Paulina

Paulina Rescues Mary Part 1 -- Thursday

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This is a work of fiction. The characters exist solely in my head. And, well, here too.

If you haven't read the other stories about Paulina and her adventures, please do so, as they will offer some background and context. The collection can be found here:

https://www.nifty.org/nifty/transgender/teen/paulina/

I suggest reading "Paulina -- An Introduction" first of course. More stories will be added as they are ready.

This is part 1 of the multi-part story "Paulina Rescues Mary," which takes place Thursday evening through Sunday evening. This part covers Thursday evening. Please read the prelude "Paulina and Mary's Pain" first, as it will provide some context and background for this story.

This story takes place about four weeks or so after Paulina gave her virginity to Bernard and two weeks after her trip to the country to visit Big Jim and Mary Sue.

Please let me know what you think. I have received wonderful feedback on my other stories. Email me at deviantigusti@yahoo.com. If you have criticism, please be constructive.

Be patient, dear readers. The story builds slowly before reaching the sex scenes.

Here are the main characters in this piece:

Paulina/Empress, 15: Pretty crossdressing boy.

Mary, 15: Classmate of Paulina. Formerly included in the group of friends. Disliked by everyone due to her bitchy personality and her abuse of her best friend Hilary. Victim of harsh sexual and physical abuse by her uncle over a long time.

Dawn, Shawn, Ann, Joe (Pervert), Rick, Jonny: Adult family friends that Paulina is closest to.

Benny (Shithead), 19: Rick's younger brother. Paulina's servant at the time, due to his previous bad behavior towards her.

David, 15: Mary's twin brother. Classmate. The only person aware of her sexual abuse in their family. He does his best to love and comfort her. They have an ongoing incestuous relationship.

Carolina/Carrie and Hilary, 15: Classmates. Couple who declare their love to everyone. Carolina is one of Paulina's colonies. Hilary is her girlfriend and ex-friend of Mary, who sexually abused her for a couple of years. Part of the group of friends.

Kathy/Delaware, Tina/Senegal, 15: Classmates. Two of Paulina's colonies.

Be patient, dear readers. The story builds slowly up to the sex scenes.

Part 1 -- Thursday Evening

After school, I was home cleaning up and relaxing. I decided that I wanted to cook, so I was about to change clothes and get started. It was about 5:30 when my phone rang.

"Hello" I said sweetly. I expected it to be Delaware or Senegal.

"P-P-Paulina?" an almost terrified sounding voice spoke.

I recognized the voice. It was Mary S. She was breathing heavily and fast, like she was about to hyperventilate.

"Mary, slow down. Take a breath and tell me what's wrong." I was immediately concerned and worried.

"C-can you h-help m-me? P-please? Y-you said I c-could t-talk t-to you. H-he's...He's here...He's l-lookin' f-for me" she said in in a rushed but muffled voice. I could tell she was trying to be as quiet as she could.

"Who, Mary? Who's there? What does he want?" I was afraid I already knew the answer.

"H-Him. M-my u-uncle. H-He's t-tryin' t-to...g-get me..." I could almost hear her heart about to pound out of her chest.

"Where are you? Are you hiding?"

"Y-yes. I-I'm in the garage. I th-think he's still upstairs...b-but I'm afraid he's gonna come out here..." She was trying to hold herself together but it didn't sound like she could much longer.

"I know where you live and will be there in ten minutes. Is your hiding place good? If not, can you get to the neighbor's yard or something?" I was already grabbing my purse and putting on my gym shoes.

"I-I th-think so. I-I'm in the b-back seat of my dad's o-old car. HIIIHHH!" she gasped. "H-he came o-outside! I j-just heard the p-patio door. H-he's in the b-back yard! Wh-what do I do? H-he's gonna find me..."

"Shhh. Quiet. Lay down as low as you can and stay real still. Try to calm down so he doesn't hear you breathe if he comes in."

"B-but I-I'm on th-the garage ph-phone. H-he might see the cord and f-follow it" she panted, trying to be quiet.

"If he's not in there yet, pull the cord out the phone piece and let it go. It'll pull back to the other part. Do it now. I'm on my way."

"K-k. P-please hurry..."

I heard the line go dead.

I grabbed my letter opener and put it in my purse as I left and pulled my door shut. I was almost running to get out the house. My dad and friends were in the living room.

"Hey Pauli--" Shawn said cheerily.

I didn't even look over. I just held my hand up like a stop sign.

"Gotta go help a friend" I replied in a cool tone. With that, I was out the door and running to the backyard.

"Huh? What was that all about? I don't think I've ever seen her bolt outta here so fast" Shawn said with concern in his voice.

"Yeah...me neither. Except maybe one time her and Marie were fighting" my dad replied.

"Whatever it is, I bet it's not good. She had that look, man, like that night she almost fucked up Rick's little bro'. Somethin's goin' down, and she don't like it" Pervert said in his almost monotone voice. Everyone thought he was probably right.

"Hank, want me to go after her?" Ann asked.

"No, let her take care of whatever it is. She'll let me know if she needs help" he answered. Concern was written all over his face, and everyone was feeling the same.

"Okay. Maybe she'll be back soon."

They quietly got back to chatting. One of them pulled out a joint and lit it. "Good idea" someone else said.

I cut through the church behind us and through one of the yards that backed up to it. It was at the end of a cul-de-sac that went for two blocks before hitting the wide street that separated my neighborhood from Mary's. Her house was only four blocks on the other side of the road. Running, it took me right at ten minutes to get there.

I slowed to a walk when I got to her house. It was on a corner lot, with the garage facing the street I was on. The front of the house faced the intersecting street. There was a wooden privacy fence around the yard, but there was a gate where it met the garage. It was unlocked.

At the corner, a sort of ragged looking dark blue Ford van was parked. The sides and back doors had no windows.

I went up to the gate but didn't open it. I stayed still and listened. After a moment, I heard what sounded like a sliding glass door close. I stood on my toes and looked through the little wrought iron grill at the top of the gate. I didn't see anyone in the yard, so I opened it quietly. I could see the door to the garage a few yards away.

As stealthily as I could, I walked quickly to the door and went in, closing it quietly behind me. The doorknob had a lock on it, so I locked it. Now the door wouldn't open from the outside without the key.

The lights were off, but a little natural light came through a frosted window. A half-painted old 1950's Chevy wagon sat in the middle of the garage, and work benches and cabinets lined the walls. I looked up and noticed a brand new automatic garage opener. It could be opened by remote control from a car.

"Mary?" I said in a low voice. There was no answer.

"Mary, it's Paulina. No one was in the yard. Are you still here?" I said again. This time I tapped the car fender gently with my fingernails.

"P-Paulina?" Mary whispered from inside the car. I could barely hear her.

"Yes, it's me. I'm by myself and no one saw me come in here. I locked the door behind me. I'm gonna get you outta here. Where are you?"

"On the other side" she whispered.

I walked around and saw the rear door cracked open slightly. I tapped on it gently before carefully opening it. Mary was on the floor, looking up at me with terrified eyes. She was shivering uncontrollably.

It took everything I had to not cry as I looked down at her. She was curled up in the fetal position, looking as small as she could. Her long, wavy brown hair covered her shoulders and part of her face. She was stifling her rapid, almost panting breath. She looked like she couldn't stay in that position much longer.

