Just One Summer {Jeremiah Fisher}

Just One Argument

MENTIONS OF RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

I leaned against the wall as Laurel scolded us for what we had done. "Laurel I promise I didn't want to get into that fight. Faye was-" I cut him off before he could go any further.

"Arguing. I was arguing with him." Jeremiah looked back at me in confusion and I shook my head, indicating that I didn't want anyone to know. He nodded but I caught a glimpse of worry in those blue eyes.

"Whatever, will all of you just go to bed." Laurel sounded angry and I didn't waste a second. I rushed up to my bedroom and shut the door. I sat on my bed and let tears release from my eyes. The pit of disgust in my stomach made me sick.

Did I ask for it? Was it my fault? I was wearing a revealing dress. It was my fault. The thoughts raced through my mind but were interrupted by Jeremiah's desperate voice down the hall.

"Laurel, I promise you she's fine!" I could hear two fast footsteps approaching my door. I panicked and quickly tried to wipe my tears, but Laurel was in my room just as I was reaching up to wipe them away.

"Oh my dear." She came to me and sat next to me. She pulled me into a warm embrace, a much needed one. I began to cry even harder, letting sobs escape. I felt another pair of arms wrap around me, Jeremiah. "Tell me what's happened."

I looked up to fine Susannah, Belly, Conrad, and Steven all standing in my room. "Has everyone come to see the show?" I laughed through tears. Next thing I know there's seven other people on my bed, all waiting to hear what happened.

Fifteen minutes later and almost everyone around me had shed a few tears. Even Conrad. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that." Belly rubbed circles on my back.

"We'll go to the police tomorrow and report him for attempted rape and sexual assault." Susannah said, patting my leg.

"No," I quickly answered, "I don't want to get into anything with the authorities."

They all tried to persuade me but I insisted on not taking legal action. I knew I should but I had enough shit going on in my life and I didn't need anymore. "I've only been here for ten hours and I'm already causing trouble."

"No, no. This was not your fault, Faylin. It will never even remotely be your fault." Jeremiah said, pulling my head to his chest. I nodded while holding back a few tears that were begging to spill from my eyes.

"It feels like my fault."

"It isn't." They all said in unison. I giggled and looked up at everyone. I realized then that they were going to be there for me. I could talk freely about my problems and they'd listen.

I had only been there for a short time and I had seven people on my bed telling me that everything was going to be okay. In a sense, I believed them. But for Faylin Sawyer, everything goes to shit.

I woke up the next morning and felt Belly's presence beside me. She had insisted on staying with me because she said I needed comfort.

I turned over and smiled at her. She was fast asleep. I got out of bed and threw a over sized shirt over my bra and short athletic shorts.

I trudged downstairs to find Conrad sitting on the couch and holding his head. "Hey Conrad." I greeted, rubbing my eye and sitting down at the table.

"Oh hey Faylin." he lifted his head and smiled at me.

"Where is everyone?" I asked.

"Susannah and Laurel went to go get ingredients for a smoothie that helps with hangovers. Jeremiah is in the shower."