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"Two True Loves"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 7: The Pain of the Truth

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   Camille fell asleep that night after taking a hot shower to try and soothe away the pain from the rape.  The water and soap stung at the many cuts and bruises on her skin, only causing her to cry harder.  She slipped into her nightgown and fell asleep shortly after, trying to block out the bad memories of the night before.  It was simply tragic; she had gone from being the happiest she had ever been one night, to feeling too miserable to want to live the very next.

   That next morning, the rings of her telephone woke her up.  As opposed to the morning before, she slept in until well after ten o’ clock, right when Bill decided to call her.

   As she slowly rubbed the sand out of her eyes, she let out a sigh.  The pain from the night before had not left her, nor had the frightening memories of it that stormed through her mind.  She rolled over, pulling the covers over her head, pondering whether she should answer the phone or not.

   “If I don’t answer him, he’ll worry about me,” she whispered, “And even though he probably should be, I…I don’t want to tell him about this.  Not yet…”

   Until now, Camille hadn’t thought about telling Bill about the rape.  She knew it was bound to come up eventually, but now she could only focus on it causing their relationship to fall apart, just like Jeff intended.  She was only hoping that this wouldn’t happen…because he would have to find out soon…but for now, she could just start by answering the phone.

   She sat up half way, reached for the phone, just before the answering machine caught it.  She paused…unable to find her voice to greet him.

   “Camille?”  Bill asked when he heard no response, “Are you there?”

   She could hear the worry in his voice.  Still, her tired and pained voice was confined to a whisper…but she had to answer him.

   “I’m sorry Bill…yes, I’m here,” she replied.

   Sitting in his hotel room, staring at the snow, Bill paused.  Camille sounded tired…and not just tired, but tired and scared…and hurting.

   “Hey girl…you had me worried there.   Are you feeling okay today?  Heh, were you out shopping all night last night?” he asked.

   Camille winced as she sat up in bed, not just from the pain of her healing cuts, but from the fact that Bill mentioned shopping…which was what she and Katrina were doing before that horrible night happened.

   “I—I’m not feeling well today is all.  My stomach is hurting and I’m…a little dizzy and tired actually,” she explained.  What was funny was she realized that this was true what she was saying, for she could feel her stomach ache badly, and her head begin to spin as she sat up all the way.  She let out a yawn, hungry for more sleep, and curious as to why she suddenly felt so ill, guessing at first that maybe it was from being out in the cold so long last night.

   Bill frowned, putting his hand over the receiver, and murmured, “Aww gosh…she sounds like she’s really sick.”  He pulled his hand away and continued, “You poor thing.  I’m so sorry.  Hey, at least you can get out of school tomorrow.  Heh, I’ll come over and spend the afternoon with you.”

   Camille now rested her head on her knees, her head aching slightly as she tried to keep from losing her balance even as she sat in bed.  She couldn’t answer Bill; her stomach was upset, and she felt ready to throw up, even though she hadn’t had anything to eat since the night before.  She shut her eyes, trying to hold back the urge to regurgitate, but was failing miserably.

   After a few seconds with no answer, Bill grew increasingly concerned for her.  He asked, “Camille?  Are you there?  What’s wrong?”

   She could hear him speaking to her as she held the phone up to her ear, but she was unable to say anything back.  That urge to rid herself of this sick feeling was too great.  She let out a cry and let the phone drop to the floor as she ran for the bathroom, bending over the sink and throwing-up, trying her best to hold her long hair clear from it all.

   The disgusting liquid managed to find its way onto her soft brown hair, and though she had showered last night, it appeared she’d have to again because of this.  Camille felt horrible; while she didn’t feel a fever, she felt terribly nauseous.  Once she was done throwing up, she curled up on the cold bathroom floor, and softly cried, “Darn him…I must have caught something from being in the cold last night.  I’ll never be free from his terror.”

   As she started to cry, she suddenly remembered that she was in the middle of a rather one-sided conversation with Bill before dropping the phone and running to get sick.  Still dizzy, she got up just enough so she could quickly crawl back into her bedroom to retrieve the phone, surprised he was still on the other end, calling out for her anxiously.

   In slight shock, Bill held his breath as he heard movement on the other end of the line; hoping it was Camille returning to the phone, he spoke; “Camie?  Is that you?  Answer me please!  Are you alright?”

   Once she caught her breath and got comfortable as she curled up on the floor, she held the phone to her head, and replied, “I’m…I’m sorry Bill.  I didn’t mean to disappear like that.”

   Relieved to hear her voice again, his concern immediately returned to the pained sound of her voice.  It was a total turnaround from the morning before, and something about it bothered him at a deeper level.

   In his hotel room, his parents were ready to leave.  The three had planned to catch lunch and a movie before his father returned to finish up the business he had in town.  His mother, Rose Hampton, came to him and said, “Are you ready Bill?  We’re getting ready to go.”

   Bill looked to his mom, and replied, “In a second Mom.  Remember Camille?  She sounds really sick.  I just want to make sure she’s alright before we go.”

   His parents had yet to meet Camille, but were already fond of her simply from how their son spoke so highly of her.  Concerned for her, his mother nodded and said, “Your father and I will be waiting in the lobby.  Catch up with us as soon as you feel you can.”

   Hugging her, Bill nodded and said, “Thanks Mom.”

   While all this was going on, Bill didn’t realize he had not covered up the receiver.  Camille heard every word spoken, and as one of her cats, Starr, brushed up beside her, curious as to why her master was lying on the floor, Camille decided that she could use this to get Bill off the phone.  As much as she loved him, and was comforted by his voice, she knew the next question was going to be about how she had gotten sick, and that there were too many avenues to the rape becoming the topic of the conversation.

   She reached up and petted Starr, and murmured, “I’m just…not ready to tell him yet.”

   Fortunately, Bill did not hear her say this, and at the same time was unaware that she had heard the words he exchanged with his mother.  He said, “Camille, you sound so sick.”  Trying to be cheerful, he laughed and joked, “What, did you and Katrina play in the snow all day yesterday?”

   Camille cringed, for he had pinpointed the source of her sickness, exposure to the bitter cold, but not the exact method.  Her head began to ache, and so did her body.  Now she began to feel a slight fever, as if the rest of the sickness was finally catching up with her.  She closed her tired eyes, sighed and said, “I guess you could say that Bill.  I’m sorry.”

   Her disposition further justified his fears that something was wrong.  Still, he shoved any concern out of his mind in favor of comforting her.  He replied, “Hey, it’s alright girl.  Don’t worry about it.  That’s why you missed my call last night right?  It’s okay.  I’ll be home tomorrow, and then I can look after you.”

   Desperate for more sleep, Camille let out a mumbled “Okay,” in reply.  She wanted to smile.  Last night, she was dying to hear his voice, and yet now, all it reminded her of was what she had left to lose; her relationship with Bill.

   Remembering overhearing that his parents were waiting on him, Camille finally brought herself to work on getting Bill off the phone.  Talking to him was both mending her heart and breaking it further.  If she was ever going to tell him about what happened, it could only happen face to face.  There was no point in prolonging the conversation because obviously this meant she had nothing left to say about her illness.

   Before she could reply further, Bill uttered in a whisper, “Are you sure you’re alright Camille?  I’m…I’m worried about you.”

   His voice sounded so fragile and defeated, unlike the strong and proud voice she associated with him.  It was like the very thought of Camille being in trouble brought Bill to the end of his will.  Perhaps Jeff was right in attacking her rather than challenging Bill.  Jeff had found Bill’s single weak point and in one night, made the first tear in the fabric that held it together.

   Camille could feel herself shaking; Jeff knew that he would have both of them defeated in one fell swoop.  His goal was completed; simply by the sound of his whispering voice, Camille knew Jeff was already breaking Bill down.

