The Path Less Taken

Avery: September 1, 2014- 1:54PM

        "Avery, breathe. We're almost done."

I've never been so uncomfortable in my life. When will this torture end?

        "Sweetie take deep breaths."

Deep breaths? How are deep breaths going to help?!

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        They took me to the emergency room immediately after I filed the police report. Since I'm seventeen, I had to fill it out on my own. Mom brought my clothes up that I'd worn the night before for evidence. My favorite pair of shorts. The officer that took my statement walks in my hospital room to collect the clothes.

        "Those shorts won't fit you." I say jokingly. I'm trying to keep things less tense by telling jokes so maybe I won't feel so sad.

        "Still cracking jokes, huh Avery? You're a fighter, kiddo." He smiles at me and exits the room.

        The rape kit is finally over, other than a few pictures. A nurse walks in wearing pink scrubs, carrying a camera. She smiles at me with her perfectly straight, pearly white teeth. Her read hair is thrown up in a messy bun, and her makeup looks perfect.

        "Hey sweetie! I'm your tech, Natalie. I'm just going to snap a few pictures really quick. Go ahead and look up at the ceiling for me."

        I look up, and I hear the camera click.

        "You got a little bruising there, hun. Does it hurt?"

        I shake my head, "No. I didn't even notice."

        Next she tells me to open my mouth, so I do. She takes pictures of my thoat, and when she looks at the photo, she gasps. Another nurse walks over and they whisper to each other.

        "What's wrong?" I can hear my voice wavering. I try not to cry, but the lump in my throat is getting bigger and bigger.

        Natalie looks at me and gives me a sad smile. "You've got some bruising in your throat."

        I swallow hard. "Are we done now?" I whisper.

        Natalie nods and hands me a small, white tooth brush, a travel sized toothpaste, and a small bottle of mouth wash. I walk over to the sink in my hospital room and stare at myself in the mirror. Once I turn the water on and squeeze a large glob of toothpaste onto my toothbrush, the tears start stinging at my eyes. I start scrubbing my teeth as hard as I can. I can feel the tears running down my face, soaking my hospital gown. I feel as though my legs are going to give out underneath me.

        I lean up against the wall and slide down to the floor. Natalie walks over and sits next to me, stroking my hair as I sob.

        "I want my mommy" I say between sobs. Natalie nods and exits the room. I close my eyes and rest my head against the wall. I don't know much right at this very moment, but I am absolutely positive of one thing:

                 This bastard is not going to get away with this