The Virginity Killer

Chapter 5

Seeing Peter at the door gave me comfort as Cody looked at me in confusion.

“You wanted to talk. So talk,” I said.

“Peter! The guy who sexually assaulted you last year, is here, with you, holding your hand? What is wrong with you? Have I driven you so far from sanity?” Cody practically exploded.

“Wow, emotion, nice to see. Well at least we know something can get you to express it. But no. You know nothing. The less you know the better. Just have faith in me,” was all I had to say to him.

“Anna. THINK. You aren’t thinking. You are still suffering from some PTSD symptom, that’s why you are with him. Anna, remember last year-“

“I remember thank you very much. Well, in writing I remember. Look, you don’t understand. Just stay away from me,” I said before trying to walk away, but Cody stepped in front of me and I backed away from him.

“Anna, please. Listen to me. I know you hate me, but please, I’m begging you,” Cody said.

            I laughed. Cody…begging me? This was a new one.

“Sorry, I just… you begging me is too fucking funny. But Cody, please, listen to me. Trust me,” I almost growled.

            Cody took a step forward, I took one back. I didn’t want to be near him. I turned my head and saw the officer. His handcuffs…

            Suddenly I was back at Aaron’s apartment. I closed my eyes, threw my hands to my head.

“Anna?” I heard Cody ask.

“Anna, it’s okay, you’re here with me, Peter,” Peter said putting his hands on my shoulder, “It’s a Monday. It’s September 16th 2013. You are in Arnold Hall for Math,” Peter said.

“No…handcuffs…he…” I tried to say as images flew through my head.

“Anna, describe your surroundings,” Peter said and I opened my eyes.

“The ground it’s tiled or something that reflects, um we are in the hall, there are people over there, the officer on the bench, you, Cody,” I said and another image flashed and I closed my eyes again.

“Describe what I’m wearing,” Peter suggested.

“You are wearing a t-shirt, black, and jeans…” I said and started square breathing, so I wouldn’t hyperventilate.

“You okay?” Peter asked looking in my eyes desperately.

“Thanks. You read about PTSD?” I asked shocked.

“Of course, I did a lot of research. I am prepared for anything, I’m not going anywhere,” Peter assured.

“But…” I started to protest.

“No, I am NOT Cody. I am not leaving you,” Peter said.

“But Cody couldn’t handle the PTSD and eating disorder…he left when it got bad…” I said trailing off falling into a memory.

“Anna, he is 19, I am 25. I have a lot more experience and I am not going to leave just because the going gets tough. We are in this together, okay?” Peter said.

“He is 20 actually… but yeah, that’s true. Thank you,” I said and hugged Peter.

“I did not leave when the going got tough!” Cody protested.

“I don’t give a fuck what you say. All I know is I need a man, not a confused boy,” I said.

“Wait right here, I’m going to talk to the officer about the two triggers you have, he will make sure they are out of sight,” Peter said.