   She knew Bill was strong; if she could only keep him from worrying about her, he’d come home and be the same person he always was.  He would still be the big man on campus, respected by everyone in the school, those younger, older and in his own age group.  He would be the same guy that Jeff could never challenge, if she could only hide her scars from him.  If she could let him go, he would be alright.  It broke her heart, but at least Jeff would have not accomplished his objective.

   She managed a smile, and with whatever strength she had left, she took a breath and replied, “Really Bill, I’m okay.  I hate to worry you, especially over something silly like a cold.  Don’t give it a second thought.  Besides, I thought you had somewhere you needed to be.”

   Bill’s eyes widened at the sudden return of strength to Camille’s voice; he knew something wasn’t right.  Only moments before, she had dropped the phone and disappeared to do something, most likely to throw up, only to return and speak as if she had no strength left.  Now, suddenly, it’s simply a cold, and she’s telling him not to worry.  There was no way he couldn’t worry about her, and yet, he had to acknowledge that his parents were waiting for him; there wasn’t anything he could do for her.  He simply had to trust that she would be okay.

   Taking a breath and swallowing hard, Bill forced a smile to grace his lips, against his will, and replied, “You can’t fool me Camie, I know you’re sick, and there’s no way I’m not going to be worried.  Still, there’s not much I can do until I get home tonight.  Just…please, stay in bed and get plenty of rest.  Like I said, I can look after you when I get home, okay?”

   Closing her eyes, Camille tried to ignore the sick feeling ravaging her aching body for a little longer.  He was right; it was much worse than a cold, but she had to hold on a little longer.  He had to leave soon after all.

   “I—I promise Bill.”

   Bill reluctantly stood up and began to put on his Letterman jacket, realizing again that his parents were waiting patiently for him.  Glancing at the cold world outside that he now blamed for Camille’s illness, he grabbed his room key, and with a warm smile, he replied, “I love you Camille.”

   Those words now made Camille’s heart flutter with happiness, and burn with a sick feeling.  Perhaps when Bill found out, she would lose him forever.  She would lose a love that even through this pain, she still believed was meant to be.  Could he possibly…still love her even after Jeff stole her innocence?

   For now, the renewed warmth she received from these loving words were enough to bring a smile to her face even through the negativity.  “I love you too Bill,” she replied, her voice on the edge of a whisper.

   Bill winced as his eyes clouded up with tears, causing them to sting.  Holding on to his strength, he replied, “Alright, now, I’ve gotta go, but I’ll stop by your house tomorrow okay?  Hang in there.”

   Nodding gently, Camille said, “Okay…I’ll see you then.  …Bye.”

   “Bye…,” Bill murmured.  Unwilling to hang up first, he felt his heart skip a beat when Camille’s end went silent, clicking as she hung up, before the dial tone replaced the silence floating into his ear.  He let out a sigh, hanging up the phone as he whispered, “Something’s wrong…I can sense it.  …What could have happened to her in just one day to hurt her this way?”

   Realizing the silent hotel room could offer him no answer, Bill adjusted his jacket once more, before cutting off the desk light, and leaving the room to catch up with his parents, all the while trying to think of why Camille was so sick, and how he could help her in her time of need.

   Camille was dealing with the same thoughts, on how she could help herself feel better.  Leaving the phone where it lay on the floor, Camille slowly climbed back into her bed, getting comfortable under the covers as her cats Starr and Shine curled up alongside her fever-stricken body.  Unable to concentrate on anything but the pain, she closed her eyes and waited for the welcome arms of sleep to take it away.

   Hours later, Camille began to rouse from sleep once more.  It was as though her body was rejecting the prospect of laying silent any longer, chasing away her dreams and the sand in her tired eyes.  She had to confront the day ahead of her, and every one to follow.  There was no escaping it.

   She sat up in bed, looking to see Shine sleeping at the foot of it, while Starr was cleaning herself, sitting in the beam of sunlight that shone through the window.  Camille looked around the room; everything looked the same as the day before, and still, everything was terribly different.  The tiara she wore as Valentine’s Queen now mocked her with the happy memories it held, and might never return.

   The clock was displaying ten minutes after noon, and despite the sadness about her, Camille could no longer remain in bed.  Wiggling her toes into her slippers, she got up out of bed, realizing the extra sleep helped her feel better.

   Still, everything seemed out of place; she was at a loss as to what to say or do next.  Jeff hadn’t threatened her, promising death should she tell the world of his sin against her.  What was strange about it was that it was almost as if he wanted her to tell everyone.  It was as if it was something he was proud of, something he wanted rub into the faces of his peers…

   Camille understood it now; Jeff was banking on Camille telling Bill and others about what happened.  He knew Camille was Bill’s weak point.  Finding out Camille had been raped would break Bill down on a deeper level, perhaps even causing him to confront Jeff in a way severe enough so that the consequences for raping Camille would seem like nothing just to see Bill suffer through them.

   Making herself a sandwich, Camille sat down in the living room, watching news about the snow storm that had forced most schools and businesses, including her school, to shut down at least for the next two days.  She knew in her heart that the only way to protect Bill and keep Jeff from achieving victory, was to keep what happened to her that night silent.  In this way, her relationship with Bill would stay the same; while she neglected to consider how Jeff would react to this, perhaps he would eventually be satisfied with taking away her innocence, and escaping a prison sentence would be a fair trade from watching Bill break down.

   It was her only choice.

   That next morning, Bill held true to his promise by offering to come over that day.  Camille, who never spent time with friends at her house, offered no protest, unsure of what else could be done to avoid it.  She was suddenly unsure of how her time with Bill would go, when before it was the only thing she was completely sure of and secure with.  It was a pleasant surprise and comfort to her soul when she opened the door, only for him to embrace her, gentle enough so that it did not agitate the scars underneath her clothes.  Jeff was careful enough to make sure there were no signs normally visible to the world.  This allowed Camille to treat her illness like what it was, a sickness received from exposure to the cold.

   And yet, on Monday and Tuesday while school was out and Bill came to spend time with her, Camille felt much better, but was certain that it was simply his presence chasing away the sickness for a fleeting moment, because it would return to plague her while he was gone and the rape continued to haunt her.  She hoped that soon the memories would disappear with her illness, and that her life and relationship with Bill could return to normal.

   On Wednesday, school was back in session.  Camille walked beside Katrina, her head held high, in defiance of what had happened, determined not to let those around her see the smallest hint that something was wrong.  She had not given thought to seeing Jeff again, and so seeing him chatting with his teammates at their lockers sent chills through her.  He gave her a glare, grinning wryly, as if he hoped to cause her to break and fall into nothing where she stood.  Before the terror could grip her further, Bill called out to her, hugging her and kissing her before taking her hand and leading her off to class, happy that she was feeling well enough to come to school.

   When Jeff saw this, he knew Camille had yet to confront Bill with what happened Saturday night.  Jeff could feel rage building up inside him, recognizing that Camille was stronger than he first guessed.  Still, he decided to give her time to let the feelings out.  He knew his presence would intimidate Camille…she’d tell Bill eventually.  Until then, he would wait, a silent vulture still stalking his prey.

   Camille’s wish for a return to normality slowly came true.  Getting back to the regular schedule of school, homework, and hanging out with friends began to blot away the painful memories of the rape.  Her cuts and wounds began to heal into scars, and the sickness faded away.  Most of all, Bill loved her just the same, if not more with each passing day, as he did on the night of the dance.  The only things that kept her from ignoring and letting go of the rape completely, were the nightmares of it at night, and the fact that Jeff remained a constant reminder of the terror every day she went to school.

   Things would have returned to normal permanently if Jeff had reacted to her silence in the way that she had hoped.  As the next three weeks went by, Jeff became more and more restless.  Immediately after the rape, he was high off of hurting Camille as violently as he had, and thus he was content to sit back and wait for her to tell Bill what happened.  But now, his satisfaction and patience were wearing thin.  He realized that Bill’s love and the fact that everything was going back to normal was healing her spirit.  She’d go back to how she was before the rape.  Nothing would have changed at all.

