Not That Girl

Chapter 20

Michael freaked out as soon as I uttered Mr Matthew's name, he looked absolutely pissed.

'Ronny, before I break something, tell me what happened.'

He'd driven me back to campus and made Eric promise to bring my car back for me, he'd dragged me into his dorm and told William to go sleep in Emily and my room. He couldn't even look at me the entire time and only stopped his whirlwind of anger when we were alone.

'I don't want to talk about it.'

He looked like the top of his head was going to explode, 'Ronny.'

'Fine, fine! He kissed me a few weeks into the term. Then he touched me, just my hips and stomach.'

'And the bruise?'

'He was touching me and kissing me but I didn't respond so he shoved me. I fell back against a desk.'

'Has anything else happened?'

'First he took my hoodie but... today he took my bra.'

'What!?'

'He unclipped it from under my shirt but he- he didn't see-' I couldn't keep talking.

He lent forward and gently pulled my body towards him gently folding his arms around me, rocking. I went stiff but he just kept going, he just held me until my body went limp and I was crying into his shirt.

'Everything's gonna be okay Ronny.'

'I can't go back Michael, I can't see him again!'

'It's alright. I'll take care of it.'

'How?'

'We can go to the dean, report him.'

'I can't prove anything.' I mumbled.

'As soon as you report it he has to be suspended, proof or not.'

'That's not a permanent solution.'

'You said he took some of your clothing, if they find it then there's the proof. We can't just not say anything, you have to come forward or he'll be able to do this again.' I flinched.

'Will you come with me?' I sound like such a child.

'Course, we can go tomorrow morning, we'll skip philosophy and go straight to the dean.'

'Thanks.'

'Ronny, you know I care about you right?'

'Why though?'

'Because you're strong,' he gently pinched my bicep, 'brave enough to race even when I told you not to, you're really beautiful when you smile,' He ran a finger over my lips. 'You're honest and innocent.'

My eyes widened and I couldn't decide what to say so I threw my arms around his neck and hugged as tightly as I could.

'Thank you for being stubborn enough to make me talk.'

He chuckled softly.

'Ronny? Are you still scared of me holding you?'

'No, I'm over that, I just freaked out.'

'Good, I didn't want to scare you again.' He smirked.

'What do you m-' He gently kissed me.

Michael's lips were soft and he moved slowly, gently kissing me until I responded. His arms rested on my hips and I still had my hands on the back of his neck, fingers curling in his hair. He needs a haircut.

I felt Michael's hands slid down under my thighs so I straightened my legs and lay back, he hovered over me not breaking the kiss. I finally had to breathe so I moved my head, Michael kissed down my neck down to my jaw bone.

'Ronny, I don't want to scare you or anything so I'm going to stop okay?'

'Thanks for being so considerate.' I really wish he didn't stop.

'Let's get some sleep, huh? You can take William's bed if you want.'

'Nope.' I cuddled closer to him on his bed.

He chuckled, 'Well I do prefer this.'

Michael pulled the blanket over us and wrapped his arms around me so I was pulled against his chest. I think I just found the best place on Earth.

***

Michael looked pretty uncomfortable in the plastic office chairs, he kept glancing around the university's waiting room like someone was going to jump out at him.

'You okay?'

'Yeah, I'm just used to being in trouble when I'm sent to the dean's office.'

That made me smile, 'Idiot.'

'Yeah, yeah. How're you doing.'

'I don't want to repeat it.'

'I'll be right there.'

'Thanks.'

An annoyed looking office assistant looked at us, 'Miss Rochester? The dean can see you now.'

'Thanks' I got up and followed her, Michael on my heels.

Dean Wilkins sat behind her desk with an impatient look on her face, when she saw Michael it turned into a scowl.

'What did you do this time Michael?' She huffed.

He gave her an innocent look, 'Who? Me? Nothing!'

She rolled her eyes and looked at me, 'You're a new face, well, have a seat and tell me what you two are here for.'

We sat In the soft leather chairs and Michael held my hand so I would have some comfort.

'I'm here to report- I-' Deep breath. 'I need to- I need-'

Michael spoke up for me, 'She needs to report a teacher for sexual harassment or assault or whatever it's called.'

I swear Dean Wilkins' eyes almost popped out of her head.

'This is a very serious allegation.'

'I know.' I muttered.

'Which teacher?'

'Mr Matthews.'

She nodded, 'I'll need you to make a statement which will be recorded.'

'Okay.'

I ended up telling her the entire story, in detail. I had to spell out every little thing that had happened from the first time I felt uncomfortable around Mr Matthews to the incident with my bra. She listened intently and when I was done the dean looked like she was ready to tear her hair out.

'I'll have to inform the police and your parents.'

'Do you have to tell my dad, I'm not a minor anymore.'

'I'm afraid it's school protocol.'

'Fine, whatever. I don't really care.'

She nodded, 'There'll be a hearing as well which you'll need to be at although you won't have to say anything, just be present.'

'Got it, um, can Michael be there?'

'Sure.' She smiled, 'I'm glad you've got a boyfriend to stand by you in this.'

My eyes widened and I was about to tell her that Michael and I aren't dating when he butted in, 'Yeah well I'm lucky to have her.'

As soon as we left the dean's office I kissed Michael's cheek, 'So, since when are we dating.'

'How about now?'

I laughed at his hopeful face, 'Okay.'