I put a finger to my lips, and then down to hers, signaling her to be quiet. She gave me the slightest nod `yes'.

I knelt down and reached my hands out to her. She sat up slowly, looking over the seat before taking them in hers. I gently helped her get out and stand up. As soon as I did, she pulled me close and hugged my neck harder than anyone had done before. I could feel her hot tears dripping onto my shoulder. Her warm breasts were mashed up against mine. I felt her heart pounding in her chest, as if we were skin to skin. The neck of her shirt was wet as well. I wrapped my arms around and held her until her breathing slowed down.

She was calming down a little, as I could feel her heartbeat and her breath slowing. Releasing her death grip on my neck, she backed up slightly but didn't break our hug. She stared into my eyes for a few moments, searching for something. I gave her my best loving face and kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes for a moment and let out a long but quiet sigh. I could see her shoulders relax a little. When she opened them, she gave me the slightest smile.

"Come on, we're gonna get outta here"

The garage door was brand new. It was installed recently, along with the automatic opener. I looked at the controls on the wall. One of the buttons was labeled "Auto open/close." I assumed that it would open the door and then close it after a certain amount of time passed. Even though we couldn't see if anyone was outside, we had to take the chance and open it.

"Mary, when the door opens we're gonna walk as fast as we can towards Woodland. We can run if you want. But do not look back, even if someone's calling us, okay?"

"O-okay" she replied in between sniffles she was trying to hold in.

"Ready? Here we go." She gripped my hand tightly as I pushed the control button. The light came on above us, and the motor switched on and started to open the door. I cringed as it was much louder than I hoped it would be.

We ducked under the door before it was even open to our height and we ran. She gripped my hand tightly and kept up with me. It only took us a minute or so to reach Woodland.

Instead of stopping and turning around right there, I veered us behind a few trees at the corner. We could then see down the street without being seen. After watching for a minute and catching our breaths, we saw that no one was following us, nor was anyone out down by her house.

She was about to slump down against a tree but I stopped her.

"Not here. We're still too close. Come on." I took her by the hand again and pulled her up.

Waiting until no cars were passing, we dashed across the road, into my neighborhood. It was older, lined with mature oak trees. The houses were older and less fancy than the ones on her side, for lack of a better way to put it. Her side was much newer, and wealthier looking as well.

She stopped for a moment and looked around. It looked almost as if she thought she was in a different country. Looking back at me, she said "I-I've never been on this side before."

"Really? Lots of kids at school live over here. From here to the levee." It was about a mile up the road.

"Oh. The trees...are nice. It's cool right here." She continued to look around, moving in a slow circle.

"Come on, let's go sit over there. Nobody can see us from the road."

We sat down side by side at the base of a big oak tree. As soon as our butts were on the ground, she scooted close and laid her head on my shoulder. She squeezed my hand tighter and let out another sigh. I noticed she wasn't sniffling from crying anymore.

I wasn't sure what to do next, so I asked her.

"Mary, what do you want to do now?"

"W-what do you mean?"

"I mean do you want me to get you somewhere? Is there anyone you want to go see? Or call? Or--"

She cut me off. "C-can I stay with you? E-even just for a little while? I-I want to be with you right now." She still had a little sound of fear in her voice. She was afraid I would abandon her there.

"Oh...um..." I wasn't expecting this and didn't know what to say. I never let friends from school come to my house. I needed the separation.

"I...I usually don't have people over. I don't want them to--"

"P-please? I need you. Don't make me leave" she pleaded.

My personal insecurities were screaming no! inside my head, but my emotions and conscience told me I couldn't just leave her or pawn her off on someone. I thought about it for a minute before replying. I spoke in my best imperial voice.

"Okay Mary, you may stay with me." Her face lit up like a child's.

"But there are conditions."

"W-what? What do you mean? I-I have to d-do something?" Fear crept back in her voice.

I placed my palm against her cheek to reassure her.

"No Mary, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. But I need you to agree to some things before I take you home with me. Do you understand?"

"I-I think so. What things?"

"First. You do not tell anyone where I live. Not my street, not my address, nothing."

"O-okay. I won't say anything about where you live."

"Second. You will not tell anyone about the people you see or meet. A lot of people visit my parents, and everyone respects each other's privacy."

"They're um, not freaks or criminals or anything, huh?"

"Of course not. They're some of the nicest people I've ever known."

"But why--"

"You have to agree and do as I say and not ask questions or else you can't come." I wouldn't leave her there, but she didn't know that. Sometimes a little imperial pressure was needed.

"O-okay, I won't."

"Three. And this is the most important thing. You will not, under any circumstances, tell anyone about what you see, hear, smell or otherwise in my house. Do you understand?"

"What? Smell? Are y'all hiding dead bodies in your house or something? Like some strange cult or voodoo thing?" I could see her smile slightly, trying to lighten the situation we'd been in for the last half hour. I gave her a displeased look.

"Mary..." I used a more stern tone of voice. She'd heard it before and realized I wasn't playing.

"I-I'm sorry."

"I'm being very serious. If you don't agree to these conditions then I will not bring you with me. They are not flexible."

"I-I, um...okay, I'll never say anything about what I see or hear. Or smell. Promise."

I stood up and looked down at her for a few moments with an imperial look. It was a cool expression, with none of the warmth I'd shown her up to this point. One that looked like it could turn to anger quickly. She couldn't tell if I was about to get upset with her or not. She had seen me look at her in the past this way. I bared my teeth a little, which startled her.

I held out my hand to pull her up. As she stood, I took her other hand. I squeezed them a little before speaking.

"Mary, if you agree to these conditions then I'll bring you home with me. If not, I'll understand, but you and I will part ways right here. I know it seems crazy or overboard, but I have my reasons. I promise you that nothing or no one at my house will hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable or anything. You will be with me and that will be that. No one will ask anything about you, except maybe what your name is, do you have classes with me, etc."

"But..." I leaned in close, baring more teeth than before, "if you agree and then break your word in the future, then I will be very displeased with you. I know you don't want me to be displeased, do you?"

"N-No, Paulina. I-I promise. You have my word. Hope to die" She replied nervously.

"Very well. Close your eyes."

She looked unsure at first but then closed them.

I pulled her closer, until she felt my lips meet hers. Our lips were both full and pretty and soft. Expecting that I wanted to kiss her, she opened them a little expecting to receive my tongue. Instead, she felt me suck her bottom lip. She let out an unexpected `mmm'.

Just before I pulled away, I nicked her lip with one of my sharp canines, enough to puncture it. She was startled and let out an "owww!" It didn't hurt too much, but I broke her skin just enough for a few drops of blood to seep out before it closed up. I let out my own `mmm'. I savored the coppery taste for a moment. It always tasted good to me. I was pleased with her.

I backed up a few steps and watched her suck her lower lip for a moment, just like Carolina did. She looked at me with a little uncertainty, but it changed to agreement or acceptance. I had one more thing for her to do before we left.

"Kiss it." I held my hand out in an imperial manner, like when I expected my colonies to show their respect and kiss it.