   He had to do something…he had to scare a confession out of Camille, a confession that would drive Bill to the edge, and complete Jeff’s plan for breaking the couple down.  It was as if he was completely oblivious as to what it would mean for him in the aftermath.  Indeed, his pure hatred of Bill and Camille, and his desire to hurt them as badly as he could, short of killing them, was enough so that prison was a small price to pay in order to realize his gruesome intentions.

   Three weeks passed after the rape took place on that cold night.  It was the first week of March, all the snow had melted, and the temperatures were already beginning to feel more like spring.  This all helped Camille leave the nightmares behind.  Slowly but surely, she was letting go.  Having Bill by her side helped her through the days.  Not even Jeff’s menacing presence shook her, as long as she wasn’t alone.  Perhaps if he cornered her again, she’d be shaken, and this was what Jeff was banking on as he prepared to attack Camille, one last time.

   Jeff knew that Camille had recently gotten her chance to work in the library, along with Joey, during and after lunch.  Camille and Joey would finish eating quickly, then walk together to the library, spending an hour or so sorting books and whatever else the librarian needed them to do, before meeting Bill and Peter on their way to gym class, the last class of the day.  Jeff now centered his focus on this short time of the day that Camille found herself without Bill’s company.  Without Bill to help her, beating a confession out of her would be easy.  It didn’t matter to him what the consequences were anymore.  He knew that even if he was dragged away while Bill yelled at him in anger, that simply bringing pain to Camille again, would reopen her wounds, physical, mental, and emotional, and cause her to tell Bill why she was attacked.

   Bill would be left disgusted, and Camille, heart broken.

   That Monday, Jeff skipped lunch completely, having to ask several of his friends before he found someone willing to help him distract Joey and whoever else who stood in his way.  His friend, completely unaware of Jeff’s true intentions, was told it would be a simple prank.  Jeff was the only one in the school it seemed that held any hatred towards Bill and Camille.  Had anyone known the truth, Jeff would not only be alone, he would already be restrained, facing punishment.

   Once they arrived at the library, Jeff was thrilled to see Joey standing alone at the desk, keying entries into the computer.  Camille, he could hear placing books back on the shelf.  This was better than perfect…almost better than Camille walking home alone that night, with no parents waiting for her to return.

   Jeff knew that Joey and his friends were less wary of the football team, and so striking up a distracting conversation with Jeff’s teammate would not seem strange to him.  Nudging his friend, he said, “You go and keep soccer for brains over there occupied.  I need to talk to Camille, and can’t have him getting defensive and interrupting me just because his buddy Billy-boy is insecure.”

   Still unsure of exactly what Jeff meant to do, his friend, Gary, walked up to the desk, first asking Joey a question about the practice schedules, which was enough to take his attention away from the computer, and Camille, while they talked about whether the soccer team or the football team had practice at three that afternoon.  With a devious grin, Jeff returned his attention to Camille, all alone, and ready to relive the terror from that night once more, only in a much different way.

   Camille had a smile on her face, her heart feeling better as she placed books back on the shelf.  As she stepped down from the ladder, this good feeling shattered on the sound waves of an all too familiar voice.

   “Did you really think I’d let you off that easy wench?  I didn’t threaten to kill you for a reason.  You’re such an idiot!  Anyone else who had that security would have blabbed the first chance they got!  I’m giving you a free chance to have me locked away for good, and you don’t take it!  What’s wrong with you?” Jeff asked.

   Camille looked up at Jeff, slowly but surely, fighting the fear that gripped her when she looked into his eyes.  She could feel the pain returning as her legs shook, and yet she knew the consequences of not answering him would be grave.

   Finally, she replied, “I—I know what you really want Jeff.  Sure, you wanted to hurt me, and enjoyed it, but your true intention was for Bill to find out from me.  Not only do you hope that it drives us apart, but you hope that it sends him spiraling out of control, so much so that you can read about his suicide on the front page of your prison newsletter.  I won’t let you break him.  You…you may break me, but I won’t let you break him.”

   Jeff could feel anger building up inside of him.  He thought Camille’s gentle spirit would be easily shattered.  He had perfect visions of her crying like the pathetic baby he made her out to be, telling Bill what happened, sending them both on a deadly road to ruin.  He now realized that as Camille was Bill’s strength, he was Camille’s strength in return.  Her love and concern for Bill’s welfare had encouraged her to be strong and keep silent for his well-being, and it had worked in her favor.

   Now Jeff understood that Camille wasn’t planning on telling Bill, or anyone, what happened to her at all.  She was willing to live with the painful secret, just to keep everyone happy.

   He couldn’t simply intimidate her.

   He had to crush her.

   “Seriously Gary, we have practice at three, and football practice starts at three-thirty on the football field.  I just saw the schedules this morning,” Joey explained.

   Before Gary could reply, they heard a furious scream come from behind the bookshelves where Camille was placing books, followed by a desperate cry.

   “No!  Please!  Don’t!” she cried.

   “You!  Will!  Do! As I say you wretch!” he shouted.

   Joey’s and Gary’s eyes widened in horror as they heard Camille scream, with the sound of Jeff beginning to swing at her with his fists coming at the same time.

   “No, Camille!” Joey shouted.  He jumped over the desk and ran for the bookshelves, followed by Gary, who again, like every other student in the school, save Jeff alone, admired Camille, and was already angry at being used by Jeff so he could attack her.

   At the same time, Bill and Peter were heading for the library, ready to meet Joey and Camille before they walked to gym class together.  They were only steps away from the entrance when they heard the same cries as Joey did.  Bill didn’t understand what was happening at first, but did recognize Camille’s voice.

   Filled with fear, he cried, “Camille?  What’s wrong?  I’m coming!”

   Bill took off running, with Peter close behind him.  Others took notice of this and heard the cries, and made their way to the library as well.

   Joey and Gary arrived to the aisle where Jeff was now beating Camille.  By now she had fallen silent, no longer crying or trying to fight back.  She was tucked in a ball, and Jeff kicked at her furiously, and pounded on her head and shoulders, trying to force her to unroll, unaware that she was already unconscious from the initial blow to the head that started the attack.

   “Stop it Jeff!” Gary shouted.

   Joey simply let out a growl and jumped at Jeff, throwing his arms around him and pulling back in an attempt to get him off Camille.  Gary tried to help by grabbing for Jeff’s left arm, but Jeff, his strength increased by his rage, quickly turned around and punched Joey in the face, knocking him immediately to the ground, and then he threw Gary into the bookshelf to their right, causing the remaining rows to fall down like dominoes.

   “No!  You two stop it!  This bitch is getting what she deserves!” Jeff shouted.  He then turned back to Camille’s limp body and continued to attack her, unfazed by the blood that now soaked into her clothes and the carpet underneath her, not concerned about how much more damage she could take.

   Bill and Peter then rounded the corner in just enough time to see Jeff resume this attack.  The fallen bookshelves finally settled with Gary trying to recover as he rested on top of them, while Joey remained curled up on the floor, holding his now broken and bleeding nose.

   And yet Bill became deaf to everything around him, his eyes only focused on Camille’s body, lying helpless on the floor.  He was unaware of exactly how much Jeff had hurt her, but this episode was enough to make Bill’s blood boil.  He was consumed by his own rage, and letting out a scream he shouted, “I will kill you Jeff Mitchell!  Do you hear me?  Now get off of her, now!!”

   Bill charged for Jeff, and had a much easier time pulling Jeff away from Camille.  He was considerably stronger than Jeff, and after he pulled him into the open, Bill flung Jeff to the floor.  He then knelt down and grabbed Jeff by the shirt collar, growling and glaring at him, he shouted, “You must be insane Jeff!  If only I could actually make you pay for this!  You’ll go to hell for this Jeff!  Why the hell did you do this?  Why?!”

