SPEAK

Chapter 7: Stolen innocence I

*Ring Ring Ring*

My alarm blared, and I groggily opened my eyes. Oh no, I overslept. I rushed to wake up Mom and Ivor, who scolded me for being late. It felt like if I didn't wake up, no one else would. Argh.

I'd woken up at 5:30 am, managed to make breakfast and pack lunches for everyone, including myself, and tried to get ready for school. I hadn't even had time to study for today's biology test. Damn. By the time I checked the clock, it was already 6:25 am, and I hurried out without breakfast.

"Why are you leaving for school so early?" Ivor asked with his mouth full of waffles. I didn't answer, just focused on getting out the door. Mom had left thirty minutes earlier. I glanced at Xavier's house two blocks away and sighed. Why was I even thinking about him? He'd embarrassed me in front of the whole class last week.

I got to school in five minutes and was relieved to find it open. I slipped into a classroom, pulled out my biology book, and started studying. But my focus was shattered by footsteps approaching down the hallway. My heart raced, and I got a lump in my throat. Was I about to get kidnapped? Of course, kidnapped, that was what came to my mind first.

I stayed put, thinking of ways to escape if something bad happened. The door creaked open, making my heart beat faster. Finally, it swung wide, and Mr. Davis, the biology teacher, walked in. Phew.

But then a memory popped into my head-a girl had warned me, "Mr. Davis isn't as nice as he seems. Stay away from him." It was weird. Why was I remembering that now? My heartbeat picked up, and my throat felt tight.

"What are you doing here so early?" His voice was deep as he came closer. My mind screamed to get out of there, but I couldn't move. You know when you're sure something's wrong but you're not sure what? Yeah.

"I...I am...umm.. biology test...today," I stammered, hoping he understood my muddled words. He chuckled and stopped walking.

"Can you help me with something?" he asked, crossing his arms across his chest and looking at me intently.

"Not... right now, sir," I replied, trying to sound as respectful as possible. He came closer, placing his hands on the desk in from of me.

"You look so beautiful today," he said, and I gulped, feeling a wave of discomfort wash over me. I had seen scenes like this in movies, but I couldn't believe it was happening to me. My brain struggled to process what was unfolding. I stood up, but his strong arms pushed me back into my seat. He brushed a strand of hair from my face, and the way his eyes traced my body made me want to be desperately and completely unattractive.

His lips moved along from my neck to my ear, and his hot breath stung my skin. My mind went blank. "You are so nice. If you are good to me today, that'll be a sure A on your test today," he whispered. I wanted to cry, but my eyes were dry. I wanted to scream but my throat felt like it was clamped shut. I sat there, paralyzed with horror, as he placed his cold, rough hand on my fingers and traced a line up to my shoulders. He moved behind me, and I stopped breathing.

He tilted my head back and kissed my forehead, then brought his face to level with mine, his lips aligning with mine. Without a thought, summoning all the strength I had, I pushed him away and bolted from the classroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I heard him call after me, but I didn't look back.

I ran, trying to open every door I passed, but they were all locked. The sound of his footsteps grew louder behind me. My breaths came in ragged gasps, but I refused to give up. As I reached the stairs, I stumbled and fell, spraining my ankle. Pain shot through me, but I forced myself up and kept moving. There was no one in sight to help me. What was going to happen?

I limped through the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest. Just as I burst through the doors to the outside, I felt a fleeting moment of relief-until I heard him call out.

"Asha!" Mr. Davis shouted, but I ignored him, pushing forward even though every step hurt. He caught up to me, grabbing my arm. "Asha, I'm sorry. I was just so tempted. Please don't tell anyone," he pleaded, holding my hands in his. His voice sounded genuine, but I couldn't trust it. I nodded, more out of fear than agreement. Almost immediately, the school bus arrived.

The first person to step off was the girl who had warned me about Mr. Davis. It felt like fate. I ran to her, throwing my arms around her in a desperate, trembling hug. She seemed surprised but didn't pull away.

"What is the weirdo doing?" other students muttered as they saw us. "Shut up!" she snapped at them, hugging me back tightly. I wondered what Mr. Davis had done to her too.

During class periods, I started whispering to myself instead of listening to the teachers. "Why did he do that?" I felt as though he was watching me, even though he wasn't there. I'd jump at every small movement, convinced he was watching in the shadows. It was as if I was turning mad. "Why me?"

***

I got home and did my chores, still whispering, my heart still racing as it had when he was touching me. I waited, rooted in a spot, for my mom to get back home. I practiced everything I'd say to her, rehearsing the story over and over. My mom came home later than usual today, or maybe it just felt that way because I was waiting so anxiously.

When she finally walked through the door, looking tired and stressed, I hesitated. For a moment, I thought about keeping silent, not wanting to burden her. But men like Mr. Davis shouldn't be forgiven. Summoning my courage, I went to her and recounted everything I had practiced.

She blinked, her face expressionless. "So did he kiss you?" she asked nonchalantly. Really? This was her response? I shook my head, staring at the floor, feeling like I had overreacted. "Did he do anything else to you?" she asked again. I shook my head once more. She let out a tired sigh and took out her phone.

"Hi, this is Mrs. Oren. I heard some disturbing things today," she said, explaining everything I had told her but glossing over some of the more painful details. Despite her tired demeanor, I felt a sense of relief. At least he would be held accountable. Maybe he would get punished.

Maybe he would never do this to anyone else.

Hi, lovely readers!

I apologize for the short chapter. I didn't want to overwhelm you, so the continuation will be in the next chapter. I hope it doesn't feel too chaotic.

Stay safe and take care.

Lots of love,
Vee Melodie