No Shame (Book 2 - No Regrets)

Chapter Seventy-One - Whiplash

KATIE'S POV

I don't remember what else Sawyer says, his voice is a muffled murmur. I raise the phone up to my ear, "It wasn't me." I hang up the call.

The post was posted hours ago. I untag myself from the post and report it, then I go to the direct messages. "Katie, wtf is that post?" Sharlotte's message says.

"This you?" another message reads.

"Katie, I saw your post. Please come meet with Coach Sherbert tomorrow before practice. Until then, please take the post down." Cassidy, our team captain, messages.

I go through the other messages, much echoing the same sentiments. There are messages from people I don't know but who, I assume, know Jena and Garret cussing me out. I don't know what to do. I want to make a post to clear my name, but then more people would see the post. I want to ignore it, but then more people will think I did it. I want to get my parents to help me, but what could they do?

I feel as if I am glued to train tracks as two trains come barreling toward me from opposite directions. My phone rings again, Sawyer again. I decline the call and the other one that comes after.

"If you say it wasn't you, it wasn't you." he texts me. "I believe you" Another text from him says.

"No one else will." I text him back.

~~~~~~~~~

The post is eventually reported enough that the site removes it, but the flood of messages in my direct message box makes it clear the post did enough damage. I don't get any sleep. I hear Mom and Dad come downstairs and go down to the kitchen. I think of calling out to them, but I don't. I don't know why I don't.

I get dressed for school and pack my gym bag for practice in a daze. I don't say anything when they greet me in the kitchen. I don't say anything as Dad drives me to school on his way into work. I wouldn't even know what I would say. I removed the tag quick enough to avoid the few family members I have on my social media from seeing it. However, the post had the basketball team tagged up until the moment it was removed.

"Have a great one, Champ." Dad says as I get out of the car.

I manage a smile, "Thanks dad, you too." I close the door and walk into the gym building. Coach Sherbert and Cassidy are waiting for me near the entrance to the building. I hear a few girls already inside the locker room.

"Let's speak in my office." Coach Sherbert says. I can't gauge what she's thinking or feeling, I don't know what to expect.

She takes a seat behind her desk and Cassidy leans against the wall behind her, I take a seat in front of the desk. "Captain Cassidy brought a very alarming matter to my attention, there is a post which is claiming to be by you, alleging extremely disturbing matters." Coach Sherbert says. "I am aware that the post has since been removed but, as I am sure you know, the issue is far from resolved. I have gotten emails and calls from parents and members of the basketball team, all distressed by this. I wanted to speak with you before I spoke with the principal and other district faculty about this matter." She folds her hands on her desk. "Katie, please explain this to us."

"I didn't make the post, that wasn't me." I answer. "I swear it wasn't."

"Do you know who would make the post?" Coach Sherbert asks. "Or why that would make such allegations?"

"I don't know." I answer. "It wasn't me though."

Coach Sherbet nods her head slowly, she presses her index fingers to her lips. "Cassidy, you may now leave the room. I will be out shortly." Cassidy moves from off the wall toward the door, but before she leaves, she starts to say something but stops herself.