   Jeff looked slightly scared of Bill at first, but a wry smile curled his lips.   He laughed softly and said, “Ah Bill, poor, poor Bill.  It’s quite simple really.  She only got what she deserved.”

   “Shut up!  Quit lying and tell me the truth you idiot!” Bill shouted.

   By now, the librarian, teachers, other students, and the SRO officer had made it to the library.  Peter was now at Camille’s side, looking for any side of life as he gently took her into his arms.  Joey tried to open his eyes as his face burned with pain.  Two of Gary’s friends helped him to his feet, and two teachers came and pulled Jeff and Bill apart.

   Jeff looked at everyone around him, and simply laughed again, filled with nothing but pleasure when only moments before he raged around like a beast.  He looked to Bill and said, “She’s a bitch Bill, plain and simple.  We had an agreement set in order and she didn’t listen.  All she had to do was keep her end of the deal, and everything would be fine, but no, she wanted to, ‘protect’ you, and had to act like she was strong when all she is, is a weak and pathetic loser who all of you stupid people seem to think is wonderful.”

   Bill clenched his fists so tightly his fingernails dug into his palms and they began to bleed.  His glare couldn’t be more furious, and he gritted his teeth so hard he was afraid they’d shatter.  Growling, he stepped forward and said, “I’m going to give you one more chance you sorry bastard.  Why, did you hurt Camille?  Tell me before I have you thrown in prison for the rest of your miserable life!”

   Letting out a laugh, Jeff replied, “Oh, but it is your life that will be miserable if you insist on loving that weak little shrew.  But, if you must know…,” Jeff paused, looking over to where Peter held Camille, surrounded by other students and the school nurse.

   The nurse said, “Somebody call an ambulance, quickly.”

   “Nobody leaves!” Jeff shouted, “This is what she wanted.  If she had just been honest with you this wouldn’t have happened.  She deserves to bleed a little more.”

   “A little more?   What are you talking about you filthy bastard?!” Bill shouted, having to be restrained by Gary and a male teacher.

   The wry smile returned to Jeff’s face.  “I doubt I made her bleed more now than I did then…I had a knife with me last time.”

   Bill began to growl, his eyes flashing with anger.

   “You fool…while you were vacationing in Richmond, Camille took a short walk home from Katrina’s house after dinner.  It was the perfect opportunity for me to teach both of you, and everyone a lesson.  Now she knows that someone out there hates her, and I made sure she would never forget it,” Jeff whispered.

   He pulled away from the SRO officer and the teacher holding him back, grabbed Bill by the arms and continued, “Do you hear me Bill?  I raped your sorry ass excuse for a perfect girlfriend Saturday night!  When you called her, thinking she was playing in the snow, she was going through hell, and there was nothing you could do about it, and there’s still nothing you can do!  I don’t even threaten her with death, and she decides not to say anything, all because she doesn’t want you to be brought down by it.  What a sorry whore.  She didn’t get anything she didn’t deserve!  I said it!  I did it!  I admit it!  What do you want to do now eh?  What are you gonna do about it you idiot?”

   Jeff broke out into a furious laughter, even as he was apprehended again by the teacher and cuffed by the SRO officer, who called for backup and an ambulance.  The entire room was filled with gasps of shock and disbelief when Jeff spoke.  Bill’s face went white with terror; he froze where he stood, so badly he appeared as petrified as a statue.  On the inside he could feel his heart begin to pound so furiously he could feel the blood racing through his veins.  He thought he would have a heart attack as he was consumed by simultaneous grief, sickness, and rage.  He was so angry he didn’t know what to do.  He glanced back at where the nurse attended to Camille as best as she could, able to see Peter coming towards him in an attempt to help comfort him.

   But there would be no comfort for Bill.  His sickened heart begin to shatter.  He looked back at Jeff who continued to laugh, mocking Bill, Camille, and everyone even as they hurled insults and words of hatred at him.  The SRO officer was leading him away, but that wasn’t enough for Bill.  Rotting in prison wasn’t a good enough answer.

   He could feel himself shaking as he dug his nails deeper into his clenched palms.  Letting out a scream even more furious than the ones Jeff let out before, he shouted, “I will kill you Jeff Mitchell!  I’ll kill you!”

   At the same time, Peter had just helped Joey to his feet.  They looked to their friend, realizing what he was about to do, and realized it would only get Bill into trouble if he attacked Jeff.  Though Joey’s nose continued to bleed, he ran with Peter to try and restrain their friend.  Joey grabbed one of Bill’s arms, the blood on his hands staining Bill’s letterman jacket, and Peter grabbed the other, both of them pleading with him to calm down, begging for him to consider the consequences of his rage.

   “Please Bill, stop!  Attacking Jeff won’t solve anything!  It’ll only get you in trouble!” Joey cried.

   Bill glared at his friends in turn.  They had to fight with all of their strength to hold him back as he shouted, “Let me go you idiots!  I don’t care anymore!  Just let me go so I can destroy him!”

   “No Bill!  You don’t want to do that!” Joey cried, already losing his grip on Bill’s arm as Bill continued to try and pull away.

   “Bill, if you attack Jeff then Camille standing up to him will have meant nothing!” Peter shouted, “She kept silent about it all because she knew it would break you down!  This is exactly what Jeff wants you to do!  There’s no reason to attack him Bill!  You’ve already won the fight!  Just let them take care of it!  Think about Camille!  For her sake you’ve got to calm down!  Please!”

   Hearing Peter’s words, Bill felt his rage melt long enough for him to look back to Camille.  It was now that he finally remembered just how much pain she was in.  His concern for her flooded his heart and chased away the anger, and finally he relaxed, bending over to catch his breath, and not a moment too soon, for Peter and Joey couldn’t have held him back any longer.

   Falling to his knees, Bill panted, and said, “I’m sorry guys…thank you…”

   Before they could reply, they heard a sniff follow Bill’s words.  He looked back to them as he rose to his feet, and for the first time in all the years they had known him, they saw tears shining like glass in his eyes.  Shaking his head as he failed miserably to suppress them, he whispered, “Maybe I can’t make him feel her pain…but…I, I’ve got to go.  She needs me.”

   Without another word, Bill ran to where Camille was.  They were desperate for an ambulance, for her injuries were serious, and the same students that cursed Jeff and his actions, felt their hearts melt out of concern for Camille.  They were moved by Bill’s tears, something none of them had ever seen, nor would have expected to see from him, and yet showed them how true his love for Camille was.  Such a rare mix of anger, sadness, and awe would never be seen again.

   And yet Jeff could see this as he was being led down the hall by the SRO officer.  The euphoria from before faded away as he shouted, “You sorry bastards.  You love a girl who doesn’t deserve any of it!  I’d much rather be in prison than to walk among such idiots like you for the rest of my life!  Go to hell all of you!”

   As Jeff was led outside to the SRO officer’s police car, the ambulance arrived.  The medics rushed a stretcher down the hallways to the library.  By now, Bill wept openly, not caring what others thought, and couldn’t bear to be separated from Camille.  He pleaded with the principal to let him go with her, and was granted his request, the principal, like everyone else, moved by what had happened and the obvious love for her that burned in his heart.

   Bill ran for his truck, giving Joey a ride to the hospital so he could be treated for his broken nose, while asking Peter to gather up their stuff and call his parents to tell them what happened.  Everything had melted into sheer chaos, and yet all Bill focused on as he drove to the hospital was his precious Camille, who he knew with his heart of hearts, was his true love, and was someone he simply could not lose, and would love with all of his heart forever.

   Now all he wanted was for her to be alright, and so began a torturous waiting game, during which all Bill could do was to pray for her to be alright.

