The Crossing - Expiation

Chapter 2

The next week at school was relatively uneventful and went by without incident. The group of girls that had wreaked havoc on most of school was keeping a very low profile. Noticeably, at least to me, was the fact that several of them, Melanie being one, were not hanging around with their friends any longer. In fact, they were distancing themselves from the remaining click members. It seemed to me that they were probably the ones with the most to lose, so they were making a statement that they were not involved with them any longer. The funny thing is that I wasn’t surprised Melanie was keeping to herself; she did have her father after all. And they seemed to have a serious thing for each other from what I’d seen on the video. I wondered about the other girl that had disassociated herself from the rest, Jan; they must have gotten something really good on her too, although I couldn’t imagine what. Frankly, I refused to read or watch the dirt they had on the others. Fortunately, I only had to deal with Melanie’s dirty laundry since I was the one chosen to ask her out, and basically blackmail her into submission.

While I knew we had all done the right thing by shutting them down, I didn’t feel good as to the way we had gone about it. And no, the idea that I personally had to deliver the blackmail ultimatum was not something I was proud of, even if she was a total bitch. To make matters worse, when our group met secretly on Thursday night of the next week, I heard a number of people in the group discussing “payback”, and suggestions such as making the girls sex slaves, and farming them out to anyone, male of female, that wanted to fuck them, plus some of the other farfetched ideas, I’d had enough; I could see where this was going and decided to wash my hands of it. My small victory, in the midst of this chaos, came when I deleted Jan and Melanie’s digital images and videos from the server, keeping a copy and additional backup for my computer. It was glaringly apparent to me that I couldn’t in good conscience leave them to the mercy of some of these extremely vindictive people. No matter what they’d done, it didn’t deserve being whored out to anyone and everyone, to satisfy some twisted vendetta. I couldn’t be a party to that!

Okay, I know what you’re thinking; they deserved whatever they get, but I knew these two personally and from what I knew about one, and guessed about the other, they were already thoroughly fucked-up. Somehow I didn’t think prostituting them was justice, and would likely screw them up even more. So, I walked out that evening with their digital files on my “jump” drive, I decided to arrange a discrete rendezvous with them Friday night, and explain the situation and what I had done to help them. To assure they did not go back to their old ways, I’d keep a backup and copy for insurance; compassion is one thing, trust is another. After my last class on Friday I called Melanie and told her to contact Jan and meet me at the public park after dark, and not to tell anyone else. She didn’t even question me as to the reason; she just acquiesced, asked for a time, and said they would be there. “Hmm, no objection, questions, anything; they are really scared.” I thought to myself.

It was well after sunset when I pulled in the parking lot of the public park access. Melanie and Jan were waiting, sitting in her Celica, as I got out and walked up to the car.

“Come with me girls, I don’t want us to be seen together talking out here.” I said, quietly.

Without so much as a word, they followed me down the paved walkway, and paused as I removed a flashlight from my jacket pocket and turned onto a dirt trial. Walking down the trail, with the two girls in tow, after a short time, I came to a familiar clearing, and stopped. Turning to face them, I watched as Jan took a blanket from under her arm and spread out on the ground. Looking to Melanie, I realized she had her blouse completely off and was in the process of removing her skirt, as Jan began to undress.

“Ahh, what are you two doing?” I asked quizzically, keeping the flashlight on Jan.

“What?” Melanie asked, somewhat puzzled, as if I have surprised her with the question.

“What are you doing?” I asked again, now a bit agitated, as they continued to undress.

“Ah, we thought you wanted to fuck us, so we came prepared.” Jan responded flatly.

Both girls were now standing before me in various stages of undress, which I couldn’t help but gawk at, slightly. However, as tempting as it was, I wasn’t going to take advantage of their vulnerability; that’s the very situation I was here to avoid.

“No ladies, I’m not like that. Put your clothes back on please,” I requested, calmly.

Melanie spoke up, “You fucked the shit out of me last Friday night!” she said, sarcastically.

“That’s right, because you wanted it, and I wanted it; it wasn’t blackmail for sex!” I retorted.

“Yeah, you’re right, I wanted you, and I definitely enjoyed it!” she said, reflectively, a slight smile in her eyes.

“Then what do you want?” Jan asked, quizzically.

