Vulpecula ✔️

The Abuse.

Nobody spoke in the group. Everyone was avoiding eye contact with me. They ignored the question and were looking for an escape.  I made sure I look at everyone but none looked at me. It was just me and Sophia, standing there, waiting for something or someone to say anything.

"Um... I'm being abused at home." A timid whisper escaped past Sophia's lips. We all turned to look at her in surprise. Although I knew something was wrong with her, I didn't think that she would say it right now and like that. "My mother's brother often comes and visits us. He and his son began touching me inappropriately sometime back. And they always threaten me to not tell my mother. and she loves them a lot. They harass me. And I'm scared."

My heart clenched at the thought. I felt bad for her, but I know she doesn't need my sympathy. What she needs is someone to understand her and support her. I pulled her into my arms. Because she was a little taller than me, she had to bend down to let me hug her. I rubbed her back soothingly but I know it held little to no consolation for her.

The group soon wrapped their own arms around us and we stayed that way for sometime. My mind was running a mile per second and I decided that such men should be behind bars. They don't deserve to stay free and roam the world like they are the right ones.

"Sophia will you stay with me? In my house?" I asked her once everyone stepped back.

"Your parents won't object?" She said.

"No. They are out for a business trip." The lie came swiftly. I'm so used to lying about my parents that it doesn't even seem like I'm lying anymore. I might just be the best liar.

"What are you planning Ava?" She asked cautiously.

"I know that you're strong. But this can't happen anymore. You are being harassed, and who knows who else they harass? You would not only be saving yourself but other girls as well who have gone through the same thing at their hands."

"Ava is right. You can't live there anymore. You need to stay away from them. And we will do anything in our power to help you." Dylan said taking my side.

"I'll talk to my mom and dad and we'll see what they can do." Edward volunteered. His parents are some really good lawyers and that could just aid our case. "This might sound too rude but do you have any proof of the abuse?"

"Yeah." She nodded meekly and looked at me. I could sense the hesitation in her being. But she had nothing to be afraid of. We would never judge her. It wasn't her fault. I reassured her with a small smile and nodded. She rolled her sleeves up and untucked her T-shirt. Her arms were filled with cuts and burn marks. Her back was covered with whip marks that didn't heal. They were an ugly shade of blue which had my skin crawling in pain.

"Oh my."

"Fuck."

"Shit."

"Motherfucker."

The whole group mumbled. It was just Kayden and me who didn't say anything. I looked at him and he had his unemotional mask on. His face was emotionless but his brows were furrowed indicating that he was thinking about it.

Sophia looked like she would cry any second. "Hey. They are not what defines you okay? And even if they do, they tell all of us that we are strong. That you've held on for so long. There must be something big awaiting you. So you don't feel ashamed about it okay?" I said to her holding her shoulder firmly.

"Thanks guys."

_________

I couldn't help but ask myself if Sophia did that on purpose. I'm not even sure if she is as innocent as she looks. Because of the things happening around me I've been paranoid and I find it hard to trust anyone other than, of course, my family.

What if Sophia wanted everyone to not discuss about the note? What if she is involved in all this? Or what if she is completely innocent?

The thoughts kept me awake last night and now I look like a zombie. I didn't even put any effort into dressing up because I felt like shit so why not look like shit? In the morning Sophia and I had our breakfast in silence. We both were lost in our thoughts to even make small talk. Once we headed in the car we both made small talk. It seemed like we were avoiding the main topic. For her, the main topic would be about her abuse but for me, it was about the notes.

I sound extremely selfish. I just found out that my friend was abused and here I am thinking about the mystery. But I can't help it. She revealed her big secret when I wanted to know things. When I wanted answers.

Looks can always be deceiving and I don't want to rely too much on my gut feeling, which says that Sophia is innocent. Precautions are better than cures.

Once I parked the car, Edward took Sophia away to talk to her about the case that they were going to file against her uncle and cousin. I looked around looking for a familiar face but came up with just Kayden. I seem to be spending a lot of time with him. So I began to avoid him.

I don't like him and I don't want to give him the idea that I like him, by being around him all the time. For now, I guess things can wait. We need to focus on Sophia first. Her mother owns one of the best event planning companies. Although she isn't as famous she still has some influence in the city. But so far the case was in our hands. We would be winning it with all the proofs.

"Hey Ava." Harry caught up to me in the hallways. He looked like he had just run miles and reached me. I smiled at his disheveled state and handed him the water bottle that Joanna always makes me carry.

"Water is important. You don't get it." She says.

"Hi Harry. You know I like your name." I told him as he stood straight.

"My name? Why?"

"Because you and Harry Styles share the same name. And we're talking about the Harry Styles." I exaggerated.

"Wow. I feel special. Thanks." He bowed dramatically.

"You should. Anyway, what is the purpose of you running after me?"

"I'll be attending the psychology class with you." Harry exclaimed. I know he knows everything too. And probably the guys talked and they decided that he would be my bodyguard or monitor the things that are happening to me. I was feeling more and more in the dark regarding all of this.

"Look Harry, whatever is going on, I need to know. Because I feel as much involved in this as you all are. But you know the answers to the questions and I don't. As of now we'll focus on Sophia and getting her out of that hell hole. After that I need answers." I said in all seriousness.

"I get it. But I have a question. When are you turning eighteen?" He asked me the same question.

"In two or three months."

"That itself will give you a lot of answers. Not only to you but to us as well." Harry said and walked away.

"Are you trying to act mysterious?"

"Go along with the act."

"Am I supposed to stand in the middle of the hallway with my brows furrowed as I look at your retreating back?"

"Yes please. Some girls might get intrigued by me. I'll get a girlfriend."

"Let's do it then." And we did. He walked away and I looked at his back with furrowed brows. I was trying my hardest to not laugh and by the stiffness of his shoulders, I could tell that he felt the same. But when he turned around to give me a small nod, we lost it.

We both burst out laughing.