Once

Chapter 14

We find a pathway in the woods, and drive until we find a clearing

"Is this good?" I ask Luke after I park.

"Yeah, perfect."

"Great" I smile at him. I grab a blanket from the trunk so we can sit on it.

We sit cross legged on the blanket I look up to match his gaze, and he starts to lean in. Once we are going steady I climb onto his lap, and we slowly fall to the ground.

His hands are moving all over my body, causing an explosion of feelings. But all of a sudden, flashes of that night come back, and I pull away. I scramble to get off of Luke.

"What happened? Are you okay? Did I do something?"

I'm not sure what my expression is at the moment, but I probably look traumatized.

"I, um, I-I need to tell you something" I say in a shaky voice. Luke's nods his head, as a way of telling me to go on. "I don't know how to say this, well I do, but I've never admitted it out loud. God I don't know I just-"

"Relax" he says. "Calm down, take a deep breath and then tell me." He says and immediately cools me down.

"I was raped." I say after what seemed like hours of silence. I look up to see an expression of disbelief on Luke's face.

"What? When? By who? What the fuck!?" He panics.

"It's a long story. It was the summer before sophomore year, a couple days after I had finished up being a freshman actually. And my mom had this boyfriend. She claimed to have only been seeing him for a month at the time, but I knew she was sneaking around with him when my dad was alive. I don't want to get into detail, I'm not ready for that yet. But, long story short, we won our case and he is currently in prison" I give a small smile at that last part, that's a true accomplishment.

"Who is this bastard?" Luke says in fury.

"His name is, um, Adam Dake."

"The old gym teacher?"

"Yes." I answer

"What the fuck? The guy is like not even 30. He's closer in age to you than he is to your mom. What were they doing together anyways?"

"I honestly don't know. My mother was furious at me when he was sent off to jail, things have never been the same since, but we're trying." I sigh.

"Baby, I don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry, no one should have to go through that. I wish I could've been there for you, helped you through it. Are you okay now? Does it still bother you?"

"No, I'm fine now" I lie.

"Are you sure?" He asks. "It's okay if you're not." Luke reassures me.

"I know, I'm sure" I say and peck his cheek "Thank you" I give him the most convincing fake smile ever.

"You would tell me if you weren't, right?"

"Yes. Of course." I lie again. I fumble for any other words. I'm still in awe at myself for finally admitting it out loud. It took years and years. Who would have thought that Luke Hemmings, of all people, would have gotten me to say it.

"Kylie?" Luke says, pulling me away from my thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"I care about you. Please know that. If you ever hurt yourself, or did anything...well I wouldn't know what to do. Promise me? You will never harm yourself?"

"I promise."

Well, at least not anymore. I think to myself as I brush my hand across my right hip.

He won't know. He can't know. He will never know.

I try to convince myself. It's not really working, but hopefully I'll get through to myself one day.

•hi guys I'm tired. Hailey from the last chapter is Hailey Baldwin btw. Ok I'm falling asleep. The 4th of July was toooo much fun omg. Goodnight-Erin💜•