“I don’t want anything from either of you; I just needed to meet in private to tell both of you something.” I replied dispassionately.

“Ohh.” Melanie uttered, “Like we are sooo fucked!” she said. “I already know that!”

Listen, I know what your little group has done in the past and that neither one of you is innocent, but I’ve heard some things...” I was saying.

“What sort of things??” Jan asked nervously, her eyes flicking between Melanie and me.

“Well, how can I say this,” I began, “some “things”, that would be very unpleasant payback for you and the others in your group.” I remarked dryly.

“Oh my God!” Jan cried, placing her hands over her face and sobbing. “I knew it! All the terrible things we’ve done are going to come back to haunt us.” she screeched, sobbing uncontrollably.

Melanie placed her arm around her friend to comfort her, tears welling in her eyes now. Looking at me she said, “We both knew they would make us pay when they had the chance. Who and how many are we going to have to fuck??” she asked with controlled emotion in her voice.

“Hard core girl!” I thought, rolling my eyes and shaking my head, disbelievingly.

“None, or all, it’s going to be up to you!” I replied, curtly.

“I don’t understand.” Melanie said, numbly, wet trails of tears streaking her lovely face.

“Then let me explain.” I said, casually.

Leaving out names, I went over the sequence of events, some of what I had overheard people suggesting, and explained that I couldn’t let this sort of thing happen to them. Jan was visibly relieved that someone was concerned, but her body language showed she was terrified at the possibility of having to spread her legs for just anyone. Melanie was a bit harder to read, but it was apparent that she had expected this kind of retribution and was prepared to do whatever she had to in order to keep her other life, secret, and didn’t mind saying so.

“Josh, you tell those bastard’s that I’ll fuck the entire student body and let them sell tickets, as long as that video never sees the light of day!” she said resolutely, looking at Jan as she finished.

Jan eyes grew unnaturally wide as she glanced at me and fixed her gaze on Melanie, “Oh God Mel, I can’t do that! I can’t just sleep with anybody they tell me too. I just can’t!” she said, her entire body shaking uncontrollably, “Except for you, you know I don’t sleep with anybody…” her voice trailing off as she realized I was standing right there.

“Bullshit Jan! You’ll do whatever you have to do and I know it. You won’t like it, but you will do it, because you have to!” Mel said tersely, pulling her tightly to her breast.

Melanie glared at me as she hugged her friend and stoked Jan’s golden hair. “Well, are you just going to let them do this to her? I don’t give a shit about me, but Jan’s not going to be able to handle strange guys using her like that.” Mel said compassionately, speaking as if Jan wasn’t in our presence.

“Mel, I have already done something about it.” I replied, feeling quite proud of myself now that I’d seen the way it affected Jan.

The truth of the matter is that after hearing some of the talk, I deleted you and Jan’s files on the servers, after I made copies for safekeeping. If any of those people suspect I did it, I’m in deep shit ladies, so you can’t tell anyone. Jan raised her head from Mel’s shoulder, tears streaming down her cheeks, and looked at me with horror in her blue eyes.

“Oh God Josh! You’ve seen the videos haven’t you, haven’t you!?” Jan screamed at me more than asked.

Grabbing her chin, Melanie jerked Jan’s head around, glaring at her, “What the fuck difference does it make baby? What’s done is done, now deal with it, okay!?” Mel said, determinedly dishing out tough love to her friend.

Then Mel kissed Jan passionately and brushed back her shoulder length hair. Turning to me, Mel said, “Well, you have all the dirt on us and you’re still willing to help, so I have to thank you from the bottom of what little heart I do have.” she said, with a sad grin.

“Actually Jan, I didn’t look at your video or anyone else’s other than Melanie.” I remarked. Truthfully, I only looked at her video because I was the one picked to confront her with the evidence. It wasn’t something I wanted to do, and I damn sure didn’t enjoy it, regardless of what either one of you think.” I stated, firmly.

It would be helpful to know what they have on you, in case; they decide to go after you specifically. At least I could better prepare knowing the gravity of the situation.

“I can’t!” Jan cried, bordering on hysteria.

“Oh for God sakes Jan, quit being so damn melodramatic! He could go home and watch the damn video and never tell you!” Mel quipped.

“I can’t, I can’t!” Jan iterated frantically.

Melanie spoke up with hesitation, “Josh, it’s kind of the same situation as mine, with some differences.”