"Huh? Oh...okay." She reached out and brought my hand up to her pretty lips and kissed it softly.

"I am very pleased with you. You are mine now, since I have a part of you inside me. I'll do my best to protect you and take care of you if I can."

"Y-you mean like today?" She didn't sound as unsure of herself as she did earlier.

"Yes, like today. But this doesn't mean we're gonna be best friends or anything instantly. I'm not opposed to developing a friendship with you, but it will have to be earned, by both of us. However, this does mean that you and I will no longer bicker or clash or insult each other at school. I'll be very polite and civil and expect the same. If we develop a friendship, then we can be warmer and nicer to each other. Do you agree?"

"Y-yes. I-I'd like that" she said sincerely.

"Also know that this extends to my girls at school, our classmates. Your former friends."

"B-but--"

"But what, Mary? You either do or you don't...all of us, not just me."

"But what about them? They don't like me anymore. They won't..."

"Don't worry about them. You concentrate on you. I'll handle the rest."

"O-okay..."

"Two more things."

"What?"

"You don't discuss this afternoon with anyone. Not even David. Not yet."

"Okay, I won't. What's the other thing?"

"You don't talk about the way I am or how I act when I'm at home to anyone."

"Okay. I agree to everything. I won't let you down, I promise." She gave me a weak smile.

"I know you won't." I gave her a big sweet one in return. "Let's go."

We walked to my house, hand in hand.

After cutting through the neighbor's yard, we arrived in front of my house. I stopped for a minute and looked. The paint on the doors was almost all peeled off. The screen was torn on the door. The dirty bench seat from our truck was on the porch like a redneck love seat. Our house was a sad sight.

I spoke but didn't look at her.

"Mary, you are the first and the only person from school who has seen where I live and will be in my house. I want no judgment on anything, understand?"

"I-I do." She squeezed my hand a little before letting it go.

Take the plunge, I thought to myself.

"Hey, you're back. Everything okay?" my dad asked with concern.

"Yes, everything's good. Sorry if I was abrupt or rude earlier when I left."

"We figured something must have been wrong since you left the way you did. No worries though" Shawn added.

"So, who's this? I don't remember you bring anyone home before. Hello."

"Everyone, this is Mary. We've been classmates for years."

"Hey Mary"

"Hi"

"Hey girl"

"How you doing?"

Pervert flicked her a peace sign.

She was surprised at how friendly everyone was, and they just met her.

"Mary, this is my dad Hank. These are close family friends. Well, except for that boy over there." Benny was sitting at the end of the group. I gave him a `don't fuck with us' look. "He's my peasant. Anyway, this is Shawn, Dawn, Ann, Joe -- but we all call him pervert- and Rick."

"Nice to meet y'all" she said with a polite smile.

"Mary, please help yourself to anything you'd like. Did you two eat?"

Mary and I looked at each other. Eating dinner was the last thing on our minds earlier, but now we were both hungry. I heard a little stomach growl from her. She blushed and put her hand over it.

We also knew that she would probably not be going home to dinner any time soon, so she would eat with us.

"Well, I was gonna cook. I mean It's not too late to, but we won't have enough for everyone. I know -- we can order pizzas. That sounds really good. Mary?"

"Um, sure."

"Cool. Dawn and I can go get them. Wanna come along?" Shawn asked.

"You know I normally would, but I'll pass this time. Mary and I want to get cleaned up and settled."

Mary didn't realize it but the tear stains on her shirt were still visible.

"I'll order them and y'all please go get them. I'll be right back."

I surprised everyone by taking Mary gently by the hand and leading her to my room.

Everyone watched us walk away. Mary had a natural swish to her almost perfect ass. Not too big and not too small, it was just right. Like Mary R, she had a curvy figure, but her boobs were not as big, and she was an inch or two taller. I had a little hip swish as well, but it was definitely on purpose.

"Holy shit! Does she know anyone who's not fuckin' hot? Man, I wanna go back to high school!" Rick said enthusiastically.

"Yeah bro, you said it. She's super hot" Benny added.

"You know man, Paulina's a hot little fox, and foxes run with other foxes..." Pervert said.

"They are two little beauties, for sure. But Hank, you're right. We've never seen her have a friend here before either. Not counting Jan and Yvonne. I mean friends her age."

"Yeah Dawn, you're right. Don't know why. She's never said anything, either."

Ann couldn't hold back from laughing. "Well maybe she doesn't want any of you horny fuckers ogling her jailbait friends. Bad enough y'all do it to her."

"Hey man, it's good for her ego" Pervert deadpanned. Everyone burst out laughing.

"Here's the bathroom" I pointed as we walked by.

Looking at the ceiling in front of my door, Mary pointed at the cavern-like opening for the attic fan.

"What's that?" she asked inquisitively.

"That's the attic fan. It's supposed to suck the hot air from down here to the attic."

"Why?"

"If you haven't noticed, we don't have air conditioning. Well, except for my room and my parent's room."

"Oh. Your house is pretty old, huh?" She'd never been in a house without central air and heat.

"Yeah, from the 1950s. One of the first houses in this neighborhood. We moved here in '76. My parents never did get AC for some reason. Now come on in and sit down."

She watched with interest as I got my key out and unlocked the solid wooden door. While surprised to see one inside a house for a bedroom and not an exterior door, the thought of such a secure door to her room drifted across her mind.

Letting her through the open door, she was treated to a clean, cool, pleasant space. Looking around, she saw that my desk was neatly organized like it would be at some administrative office. My queen bed was made, with new soft and smooth brown sheets. Four big pillows were against the antique headboard. On the wall above the headboard, hooks held a crossed pair of real fencing swords (I was taking lessons). The carpet was a much cleaner and better smelling version than what was in the living room and hall. Tucked into the space that used to be a closet was a large antique wardrobe. It, my bed and the large dresser that matched all came from my great-grandmother's house after she passed a year or so before. A not-too-expensive stereo with turntable sat at one end of my dresser. Several pairs of shoes and sandals were lined up against the foot of the wardrobe.

"Your room's not what I expected. Surely not like mine. It's so clean. I feel like a slob." She looked around, taking it all in.

There was nothing that would indicate to someone that they weren't in the room of an adult in their mid-20s, except for maybe one item. A toy chest that my grandfather got for my oldest sister when she was born sat under the window that housed the AC unit. I had several board games from when I was little, and some from when my sisters were young as well. I kept it covered and locked. I don't think Mary noticed it. A couple of art pieces were on the walls; a 1920s classical print of Roman scenes and a modern Patrick Nagel print of one of his women.

The was also nothing in my room that would indicate a 15-year old lived in it. No posters of boys, movie stars or concerts. Nothing teeny or silly or frilly. The bookcase held many books that kids my age would probably not read. There were no cheesy teen romance novels or anything like that. The military books and magazines would definitely have looked out of place. A fern in a hanging planter hung near a window.

"Grab a seat. I need to call for pizza." I pointed to my bed.

She sat on the edge and unconsciously rubbed her hands over the sheets. These are way nicer than mine, she thought to herself.

I dialed a number that I appeared to have memorized. I covered the mouthpiece and looked over to her.

"Hey, is there anything you don't like? I usually get one with everything on it and one just pepperoni."

"Oh, I eat everything."

