Bit by Bit

35

Nov. 24

Dear Corinne,

Today when I was waiting outside for my ride after practise, I realized that I forgot my water bottle in the drama room. So I dropped my bag and ran to the empty drama room to grab it. It was in the far corner, so I scooped it up, and when I turned around, Mr. Soren was standing in the doorway.

My heart started going a million miles a minute, and I dashed through the stage door. The stage lights were off, and I could hear his footsteps behind me, so I stumbled behind the curtain, through the dark. I tripped over the beaver dam from last year's production of Narnia, and his silhouette loomed over me. He bent down and I backed up against the pole behind me. He inched closer to me and slid one hand down my shirt and held the other over my mouth. He started exploring my chest and it hurt. I felt like a stress ball.

I tried to swat him away, but he came closer, so that his middle was pressed up against mine. Tears were streaming down my face, onto his hand. I threw my elbow into his stomach and he gasped, released me for a moment, and I scrambled away. My hands brushed the pole I was leaning against, so I jumped and wrapped my hands and legs around it, pulling myself up.

I didn't know I would be able to do it, but I reached the top and perched on the bars up there.

Mr. Soren: if you tell anyone...

Then the lights flicked on and a door opened.

Mr. Soren: get down here this instant!

You walked in.

You: what's going on?

Mr. Soren: she climbed the pole and won't come down.

You: Leigh?

Me:

Mr. Soren: you have one more chance to come down before I give you detention!

Detention with Mr. Soren was enough to scare me. I shimmied down the pole and stood with you blocking him from me.

You: we expect more from you if you are to continue with the musical.

Then you just looked at me with such... Disappointment. I turned and ran, not able to stand there and have you staring at me like that. Just, please don't hate me.

I'm sorry!

Love,

Leigh

95Lbs