“NO!” Jan screeched, Mel holding her tightly to her breasts, “Please don’t Mel?” Jan begged, shamelessly.

“It’s okay J, he’s on our side, and he needs to know Jan, my love.” Mel answered, with a soothing quality in her voice.

“Hmm, I beginning to get the idea they are more than just good friends.” I mused.

Melanie continued, “As you know, my father and I have a, well a, physical relationship, and I love him very much, regardless if you understand that or not, it’s true! Jan’s situation is a lot different; her old man raped her when she was thirteen, and now he screws her every chance he gets. A couple of years ago, after her two brothers went through puberty, her SOB of a father brought them into her room one night and watched, as they took turns fucking her until they got tired. Then he rolled her over and fucked her up the ass for good measure. This has been going on for two years now. So you see, Jan’s not the evil bitch everyone thinks she is she’s just another victim. Jan is also my lover, and one day she’s moving in with me and Dad, as soon as we graduate. There you have it, the whole story; so how’s that for a really fucked up dysfunctional family!? You know now so use it if you want, I just don’t care anymore.” Mel said, dejectedly, tears running down her face.

“I’m sorry Jan, I wish there was something I could do to help you.” I said, earnestly. “What about your mother? Why doesn’t she do anything about this?” I asked, dumbfounded.

Speaking for Jan, Melanie said, “That bitch is so drunk most of the time she doesn’t know her name, much less what they’re doing to Jan.” Mel explained, exasperated.

“Your Dad’s okay with this Mel?” I asked her, cautiously.

“Hell yeah! He knows what’s going on and is appalled by it! He suggested she come live with us and he’d have a restraining order slapped on them when Jan was old enough to say she didn’t want to live there anymore.” Mel, replied with a considerable amount of satisfaction in her voice.

“God! I’m so sorry Jan! I didn’t know!” I exclaimed, feeling a deep seated anger rise in me.

“Me too!” Jan added.

“I hope the two of you manage to be happy with each other. I mean that, I really do!” I said sincerely.

“Shit! You really are one of the last of the good guys, aren’t you Josh!” Mel said with a weak smile, going up on her tiptoes to kiss me gently on the lips, as she hugged me tightly, followed quickly by Jan.

I shrugged my shoulders uncertainly, and continued, “Here is what we are going to do to keep Jan out of the hands of some very mean and vindictive people” I said. “First, if you are contacted and threatened with exposure, unless you comply with their demands; refuse. However, the key to the success or failure of this strategy is in what they demand of you. If it’s not something awful that you just cannot live with, like fucking someone, multiple people, etc, then don’t refuse just do it. Sorry, but you may have to take your lumps and perform some of the demeaning requests, but you can draw the line on the seriously bad stuff, okay. They will figure out quickly that there are certain things you are not willing to do, even when threatened with exposure, and the demands will eventually stop. The important thing is that they never suspect that you are aware they don’t have anything to use against you, okay!?” I remarked. “And for God sakes don’t get caught on video or whatever again!” I said firmly.

“Yes, we understand.” Melanie said, with more confidence in her smile.

“No Mel, you don’t! These people will do their best to get something on you two when they realize the images and video are gone!” I said angrily. “Those bastards will become obsessed to get some dirt on you guys!”

“Wait!” I shouted unintentionally, “I’ve just thought of something! FUCK! I’m a genius!!” I yelled enthusiastically to myself.

“Well, I can see that modesty is also one of your better virtues!” Mel retorted, sarcastically.

“No really! Listen, here’s what you do; Jan, I want you to go home and take your father into your room and show him the mini cam in your ceiling AC vent.” I began.

“How do you know that’s where it is, if you didn’t see the video?” she asked indignantly.

“I didn’t see the video; that’s where they placed all of them because the vents are in good coverage spots.” I explained.

Continuing I said, “Take you Dad in your room, show it to him, and explain that you are being blackmailed and they have everyone on video. Also, make up some story about a radical Christian group of students that are demanding that it stop or they will turn the video over to the police.” I commented, adlibbing as I went. “Even if he doesn’t fully believe the story, it should scare him enough that he and your brother will leave you alone.” I said, secretly hopeful that it worked, for her sake. “You might even be able to work this to your advantage, so you can move in with Mel and her Dad right away. Hell, blackmail him if you have to; that’s up to you!” I said, neatly wrapping everything up and tying it a nice little bundle. I hoped!

