. You're hell a lot stronger than I am. You've faced many monsters and somehow still continue to be kind and loving to people. Never give up either." Zeke vowed. Reassuring me in return too.
"I won't."
"Good. As long as you don't go anywhere, I won't either."
"That sounds pretty good to me Zeke."
Zeke and I held onto each other tighter. Making it well known we weren't letting each other go. Not ever. This kind of friendship was going to be a lifelong one. Once in a lifetime.
"If I tell you something, a situation that I actually caused, would you still care for me? The real reason behind Charlie Love hating me so much? I think the minute I tell you, you'll think differently. It's not something you can say every day, that you killed your best friend. Giving enough hell for them to lead to their own death." Zeke whispered.
My eyes widened. There was the darker reason for the abuse Zeke received from Charlie. For Zeke to think he contributed to someone's suicide made me angry. He obviously cared for his unnamed best friend. By the way his voice broke as he dropped a hint to me. He didn't manipulate them to death or anything vile. Which I noted to Zeke out loud.
"It may be true that I never treated my friend like that. I didn't treat him properly either. I did nothing for them. Which pushed them over. If I had been a better friend. It resulted in me losing my ex too." Zeke paused.
I caressed Zeke like he was doing with me. "I could never hate you, Zeke. Whatever Charlie had to do with it, it's not your fault. You didn't kill your friend. They chose to do that. Instead of getting help or holding on a little longer. You can't take the blame of every extreme action someone makes. The circumstances and mental state is what influenced said person. No matter how much I plead to beg for you to not hurt yourself it's still your choice. It wouldn't be my fault but, I'd feel guilty as hell. Hence why I try to keep you motivated and hopeful. Watching you like a hawk." I explained.
"Your ex was around during that time too?" I questioned.
"I began paying too much attention to them that I neglected my best friend. The idea of my ex staying around after what happened to my friend, I couldn't deal with it. The idea that I was going to let them down too. I broke things off. I broke their heart. I was terrible. Never forgave myself and never will. They deserved so much better." Zeke explained.
I held Zeke tighter. Refusing to let go. He wasn't a cruel person. Whatever Zeke said to push his ex a way wasn't meant. He carried the guilt and regret still. Possibly even loved them still.
Zeke played with my messy hair in a comforting manner. He unconsciously knew effective ways to comfort people with the smallest and most innocent touches. He combed my hair with his fingers, helping it become a little less messy.
"I've grown so attached to you. I respect and love you. You're my best friend. I really am trying to better myself. For myself and you. I needed the support I never expected to get from you. To drive me forward and not tolerate someone suffering anymore. You should have just stated my name.Even if it isn't your obligation to do so. The school wouldn't have done much either way. Within time I'll come forward, because of you. Pattie Clarence refused to give up on my impossible, depressed ass." Zeke whispered out. Continuing to brush my hair.
"You got that right. I wasn't going to let you drown." I stated proudly.
"Do you have a hair tie? I know how to braid hair and simple ponytails because of living with a little sister. Plus, having multiple female friends in my past. It may make you feel a bit better? I don't know if this is making you feel somewhat at ease or whatever." Zeke noted an interesting fact about him.
"Believe me, it's working. I have one in my pocket. If you wish. Not to be a huge pain in the neck like I have been already."
He sighed at my comment towards myself as I passed a hair tie. Zeke softly brushed his fingers through my hair and formed my loose strands into a decent looking braid. He took a picture of it with my cell phone to show him my work. My curiosity would be eating away.
"Wow! That's really good Zeke. Where did you learn how to do nice braids?" I asked in genuine wonder.
"My mother taught me when I was younger. My family was extremely busy and we rushed a lot in the morning trying to get everyone to work and school on time. Not well organized morning people back then. She taught me so I could help my sister Ashley get ready if she wanted her hair up. Or if my mom didn't have enough time I could do it at the school since we went to the same public school and all." Zeke answered my question.
"You certainly are interesting Zeke. Always something neat about you. Whether you agree or not. Or even realize it. You are wonderful to be around." I said.
"The same goes to you, Pattie Clarence. You are smart, kind and extremely brave. Also stubborn. You're inspiring. Your stubbornness forced its way to my heart and mind. Showing me that life isn't completely bleak and miserable. You refused to give up on me. You don't find that often." Zeke stated while he rubbed my cheek with his thumb affectionately.
"Those are some of the qualities I love about you, Pattie." He paused. Listening to his kind words lifted my spirits up a ton. I knew Zeke had more coming.
"It's also heartbreaking that someone with such kind qualities usually gets hurt the most. You keep getting hurt by disgusting excuses for human beings. I hope you never get treated that way again. In the future, you'll meet the right person who will treat you properly. Cherishes and respect you. Gives you the whole world if they can. Shows the effort and is genuine." Zeke rambled on, protective over me.
