Over the next month several things happened. For one thing, i turned thirteen. Edward gave me an absolutely stunning pair of thigh length leather boots. They were to die for. Jackson gave me a locket. John, a sheet of acid. And, Benny gave me the switchblade. i liked all of these gifts a lot, and bestowed kisses and hugs (well... sorta, was still nursing my ribs) on all four men. When Edward gave me his gift, i could see the speculative gleam in his eye, but wasn't expecting it when he decided it was time to try me out, see if i was well enough to work. He fucked me till he was finished, even though i lost control of myself and started screaming halfway through. When he was done, he stood up and sighed. He said at least another two weeks he supposed, and sent me to find John... and the salvation in his pocket.During that month Benny and i also spent a LOT of time together. i couldn't bear the jostling of my post on his lap, but, i could most often be found hugging my pillow by his side. i rode with him to ferry the girls. i sat in the car while he collected money. i sat by his side while he played countless games of spades and poker. i held his drink while he showed the girls to clients. In short, i found my greatest allie and most likely protector and held tight to him. John probably would have made a better protector, since he was ruler supreme in the basement (Edward hardly ever entered the basement) where the girls spent most of their time when they weren't on dates. But, John was no one's allie.This relationship with Benny annoyed Jackson greatly, but he never said anything. He wasn't totally stupid. And, during this relatively peaceful month, i began to let my disgust with Jackson show. Only in very small ways. Refusing to look at him, being slow to obey his commands, and occasionally sighing and rolling my eyes at him. Looking back i can see it was stupid. But, my hatred for Jackson had become bigger than my fear of him.That didn't last long.
