Part 16 Part 16 of "Since Then"
Jennifer stopped. She wiped at the tears falling down her cheek. Nick gave Jennifer a little sqeeze. She took a deep breath and continued.
"He had asked me to go swimming with him and I didn't want to go. He kept persisting and I kept refusing. Then he got this look in his eyes and all of a sudden he just slapped me. I fell to the ground cause it hurt so much. It had so much force and hate in it. I was expecting him to keep hitting me or something, but instead he started to cry. He started crying and he picked me up and was hugging me and all saying he was sorry and stuff. So I let it go." Jennifer took a break and looked at Nick. He had a blank expression on his face. Not knowing what to say or do. So Jennifer decided it would be best if she continued.
" The same thing happened many times after that but everytime he seemed so sorry and upset about it and he promised he'd never do it again. Then one night we had a huge arguement. But this time instead of the usual slap, he punched me. It wasn't a very hard punch or anything but it scared me. He did the usual crying thing and I said I forgave him. I waited for him to fall asleep, then I snuck out of the house and went straight to the police station. I reported Robbie, telling the cops everytime he hit me. I had every date written down in my journal and I still remembered the dates like they were yesterday. I guess Robbie must have waken up, because when the cops came to my house to arrest him, he was gone. They went back to his apartement and his stupid room mate lied to the police saying Robbie had been home all night studying. Sure enough, there was Robbie asleep. The police woke him up to ask him some questions and the stupid asshole told the police that we had broken up earlier in the day and that I hadn't taken it well. He told them that I was 'too needy' and 'clingy' and that's why we broke up. He totally bullshitted the police and they bought it. He had an an alliby for every day I told them he had slapped me. He always was popular in school and this proved it. Everyone lied for him. They interviewed my friends and for every friend of mine that said we were out together, he had a friend saying we weren't. The police said there was no evidence either way so we moved. No charges were layed so my parents thought is would be a good idea to move a bit away so Robbie wouldn't bother me anymore. School was hell because everyone thought I was lying. I still see my friends and all but there wasn't many left after the whole thing. But I made new friends in Ruskin and I met you so everythings better now." Jennifer looked up at Nick. His eyes were wide and she couldn't read the expression on his face.
"Good job Jennifer." she thought.Way to scare him off. Now he's going to act all wierd around you."
"Nick?" Jennifer asked gently. "Say something please."
"Sorry Jenn. I just.....wish I could kill that Robbie guy. How could he hurt you?? How could anyone do that to someone. All the pain he put you through." Nick's voice was loud and his eyes flashed anger. His hands were in a tight fist and his knuckles were white.
"Nick. Forget it. I've forgotten it. Well mostly. It's in the past. I've started a new life and i'm here with you so I want you to help me forget all these bad memories. Could you do that for me?" Jennifer spoke gently yet firmly. She reached out and unrolled Nick's fists. She gently kissed his hands before putting them on her face.
"Nick, don't treat me differently now. I know you are so different from Robbie. I haven't found one simularity between you two yet so don't go thinking you have to be Mr. Manners and Prince Charming and all, be yourself." Jennifer looked up at Nick. He was looking out at the highway.
"You. Thats the person I love, not some phony." No sooner did Jennifer get that out before she had realized what she said and Nick had processed it through his head.
"What did she say? She didn't say she loved me did she?" Nick thought. "Oh God, I love her too. Aww, she's so perfect. If I ever get my hands on that Robbie guy, his ass is grass!! Oh shit, Jennifer!"
"Jennifer, what did you just say?" Nick asked cautiously, just to make sure he wasn't daydreaming.
"I..I...I...guess I said I love you. I did.....and...I do. I love you."Jennifer said.
"I love you too, Jennifer." Nick said as he leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss.

*********************************At the tour bus*********************************

"Brian, we've got to get going." A.J. wined.
"A.J., just let them finish their kiss, they were having a hard time." Brian said as he smiled at the kissing couple.
"Whatever, if they're not done in 10 seconds, i'm going over there." A.J. said with an annoyed tone.
********************************On the bench********************************

"That was nice Nick. I feel better." Jennifer said as they separated.
"I hope you do." Nick said looking up. "We better go. A.J. looks pissed."
Nick helped Jennifer up and the two sat on the bus together in the TV room. Nick told her about the show they were doing that night with N*SYNC. Jennifer had wanted to meet N*SYNC for awile now and has had a crush on Justin for awile now. She couldn't wait till tonight. Jennifer took a deep breath and snuggled in beside Nick. Jennifer felt protected and Nick felt better knowing it wasn't him that was bothering Jennifer.


So, not what you expected eh?? You all expected rape?? Well I knew that so I changed it so you would be surprised. I can't wait for the next chapter. N*SYNC makes an appearence and I can't wait. A good chapter!!! Coming soon!!!


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