Description
"Two True Loves"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 7: The Pain of the Truth

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   Camille fell asleep that night after taking a hot shower to try and soothe away the pain from the rape.  The water and soap stung at the many cuts and bruises on her skin, only causing her to cry harder.  She slipped into her nightgown and fell asleep shortly after, trying to block out the bad memories of the night before.  It was simply tragic; she had gone from being the happiest she had ever been one night, to feeling too miserable to want to live the very next.

   That next morning, the rings of her telephone woke her up.  As opposed to the morning before, she slept in until well after ten o’ clock, right when Bill decided to call her.

   As she slowly rubbed the sand out of her eyes, she let out a sigh.  The pain from the night before had not left her, nor had the frightening memories of it that stormed through her mind.  She rolled over, pulling the covers over her head, pondering whether she should answer the phone or not.

   “If I don’t answer him, he’ll worry about me,” she whispered, “And even though he probably should be, I…I don’t want to tell him about this.  Not yet…”

   Until now, Camille hadn’t thought about telling Bill about the rape.  She knew it was bound to come up eventually, but now she could only focus on it causing their relationship to fall apart, just like Jeff intended.  She was only hoping that this wouldn’t happen…because he would have to find out soon…but for now, she could just start by answering the phone.

   She sat up half way, reached for the phone, just before the answering machine caught it.  She paused…unable to find her voice to greet him.

   “Camille?”  Bill asked when he heard no response, “Are you there?”

   She could hear the worry in his voice.  Still, her tired and pained voice was confined to a whisper…but she had to answer him.

   “I’m sorry Bill…yes, I’m here,” she replied.

   Sitting in his hotel room, staring at the snow, Bill paused.  Camille sounded tired…and not just tired, but tired and scared…and hurting.

   “Hey girl…you had me worried there.   Are you feeling okay today?  Heh, were you out shopping all night last night?” he asked.

   Camille winced as she sat up in bed, not just from the pain of her healing cuts, but from the fact that Bill mentioned shopping…which was what she and Katrina were doing before that horrible night happened.

   “I—I’m not feeling well today is all.  My stomach is hurting and I’m…a little dizzy and tired actually,” she explained.  What was funny was she realized that this was true what she was saying, for she could feel her stomach ache badly, and her head begin to spin as she sat up all the way.  She let out a yawn, hungry for more sleep, and curious as to why she suddenly felt so ill, guessing at first that maybe it was from being out in the cold so long last night.

   Bill frowned, putting his hand over the receiver, and murmured, “Aww gosh…she sounds like she’s really sick.”  He pulled his hand away and continued, “You poor thing.  I’m so sorry.  Hey, at least you can get out of school tomorrow.  Heh, I’ll come over and spend the afternoon with you.”

   Camille now rested her head on her knees, her head aching slightly as she tried to keep from losing her balance even as she sat in bed.  She couldn’t answer Bill; her stomach was upset, and she felt ready to throw up, even though she hadn’t had anything to eat since the night before.  She shut her eyes, trying to hold back the urge to regurgitate, but was failing miserably.

   After a few seconds with no answer, Bill grew increasingly concerned for her.  He asked, “Camille?  Are you there?  What’s wrong?”

   She could hear him speaking to her as she held the phone up to her ear, but she was unable to say anything back.  That urge to rid herself of this sick feeling was too great.  She let out a cry and let the phone drop to the floor as she ran for the bathroom, bending over the sink and throwing-up, trying her best to hold her long hair clear from it all.

   The disgusting liquid managed to find its way onto her soft brown hair, and though she had showered last night, it appeared she’d have to again because of this.  Camille felt horrible; while she didn’t feel a fever, she felt terribly nauseous.  Once she was done throwing up, she curled up on the cold bathroom floor, and softly cried, “Darn him…I must have caught something from being in the cold last night.  I’ll never be free from his terror.”

   As she started to cry, she suddenly remembered that she was in the middle of a rather one-sided conversation with Bill before dropping the phone and running to get sick.  Still dizzy, she got up just enough so she could quickly crawl back into her bedroom to retrieve the phone, surprised he was still on the other end, calling out for her anxiously.

   In slight shock, Bill held his breath as he heard movement on the other end of the line; hoping it was Camille returning to the phone, he spoke; “Camie?  Is that you?  Answer me please!  Are you alright?”

   Once she caught her breath and got comfortable as she curled up on the floor, she held the phone to her head, and replied, “I’m…I’m sorry Bill.  I didn’t mean to disappear like that.”

   Relieved to hear her voice again, his concern immediately returned to the pained sound of her voice.  It was a total turnaround from the morning before, and something about it bothered him at a deeper level.

   In his hotel room, his parents were ready to leave.  The three had planned to catch lunch and a movie before his father returned to finish up the business he had in town.  His mother, Rose Hampton, came to him and said, “Are you ready Bill?  We’re getting ready to go.”

   Bill looked to his mom, and replied, “In a second Mom.  Remember Camille?  She sounds really sick.  I just want to make sure she’s alright before we go.”

   His parents had yet to meet Camille, but were already fond of her simply from how their son spoke so highly of her.  Concerned for her, his mother nodded and said, “Your father and I will be waiting in the lobby.  Catch up with us as soon as you feel you can.”

   Hugging her, Bill nodded and said, “Thanks Mom.”

   While all this was going on, Bill didn’t realize he had not covered up the receiver.  Camille heard every word spoken, and as one of her cats, Starr, brushed up beside her, curious as to why her master was lying on the floor, Camille decided that she could use this to get Bill off the phone.  As much as she loved him, and was comforted by his voice, she knew the next question was going to be about how she had gotten sick, and that there were too many avenues to the rape becoming the topic of the conversation.

   She reached up and petted Starr, and murmured, “I’m just…not ready to tell him yet.”

   Fortunately, Bill did not hear her say this, and at the same time was unaware that she had heard the words he exchanged with his mother.  He said, “Camille, you sound so sick.”  Trying to be cheerful, he laughed and joked, “What, did you and Katrina play in the snow all day yesterday?”

   Camille cringed, for he had pinpointed the source of her sickness, exposure to the bitter cold, but not the exact method.  Her head began to ache, and so did her body.  Now she began to feel a slight fever, as if the rest of the sickness was finally catching up with her.  She closed her tired eyes, sighed and said, “I guess you could say that Bill.  I’m sorry.”

   Her disposition further justified his fears that something was wrong.  Still, he shoved any concern out of his mind in favor of comforting her.  He replied, “Hey, it’s alright girl.  Don’t worry about it.  That’s why you missed my call last night right?  It’s okay.  I’ll be home tomorrow, and then I can look after you.”

   Desperate for more sleep, Camille let out a mumbled “Okay,” in reply.  She wanted to smile.  Last night, she was dying to hear his voice, and yet now, all it reminded her of was what she had left to lose; her relationship with Bill.

   Remembering overhearing that his parents were waiting on him, Camille finally brought herself to work on getting Bill off the phone.  Talking to him was both mending her heart and breaking it further.  If she was ever going to tell him about what happened, it could only happen face to face.  There was no point in prolonging the conversation because obviously this meant she had nothing left to say about her illness.

   Before she could reply further, Bill uttered in a whisper, “Are you sure you’re alright Camille?  I’m…I’m worried about you.”

   His voice sounded so fragile and defeated, unlike the strong and proud voice she associated with him.  It was like the very thought of Camille being in trouble brought Bill to the end of his will.  Perhaps Jeff was right in attacking her rather than challenging Bill.  Jeff had found Bill’s single weak point and in one night, made the first tear in the fabric that held it together.

   Camille could feel herself shaking; Jeff knew that he would have both of them defeated in one fell swoop.  His goal was completed; simply by the sound of his whispering voice, Camille knew Jeff was already breaking Bill down.