"K." I uncovered the mouthpiece.

"Hello, Can I order to pick up please?" I said in my sweetest voice.

"Miss Paulina, izzat you?" Mary could hear the guy at the pizza place talk.

"Yes, Mister Gino. How are you tonight?" I said sweetly. She noticed I was twirling the end of my ponytail just like I did when I was talking sweet to guys in person.

"Izza good night. You want your'a usual?"

"Yes, that'll be great. Dawn and Shawn will be picking it up for me."

"Okay young lady, thatta be $15.00"

"Thanks, Mister Gino, I'll send them over there now."

"Grazi, Bella. We'a hope you come in soon, ah?"

"I will soon. Goodnight."

"Um, Paulina, the pizza guy knows you? You like, remember their number?"

"Sure. We've been going to Mister Gino's for years, since I was little. We order from there all the time."

"Wow. I don't know anyone from places we eat or anything. Do you know other people, like kinda the same?"

"Of course. I know people all over the West Bank, in all kinds of stores and restaurants, in places you wouldn't expect either. Some on the East bank, too."

"How? How do you know them? How do they remember you?"

I flashed her a cutsie, flirty smile as I ran a hand over my hip and twirled my ponytail with the other. "How do you think I do it?"

"Oh..."

"Come on, girl. I've seen you do the same with boys, and you probably do it with older guys, too. But you just tease, and they know you're just teasing. I put sincerity in it. They really question whether I'm teasing or not. Most of the time I am. But sometimes..."

"What?!?" Tell--"

"Unh unh. That's a story for another time. Maybe. Hold on for a minute while I give Shawn money for the pizza."

"Isn't your dad buying it? Mine always does. Or he'll give my mom some money."

"No. I make my own way and pay for my own stuff."

"Oh, okay."

She looked surprised when I pulled twenty dollars out of my wallet. She saw that there was more in it.

"Back in a sec."

I walked into the living room as Shawn and Dawn were getting up to go. I handed him the cash.

"Mister Gino knows you're on the way for me. Dawn, give him a hug for me, would you?"

"Sure thing, honey."

Ann and Rick were playing and slapping each other's knees when I noticed Benny trying to peer down the hall, hoping to see my door open. I decided to mess with him.

"Hey Shithead!" I snapped my fingers at him, getting everyone's attention.

"Huh? Oh -- I mean, um, yes?"

"You have to work on answering me better than that. Now then, when Shawn and Dawn return with the pizza, you'll make drinks for my guest and I, and keep them refilled. If for some reason you find you have no other alternative than to talk to her, you best be respectful and do not flirt with her. If you fuck this up, or embarrass me, I will be very displeased with you. I don't like to be displeased. But you know this already."

I thought to myself that I should toss him a little crumb.

"Tell you what. Since you haven't displeased me yet this evening, I'll allow you to come knock on my door to let us know that the pizza's here. But you better not stand outside waiting for us, capisci?"

"Yeah- I mean yes."

"Good Shithead. Now go be useful and get plates and paper towels and such. Go on, they're not gonna get themselves." I began tapping my foot. He took the hint and went to the kitchen.

I looked around with a smug smile, watching everyone try not to laugh.

"You see, Ann? Even peasants can be taught." I gave her a big wink.

"They sure can!" They all burst out laughing.

"Man, Paulina, our mom's gonna want to meet you. Benny don't listen to her. She'd think you put a spell on him or something." Rick said.

"Is that right? He doesn't listen to his mother? If he is disrespectful to her, and I find out, I will have to straighten him out over that."

"Oh, she'd love that!" he replied with a laugh.

"Well then, maybe you should tell him that I have met her, and that I'm watching and hearing how he acts towards her. He might straighten out all by himself."

Everyone burst into laughter again. I blew kisses all the way around and went back to my room.

Mary had taken off her shoes and was sitting cross-legged on the bed. She sat up nervously and was going to hop off the bed before I stopped her.

"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't be up on your bed like that."

"No, it's alright. In fact, I'm gonna join you."

She relaxed a little as I pulled my shoes off and hopped up next to her. She got quiet and was looking down. I leaned in and rubbed shoulders with her. This earned me a weak smile.

I needed to figure out what the plan for the night was going to be. I intended for her to sleep over with me. We might or might not go to school in the morning. I knew that once she crashed later, she would be out like a light and would probably sleep deeply for a long time. I knew that the combination of fear, stress and both mental and physical exhaustion would wipe someone out for a long time. But first, we needed to talk to her brother.

I moved over and sat in front of her. She knew we had to talk, even if just a little.

"Mary, we have to talk about some things." She looked nervous. I put a hand on her knee. "Smaller things for now. First thing we have to do though is talk to David. I'm going to call and talk to him. You're not going to say anything, okay? I know you'll want to, but I have a feeling that it won't be, um, secure."

"What do you mean?"

"Tell me, why was your uncle there? Were y'all expecting him?"

"No. H-he just shows up sometimes, and usually stays for the weekend or a few days." I saw her start to fidget and discreetly rub her wrists together. Purple marks on her wrists like I saw previously were barely visible.

"Does he give David a hard time?"

"Y-yeah, Dave said he'll get mad if I'm not home and he doesn't say where I am. He said...that our uncle threatened to beat his ass before if he didn't tell him where I was one time."

"I know this is gonna sound really fucked up, not like it already isn't, but did he ever hurt David like he has you?"

Her eyes got wide and she opened her mouth to speak but closed it before saying anything.

"Okay, I see. Does he still--"

"I-I didn't say anything, I..."

"Mary, you know I'm good at figuring out the answers to questions about these things. Again, you didn't have to say anything. I knew it, I just wanted to confirm it."

"Oh..."

"So, is it still going on?"

"N-no. It was...was when we were little." She was trying not to tear up.

I pulled her into a close hug and stroked her hair for a few moments. I gave her a kiss on the top of her head, which earned me a little, hopeful smile.

I put my fingers to her lips and gave her a look so she'd be quiet. She gave me David's number. They both had their own phone lines, of course.

"Hello David."

"Who? Paulina? What do you want?!?"

"I want to talk to you in private. About someone we both know. Is anyone...there? Maybe listening?"

He tried to hold in a surprised gasp. Using a lower voice, he replied.

"Um, yeah...somewhere close by, I think."

"That's what I thought."

"How?!? Wh--"

"Shhhh! Quiet! Listen. Take a breath and slow down for a minute. Just listen to me, okay?"

I heard him move the phone away and take a long breath. He brought it back up to his ear and I could hear that he slowed down.

"Good. She's with me and she's safe. I had to go to your house and...get her. That person was there and was looking for her. He didn't find her. He didn't hurt her."

I heard him let out a little sigh of relief.

"I need you to do something for us. She's sleeping here with me tonight." I heard Mary try to cover a gasp. "We may or may not go to school tomorrow. But for tonight I need you to cover for her. If your parents ask, or if he does, make something up. But it's gotta be believable. Say that she's staying with a friend but didn't say who. Or something. Can you do that for her?"

"O-okay."

"Good. We're going to go eat now. If we go to school, we'll see you then. If we don't, we'll let you know."

"How...how do I know she's okay with you? You don't like her. I know you don't like me. I don't like you."

