Fifteen Feet Ahead

Chapter XX

Chapter XX
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Christmas break ended last week. As expected, it was pretty lame overall. Christmas time in Florida is always kinda of dumb because our house is decorated with evergreen trees and snowmen while the sun is shining on a beautiful sixty degree day outside. I have only experienced snow once, and that was two inches of white powder that could barely cover the grass. Duncan and I attempted to build a snowman that day, it ended up being a one and half foot mound of packed snow with a pink scarf and a few sticks poking out the sides. It took us almost two hours to complete that snowman.

The only good part about Christmas break was the unexpected gift from my mom.She handed me a small box wrapped with gold metallic paper.

"Here," she smiled brightly. "I think you'll really love this one."

"Alright," I grinned, tearing off the wrapping paper. Lifting up the box's lid, I revealed two rectangle pieces of thick paper. In bold lettering read 'Walk The Moon Talking Is Hard Tour'!

"Oh my god!" I screamed, embracing my mom for a huge hug. "Mom thank you! Thank you so much!"

The concert definitely gave me something to look forward to. It wasn't until May, but it was the only reason why I was sitting in class right now. Another day that passed, another day closer to Walk The Moon. And let me tell you, if my favorite band wasn't there for me today, I don't think I could've made it out alive.

The bell rang, and I was headed to English. This was probably one of the worst times of the day because Duncan and his whole crew passed me in the hall. Yes, Duncan, Sanders, Gavin, and my most favorite person in the world a.k.a Brandon Clifford.

You see, as individuals the guys are tolerable, but if there's one thing I've learned in high school so far it's that adolescent boys are so much more obnoxious, perverted, and downright mean around their group of friends.

I keep my head down low, clutching my english book to my chest, attempting to disappear into the massive sea of people that flow through the halls. They all look the same, and they all seem to know where they are going. It's fascinating really, how they walk to their classes, all individuals with secrets and wild dreams, people who can cover up their weirdness and conform to everyone else. If only I could do that, than maybe I wouldn't be such an oddball, such an easy target. Maybe if I change the rhythm of my step or change from my band t-shirt to a fuzzy maroon sweater, I could blend in with them. Maybe Brandon wouldn't have spotted me today.

"Hey Randeeee," He hummed, walking beside me at a distance that was just too close for my liking.

Just ignore him. Just ignore him. My heart pounded more and more with every step.

I could hear Sanders's and Duncan's laughter right behind me. Oh great, the gang's all here. Their warm breath tickled the back of my neck. I am sure Gavin was there too, but I let my eyes focus on nothing but my feet. I had to get to English, I just had to get to class now.

Suddenly, I felt a hand grab my butt. I swear the entire word could hear my heartbeat now. I was violated, embarrassed, livid, and just a million of emotions at once. My face heated up so quickly, I thought I was going to catch on fire. God, I hoped no one else had noticed, but at the same time I was praying for someone to save me. I felt so vulnerable, so helpless.

Duncan frickin' Arnolds just touched my ass, and World War III was just about to begin. My gut knew that it hadn't been Sanders or Gavin, and of course it couldn't of been Brandon because he was standing beside me.

I am going to say it straight and clear: Duncan Arnolds, my childhood best friend committed an act of sexual harassment against me.

It was then that I began to realize, I hate him. I hate him more than Dani, more than Gavin, hell, I hate him more than Brandon. The boy I once rescued on the flooded streets was one that I no longer knew, one that barely even existed anymore.