"So, someone like you?" I noted, semi joking. Those qualities Zeke mentioned were one's he possessed himself. Zeke's eyes widened and shook his head. Sighing sadly even.
"Someone even more deserving and someone that could treat you greater than I could. Treating you like you were made out of gold." Zeke smiled. but it didn't meet his eyes.
His eyes expressed sadness. Zeke meant his words but, there was a part of him he was keeping back. There was having an internal battle that even I couldn't reach, that Zeke was trying too hard to keep me out.
"Zeke, it looks like you need to get something off your chest. You look like you're about to suffocate from whatever is on your mind. I can tell when something is bothering you, Zeke Jensen." I stared intensely at the sad face in front of me.
"It would be highly inappropriate right now for me to even consider talking about what I am hiding inside. I'm not adding conflict that can and will be avoided. We need to focus on you and make sure you will be ok because you got assaulted. That's more important than my stupid feelings." Zeke stated sternly. Clearly frustrated that I'm not more focused on my own well being.
The last thing Zeke said caught my attention. Zeke's eyes widened a little. "By feelings, I mean what is bothering me, not romantic feelings for you. You're my best friend so that wouldn't work anyway. Plus, after my ex, I am not looking for romance. I don't have those type feelings for you, that would jeopardize our friendship. Like we stated after what happened at the hill. Focus on you right now please." Zeke spilled. Nervously finding words to explain himself.
"I understand. I should probably call my parents, so they can come to pick us up. Of course, I would make them give you a ride home. They'll help me deal with the legal actions I must take too." I sighed, agreeing with Zeke that I should focus on myself at the moment.
"I promise that I'll be beside you every step of the way. Make sure to take some time to care for yourself alright. I know you'll be absent from school because you need time to adjust to what just happened. Rebuild your soul a little. I'll be alright at school. If I can handle asshole's like Charlie and his mutts then I can survive a bit of time at school without the thing that's kept me going." Zeke whispered as he rested his head gently on my shoulder. Holding me close.
He was scared and worried about the one person he's put trust into again. I was his safety net, the closest friend in a long time. I didn't give up on him and he let me in. Zeke let me in which shows how much value he puts in me. There are still things he has yet to reveal, but every day he gets closer to doing so. As he began giving up, I swooped in and made him become even stronger. He's made me a stronger person as well.
I called my parents eventually and my father was the one who rushed over from work to pick me up. Zeke cradled me in the same spot that we sat until my dad met us there. I was still stunned and confused while trying to be collected in front of Zeke.
I heard footsteps and looked up from Zeke's embrace to see a tall, deeply tanned Latin man. With slightly greying black hair and brown eyes. His facial features that resembled my own. My mother and father fell for each other deeply. They had me and my two older brothers. I got a lighter skin tone compared to my brothers and my dad. The physical traits were what revealed I was related to my dad and brothers.
My father ran up to Zeke and me, as Zeke released me and allowed me to reach out to my father who held such worry and fear in his soft, wrinkled eyes. I couldn't help, but burst into tears once more when I was in the embrace of my father.
My father reassured me that I was safe now and that I'll get my justice. Being the loving and protective father people hope to have. His eyes were filled with tears, hurting to see his daughter going through pain again. Wanting to do everything in his power to have prevented it from happening in the first place.
All that my family and I could do was put each other back together and heal slowly with love and support. Hopefully with new support and love coming from my dearest friend Zeke. Who became a new part of my family in only a few months. Almost becoming an entire year.
My father stared up at the sad looking boy with long, messy black hair that looked like it hadn't been cut in a few years. With dark bags under his eyes and always wore an old, faded out red hoodie. Most judgmental adults would look at him and think he was a junkie or a troublemaker.
When really he was deeply heartbroken on the inside. That boy was the one who saved me from so much sadness in the last year. Today, my father saw a courageous, and kind person in that boy.
My father released me once I was calm enough and looked at Zeke again who looked spaced out, starting in the opposite direction as he continued to sit. Both hands clasped together firmly, probably forming a sweat because Zeke didn't know the reaction he would get from my father. Assuming that my father saw him as a bum.
The reaction Zeke was expecting did a 360 turn when my father pulled Zeke into a hug without hesitation. Zeke's eyes popped out of his sockets at my father's actions. My dad released Zeke just as quickly. He hugged Zeke on impulse because this teen boy helped protect his daughter.
"I'm sorry for that but, I had to thank the young man that protected my daughter. I'm really thankful for you. Being a good friend to her and a gentleman." My dad explained to Zeke with a proud smile.
Zeke smiled in return, he was nervous but it was sincere. "Without hesitation, I would have protected her again. 'Cause no one should have to go through that. That behavior from that man is unacceptable. You don't touch or force your way on anyone. I'd punch him a million times again. And anyone else like that. I care a lot about your daughter and never want to see her in harm's way. I will do what I can to keep her safe. Pattie is one of the most kind and generous people I know. I'd be pretty proud of Pattie as your daughter for the compassion and kindness she has. That's something I'm forever grateful for and will make sure it's returned and respected." Zeke explained.