"That's true. I don't like y'all. She can be a real bitch and you're usually a big fuckhead. But I promised her I would do what I can to protect and help her. I guess I'm promising you that, too. She's safe with me. I'm taking care of her."

"I wanna talk to her. Put her on. Just for a sec."

"I can't do that, Dave." I tried my best HAL 9000 impression.

"Then how do I know you're not fuckin with me?"

"Hold on."

I turned to Mary and asked "What's something only you two say to each other? Quick, think of something."

"Oh, um...I know. Say you'll pinky toe swear."

"You sure?"

"Yes. He'll know it's me."

"Alright."

I got back on the phone. "David, I pinky toe swear that everything's okay over here."

"Oh...um, alright. You're not lying."

"Anything you want to tell her?"

"Tell her I, um...say crab toes."

"Um, crab toes?"

"Yeah. She'll probably show you if you ask, I think."

"Okay, crab toes it is."

As I was looking at her, she lifted her bare foot up at me and was snapping her long toes together like a crab's claw. I saw her first real smile of the day.

"Shit...hold on...somebody's coming up the stairs."

"Listen. Talk louder than you have been. Say that you want to know where your sister is, and that you're getting pissed off because I won't tell you. That way he won't know you know."

"K...DAMMIT! TELL ME WHERE MY SISTER IS RIGHT FUCKING NOW, YOU LITTLE BITCH! WHADDA YOU MEAN YOU DON'T KNOW?!? YOU WERE WITH HER EARLIER! YOU BETTER FUCKIN' FIND HER AND TELL HER TO GET HER ASS HOME!

I spoke softly. "Good. That was convincing. Now act like I hung up on you. We'll call you later." I hung up.

"DON'T TELL ME--WHAT? HELLO? HELLO? FUCKIN' BITCH!"

"Is-is he okay?" she asked.

"I think so. He was pretty convincing. Do you think he'll be okay?"

"Um, yeah. If uncle really doesn't think he knows where I am, then he'll probably leave him alone.

"Good. Now, as you heard me say to him, you're sleeping here with me tonight. We can't sneak you home later, because he'll probably be up waiting for you, right?"

"Um, yeah."

"Where would you have been out so late on a school night before? Someplace your parents would call or look for you?"

"Um..."

"What?"

"...Hil's house." She looked down at her knees and nervously played with a long strand of hair.

"Oh. This complicates things. I've gotta make another call."

"You're um, gonna call...her?" she asked nervously.

"Yes. We need to get some cover in place."

"But she's...she's not gonna want to cover for me. Why would she?"

"Because I'm going to tell Caro -- Carrie to ask her to."

"Carrie?!? She hates me too. She's not gonna--"

"Quiet. She will do what I ask her to do. Hilary too."

"How? H-how you get them to? That little mousy Kathy and that light black girl, too. They do whatever you say. What's with y'all?"

"Never mind about them. For now, we have to get you covered. Just be quiet. Okay?"

"O-okay..." she pouted a little.

"Hello, Carolina."

"Hey Emp- Paulina! Wat'cha doing?" She answered with her cheery, sweet voice.

"Hey P!" Hilary yelled.

"Carolina, I need you to listen me right now."

"Emp- you okay? Everything alright? Hil, shhh!"

"I need y'all both to listen to me. Someone is here with me and I need your help. I need you and Hil to do something."

"Um, yeah, sure. What is it? What do you need? Who's with you?"

"Mary. She's here with me."

"What?!? MARY!?!? Why is that BITCH with you?!? What the fuck is she--"

"CAROLINA! QUIET AND LISTEN!" I couldn't remember if I had ever raised my voice at her like that.

It was a long moment of silence before she spoke.

"S-sorry. That's just...not who I would ever have expected."

"Sorry I raised my voice at you. And me neither, that's for sure."

"So what does she want?" A little disdain was creeping back into her voice.

"I need Hil's help with something important."

I could almost hear her make her angry face. She didn't get upset often but she got really upset when she did.

"...Fine. What."

"This will please me, dear."

"Okay. Tell us what you need."

"This won't be difficult. Hil, a guy might call your house looking for her. When we hang up, I want you to call your mom and tell her that if someone does, to tell him that she's out with you two and her friend Paulina, but she doesn't where y'all went."

"That's it? That's all?"

"Yes, that's all."

"Hold on."

I could hear the two of them talking low in the background, deciding what to do. Carolina got back on.

"Okay, we'll do it. Um, who's looking for her? Not her dad? Or Dave?"

"No. Let's leave it at that, okay?"

"Oh...okay. Um, hold on" I heard the phone being handed over.

"P? Um...not her dad?"

"No, Hil."

"Is it, um, about..."

"Yes, it is."

"Oh...Okay." She paused for several long moments. "Here's Carrie."

"Emp, there's more, huh? Why is she with you at your house? Is she...sleeping over with you?"

"Yes, she is. She's under...imperial protection for the moment. I'll explain everything later. We might be at school tomorrow, but we might not. If we're not, I want you to tell Del- Kathy and Tina, and the others if they ask, that I had to stay home to go help my dad with something."

"You...you want me to...lie to them? Kathy and Tina? But they're our col--"

"I know. But yes, I do. Only if they ask. I wouldn't ask or make it imperial if this wasn't important. Please do this for me. It will please me very much."

"Yes, Emp...okay, we will."

"I know I can always count on you Carolina."

"I don't like it, but I'll do it. I don't want to lie to them. You...you shouldn't keep things from them. It's...not right."

"I agree. It's not. I don't want you to either. But if I do need you to, please believe me that you are helping immensely. When this is all done, the four of us will sit down and I'll explain everything. Okay?"

"Okay."

"There's one more thing. I'm telling you first and will tell Kathy and Tina after. As of today, any conflict we have with Mary is over and done. It's a clean slate going forward. She will be civil and polite to all of us. Including you and Hil, not just me. In return we will be civil and polite to her. No more animosity on either side. Are you okay with this?"

"Hmph...Yes, alright" she replied grudgingly. I could picture her irritated face.

"Hilary, are you okay with this?"

"Yeah, I guess so. But she'll really stop giving Carrie and I dirty looks and saying shit behind our backs about us?"

"Yes, she really will stop all of that. Won't you, Mary?" I pulled her close to the phone.

"Um, yeah, I'll stop. I promised Paulina I would, so I'll keep my promise. I'm...I'm sorry about all that."

"Thank you, Mary. Carolina? Hilary? Are we all on the same page?"

"Yes."

"Yeah, alright."

"Thank you, girls. This means a lot. Now Hil, please call your mom as soon as we get off. Y'all be sweet to each other after. Good night."

"Goodnight, Em- Paulina...Mary."

I could hear the disdain in Carolina's voice, but I knew she would get things done.

"So, you're covered. I told you they would do it."

"Yeah, you did. Um, thanks. I-I'm surprised they'd do it. It...really means a lot." She gave me a little smile.

"Good. You can make it up to me later!" I reached over and pinched one of her nipples hard.

"Ohhh!" she was startled. As she looked at me, I could tell that she knew I was playing with her. But I think she knew that we would take it wherever it might lead. She gave me a little sweet smile before we were interrupted.

