gavin (#projectnoisno) || ✓

VIII: DEFENDING GAVIN

D E F E N D I N G        G A V I N

"What do you mean that can't be possible?" I asked not even hiding how offended I was.

Maki looked me straight in the eyes. "How did Gavin not fight back? I'm pretty sure he's stronger than Natalie."

My frown deepened. "You're freaking kidding me, right?"

Maki sighed. "Ingrid, listen," she said, "It's just rape...rape is a serious accusation."

"Yes, and you of all people, should know that," I said, "What happened to all those consent rants you had for me? What happened to those?"

She ran a hand through her silky straight hair in contemplation. "Ingrid, I just need you to be sure with what you're trying to tell me," she said, "You're telling me a tall, muscular athlete was taken advantage of by his tiny girlfriend."

"Yes," I said firmly. Maki's doubtful eyes put me on edge and I shook my head at how she was reacting. I never thought Maki could disappoint me like this. I slung my bag on and headed for the door. "You know what, forget it," I said, "I'll go and try my luck with another hypocrite."

Maki grabbed my arm and her lips twisted into a sad frown. "Ingrid, come on – "

"No," I said, glaring at her, "Maki, I've listened to every feminist thing you had to say and you've always astounded me with how much you know." I shrugged her hold off of my arm. "But turns out you have your own end of ignorance when it came to men." Pulling her door open, I gave her a scowl. "If your brand of feminism is only for girls then go ahead and keep it."

I closed the door shut and rushed downstairs. Anger and disappointment were battling in my head but in the end the latter won as the primary emotion. I gave a quick apology to Mrs. Ryou before leaving.

My brows felt like they were permanently etched together as I rode the bus to my street and even as I stepped off the vehicle to walk the rest of the way. As soon as the emotion of anger wore off, my shoulders slumped. I could feel the heaviness of my heart with each step I took closer to my house. I had no idea what my next move would be.

"Dad, I'm home," I called out warily as I entered the door.

"You have a visitor," I heard my dad say, his tone rigid and it seemed to come from the living room. My brows scrunched together as I walked over to him and once I saw who my visitor was, my eyes widened.

Gavin Lucas sat awkwardly in the middle of the grey couch, his back scrunched over as he fidgeted with his fingers and my dad was just standing next to him with his arms crossed over his chest. Dad's face was set into a stern look that he used to intimidate people but I was unfazed by it by now. I do, however, understand why Gavin didn't share my sentiments.

I gave him an encouraging smile. "Gavin, what are you doing here?"

"Uh, well, uhm, guess I just wanted to know how your research was going," he mumbled, "Wanted to know how you're doing, too."

"She's doing just fine," my dad said. I grabbed my dad's arm lightly and gave him a look that translated to 'Really?'

Gavin gave him a small smile. "Of course, I know she is, sir. Just wanted to make sure."

"I'm okay," I said, "I do need to discuss about the research so we should head to my room."

"Your room?" Dad asked, dumbfounded.

"Yes, dad, my room," I said, raising my eyebrows, "Gavin's a friend."

He gave Gavin a once over when he stood up and towered over my dad. An unimpressed look was etched on Dad's face as he said, "No funny business, young man,"