   She knew Bill was strong; if she could only keep him from worrying about her, he’d come home and be the same person he always was.  He would still be the big man on campus, respected by everyone in the school, those younger, older and in his own age group.  He would be the same guy that Jeff could never challenge, if she could only hide her scars from him.  If she could let him go, he would be alright.  It broke her heart, but at least Jeff would have not accomplished his objective.

   She managed a smile, and with whatever strength she had left, she took a breath and replied, “Really Bill, I’m okay.  I hate to worry you, especially over something silly like a cold.  Don’t give it a second thought.  Besides, I thought you had somewhere you needed to be.”

   Bill’s eyes widened at the sudden return of strength to Camille’s voice; he knew something wasn’t right.  Only moments before, she had dropped the phone and disappeared to do something, most likely to throw up, only to return and speak as if she had no strength left.  Now, suddenly, it’s simply a cold, and she’s telling him not to worry.  There was no way he couldn’t worry about her, and yet, he had to acknowledge that his parents were waiting for him; there wasn’t anything he could do for her.  He simply had to trust that she would be okay.

   Taking a breath and swallowing hard, Bill forced a smile to grace his lips, against his will, and replied, “You can’t fool me Camie, I know you’re sick, and there’s no way I’m not going to be worried.  Still, there’s not much I can do until I get home tonight.  Just…please, stay in bed and get plenty of rest.  Like I said, I can look after you when I get home, okay?”

   Closing her eyes, Camille tried to ignore the sick feeling ravaging her aching body for a little longer.  He was right; it was much worse than a cold, but she had to hold on a little longer.  He had to leave soon after all.

   “I—I promise Bill.”

   Bill reluctantly stood up and began to put on his Letterman jacket, realizing again that his parents were waiting patiently for him.  Glancing at the cold world outside that he now blamed for Camille’s illness, he grabbed his room key, and with a warm smile, he replied, “I love you Camille.”

   Those words now made Camille’s heart flutter with happiness, and burn with a sick feeling.  Perhaps when Bill found out, she would lose him forever.  She would lose a love that even through this pain, she still believed was meant to be.  Could he possibly…still love her even after Jeff stole her innocence?

   For now, the renewed warmth she received from these loving words were enough to bring a smile to her face even through the negativity.  “I love you too Bill,” she replied, her voice on the edge of a whisper.

   Bill winced as his eyes clouded up with tears, causing them to sting.  Holding on to his strength, he replied, “Alright, now, I’ve gotta go, but I’ll stop by your house tomorrow okay?  Hang in there.”

   Nodding gently, Camille said, “Okay…I’ll see you then.  …Bye.”

   “Bye…,” Bill murmured.  Unwilling to hang up first, he felt his heart skip a beat when Camille’s end went silent, clicking as she hung up, before the dial tone replaced the silence floating into his ear.  He let out a sigh, hanging up the phone as he whispered, “Something’s wrong…I can sense it.  …What could have happened to her in just one day to hurt her this way?”

   Realizing the silent hotel room could offer him no answer, Bill adjusted his jacket once more, before cutting off the desk light, and leaving the room to catch up with his parents, all the while trying to think of why Camille was so sick, and how he could help her in her time of need.

   Camille was dealing with the same thoughts, on how she could help herself feel better.  Leaving the phone where it lay on the floor, Camille slowly climbed back into her bed, getting comfortable under the covers as her cats Starr and Shine curled up alongside her fever-stricken body.  Unable to concentrate on anything but the pain, she closed her eyes and waited for the welcome arms of sleep to take it away.

   Hours later, Camille began to rouse from sleep once more.  It was as though her body was rejecting the prospect of laying silent any longer, chasing away her dreams and the sand in her tired eyes.  She had to confront the day ahead of her, and every one to follow.  There was no escaping it.

   She sat up in bed, looking to see Shine sleeping at the foot of it, while Starr was cleaning herself, sitting in the beam of sunlight that shone through the window.  Camille looked around the room; everything looked the same as the day before, and still, everything was terribly different.  The tiara she wore as Valentine’s Queen now mocked her with the happy memories it held, and might never return.

   The clock was displaying ten minutes after noon, and despite the sadness about her, Camille could no longer remain in bed.  Wiggling her toes into her slippers, she got up out of bed, realizing the extra sleep helped her feel better.

   Still, everything seemed out of place; she was at a loss as to what to say or do next.  Jeff hadn’t threatened her, promising death should she tell the world of his sin against her.  What was strange about it was that it was almost as if he wanted her to tell everyone.  It was as if it was something he was proud of, something he wanted rub into the faces of his peers…

   Camille understood it now; Jeff was banking on Camille telling Bill and others about what happened.  He knew Camille was Bill’s weak point.  Finding out Camille had been raped would break Bill down on a deeper level, perhaps even causing him to confront Jeff in a way severe enough so that the consequences for raping Camille would seem like nothing just to see Bill suffer through them.

   Making herself a sandwich, Camille sat down in the living room, watching news about the snow storm that had forced most schools and businesses, including her school, to shut down at least for the next two days.  She knew in her heart that the only way to protect Bill and keep Jeff from achieving victory, was to keep what happened to her that night silent.  In this way, her relationship with Bill would stay the same; while she neglected to consider how Jeff would react to this, perhaps he would eventually be satisfied with taking away her innocence, and escaping a prison sentence would be a fair trade from watching Bill break down.

   It was her only choice.

   That next morning, Bill held true to his promise by offering to come over that day.  Camille, who never spent time with friends at her house, offered no protest, unsure of what else could be done to avoid it.  She was suddenly unsure of how her time with Bill would go, when before it was the only thing she was completely sure of and secure with.  It was a pleasant surprise and comfort to her soul when she opened the door, only for him to embrace her, gentle enough so that it did not agitate the scars underneath her clothes.  Jeff was careful enough to make sure there were no signs normally visible to the world.  This allowed Camille to treat her illness like what it was, a sickness received from exposure to the cold.

   And yet, on Monday and Tuesday while school was out and Bill came to spend time with her, Camille felt much better, but was certain that it was simply his presence chasing away the sickness for a fleeting moment, because it would return to plague her while he was gone and the rape continued to haunt her.  She hoped that soon the memories would disappear with her illness, and that her life and relationship with Bill could return to normal.

   On Wednesday, school was back in session.  Camille walked beside Katrina, her head held high, in defiance of what had happened, determined not to let those around her see the smallest hint that something was wrong.  She had not given thought to seeing Jeff again, and so seeing him chatting with his teammates at their lockers sent chills through her.  He gave her a glare, grinning wryly, as if he hoped to cause her to break and fall into nothing where she stood.  Before the terror could grip her further, Bill called out to her, hugging her and kissing her before taking her hand and leading her off to class, happy that she was feeling well enough to come to school.

   When Jeff saw this, he knew Camille had yet to confront Bill with what happened Saturday night.  Jeff could feel rage building up inside him, recognizing that Camille was stronger than he first guessed.  Still, he decided to give her time to let the feelings out.  He knew his presence would intimidate Camille…she’d tell Bill eventually.  Until then, he would wait, a silent vulture still stalking his prey.

   Camille’s wish for a return to normality slowly came true.  Getting back to the regular schedule of school, homework, and hanging out with friends began to blot away the painful memories of the rape.  Her cuts and wounds began to heal into scars, and the sickness faded away.  Most of all, Bill loved her just the same, if not more with each passing day, as he did on the night of the dance.  The only things that kept her from ignoring and letting go of the rape completely, were the nightmares of it at night, and the fact that Jeff remained a constant reminder of the terror every day she went to school.

   Things would have returned to normal permanently if Jeff had reacted to her silence in the way that she had hoped.  As the next three weeks went by, Jeff became more and more restless.  Immediately after the rape, he was high off of hurting Camille as violently as he had, and thus he was content to sit back and wait for her to tell Bill what happened.  But now, his satisfaction and patience were wearing thin.  He realized that Bill’s love and the fact that everything was going back to normal was healing her spirit.  She’d go back to how she was before the rape.  Nothing would have changed at all.