-Knock knock knock-

"Who is it?" I answered firmly.

"Um, Emp- Paulina? The, um, the pizza's here" Benny answered.

"Okay. You may go get our drinks. And remember what I told you."

"Y-yes, I will."

I turned to Mary and took her hand. "Let's go eat. I'm famished!"

I led Mary out to the dining room. The pizza boxes were waiting there, unopened. I was surprised to see a stack of paper plates and napkins waiting there, as well as a few two-liters of Coke and 7-Up. It was obvious that the others were waiting for us.

"Tell me what you would like first." I asked Mary.

"Um, I can get it."

"Mary, you're my guest. I'll serve you."

"Oh, okay." She really didn't expect this. Or any of what happed during the whole afternoon. I was taking care of her like I said I would. I was such a different person that she expected, although she didn't really know what to expect.

I picked a slice that she wanted, as well as one for me and we sat down. I saw Benny looked from around the corner, so I pointed and motioned for him to come over. Others came in and got what they wanted afterward.

"Mary, what would you like to drink?"

"7-Up is good."

"You heard her. We'll have 7-Up. Bring two glasses with ice and pour them. And you better be neat and not spill!"

"Yes, I got it." He got some ice and made our drinks.

She watched with interest, then leaned in close and asked "Why is he being your servant?"

"He decided to not be smart and fuck with me one night. As you know, I don't tolerate shit like that. He owed me so now he's paying. He'll be my peasant for a little while until I know he's learned his lesson."

"Oh. It's kinda funny."

"It is, but I'm very serious."

"Yeah, I can tell."

We ate our fill and chatted with everyone as they came and went for pizza. They were all very nice to Mary. She was pleasantly surprised as she didn't see why I was so adamant about people's privacy earlier.

Even my mother was nice after getting home from work.

"Paul, who's this"

Mary was surprised that she called me by my boy name.

"Mother, this is Mary. She's a classmate. Mary, this is my mother Marie" I replied in a cool but not antagonistic voice.

"Hmm. Nice to meet you. He doesn't bring people here." He turned and left to go change.

"Um, Paulina, does she--"

I cut her off. "Don't ask, alright?? Maybe another time."

"O-okay."

We ate some more without talking.

Others came and chatted with us, asking how long we've known each other, what classes do we have together, etc. Everyone was nice and pleasant, which made Mary feel welcomed.

I was starting to feel the fatigue of everything that happened catch up with me. She was probably feeling it even more. I poked her leg under the table and leaned close.

"I'm getting a little tired. You probably are too. Tell me when you're done and we'll go."

"Um, you're right. I got tired all of a sudden. I'm ready if you are."

"Okay, Come on." I took her hand and we got up.

She was about to pick up her plate and glass when I stopped her.

"Leave that. It will be taken care of. Shithead!" I called out.

In the living room, Ann slapped him on the knee. "You better get up there, boy. Don't wanna piss her off!" She couldn't hold in her laughter. Everyone joined in.

"Y-yes?"

"Take care of this. Mary and I are done. When everyone else is done, fold up the pizza boxes and put them in the garbage" I told him with a stern voice.

"O-okay." He proceeded to pick up the trash.

"Come on, let's tell everyone we're retiring for the night."

The friends in the living room, along with my parents, were drinking beers and starting to get high. Mary tried not to look surprised. She had not seen people be so open about smoking weed before. It was always a big secret that was hidden. Then again, this was not a bunch of teenagers hiding in the woods or in someone's treehouse.

"Everyone, we're going to retire. Mary's sleeping with me tonight."

She was surprised and gave me a subtle look to the side, with an inquisitive expression. She still didn't think I would actually have her sleep over. She thought she would stay up late enough to sneak home unnoticed.

"We need the shower, so if y'all have to go pee or something, go soon. And Rick?"

"Yeah?"

"You will be sure to remind Shithead not to be anywhere near the bathroom when we're done, won't you?" I asked sweetly.

"Don't you worry, Paulina. I think he learned that lesson."

"Good. I would be displeased if he didn't. Well, goodnight y'all."

"Night, you two. Mary, it's been nice to meet you" my dad replied.

"It was nice to meet y'all. Thanks for letting me stay."

Everyone gave us little waves as we walked off.

"Y'all, did I see wrong or did Mary not know she was sleeping with Paulina tonight? I mean staying with her?"

"Yeah, Rick. You saw right. She was definitely surprised" Shawn replied.

"Well I bet it's gonna be a good surprise, for sure!"

"Y'all are a bunch of dogs! But yeah, y'all are right!" Ann said with a big laugh.

"Gonna be a hot little fox den, man" Pervert said as he raised his Coke bottle in salute.

Everyone broke out laughing again.

Mary and I went to my room. She looked on with curiosity again as I unlocked my door. I shut it behind me and sat on the bed.

"Why do you lock your door?"

"My mother has never liked me dressing like a girl, if you couldn't tell. Before my dad installed this real door and lock for me, she would come in and go through my stuff. She would...take things she did't like."

"Oh. Um..." I could tell she had more questions.

"What? You want to ask questions, so out with them."

"O-okay. I, um, didn't think you were serious that I was staying the night with you. Um, where will I sleep?"

"Oh, sorry. I just assumed you would. Do you want to go home tonight? I don't want you to."

"No, I-I don't want to go home tonight."

"Good. As for where you'll sleep, you'll be in my bed with me, of course."

"Whaa? Oh..."

"Is that okay? Or is the idea of sleeping with me so awful?"

"N-no no! I didn't mean that. I mean...I'm just surprised, that's all. I didn't...didn't think you'd want me to."

I gave her a sly but knowing smile. "Mary, I know you've slept with Hilary before, and I know you and David have slept together. I assume you didn't always make him go sleep in his room after y'all fucked, huh?"

She blushed heavily. "I-I, um...no."

I put a hand on her shoulder. "Like I told you before, it's okay. I understand and support what y'all do, and I still think y'all need to keep doing it. You're on the pill, I assume?"

"Yeah. I got on it like a year and a half ago."

"Good. For tonight though, you need some closeness and love." She blushed again. "No, I'm not gonna try to fuck you or anything. I don't make people do things they don't want. I hate hearing about it when it happens to people, especially ones I know. Well, you obviously know that. But I do plan on holding you close and snuggling with you until we fall asleep. You need it. I think I need it too."

"I...I'd like that. I...do need it" she replied quietly.

"Good." I pulled her into hug. She let me hold her close for a few moments before letting her go.

"So now I have a few questions."

"Okay."

"Are you really comfortable with what I just told you?"

"Yes. It'll be nice."

"I sleep in my underwear. Panties and a top. Sometimes. You okay with that? I think I have something you can wear. I have a few older girl friends who sleep with me sometimes, and they all have big boobs like you."

"R-really? Older? Sleep with you? Do you...do y'all..."

"Yes we do. Sometimes, anyway. Not all the time. But we do always sleep close and cuddle up. It's very pleasing to me. Them too."

"Oh."

"I want you to come take a shower with me."

"Whaa? W-with you? Um..."

"Again, I know you and David have most likely showered together. You and Hilary probably did too. So now you'll have one with me. Unless you don't want to. Just tell me and we won't."