My dad didn't hesitate to give Zeke another hug, after hearing him express his kind words about his daughter.
"You are a rarity among young men in this generation. When things are sorted out with Pattie in the legal side and her mental health, you oughta come over for dinner as thank you. With my Latin background, I make one hell of a dish." My father insisted once he released Zeke for the last time.
"I'd be honored, Mr. Clarence." Zeke didn't hesitate to accept the invitation.
"Fantastic! I'll have Patricia contact you when a good evening comes around." My father said excitedly. My father loved cooking for people.
"Dad, you know I hate having my full name being used." I groaned. My heart felt a little lighter with my father's goofiness and the kindness Zeke bestowed towards me. With the good interactions my dad and Zeke were sharing.
"Too bad, that's the name your mother and I picked for you and we'll call you that as we please." My father noted. I groaned internally but could only nod as a response. Zeke looked at us, amused slightly.
"Dad, do you think we could give Zeke a ride home?" I asked.
"You don't even need to hesitate asking that. Son, if you need a way home then there's no issue. I'm Ethan by the way." My dad added quickly. Confirming Zeke had a ride home.
"As you know, I'm Zeke Jensen." Zeke replied and shook my father's hand.
"Do you think you can watch Pattie for a few minutes, I have to call her brothers as well? They're older and a bit harder to reach. Being college and university students and all. They're very protective over their baby sister." My dad asked. Zeke nodded in response and my dad went to make his calls. Zeke sat down on the bench again and patted the spot next to him for me to sit as well. Which I did.
"I'm glad my dad is taking a liking to you. I can't blame him, I mean I'm pretty fond of you myself." I say kindly.
Zeke smiled at me, feeling relieved that my dad was kind towards him. "To be fair, it's a good feeling." Zeke admitted.
I heard footsteps coming toward the bench and I figured that it was my dad. Returning from his calls being done too quickly. My brothers would interrogate my dad for every detail. I looked up to see a young guy, about our age with red hair. He was pondering about approaching Zeke and I.
"I'm sorry if this seems weird but, I wanted to see if you were ok? I saw what happened with that awful guy. And couldn't help but, come to check if you were ok. " The boy asked. His voice was slightly higher then what I expected but it was cute.
I smiled at him. "I'm shaken up but, I'm doing alright now. I'm a lot better than what I may have been if it wasn't for this guy here." I reply and ruffle Zeke's shoulder.
Zeke was looking down as he was uncomfortable being in the presence of most people his age. He looked up at me with a shy grin on his face.
"I'd do it again. No one should be in that position." Zeke stated.
"I'm glad you care about your girlfriend so deeply like that. That's good to see." They boy commented and Zeke and I started coughing at the assumption.
"We're not together, we're just good friends. I'd do it for anyone put in that position. " Zeke corrected without hesitation.
Zeke looked up at the ginger haired boy this time and seemed normal at first. The boy and Zeke exchanged glances before Zeke's expression changed. Zeke looked focused and confused. He recognized the boy but, not to the fullest extent. The boy's brown eyes widened in full recognition. Zeke was still uncertain of who the boy was.
"You wouldn't happen to be Zeke Jensen, would you?" The boy asked.
"If I am, what does that have to do with you?" Zeke replied a bit coldly.
"Well, I can tell you are Zeke Jensen because that red hoodie is recognizable to me." The boy said, giving Zeke a knowing look. That's when Zeke went pale, and fear had taken over.
Zeke looked around, scouting out for something. Then looked back at me with a strained look, that he was attempting to hide with an expressionless one.
"Your dad is walking over here. I am going to have to decline your father's offer for a ride home. I have something I need to deal with. For my own sake." Zeke whispered to me. Looking down and almost leaning on my shoulder, as he hung his head low.
I ruffled my hand through his dark hair. I couldn't resist as it seemed to be a comforting gesture. "Do what you need, as long as you don't hurt yourself ok? I need you around Mr. Jensen." I made Zeke promise again.
He nodded and looked up at me with a sincere look in his forest green eyes. "I promise nothing will happen to me." Zeke replied.
"Good. The minute you need me, shoot me a text or call. Once you've confronted whatever this is, you need to face." I patted his shoulder in reassurance.
"Same with you after the altercation today. You need some time with your family more than you think. I'll see you soon Pats." Zeke told me. He stood up from the bench and walked towards a more closed off area of the mall. Signaling the ginger boy to follow. Who was respectful about the obvious private conversation Zeke and I were having.
I walked towards my father and I turned back to see Zeke walking away, blending into the crowd of people. I started to question if leaving Zeke alone in the unpredictable circumstances of his past was a good idea or not? Especially not knowing the weight of it all.