“Josh,” Jan said, putting her arms around my neck, “thank you so very much! You don’t know how much this means to me. I couldn’t stand someone else doing that to me.” her voice cracking as she hugged my neck and kissed me quite passionately before releasing me and wrapping her arms around Melanie.

“God, I am sick for her!” I was thinking, now noticing Jan staring at me with a deep frown on her face.

Immediately, I sensed what she was thinking, “It’s not pity you’re reading in my expression Jan, its helplessness. I wish to God there was more I could do something about your scumbag father. We’ll find a way to make him pay for this.” I heard myself say with confidence, knowing that he would probably get away with it.

“Do you want a freebee Josh?” Mel asked, smiling seductively, taking Jan’s hand and placing it in her pants. Jan immediately worked her hand inside of Melanie; through her pants, I could see Jan’s fingers working feverishly inside. Mel swayed lazily in response.

“No thanks Mel, I’ve got to go.” I replied, blushing.

“Well then, would you like to stay and watch?” she asked, slipping her hand down the front of Jan’s pants.

Jan immediately melted into Mel’s body as she fondled her, which was making me hot, so I excused myself and gracefully made my exit.

“It’s a great offer maybe you’ll give me a rain check?” I asked, slyly.

“Sure! How about it Jan?” she quickly asked.

“Anything for Josh.” Jan replied, earnestly.

Briefly touching each one’s shoulder, I strolled down the path in the dark, leaving the flashlight so the girls could find their way back. Approaching the parking lot, from the woods, a blindingly white light shined in my eyes, killing my night vision.

“Jeez!” I blurted.

“Halt!” the voice over the speaker said, “Hands on your head and walk forward.”

“Shit!” I thought, “What the hell is going on?” I asked myself, walking forward, hands on my head, as instructed.

Several times I had to look at the paved area in front of me so I didn’t walk off the path, stumbling over a few obstacles I couldn’t see in the brilliant white light. Once I was within a few feet of the parking area, the light went out and an unamplified voice said, “You can put your hands down now.” followed by muffled laughter.

“Sorry about that, man!” said a voice I thought I recognized.

Unable to see a damn thing, I stood there as the white spots slowly began to fade from my vision. As my eyes gradually regained their night vision qualities, I could make out the dark outline of someone silhouetted again the low level glow of lights in a patrol car. Walking toward the car I could hear the muffled tones of the police radio and the distinctive crackle the squelch makes as it received a signal.

“Billy?” I asked, unsure.

“Yeah, it’s me! Sorry about the little joke. It seemed funny at the time; boredom makes you do strange things sometimes.” the police officer said jokingly.

“No problem. I just didn’t know what the hell was going on!” I remarked, casually.

“What’s going on? Who were you in there with?” he asked, in a semi-official tone.

“Oh! Yeah, I was talking to a couple of girls.” I said, sheepishly.

“Really! Where are they?” she asked, flatly.

“Well, they’re still in the park.” I replied.

“Without you!?” he said, surprised.

“Yeah Billy, they’re, ummm, lesbians, so they really don’t need me.
Although, they asked if I wanted to watch.” I remarked laughing.

“Hmm, and you didn’t take them up on it?” he asked, quizzically.

“Watching’s not my thing.” I glibly replied.

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” he remarked laughing. “Hey, I thought you were going to call me?” he asked, jokingly.

“Well, I was; I thought the end of the week would be better for you, so I was going to call you tomorrow.” I responded, putting my hands in my pockets.

“What are you doing now?” Billy asked.

“Now? Well, nothing actually. I was thinking about going home.” I replied.

Looking at his watch, Billy paused and thought a moment, “I’ve got an idea.” he began, “My shift ends in thirty minutes, what do you say I meet you at Toby’s and we take the Challenger out to the lake, so I can drive it?” he suggested. “I’ll bring some cane poles and we can do some night fishing, or not, whatever you want to do. Is that cool with you?” he asked smiling.

“Hey it sounds like fun, and you get to drive the car, as promised. Sure, let’s do it!” I said, excited about getting out, and kicking around with somebody new. “What kind of trouble could I get into; I’ll be with a cop!” I thought to myself.