   He had to do something…he had to scare a confession out of Camille, a confession that would drive Bill to the edge, and complete Jeff’s plan for breaking the couple down.  It was as if he was completely oblivious as to what it would mean for him in the aftermath.  Indeed, his pure hatred of Bill and Camille, and his desire to hurt them as badly as he could, short of killing them, was enough so that prison was a small price to pay in order to realize his gruesome intentions.

   Three weeks passed after the rape took place on that cold night.  It was the first week of March, all the snow had melted, and the temperatures were already beginning to feel more like spring.  This all helped Camille leave the nightmares behind.  Slowly but surely, she was letting go.  Having Bill by her side helped her through the days.  Not even Jeff’s menacing presence shook her, as long as she wasn’t alone.  Perhaps if he cornered her again, she’d be shaken, and this was what Jeff was banking on as he prepared to attack Camille, one last time.

   Jeff knew that Camille had recently gotten her chance to work in the library, along with Joey, during and after lunch.  Camille and Joey would finish eating quickly, then walk together to the library, spending an hour or so sorting books and whatever else the librarian needed them to do, before meeting Bill and Peter on their way to gym class, the last class of the day.  Jeff now centered his focus on this short time of the day that Camille found herself without Bill’s company.  Without Bill to help her, beating a confession out of her would be easy.  It didn’t matter to him what the consequences were anymore.  He knew that even if he was dragged away while Bill yelled at him in anger, that simply bringing pain to Camille again, would reopen her wounds, physical, mental, and emotional, and cause her to tell Bill why she was attacked.

   Bill would be left disgusted, and Camille, heart broken.

   That Monday, Jeff skipped lunch completely, having to ask several of his friends before he found someone willing to help him distract Joey and whoever else who stood in his way.  His friend, completely unaware of Jeff’s true intentions, was told it would be a simple prank.  Jeff was the only one in the school it seemed that held any hatred towards Bill and Camille.  Had anyone known the truth, Jeff would not only be alone, he would already be restrained, facing punishment.

   Once they arrived at the library, Jeff was thrilled to see Joey standing alone at the desk, keying entries into the computer.  Camille, he could hear placing books back on the shelf.  This was better than perfect…almost better than Camille walking home alone that night, with no parents waiting for her to return.

   Jeff knew that Joey and his friends were less wary of the football team, and so striking up a distracting conversation with Jeff’s teammate would not seem strange to him.  Nudging his friend, he said, “You go and keep soccer for brains over there occupied.  I need to talk to Camille, and can’t have him getting defensive and interrupting me just because his buddy Billy-boy is insecure.”

   Still unsure of exactly what Jeff meant to do, his friend, Gary, walked up to the desk, first asking Joey a question about the practice schedules, which was enough to take his attention away from the computer, and Camille, while they talked about whether the soccer team or the football team had practice at three that afternoon.  With a devious grin, Jeff returned his attention to Camille, all alone, and ready to relive the terror from that night once more, only in a much different way.

   Camille had a smile on her face, her heart feeling better as she placed books back on the shelf.  As she stepped down from the ladder, this good feeling shattered on the sound waves of an all too familiar voice.

   “Did you really think I’d let you off that easy wench?  I didn’t threaten to kill you for a reason.  You’re such an idiot!  Anyone else who had that security would have blabbed the first chance they got!  I’m giving you a free chance to have me locked away for good, and you don’t take it!  What’s wrong with you?” Jeff asked.

   Camille looked up at Jeff, slowly but surely, fighting the fear that gripped her when she looked into his eyes.  She could feel the pain returning as her legs shook, and yet she knew the consequences of not answering him would be grave.

   Finally, she replied, “I—I know what you really want Jeff.  Sure, you wanted to hurt me, and enjoyed it, but your true intention was for Bill to find out from me.  Not only do you hope that it drives us apart, but you hope that it sends him spiraling out of control, so much so that you can read about his suicide on the front page of your prison newsletter.  I won’t let you break him.  You…you may break me, but I won’t let you break him.”

   Jeff could feel anger building up inside of him.  He thought Camille’s gentle spirit would be easily shattered.  He had perfect visions of her crying like the pathetic baby he made her out to be, telling Bill what happened, sending them both on a deadly road to ruin.  He now realized that as Camille was Bill’s strength, he was Camille’s strength in return.  Her love and concern for Bill’s welfare had encouraged her to be strong and keep silent for his well-being, and it had worked in her favor.

   Now Jeff understood that Camille wasn’t planning on telling Bill, or anyone, what happened to her at all.  She was willing to live with the painful secret, just to keep everyone happy.

   He couldn’t simply intimidate her.

   He had to crush her.

   “Seriously Gary, we have practice at three, and football practice starts at three-thirty on the football field.  I just saw the schedules this morning,” Joey explained.

   Before Gary could reply, they heard a furious scream come from behind the bookshelves where Camille was placing books, followed by a desperate cry.

   “No!  Please!  Don’t!” she cried.

   “You!  Will!  Do! As I say you wretch!” he shouted.

   Joey’s and Gary’s eyes widened in horror as they heard Camille scream, with the sound of Jeff beginning to swing at her with his fists coming at the same time.

   “No, Camille!” Joey shouted.  He jumped over the desk and ran for the bookshelves, followed by Gary, who again, like every other student in the school, save Jeff alone, admired Camille, and was already angry at being used by Jeff so he could attack her.

   At the same time, Bill and Peter were heading for the library, ready to meet Joey and Camille before they walked to gym class together.  They were only steps away from the entrance when they heard the same cries as Joey did.  Bill didn’t understand what was happening at first, but did recognize Camille’s voice.

   Filled with fear, he cried, “Camille?  What’s wrong?  I’m coming!”

   Bill took off running, with Peter close behind him.  Others took notice of this and heard the cries, and made their way to the library as well.

   Joey and Gary arrived to the aisle where Jeff was now beating Camille.  By now she had fallen silent, no longer crying or trying to fight back.  She was tucked in a ball, and Jeff kicked at her furiously, and pounded on her head and shoulders, trying to force her to unroll, unaware that she was already unconscious from the initial blow to the head that started the attack.

   “Stop it Jeff!” Gary shouted.

   Joey simply let out a growl and jumped at Jeff, throwing his arms around him and pulling back in an attempt to get him off Camille.  Gary tried to help by grabbing for Jeff’s left arm, but Jeff, his strength increased by his rage, quickly turned around and punched Joey in the face, knocking him immediately to the ground, and then he threw Gary into the bookshelf to their right, causing the remaining rows to fall down like dominoes.

   “No!  You two stop it!  This bitch is getting what she deserves!” Jeff shouted.  He then turned back to Camille’s limp body and continued to attack her, unfazed by the blood that now soaked into her clothes and the carpet underneath her, not concerned about how much more damage she could take.

   Bill and Peter then rounded the corner in just enough time to see Jeff resume this attack.  The fallen bookshelves finally settled with Gary trying to recover as he rested on top of them, while Joey remained curled up on the floor, holding his now broken and bleeding nose.

   And yet Bill became deaf to everything around him, his eyes only focused on Camille’s body, lying helpless on the floor.  He was unaware of exactly how much Jeff had hurt her, but this episode was enough to make Bill’s blood boil.  He was consumed by his own rage, and letting out a scream he shouted, “I will kill you Jeff Mitchell!  Do you hear me?  Now get off of her, now!!”

   Bill charged for Jeff, and had a much easier time pulling Jeff away from Camille.  He was considerably stronger than Jeff, and after he pulled him into the open, Bill flung Jeff to the floor.  He then knelt down and grabbed Jeff by the shirt collar, growling and glaring at him, he shouted, “You must be insane Jeff!  If only I could actually make you pay for this!  You’ll go to hell for this Jeff!  Why the hell did you do this?  Why?!”

