Someday Scores Settled?
Chapter 3
More Abuse
Ryan got a call from Ricki one day after school and from the emotion in her voice he could tell something was wrong. As he walked over to Ricki's, it was clear to him that the elite high school group had derived some type of cruel satisfaction at her expense. Even after his accident, they had never shown any contrition nor hinted at an apology.
He let himself in through the basement door and found Ricki sitting on her bed with a blank stare on her face. Her glasses lay on the sewing machine. Tears leaked from those beautiful reddened ghost-like eyes. "What's wrong," Ryan asked?
In a hurt and bitter tone Ricki began to explain. "Those bitches have got a new nickname for me."
"What is it," Ryan asked? "I guess you're talking about Eva and Sissy?"
"Yes. Jack and Dirk also came by to add their two cents worth."
Ryan took his shoes off and climbed on the bed beside her and instinctively put his arms around her shoulders. Ricki rolled her face into the nap his neck. They held each other for a few minutes until her suppressed weeping settled down. She tried not to cry, but the tears came anyway.
As Ricki's tears subsided, Ryan felt a genuine affection for her and it felt good. He owed Ricki a debt of gratitude for what she had done for him during the accident. "What did the little bitches call you?"
They took my name and instead of Ricki they shortened it to "Icky" and then they took my last name and called it "Bod." So now they're calling me 'Icky-Bod'." They called me that all day and the rest of the girls thought it was so funny. Why do they have to be that way?"
"As Ryan held her in his arms, he quietly and very determined muttered, "there will hell to pay someday. Make no mistake, there will be pay-back, I'm not sure how or when. It may take years...it will be served cold...it will never be forgotten. Somehow, scores will be settled."
"What do you mean, Ryan...How? Those families rule this town" Ricki reached up and removed that string patch from Ryan's injured eye. "I don't guess my worries are too bad with what you are dealing with. Don't let me forget it. I have something for you before you leave. I don't see how you take all of their crap."
"Dr. Larkin has helped me a lot. I'll tell you about it later. But first, let's get that book out and see what more we can learn more about this sex thaang," Ryan said laughing. He wanted to get her mind off the insulting remarks made by the self-proclaimed 'superior' girls of Granite Rock High.
Ricki smiled through the receding tears and said, "I like learning as we go."
Before they could continue, they heard Ricki's mom drive up as she does her grocery shopping every Friday afternoon.
Ricki quickly jerked the book from Ryan and put it back in the drawer. "Let's help Mom get the groceries in."
Ryan whispered, "Damn, just when things start getting good. I was hoping to get some pussy."
Ricki turned away and smiled knowing what Ryan had said, and then asked, "What did you say?"
"Oh nothing...lets go help with the groceries."
Mrs. Boden started putting the groceries away, then said to the kids; "Let me make you a sandwich. What kind do you want Ryan?"
"Do you have any bologna?"
"Of course, I do and how about you Ricki."
Ricki replied flirtatiously as she looked over at Ryan and said, "I think I'll have a hot dog".
"And what have you two been up to," Mrs. Boden asked with a little twinkle of understanding in her eye, picking up on Ricki's intended pun?
Ricki glanced over at Ryan, smiled coquettishly and said, "Ryan has been helping me study Math and Biology and I'm helping him with English and French. He still has a lot of work to do to catch up."
"I'll bet you have and did you two learn your lessons well," Mrs. Boden teased.
"Oh...yes," said Ricki giggling like a silly girl.
Mrs. Boden changed the subject a little and asked Ryan, "Are you still spending a lot of time in the woods on the weekends?
"Yes mam, I really like it," responded Ryan.
"That's what your mother says. She says that she can see a bright spirit in your personality already."
As Ryan got up to leave Ricki stopped him and whispered, "Don't forget, I've got something to give you before you go. Come back down to my room."
Later, as they re-entered Ricki's room, she pulled something from her sewing machine drawer, held out her hand and asked, "Here, give me that old patch."
What do you want that for," Ryan asked exhibiting some self consciousness before taking the old one off?
Ricki turned to Ryan and said, "You won't need it anymore. What do you think of this?"
Ryan stood there for a moment and stared at the elastic headband and then allowed Ricki to put it on. Attached to the headband was a beautiful form-fitting patch that wrapped around his injury and tapered back above his ear. It had Ryan's initials sewn along the side. "Well, what do you think," Ricki asked again?
Ryan could hardly say anything as he adjusted the patch over his eye. Finally, he said, "Girl, this is so cool. How does it look?"
Ricki was as excited as Ryan. "I wasn't sure you would like it." She helped him make the final adjustment and ushered him over to the mirror. "It looks great. I think it makes you look like a sex fiendish marauding pirate. I think we should call you 'Patchman'."
"That looks tremendous. I still can't believe it. It is one of best gifts I have ever had. Where did you buy it?"
Ricki gushed with pride and replied, "I didn't. I made it."
Ryan wrapped his arms around Ricki's shoulders and kissed her right on the mouth. "Thank you so much."
For a few moments, it seemed to last a bit longer. Ricki was stunned and wished they had time for more. The kiss was a nice touch of affection. She liked it. Someone, beside her parents, had finally made her feel worthwhile.
Ryan flew out the door on the way home, looked back, waved and said, "I can't wait to show Mom."