Chapter 22

I was in too much of a shock as Jon carried me over to his SUV that I didn't protest it. I just kept my head down though I did try to give him back his suit jacket only to be told it was okay to keep it on. I just wrapped it tighter around me like I was trying to hide. My jacket that went with my now ruined dress was put in the back as it was just as soaked as I was. My mother took Anna and Jake with her so that Kam didn't have to leave Richie or me. I just felt so humiliated. I knew this was such a bad idea to come and I was completely proven right. I just wanted to curl in a ball and hide. We quickly got to my apartment and much to my embarrassment Jon came over to my side again lifting me up. “Jon put me down please...”

He shook his head and kept walking into the apartment after my mom unlocked the door. He kept quiet as as he took me up the stairs into my apartment then up to my room setting me on the bed. My mom came in the room with Anna and he left the room. I turned away from my door started to undo the jewelry putting it on the stand and into the box. Anna helped me out of the dress and I was quickly escorted into the bathroom where a hot bath was set up. I undid my hair tossing the pearl casing on the vanity in there before sinking into the water being left alone. When the door shut I let the tears fall I would NOT cry in front of my mom or my best friend. My dress was ruined but I was more upset that the dress that Jon paid good money for got ruined. I was utterly humiliated oh I know Richie said somethings to the group there but it didn't matter. It wouldn't matter to them what was said. The slap my mom administered to Kari wouldn't phase the girl either. I hoped Caleb didn't do something stupid there even if he did ask me to press charges I wouldn't. I know it wouldn't go through as they would say it was an accident they didn't mean to knock me into the fountain. It would be all washed under the bridge and I rather not deal with it at all. I soaked in the tub getting warm washing the makeup off my face before my mom came in with my pajamas. I felt all of six years old right then as she helped me up without saying anything and dried into the pajamas.

“do you want to go downstairs?” She asked me softly as I sat on my bed. When I shook my head she sighed.

“Momma I think I am just going to lay down I am tired... my head hurts...” I laid down on the bed and was soon covered by the quilt. I closed my eyes feeling my mom stroke my hair. I just wanted to be left alone right now but I didn't have the energy to tell my mom that. Soon she left me alone going downstairs with Anna. When they left I cried myself to sleep.

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

Richie watched his buddy pace downstairs back and forth even the dog was watching though he was wrapped around the little girl on the couch. Jon's hand kept running agitatedly through his blonde hair as he muttered under his breath. He knew he got some of his anger out at the dance at the people who did this but Jon had been preoccupied trying to take care of Shanna and didn't get the chance. He also knew his best friend's temper and it was going to come bursting out if he didn't let it out. “Jon... “

“Don't..” He snapped his temper was right at the edge. How the FUCK could they do this to her. She had looked so beautiful today and that smile it had lit up the room something he had seen rarely since he had come to town only when it was just them. Yet he knew Richie had got her to laugh a couple times at breakfast this morning. Now ...He looked up as Shanna's mom and best friend came down the stairs. “how is she?” His voice full of concern.

“Upset … she took a hot bath .. she's sleeping now ...” She carried the dress down the stairs. The lovely silk dress was completely ruined by the punch and water. She set it on the washer maybe there was a way to salvage it. She looked at Jon “Thank you so much you two for … whatever you did for my daughter … I don't' think I've ever seen her smile as much as she has today....” She stopped when the door opened and Caleb walked in. “well?”

“I couldn't arrest them .. they claimed it was an accident that Eric and Jason were rough housing like they usually do … and knocked into her....no one is coming forward with any other story..” he moved to the couch “You okay pumpkin?” He sat by his granddaughter.

“Bullshit..” Jon snapped “they all just cover each others asses … they hurt her .. and everyone sweeps it under the fuckin carpet...” He grabbed his coat. “I need to take a walk...” He undid the leash “come on Jovi ...” The Dog bounded over and let him hook the lead.

“Jon..” Anna started to say but Richie and Jake both stopped her. He walked out of the apartment slamming the door shut.

“let him go Anna..” Richie stated softly. “he's angry right now and he needs to blow off some steam ...he'll take a walk with Jovi …he won't do anything stupid..” he muttered “I hope...”

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