Lean on Me

by Candy Crum

  Bri’s stomach rolled. Her morning sickness hadn’t quite disappeared and that speech of his made her sick. Even once it was over, thinking back on it just made her want to puke. She’d never been so disgusted in her entire life. Even her parents didn’t disgust her quite so severely.

  It wasn’t long after his speech that Bri’s once best friend Melanie walked in and vouched for everything he said. She told the police that Bri cried to her in the bathroom after she’d just found out. That Bri had told her that she was feeling desperate and didn’t know what to do. That she wanted an abortion. Bri wanted to punch her in her lying mouth, but assumed that might not be good for legal purposes.

  After everything was finished, the cops believed the football player over the “promiscuous” teenage mother. They’d concluded that Bri was the victim of a random mugging and tried to blame it on Mike, because he wouldn’t give her what she wanted. When she “refused” to give an accurate description of her true attacker, they decided to drop the whole thing.

  Once it was all over, the cops ordered Mike to stay away from Bri. There wasn’t a formal restraining order in place, but they said that the school reserved the right to do as they saw fit to ensure distance was maintained. Bri stormed out of the room and headed for the gym lockers. She wanted out of there more than anything in the world. Sure, she didn’t plan to let Mike keep her down for long, but she needed out of there at that moment.

  As she rounded the corner to the hall with the gym doors, she ran into Matt. He was leaving the gym, bag in hand.

  “Well, hello,” he said. “I enjoyed waking up alone this morning. Worried to death about you. I drove all over the place looking for you. I figured this would be the last place you’d be – despite what you said. I suppose I was wrong.”

  “Matt, I’m sorry. But I can’t talk right now.”

  Bri tried to brush past Matt, but he quickly moved in her way. She tried to move again and he stopped her once more, this time dropping his bag to the floor and placing his hands on her shoulders. “Bri. Stop. What’s going on?” Something caught his attention and he looked away, down the hall for a few moments. “Why are the police here?”

  “Long story,” she said.

  “I’ve got time. Stop trying to avoid me. Please – just let me help you.”

  Bri met Matt’s eyes and she saw dedication there. She knew that he loved her as his best friend, but she knew that would change if things kept going the way they were. She was terrified to allow it to move any further. Yet, she couldn’t stand seeing that look on his face. Suddenly the entire episode from earlier was replaying through her head. She’d heard of pregnant girls being treated so badly – even if the child was a product of rape. Hearing it and seeing it were two totally different things. She’d never in her life thought it possible for someone to be so cruel, but she’d now seen it firsthand.

  Suddenly, she felt strong instead of just angry. She channeled her rage into determination. She looked up at Matt. “You really want to help me?” she asked.

  His expression turned hopeful. “Of course I do. Whatever you need.”

  “Well, I think that I have a project you’ll be happy to be a part of.”

  His eyes narrowed, confusion sweeping him over. “A project? Like what?”

  “I’ll explain in the truck. I need to get my bag and get the hell out of here. I can’t be here for even one more second.”

  Matt didn’t argue. He walked back into the gym with her and waited outside the locker room while she grabbed her things. They headed out to the truck afterward and Bri kept her promise. She told him what had happened from the time class started in Hodgens’ room to the interrogation and conclusion.

  Bri could see the tension in Matt’s body. His hands slowly twisted back and forth on the steering wheel, his knuckles just as white as hers had been earlier while talking to Miss Ripley. He certainly wasn’t happy, but he was able to stay calm. He was a very calm individual. It seemed that he only got angry when it came to someone hurting his family or friends.

  “So what’s this project of yours then?” he asked, voice tight but not unpleasant.

  “I’m going to use it to potentially blackmail him.”

  Matt’s eyes widened and the only thing that kept him from slamming on his brakes or whipping the vehicle into the first parking lot he saw was the baby. “What?!”

  “I don’t have the time or the patience for a trial that his stupid lawyer will just get him out of. So, if I have to, I’m just going to scare him a little. We are going to go to the hospital and get my records and then a few other places. The police weren’t really interested in evidence, even though one of them mumbled something about getting some, but I know where to get plenty.”

  “Gotta love small town pride. Go Wildcats.” Matt’s voice was flat as he waved a sarcastic fist in the air.

  “Yeah. No kidding.”

  “So what are you planning on doing once you get all of this evidence?”

  “I have to go to school. I can’t quit…”

  “Bri, I told you that I could help you look into homeschooling. My sister knows everything about it. There has to be some funding out there.”

  “No! I can’t let one person dictate my life. Yes, when I turn eighteen I plan to move out of this screwed up town, though I’d stay within an hour because of you guys. I can’t leave your family.”

  “You did a pretty good job of that this morning, I’d say,” Matt stated flatly.

  “Ugh! Matt, not right now. I’ll talk to you about that later when I can. Now is not the time. Just focus.”

  “Very well, then.”

  “Okay. I can’t quit school. I know you don’t understand, but I can’t. As long as I stay out of deserted bathrooms and empty hallways, he can’t hurt me. I’m pretty safe there. And Mr. Hodgens is completely on my side. So I have someone there other than you to look out for me. I will be just fine. However, if the bastard does decide to try something, I want all of this evidence. I want him to know I have all of the things that I need to put him away.”