"N-no, it'll be alright. I-I'm cool with it." She still sounded a little unsure but she didn't back out.

"I'm glad. Do you want me to wash your clothes for tomorrow?"

"Huh? A-am I dirty? Do I have stains?"

"Not really. I mean your neckline has tear stains, but you can't notice them if you didn't know you were crying before. I just thought that you were scared and shivering, and then we ran, so you were probably sweating a lot. I didn't think you'd want to wear them tomorrow like they are now."

"Oh. Um, yeah, if you're gonna wash yours, too."

"I will. Now let's get undressed. Do you...want to help each other?"

She blushed again. "Um, sure."

"Good. Now turn around."

She stood up and turned her back to me. I stepped closer, almost touching her back with my chest. My nose was in her hair. I inhaled deeply. It smelled of fading shampoo, tears and a little sweat. It was pleasant. I hooked my thumbs under the hem of her shirt and pulled it up slowly, with my palms caressing her as I went higher. She shivered a little but I could tell she was enjoying it.

"Raise your arms."

She lifted them above her head as I asked. I slipped her shirt over and off. Moving down to her bra, I unclasped it and slid it up over her arms, too. Reaching around, I gave her big, full C cup boobs a squeeze. She let out an oh!' Moving to her nipples, I squeezed and rolled them between my fingers. This earned me an mmm'.

My hands moved down to her waist. With one hand caressing her stomach, I unbuttoned her jeans with the other. I could almost feel her smile.

"Shimmy for me so I can get these down."

Shaking her ass and hips a little, I slid her jeans down to her feet, which she stepped out of. Not wanting to take her panties off until we were in the bathroom, I touched her shoulder for her to turn around.

Knowing what I knew about her, she wasn't shy or modest as I looked her over from head to toe. She was more attractive than I expected, but much of that was her changed attitude. But she really did have a beautiful body.

"You're a beauty, Mary" I said in an almost sultry voice. She blushed a little.

"Um, thanks. I'm glad you think so."

"Now, will you undress me?"

"A-are you sure?" she asked uncertainly.

"Yes. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't."

"Oh, okay. Um, I've always wanted to see what you look like under your cute clothes. A lot of other people do, too."

"Well, you're one of the only ones to see. You are going to keep this to yourself, correct?"

"Yes, of course."

"Good. You better" I said in a kind of firm voice. "Now get me out of these things."

She reached out and pulled my shirt up, running her fingers over my stomach and chest as she did. Reaching my hard nipples, she gave them a little squeeze.

"Mmm, nice." I gave her a sweet smile.

Pulling it over my head, she threw it to the clothes hamper I had in a corner. Returning her hands to my stomach, she undid my shorts and pulled them down, revealing my plain white panties. She could see the semi-hard lump of my big clit in the front. With a sly smile, she gave it a delicate rub with her fingertips before pulling away with a giggle. I gave her a cute smile in return.

I put my big terrycloth robe on her and I slipped on an oversized t-shirt. I put a pair of gym shorts on for the walk to the bathroom. As we left my room, Shawn was just getting out.

"Hey you two. Everybody's done, so the bathroom's yours. One of you going first?"

"No, we're showering together. It'll take less time that way. Plus we're gonna wash each other's hair."

Mary was blushing red as I spoke. I took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Cool. That's good thinking on your part. I know you gotta keep that beautiful hair of your clean and silky." He reached out and ruffled it a bit. I gave him a sweet smile and giggled. "Your hair's really pretty too, Mary. "Y'all enjoy the bath, okay?" With that, he turned and left.

I pulled her in and locked the door behind us. She stood there, looking at me a little dumbfounded.

"What?"

"Y-you told him we were showering together. H-he didn't say anything. Didn't even make a face. He didn't care? Most guys would."

"I told you my family's friends are different. Everyone is very open-minded. They don't see anything wrong with it. Hell, I've seen him naked, Dawn naked, my parents, and several of their other friends naked. Him and Dawn have seen me naked. I even fell asleep with them naked once, when I was younger. Even the older girls I told you about usually sleep naked with me."

Her eyes got wide. "Whaa?!? B-but they're adults..."

"Yes, but they love me. Except for that boy Benny, no one's ever tried to touch or get creepy with me. He was real drunk one time and tried to get a little touchy-feely with me. That shit got shut down quick. Anyway, they all love me and protect me, even though I don't really need it. But I love that they care. I love them too."

"Oh."

"You know most people don't think this way. They would think it was wrong or depraved or something. That's why I had you promise to never mention them or anything about them. Got it?"

"Yeah."

"You stay here. I'll go throw the clothes in the wash and be right back."

After returning the clothes basket to my room, I knocked on the bathroom door and Mary let me in. I locked the door behind us.

"Alright, Mary. We need to bathe fairly quickly. We can't hog the bathroom for very long."

"Okay."

We'll wash ourselves first, then we'll wash each other's hair, okay?"

"Okay."

We gave each other admiring looks as she took the robe off and I removed my t-shirt and shorts. I started the water and let it get very warm. I stepped in the shower first and then offered her my hand.

There were two bars of soap in the shower -- one for guys and a gentler one for women's skin. I gave her that one and she began to wash. I used the other one. I didn't usually use it, but I wanted to hurry and get done.

"Turn around, let me wash your back" I told her sweetly. She gave me a little smile and handed me the nice soap.

Lathering up my hands and a washcloth, I began at her shoulders and gently scrubbed her back, down to her pretty ass cheeks. I ran a bare hand between her legs, causing her to shiver and let out a little `mmm'. I set the cloth down and reached around to feel her full 34-Cs. They were hot in my hands. I didn't want this to lead to anything in the shower, so I washed them quickly.

"Now do me" I said as I turned around and handed her the washcloth. She scrubbed my back just as I did for her. She gave my little balls a gentle squeeze before giving my crack and cheeks one more pass of the cloth.

"Time for hair." I squirted a big dollop of shampoo on my palms and began to massage it into her hair. It was almost as long as mine, but with big, natural waves. Mine was straight. We both had the same dark espresso brown color, which matched our eyes. Her hair was silky and soft like mine.

"Mmm, that feels nice" she cooed as I ran my fingers through and lightly scratched her scalp with my nails.

After a minute or two of this, I guided her under the shower to rinse the shampoo out. Once it was completely rinsed, I squirted a good amount of conditioner into my palms and worked it into her hair, paying close attention to the ends. I didn't want her to have split ends.

When I was satisfied that her hair was well conditioned, I moved my hands to her neck and massaged it for a minute. Her muscles were tight. She "mmm"d with pleasure.

We traded places and she repeated the process for me. Her soft hands felt nice on my skin. My nipples and big clit got hard as she ran her nails over my scalp. Not wanting to take up too much time in the bathroom, she quickly shampooed and conditioned my hair. After rinsing our hair a final time, we stepped out and toweled off. She put on the robe and I put on the t-shirt and shorts for the walk back to my room.

Shawn grabbed a few beers for everyone as he went back to the living room. He passed them around before sitting down.

"Who's going first in there? I know Paulina doesn't spend a long time in the bathroom, but her friend might" Rick asked.

"Naw, they're showering together. Gonna wash each other's hair and save time, she said.

