The music is pounding, the lights are flashing and the gym is filling quickly. I can't see past the dancing bodies, jumping and spinning in time with the beat. I'm being held tightly by Ivan, to prevent me being torn from him. I'm not comfortable and I don't want to be here. He leans in to whisper, "Elizabeth, I love you . You have made this the best night ever." I can't breathe, and can hardly respond.
I sputter, "I- Its too hot in here, I need to get fresh air." I struggle out of his grasp and don't take time to turn back to him. I'm grabbed by a rough hand and spun, ready to face Ivan, but it's not him. William is looking at me, his concerned eyes are asking so many unspoken questions. He doesn't say anything as he leads me outside, as if we do this every day.
It's when we get outside that he speaks, in a hushed voice, "I know that Ivan doesn't treat you the way he should, I realize you wanted to get away for a while, I just wanted to check if you were okay. Are you okay?" I shake my head, "What can I do to help then?" I stare at him, astonished. The boy that I thought didn't even care about me is asking if he can help. I try to force myself to say something, anything, but the only sound that comes out is a small, strangled noise. I reach up to grasp the smooth amethyst necklace my father gave me for my birthday. Three months before he died of cancer he handed the necklace to me and said, "When I leave this earth and you miss me, remember this token of my love for you."
I finally choke out, "I don't want your--" when I am nearly forced back into the gymnasium. I'm half walking, half pulled back by the large, tan hand that belonged to the man I thought loved. We stop, I don't look up but I say, "I needed space, it was getting too crowded," I glance up to see his reaction and his face is bright red. Its getting redder by the second, too.
"You didn't have any problem leaving me to meet up with another guy!" Ivan barks, "How many other guys did you check in with while you were getting 'fresh air'?"
In what felt like a whisper I tell him, "I didn't do anything, Will followed me out. I didn't go to anyone. You're the only one." I hope he calms down, hearing this, but it only enrages him more.
"I know what you've been doing when you haven't answered my calls." Crying? I don't say this though. He tightens his grip and I whimper. Ivan sneers as he says, "You've been getting busy with that kid, Bill, right?"
"No," I answer, with a sudden burst of bravery, "His name is Will anyway," it was a mistake to correct him. Ivan explodes, spewing profanities, as he stomps out of the too happy, crépe paper decorated doors into the drizzle of rain. I sit there, numb, not sure what to do next, or how I'm going to get home.
