Penny's Story

“How did I end up here? And why Scott? How could he betray me like this? I mean he was like a brother to me . . .” Penny Beaumont thought quietly to herself. It was a cool summer night, when she had been walking down the streets of her neighborhood alone. Penny was completely covered in filth from head to toe! Her dress was torn to shreds! Barely covering her body. The one dress, that lead her to meeting Brian Lancaster. The one dress that fit her hourglass figure so perfectly. The one dress was now completely ruined beyond repair. But Penny was very lucky to have been able to escape with her life. “What was going to happen to her now? Would Brian even come and save her???”            As blood started to trickle down her inner thighs, Penny continued down the street. Limping along the sidewalk as fast as she possibly could. Trying to find someone, anyone who could help her. “It must have rained earlier.” She thought to herself, feeling the cold water on her bare feet. The water was of little comfort though, as it was still painful for her to walk along on the hard pavement.             That evening had been mostly quiet, except for a few faint sounds of the crickets off in the far distance and the streetlights right above her were humming. There were moths fluttering around the bulbs making a soft banging noise. Still shaken with fear from what she had just went through by her ex-boyfriend Scott, but Penny knew she had to keep moving, or she may not make it at all.            Penny kept looking behind her as though she expected Scott to be there. But her fragile mind was playing tricks on her. She shuts her eyes tightly, but only for a moment, remembering when she had been chained up against one of the walls of that cold and damp shed. The shed that was in the backyard behind Scott's parent's house where she had been kept captive there for over a week, before Scott’s brother Jack had found her. There was only a single mattress down at her feet and the chain was just long enough for her to be able to sit down on top of it.  Scott would beat her with a leather whip every time that she would try and resist him.  The deep lacerations across Penny’s chest and stomach were evidence of the abuse that she had endured. “That's the last time that jerk will ever hurt me!! That is, if I even make it home!!”  She thought angrily to herself. “I’ve never known this side of Scott before! What could have changed him to make him act this way?? I don't understand . . .” Penny's thoughts continued to race through her mind. “I mean I don't even know what my parents are even going to say?? Will they finally believe me now?”  Tears began to fall down her cheeks, hitting the ground as her thoughts suddenly began to shift towards thinking about Brian.  “Who’s to say that Brian will even come and find me in time . . . what if he doesn’t get the text message from Jack??” Penny thought irrationally to herself.  “He probably already left town anyways . . . I mean why should he care?? He didn’t act like he cared when he just walked off leaving her there alone in the park . . . I also bet that he and that blond bimbo are probably halfway to Michigan by now . . .” Penny began to cry even harder; she’s never felt so alone.            A few minutes later, Penny could hear a car that was coming down the street. And it was coming up to her fast, before slowing down and pulling up right next to her. “Oh, no! Scott found me!” her mind screams. Penny began to pray silently to herself. “Dear God, haven't I suffered enough from him? Is this really going to be the end for me?” Her heart was beating fast, as she found herself unable to move. Frozen with fear, Penny did not know how much longer she would be able to stand up. Her knees were giving out on her, causing her to collapse towards the ground in slow motion. Suddenly, the warmth of strong, familiar arms caught her before she could hit the ground.            “Penny?!” A familiar voice echoed into her ears. Looking up into those piercing blue eyes, Penny felt safe again.            “Brian?” Penny barely managed to say. Brian continued to hold onto her, looking down into her soft brown eyes. Penny fought to keep her eyes open, while she was beginning to drift in and out of consciousness.            “Penny, please stay with me . . .” Brian paused for a moment. “I really need you to stay awake, baby.” He sobbed.  “Please Penny, I can't lose you again.” Tears were now falling from his eyes. “I don't know what I would do without you . . . you mean everything to me.” Brian cradled her in his arms, bending down and giving her a soft kiss on her lips. But there was no response. Time was running out for Penny, she needed immediate medical help and fast! In a panic, Brian quickly carried her over to his car, gently laying her down into the backseat. Without any more hesitation, Brian heads down the road to the nearest hospital. Chapter One: Senior Year               A few months earlier Penny and her best friend, Jay Whitman were out shopping for new clothes at the mall. It was eerily quiet that Thursday afternoon for some weird reason. Not too many people were out that day, or at least not at the mall. It was their senior year in Highschool and Penny and Jay, were already shopping for their graduation outfits. It was hard to believe that in just three months the two of them will be graduating from Highschool and going off to college!! Penny was anxious for that day to come. The mall may not have been the best place to go, however it did have more variety of shops all in one place.             “Hey, Penny what do you think of this outfit?” Jay inquired, while holding up a dark blue blouse that had crisscross straps across the chest area, and a sheer overlay that came down to a point at the bottom. The black slacks were long and had a zipper on the one side, that she could easily step into.            “I really like it!!” Penny exclaimed, excitedly. “Course, it’s not that I didn't like the other outfits that you have tried on, I just really like this outfit the best.”            “You know, I think I will have to agree with you on this one.” Jay smiled. About two seconds later, Jay suddenly realizes something after looking down at her watch. “Oh crap! I almost forgot. I have an eye appointment at Lens Crafters here in about ten minutes!”                “Oh, my gosh! I had forgotten all about that too.” Penny admitted. Jay goes back into the dressing room and quickly changes back into her original clothes. A little while later, Jay reemerges out of the dressing room with the outfit she planned on getting. Walking up to the cashier, Jay finishes up with her purchase, and then the two of them headed off towards Len's Crafters. “Listen Penny, you don't have to stay if you don't want to.” Jay offered, after they had taken their seats in the little waiting area.            “Oh, are you sure? Because I really don't mind.” Penny returned, looking over at her friend, who had already picked up a magazine off the coffee table in front of their seats.            “No, its fine. I was just thinking that you should go and check out that dress that you've had your eye on for a while.” Jay insisted. “Then afterwards, we can meet back up at the Food Court for lunch.”            “Ooh, good idea!” Penny smiled, remembering the dress, the one that she has had her eye on for the past few weeks. “I really hope they still have it!” She exclaimed, anxious to leave. Penny waves to her friend as she headed back towards her next destination, “I’ll see you later.” Jay smiles, waving back at her as she watches Penny disappear back into the mall. **************** Penny, now out of breath from practically running, goes into the clothing department of JCPenney's and almost immediately spotted the dress. “I lucked out this looks like the last one too! Oh, I hope it’s my size!” She had thought to herself, grabbing the dress and heading into one of the dressing rooms.            Inside the tiny room, Penny began to undress, while carefully taking off the dress from the hanger. It has different animal prints in shades of brown on a white background, which fit her spunky personality perfectly. Slipping the dress over her head, Penny felt how smooth and silky the material was against her skin. After seeing herself in the mirror, she noticed how well it fit her hourglass figure. It had short sleeves and a V-neck style top that plunged just deep enough to be a bit too revealing. “Well, I can always wear a tank-top underneath.” She had thought, while continuing to examine how the dress looked on her in the mirror. However, the lighting in the dressing room was not so great. So, Penny decided to step out of the dressing room and look around for another mirror. She finally spots one in the back corner next to some clothes racks.            Penny was too busy admiring herself in the dress, not noticing the tall, dark and handsome man approaching her. She could feel a presence standing behind her and caught a glimpse of him in the mirror. “Can I help you?” She inquired a bit annoyed.            “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare.” The stranger paused briefly, before continuing. “But I just have to say that, that dress looks amazing on you!!”             