"Man, that's a lotta pretty hair to wash" Pervert said, trying to keep a straight face. "I bet it'll feel good. I wonder who has more." He gave the Coke bottle between his legs a little stroke.

Both my dad and Shawn threw him a dirty look. It was okay to be perverted about almost anyone else, but not me, unless I was there joking with him.

"Hey hey, just joking." He put his hands up in front of him.

"You're a lying shit, Pervert!" Ann playfully smacked his leg.

He gave everyone a little smug grin before drinking more of his Coke.

After returning to my room, Mary and I sat on the bed. She sat in front of me, cross-legged, as I brushed her hair. I gave her the green tank top that Jan wore when she slept over. Nothing else I had would fit her. We were both tired but not quite ready to sleep, so we talked.

"Paulina, why are you being so...good to me? You came and rescued me, been taking care of me since then, even served me food and washed my clothes. I-I like it, but I don't understand. I mean, we've never liked each other."

"I don't know for sure how to explain it. I know we haven't liked each other, but you needed my help and I needed to help you. I know most people don't know that I really care about people, or maybe they do, and that it hurts me to see others in pain or in trouble. A man who I care for very much and really respect told me that I'm very empathetic. Like tuned into people's emotions. Very feeling. To me, they're easy to read and figure out. Clear as day sometimes. But not always. Most people can't read others well. I feel like it's both a blessing and a curse. I want to help so many people but can't. That's the way real life is and I have to accept that. But when I can help, I'll do whatever I can, and do it the best I can."

"Were you always like that? I only remember you being a real quiet boy in class when we were younger."

"I was but didn't know what to do with it. But I had it inside and felt it strongly. As I got older I figured out that I could use it to help people I knew, like a guide. It makes me feel good."

"That's pretty deep. Like profound or something. It's...pretty cool. I was wrong the other day when I told you you weren't anybody special."

"I don't feel special. I'm just me. I'm not better than anyone else, or worse."

"Well it sounds special, and real good. I'm kinda jealous."

"The good side is good, but the bad side is, well, pretty bad."

"What do you mean?"

"You've seen me angry. You've seen me be The Hungry Wolf. I get...mean. Vengeful. And even violent sometimes. You remember in Star Wars how they said fear and anger lead to the dark side?"

"Yeah, that was cool. It sounded pretty right on."

"Well, I have my own dark side. And they were right; it all comes out of fear and anger. It always has for me."

"Like how?"

"I expect you'll remember never to speak about any of this to anyone, right?"

"Yes. I promised."

"Well, someone...very close and special to me...was, um, in a...similar situation as you."

"Oh..."

"Except no one rescued her. No one took care of her. She was punished and hurt again when she asked for help. I was too little and too young to help her. All I did was get afraid and mad. I was so angry about it. I still am. I hold it in and it's like it slowly boils. I'm always afraid that someone will try to hurt her again, even though I know it will probably never happen."

I had unconsciously stopped brushing her hair. She put a hand on my thigh and rubbed it gently.

"I get so mad when I hear about girls, or even boys, getting messed with or hurt like she was. And I get so afraid that they'll be hurt so bad that they'll never come back from it. Like they'll never be the same. Always afraid if they'll be hurt again. So afraid that they'll never want anyone to touch or kiss or hug or just love them. So it's kinda like they die inside. But then...I've read stuff and heard that some people...kill themselves...because they can't live like that anymore. I wanted to cry and scream when I saw that the first time. Then I got terrified that my..."

I didn't want to say it. I didn't want to tell her who it was, but I had told her so much already that she would probably figure it out. She was smart too. I felt her squeeze my thigh.

"Who was it?"

"...My sister." I tried not to get teary eyed but failed. She felt one of my big tears land on her bare shoulder, but she let me continue.

"I, um, I can lose control of my anger and I just want to hurt people that hurt others like that. When I do, I don't usually hold back. Remember that time I came to algebra after lunch and had blood on me? That piece of shit boy that I beat down and bit had scared Kathy a week before? He tried to make her let him feel her up. My Kathy. My Little Mouse! She was terrified. Then the day I bit him, he threatened her in front of me. That was it. He crossed a line he didn't know he crossed. And he paid for it. In blood. I...hurt him. That's why I got so angry with you about Hilary, too. I wanted to hurt you so bad. She asked me not to, so I didn't. When I got home and laid in bed, all I could think about was you hurting her. She never did tell me what happened, and I don't want to know. But then it came to me that it either happened to you or was still happening. So, despite not liking you, I wanted to protect you. I could see that no one was. David was trying, and that is the one redeeming quality he has. But I knew he couldn't stop whatever was happening."

"Oh."

I grabbed a tissue off my nightstand and wiped away my tears. I handed her one too. I had a feeling her eyes were watering also.

"So when we talked the other day, I was trying to tell you that I wanted to protect and help you. Then this afternoon happened. I was able to protect you and take care of you. And, well, here we are. I, um, I'm glad you wanted to stay with me. I was afraid you wouldn't and that something might happen if you went home. I would have had a hard time forgiving myself if I let you go." I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her tight, burying my face in her hair, trying not to cry.

"I-I, um, I was afraid that you didn't want me to stay, too. I thought you were making all those conditions so that it would be too hard to say yes, and then you would leave me there."

"I was serious about the conditions, but I wouldn't just leave you there. But I wouldn't have felt good about just handing you off to someone else, either."

"...Thanks."

We sat silent for a few moments as I halfheartedly brushed her hair. I felt the weight and strain of everything that happened catch up with me. I let out a big yawn

"I...I'm sorry. I got super tired all of a sudden. How are you feeling?"

She yawned as well. "I'm ready to go to sleep too."

"Alright."

We already saw and felt each other in the shower, so I had no problem changing into my camisole that I loved in front of her.

"That's really pretty on you. Where'd you get it?"

"D.H. Holmes." I giggled to myself thinking whether I should tell her more our not. Screw it, I would. What was one more thing that night?

"What's so funny"

"I don't think you'll believe who picked it out for me."

"Who? One of your older girlfriends?"

"No."

"Um, Carrie? I remember she's good at picking things out."

"No. But close."

"Not Hil. Not Mary, either. It's not Kathy, even though y'all are together so much. I mean, she wouldn't..."

She saw me blush.

"What?!? No. Way. Kathy? That little girl in our classes? That Kathy? Are you just fuckin' with me?"

"No, I'm not fucking with you. It was her, honest. She made a perfect choice too. I love it!"

"Well, shit. I woulda' had no idea. She's not so innocent, is she."

"I've already told you too much. She may not have her boobs or ass yet like all the other girls in class, but she's almost there. She's there inside, I'll tell you that."

"Wow...you just blew my mind. I can't think anymore."

"Me neither." I yawned again. "Come here, beautiful."

She blushed as she snuggled up close to me. I buried my nose in her hair and wrapped my arm around her waist hugged her tight. She pulled my hand over her belly button and held it there.

"Paulina?"

"Yes?"

"I...I love you for taking care of me today."

"And I love you for letting me, too."

She turned her head and gave me a soft, sensuous kiss. Her pretty lips were warm and soft. We held the kiss for a moment before she turned her head back and let out a big sigh.

We were both asleep in less than a minute.