  “I thought you said that his stupid lawyer would get him off.”

  “Yeah. Well, I know that. I’m just hoping that he is stupid enough not to realize that. It’s sick. In a normal place, he would have been locked up for good. Here? No. Football is more important.”

  “It’s disgusting. I know.”

  Matt reached over and laid a gentle hand on hers for a moment. A quick jolt of heat seared through Bri’s hand – that brief flash of attraction there that she didn’t quite understand nor want. She shook her head.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Uh, yeah,” she said, lying. “Just a bit cold.” She pulled her hand to her body and wrapped her arms around herself. Though his hand hadn’t been on hers for several moments at that point, it left a lasting confusion there. One that she didn’t need at the moment.

  The first stop on their journey was the hospital. Bri went inside and requested all of her medical records from the assault. They packed them in an envelope for her. The X-rays took a bit longer, but she finally got them. She left as quickly as she could and they headed to their next stop – the gas station.

  Bri went inside and asked the owner’s son for the security tape so she could make a copy. When he refused, Matt initiated plan B. He tripped himself, knocking a shelf over for good measure. The stingy man behind the counter began fearing a lawsuit and ran to Matt’s aid, trying to help him as much as possible. Bri used the distraction to her advantage and ran into the office behind the counter. On the desk was a little CD booklet that held surveillance coverage. She picked it up and examined it.

  The one in her hand was marked “STORE” while another booklet off to the side was marked “PUMPS”. She quickly shuffled through the latter and found the date and time that she needed. She took the disk and slid it in the waist of her pants before running out of the room and out of the store, quickly getting in the truck. It was just a few more moments before Matt came
out. She could see the guy following behind apologizing. She lowered herself in the seat, trying not to be seen.

  Bri quickly realized, since finally sitting still, that her heart was racing. That was the most exciting thing she’d ever done. Sure, it wasn’t a big deal, but it was still something. A reluctant smile spread across her face as she began feeling the urge to laugh. Matt got in the truck then, startling her a little.

  “Get it?” he asked.

  She gave in and laughed then. “Yes! I can’t believe we just did that!” she said as he started the truck and pulled out onto the highway.

  “I can’t either. I’m a delinquent now, just like you.” He shook his head. “You’re a terrible influence. What am I going to tell my mommy?”

  She laughed at his joke, but hearing him mention his mom – even in a joke – made her dream come back to her: Shaelyn pleading for her son’s wellbeing. This morning Bri was ready to leave and do the right thing, or at least what she’d thought was the right thing. She had no idea what she was supposed to do anymore. She looked over to Matt. He seemed content driving around with her.

  Bri knew that Matt needed her just as much as she needed him. She was the only person that had ever really understood him. She was the only person that really cared – outside of his family of course. Completely ignoring him and staying away from him would be no better than what her parents had done to her. But – she also couldn’t allow him to become any closer to her, or allow herself to become any closer to him.

  When they got back to the house, Matt carried her things in. Shaelyn ran up to Bri and bear hugged her. “Don’t ever do that to us again. We were so worried! You belong here with us. Don’t ever doubt that.”

  You wouldn’t think that if you knew the truth, Bri thought.

  “Thank you. I’m sorry. I just needed to get some fresh air.”

  “With all of your things?” Shaelyn asked, knowing expression crossing her beautiful face.

  Bri nodded. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Just remember that your family is here.” She kissed Bri on the forehead before heading into the kitchen.

  “I didn’t mean to upset everyone,” Bri told Matt.

  He looked at her incredulously. “Is that joke? Bri, everyone here loves you. They love you being here. You’ve practically lived here your entire life. Of course we’d worry for you.” Bri smiled and Matt returned it. “And she’s right. Don’t ever to that again.”

  “Or what?” Bri asked playfully.

  Matt tried to think of something witty to say, but couldn’t. He was finding himself in that boat more and more the last few days. The truth was that he didn’t want her to leave at all – ever. He loved her being there with his family. He loved… What did he love? He shook his head, blinking away his racing thoughts.

  “Just don’t, okay? Just don’t disappear again.”

  She forced a smile, realizing just how bad she’d hurt him. She didn’t mean to. She’d only wanted to spare him. But she realized that she would have to come up with another plan.

  “Okay, so what’s the plan now?” she asked.

  “I thought you were the captain of this ship? I have no idea what you’re planning. I’m just the help.”

  Bri rolled her eyes. “I really don’t know. The pictures that were taken aren’t in here.”

  “Well, maybe we need to take some. You feel up to it?”

  She nodded. “I’m up for anything that will get this bastard put away.”

  “Good. Me too.”

  Shaelyn called down that dinner would be done in an hour to an hour-and-a-half. She had to go and get some things from the store before she could make it. Bri and Matt headed up to his room and closed the door behind them. He sat Bri’s things down and went to his desk to grab his digital camera. Bri went to the bed and sat down for a moment. She hadn’t realized just how tired she was until she sat.

  “Okay,” he said. “You tell me where to point, and I’ll shoot.”