Penny, now flustered, turns around to confront him. “Listen, I appreciate you . . .” She stopped herself, realizing that the stranger looked familiar. “It was Brian Lancaster, of 'The Vive'?! No, I must be dreaming. Or am I?” Penny thought to herself.  “He really was even more gorgeous in person!!” Dressed in a dark grey buttoned-down silky shirt, with the two top buttons left undone, exposing his masculine chest. The shirt had been neatly tucked into the black slacks that he was also wearing, along with a black leather belt. His dark hair was styled in a 50's pompadour fashion. He looked as if he could have been a model.             “Miss, are you ok?” Brian inquired, holding her in his arms after she had inadvertently passed out. Penny didn’t even know how she had ended up in his arms. “Did I faint, or something?? This has never happened to me before . . .”            “What just happened?” Penny asked in confusion. “Could it be that I’m dreaming all of this right now??”             “You just fainted, and I managed to catch you before you fell onto the floor.” Brian smiled down at her. Penny could feel the prickle of goosebumps rising across her entire body as he continued to hold her in his arms. “Fainted??? But I've never fainted before . . .”            “Well, this is awkward!” Penny said in response. The sparks from the accidental touch were almost visible as they both felt a jolt of pleasure.             “It’s ok, it happens.” He smirked. “I'm sorry, let me introduce myself, my name is Brian Lancaster.”             “I know who you are . . .” Penny trailed. “You're the lead singer to the band, ‘The Vive’!”           “Yes, so you've heard of us.” Brian replied, lifting her back up to her feet. While still holding onto Penny, Brian made sure that she wouldn’t fall again. Brian leaned her up against a nearby wall next to some clothes that were hanging nearby.            “Are you kidding?? You are like one of my all-time favorite bands!!” Penny exclaimed with her cheeks turning a bright cherry red. Penny in her excitement pulled herself away from the wall and found herself standing just inches away from Brian. Looking up into his face, she could almost reach up and touch his lips with hers.              “That’s awesome!” Brian exclaimed. “I'm really sorry if it seemed like I was being too forward earlier when I was telling you how amazing you look in that dress. I really meant it though . . .” Brian assured her. “The other thing that caught my attention I must confess was your smile.” He admitted.  Penny blushed again, not knowing what to think of all this attention. “Again, am I dreaming all of this?? Somebody please pinch me . . .”  Still deep in thought, Penny hears her friend's voice break through.              “Hey there you are!!” Jay interrupted. “I've been waiting for you and when you didn't show up, I was getting worried.”            “I'm sorry Jay, I was a little distracted.” Penny admitted, motioning her head in Brian's direction. Before she could say anything else, Jay lets out a shrill of excitement.            “OMG!! Your Brian Lancaster!!” Jay exclaimed, causing the attention of the few people that were now in the store. A small crowd began to gather around them in awe. The small town of Tri-Cities hardly ever got anyone famous to come to visit. So, you can imagine the excitement that it would cause. Before Brian could respond, everyone had their cell phones out with their cameras right in his face and began posting live videos onto f*******:. “Sorry.” Jay whispered.            “Brian Lancaster from the band called, ‘The Vive’ is here shopping at JCPenney’s!” One person from the crowd announced. “So, Brian what brings you here to our little town?”            “Listen, I'm sorry for cutting this short.” Brian started to explain. “However, I'm late for rehearsal with the band as we speak.” He continued. “We are having a sold-out concert tonight at the Fingernail stage in Richland.”                “Oh. So, there are no more tickets available??” Another person from the small crowd inquired.             “No, I’m afraid not . . .” Brian trailed, while refocusing his attention back onto Penny. He just couldn’t keep his eyes off her. The crowd left disappointed and soon it was back to just Penny and Brian and Jay.            “Would you ladies like to come to that?” Brian offered, after he was sure no one else was around to hear him. Penny looks over at Jay and notices her covering her mouth, trying not to get too excited. Penny knew that her best friend was thinking the exact same thing. Brian looked at the two of them, while waiting for their response.  “Yes, that would be awesome!!” Penny exclaimed. “Ok, great!! I will put you two ladies down on my guest list, if you would like?”            “Oh, that is so sweet of you.” Penny returned flirtatiously.            “Ooh were like VIP's.” Jay added jokingly.            “You’re welcome.” Brian smiled over at Penny. “I was also thinking that maybe you and I could spend some more time together after the show?”            “Sure, I would love that too.” Penny smiled. All of this still felt like it was all a dream. A dream that she never wanted to wake up from.  ****************            “Brian Lancaster from the band, ‘The Vive’ is here in Tri-Cities Washington, shopping at our local mall!!” A young woman announced on her f*******: page, along with a few others who had been a witness earlier at JCPenney’s. Sooner or later, Jack and Todd caught wind of the news and even noticed their friends, Penny and Jay in one of the videos. They soon were about to show Scott the videos.            “Hey Scott, you need to see this!!” Todd shouted across the living room to him. Scott was in the kitchen getting something to drink.            “What’s going on??” Scott inquired, while hurrying to join his two brothers in the living room to see what they wanted.            “Penny and Jay are on several videos that have been posted to f*******:!!!” Todd exclaimed.            “Wait, what?? But why??” Scott inquired, while sitting down next to Jack and Todd on the couch. Todd restarted one of the videos on his laptop to show his brother Scott.            “See for yourself . . .” Jack trailed, as the video began.            “A concert at the Fingernail stage tonight, huh?” Scott responded after the video had ended. “Well then maybe we should try and get into that show as well . . .”            “Nah, I don’t really have any interest in going, that’s Penny and Jay’s thing.” Jack admitted. “Besides, didn’t you hear Brian Lancaster mention that it was a sold-out show? How do you even expect to get passed the guard??”            “I’m sure that we can find our own way in . . .” Scott trailed, while all these ideas were slowly forming in his mind.            “You’re not talking about sneaking in, are you??” Jack questioned him.            “What do you care anyways?? You said yourself that you didn’t want to go.” Scott challenged, while looking at his brother Todd for his support.            “Yeah, Jack?” Todd agreed. “I’ll go with you Scott.” He offered.            “Ok, let’s get ready to go then.” Scott said. **************** “I better get going now. The other members of the band are probably wondering where I am. I was only coming here to buy a few new shirts and some slacks, until I ran into you.” Brian smiled over at Penny.            “It was a pleasure meeting you, Brian Lancaster.” Penny returned, smiling back at him. “I'm really looking forward to seeing you and the rest of the band perform tonight.”            “I look forward to seeing you again too. And it was nice meeting both of you.” Brian stated. “I will see you later.”            “Ok, bye.” Penny replied. As she was about to leave, she realized that she had left her purse and phone in the dressing room. Before heading back there, an employee had approached them.            “Excuse me miss, but are you planning on purchasing that dress you are wearing?” The petite blonde inquired. Brian stopped for a moment, listening in on the conversation.            “Yes, I was just about to go back into the dressing room where I left my purse.” Penny explained.            “That's not necessary.” A familiar voice interjected. “I will cover the cost of the dress.”            “Brian? Are you sure?”            “Yeah, don't worry about it.” Brian winked at her. Carefully tearing off the price tag from the dress, Penny hands it to the blonde. Brian goes up to pay for the dress, while Penny goes back into the dressing room to grab her purse and her clothes.            “Thanks again, Brian.” Penny said, after coming back out to the sales floor.            “I am happy to do it, really.” Brian assured her. “I will see you tonight at the show.” Turning back around, he proceeds to walk towards the exit.  “See you later, Brian.” Penny returned, flinging her purse over her shoulder unaware that her cell phone fell out. Brian was going to turn back around to tell Penny one more thing, when he saw the phone on the ground. He picked it up to check to see if it belonged to Penny. Sure, enough after turning on the phone, Brian had confirmed that it was in fact Penny’s phone. What gave it away was the picture of her and Jay on the lock screen. However, it was too late to give it back to Penny, because she had already left the area. Brian decided to keep the phone with him and then give it back to her later after the show.