𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗜 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧. a true story

⁀➷ 32- COUNSELOR'S OFFICE

-𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐲-

I didn't tell anyone about what had happened. As far as I knew, no one else except for me, Connor, and Ian was aware of the incident.

---

The next day- Wednesday

"Mal, can I borrow this?" I asked, taking my older sister's purple turtlenecked sweater out of her closet to wear to school.

She raised an eyebrow. "I thought you hated turtlenecks?"

I shrugged. "I guess my style changed."

I was about to leave her room when Malina asked, "What are you trying to hide?"

I froze.

"What is it? A hickey?"

"What? No! It's just a bruise, nothing big," I mumbled.

I turned around again to leave, but Malina leapt up and blocked the doorway.

"Don't think I didn't notice Connor Jeong running out like the wind after I got back home yesterday."

I sighed. "Fine. It wasn't him. It was Ian." I pulled my hair away to show her the large purple splotch. "Happy now?"

Her eyes went wide. "Oh my gosh, what did he do to you?"

I spilled the whole story, and when I finished, Malina sighed.

"You realize you can't keep this a secret forever, right Mel? This isn't right. Ian deserves to face the consequences for his actions."

"But he could hurt-"

"He's already hurt you, can't you see? Once mom and dad and Ian's mom finds out, they won't let him lay a hand on you. What happened to bold, fearless Melody? Since when do you cower in fear?"

I pulled on my fingers, contemplating this.

My sister gently laid a hand on my shoulder. "Tell mom or dad today. Got it? You can't hide forever."

I left her room, still in deep thought as I changed.