  Bri nodded and stood. She began trying to remove her pullover hoodie, but quickly found it much harder to take off than it was to put on. She immediately found hands on her sides, gently lifting.

  “Don’t raise your arms, I’ll help,” Matt instructed.

  She lowered her arms and he slowly lifted the hoodie. He first helped her healthier arm out before going for the arm on the side with broken ribs. Finally, he lifted it over her head and tossed it on the bed. She opened her eyes once she was free of the material and found herself only a few inches away from Matt.

  His scent clouded her senses for a moment and she found herself wanting to wrap her arms around him. She lightly shook her head and stepped back, forcing away her strange desire.

  “Thanks,” she said, smiling uncomfortably. She wasn’t sure how to handle feeling such things about her best friend.

  Matt only nodded. “No problem. Shall we?” he asked, grabbing his camera once again.

  “Sure – uh – start with my face.”

  Matt did as he was asked; taking photographs of her face and neck. Just seeing the injuries upset him, but being forced to really look into them and study them as he took a photo really hurt him. He’d never seen a grown man come out of a drunken brawl looking so bad, let alone a young woman.

  “Next?” he asked.

  Bri thought a moment. “Well, the rest of the bruises are on my stomach, back and chest.”

  Matt’s face suddenly reflected understanding. “I see. Well, I can go get Jack. I don’t think she’s busy. She usually isn’t.” He smiled with his jab at his sister.

  Bri took a deep breath. Though she felt uncomfortable with Matt seeing her body, she was confused to realize that it wasn’t because it felt wrong”. It was because she was embarrassed for him to see her so beaten. Even her thicker belly didn’t bother her. She was proud of her growing baby, even if she wasn’t proud of how her child was conceived. She also knew that Matt wouldn’t mind the growing belly. Under natural circumstances, she was completely comfortable with Matt seeing her naked or semi-naked body.

  What the hell is going on? she asked herself. Every moment seemed to bring her closer to him, even seemingly insignificant ones.

  Deciding that she didn’t trust Jacqueline not to tell Shaelyn about the pregnancy, she decided to tough it out and have Matt take the pictures. She shook her head. “No. It’s fine. I would rather you do it. I don’t want to have to retell the story all over again. Not today. Plus, she might tell your mom.”

  Matt nodded. “If you start to feel uncomfort–”

  “Matt, I’m fine. I trust you completely. I always have. I know you’d never do anything to hurt me. I’m not afraid for you to see me, though I wish it wasn’t when I looked so awful.”

  He wasn’t sure if she was referring to the marks, the swollen belly, or both. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she didn’t feel beautiful. His entire life he found her stunning, even though neither one felt any attraction to the other. Part of him realized that was changing, but he fought it, knowing she didn’t need more man troubles and fearing he would lose her forever.

  Regardless, he couldn’t stand the thought of her being before him feeling self-conscious. “You look just as beautiful to me as you always have. The wounds will heal and the baby will grow, your belly will grow, and your beauty will grow. Never think otherwise.”

  Bri swallowed hard, nearly choking herself. She hadn’t expected him to say something so sweet, but that was Matt. He was always the white knight. He was a poet. He always knew the right things to say and felt obligated to say them. He couldn’t stand to see a woman in pain. She assumed it was due to his close relationship to his mother and watching her go through so much.

  Bri nodded. She quickly realized that Matt was going to have to help her with her shirt. She smiled awkwardly at him, tugging at her shirt a little. He smiled.

  “It’s okay. I’ll help.”

  Matt made his way over to stand in front of her. The physical closeness was o
nly awkward because of the emotional closeness both felt and refused to admit. He took his time, careful not to hurt her. And once the shirt was off, he was respectful, doing his best to look only into her eyes until it came time to shoot the photos. She wrapped her arms around her chest, though she wore a sports bra, to further conceal herself.

  As he got the camera ready, his eyes were drawn to the slight curve of her belly. Though it was only a small difference from her otherwise flat stomach, he found himself thinking she’d never looked more beautiful. He found himself anticipating how she would look in a few months.

  “I’ll shoot your back first,” he said, breaking himself from his thoughts.

  Slowly, Bri turned. She felt a tickle across her back and the warmth of Matt’s fingers as he brushed her hair over her shoulder. He stood for a moment, looking at the deep bruises. He managed to pull himself together before taking a few steps back. He lifted the camera and began taking the first of the pictures.

  Matt made sure to be respectful and not linger as he photographed her body. It only took a few minutes to complete the task before him, but it seemed longer for them both. Once the photos had been taken, Bri sat back on the bed. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Her body was aching terribly and it was time for her to take more medication, even though it did little to dull it.

  She winced in pain as she began putting her shirt on and Matt moved to help but she held her hand up. “I have to keep moving. I have to keep trying. I know I can put stuff on, I just have a hard time taking it off. So as long as I keep doing the things that I know I can do, I’ll get stronger. Stop that. Stop looking so worried.”

  “But I am,” he said.

  She smiled as she pulled the rest of the shirt on. She sighed in relief, though the pain was terrible. “See? All done. Told you I could do it. Stop worrying so much. Go print those pictures off so you can delete the ones on the camera. The last thing I need is you arrested for kiddie porn.”