   Jeff looked slightly scared of Bill at first, but a wry smile curled his lips.   He laughed softly and said, “Ah Bill, poor, poor Bill.  It’s quite simple really.  She only got what she deserved.”

   “Shut up!  Quit lying and tell me the truth you idiot!” Bill shouted.

   By now, the librarian, teachers, other students, and the SRO officer had made it to the library.  Peter was now at Camille’s side, looking for any side of life as he gently took her into his arms.  Joey tried to open his eyes as his face burned with pain.  Two of Gary’s friends helped him to his feet, and two teachers came and pulled Jeff and Bill apart.

   Jeff looked at everyone around him, and simply laughed again, filled with nothing but pleasure when only moments before he raged around like a beast.  He looked to Bill and said, “She’s a bitch Bill, plain and simple.  We had an agreement set in order and she didn’t listen.  All she had to do was keep her end of the deal, and everything would be fine, but no, she wanted to, ‘protect’ you, and had to act like she was strong when all she is, is a weak and pathetic loser who all of you stupid people seem to think is wonderful.”

   Bill clenched his fists so tightly his fingernails dug into his palms and they began to bleed.  His glare couldn’t be more furious, and he gritted his teeth so hard he was afraid they’d shatter.  Growling, he stepped forward and said, “I’m going to give you one more chance you sorry bastard.  Why, did you hurt Camille?  Tell me before I have you thrown in prison for the rest of your miserable life!”

   Letting out a laugh, Jeff replied, “Oh, but it is your life that will be miserable if you insist on loving that weak little shrew.  But, if you must know…,” Jeff paused, looking over to where Peter held Camille, surrounded by other students and the school nurse.

   The nurse said, “Somebody call an ambulance, quickly.”

   “Nobody leaves!” Jeff shouted, “This is what she wanted.  If she had just been honest with you this wouldn’t have happened.  She deserves to bleed a little more.”

   “A little more?   What are you talking about you filthy bastard?!” Bill shouted, having to be restrained by Gary and a male teacher.

   The wry smile returned to Jeff’s face.  “I doubt I made her bleed more now than I did then…I had a knife with me last time.”

   Bill began to growl, his eyes flashing with anger.

   “You fool…while you were vacationing in Richmond, Camille took a short walk home from Katrina’s house after dinner.  It was the perfect opportunity for me to teach both of you, and everyone a lesson.  Now she knows that someone out there hates her, and I made sure she would never forget it,” Jeff whispered.

   He pulled away from the SRO officer and the teacher holding him back, grabbed Bill by the arms and continued, “Do you hear me Bill?  I raped your sorry ass excuse for a perfect girlfriend Saturday night!  When you called her, thinking she was playing in the snow, she was going through hell, and there was nothing you could do about it, and there’s still nothing you can do!  I don’t even threaten her with death, and she decides not to say anything, all because she doesn’t want you to be brought down by it.  What a sorry whore.  She didn’t get anything she didn’t deserve!  I said it!  I did it!  I admit it!  What do you want to do now eh?  What are you gonna do about it you idiot?”

   Jeff broke out into a furious laughter, even as he was apprehended again by the teacher and cuffed by the SRO officer, who called for backup and an ambulance.  The entire room was filled with gasps of shock and disbelief when Jeff spoke.  Bill’s face went white with terror; he froze where he stood, so badly he appeared as petrified as a statue.  On the inside he could feel his heart begin to pound so furiously he could feel the blood racing through his veins.  He thought he would have a heart attack as he was consumed by simultaneous grief, sickness, and rage.  He was so angry he didn’t know what to do.  He glanced back at where the nurse attended to Camille as best as she could, able to see Peter coming towards him in an attempt to help comfort him.

   But there would be no comfort for Bill.  His sickened heart begin to shatter.  He looked back at Jeff who continued to laugh, mocking Bill, Camille, and everyone even as they hurled insults and words of hatred at him.  The SRO officer was leading him away, but that wasn’t enough for Bill.  Rotting in prison wasn’t a good enough answer.

   He could feel himself shaking as he dug his nails deeper into his clenched palms.  Letting out a scream even more furious than the ones Jeff let out before, he shouted, “I will kill you Jeff Mitchell!  I’ll kill you!”

   At the same time, Peter had just helped Joey to his feet.  They looked to their friend, realizing what he was about to do, and realized it would only get Bill into trouble if he attacked Jeff.  Though Joey’s nose continued to bleed, he ran with Peter to try and restrain their friend.  Joey grabbed one of Bill’s arms, the blood on his hands staining Bill’s letterman jacket, and Peter grabbed the other, both of them pleading with him to calm down, begging for him to consider the consequences of his rage.

   “Please Bill, stop!  Attacking Jeff won’t solve anything!  It’ll only get you in trouble!” Joey cried.

   Bill glared at his friends in turn.  They had to fight with all of their strength to hold him back as he shouted, “Let me go you idiots!  I don’t care anymore!  Just let me go so I can destroy him!”

   “No Bill!  You don’t want to do that!” Joey cried, already losing his grip on Bill’s arm as Bill continued to try and pull away.

   “Bill, if you attack Jeff then Camille standing up to him will have meant nothing!” Peter shouted, “She kept silent about it all because she knew it would break you down!  This is exactly what Jeff wants you to do!  There’s no reason to attack him Bill!  You’ve already won the fight!  Just let them take care of it!  Think about Camille!  For her sake you’ve got to calm down!  Please!”

   Hearing Peter’s words, Bill felt his rage melt long enough for him to look back to Camille.  It was now that he finally remembered just how much pain she was in.  His concern for her flooded his heart and chased away the anger, and finally he relaxed, bending over to catch his breath, and not a moment too soon, for Peter and Joey couldn’t have held him back any longer.

   Falling to his knees, Bill panted, and said, “I’m sorry guys…thank you…”

   Before they could reply, they heard a sniff follow Bill’s words.  He looked back to them as he rose to his feet, and for the first time in all the years they had known him, they saw tears shining like glass in his eyes.  Shaking his head as he failed miserably to suppress them, he whispered, “Maybe I can’t make him feel her pain…but…I, I’ve got to go.  She needs me.”

   Without another word, Bill ran to where Camille was.  They were desperate for an ambulance, for her injuries were serious, and the same students that cursed Jeff and his actions, felt their hearts melt out of concern for Camille.  They were moved by Bill’s tears, something none of them had ever seen, nor would have expected to see from him, and yet showed them how true his love for Camille was.  Such a rare mix of anger, sadness, and awe would never be seen again.

   And yet Jeff could see this as he was being led down the hall by the SRO officer.  The euphoria from before faded away as he shouted, “You sorry bastards.  You love a girl who doesn’t deserve any of it!  I’d much rather be in prison than to walk among such idiots like you for the rest of my life!  Go to hell all of you!”

   As Jeff was led outside to the SRO officer’s police car, the ambulance arrived.  The medics rushed a stretcher down the hallways to the library.  By now, Bill wept openly, not caring what others thought, and couldn’t bear to be separated from Camille.  He pleaded with the principal to let him go with her, and was granted his request, the principal, like everyone else, moved by what had happened and the obvious love for her that burned in his heart.

   Bill ran for his truck, giving Joey a ride to the hospital so he could be treated for his broken nose, while asking Peter to gather up their stuff and call his parents to tell them what happened.  Everything had melted into sheer chaos, and yet all Bill focused on as he drove to the hospital was his precious Camille, who he knew with his heart of hearts, was his true love, and was someone he simply could not lose, and would love with all of his heart forever.

   Now all he wanted was for her to be alright, and so began a torturous waiting game, during which all Bill could do was to pray for her to be alright.