Unknown to the Person I Am

Commotion

The next day she went home. Alistar helped her out and they swapped emails so the two keep in touch. He gives her a kiss on her cheek, telling her that he'll always be here. Aadya just smiles and reciprocates the feeling, but she's heard that saying one too many that the meaning has fallen out of her dictionary. 

Getting home was hectic even with Alistar's help. News outlet all wanted a piece of her, wanting to her her side of what happened. Was she asking for it? Was it all consensual and now she's crying rape? Was she drunk? Was she seducing these men? She didn't answer these questions and got into the wings of her home. 

Finally being in her home, Aadya just felt safe. Even if the world was against her. 

She steps into the shower and lets the familiar scent of her shampoo greet her. The softness of her clothes welcome her. The sheets of her bed hug her. Sleep would help. It's the only thing she needs right now. 

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The next few days she was plastered on the news. Reporters bugging her. Police officers asking questions on a repetitive cycle. She stopped going out unless it was necessary. Just hoping this whole thing would die out, like they all do. Nobody really truly cares, they just want to have a topic to talk about. They just want to exploit her. To tell her how this is her fault. 

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It took two weeks, but everything soon faded away. She was replaced on the news by the new pandas coming to the zoo. Reporters moved on to the next hot thing of what celebrities were hooking up. Police officers put away her case. 

It didn't sting Aadya that her rapists may not get caught. This is life and it's rarely fair. She sits by the window and watches the people go by. Then she does something she hasn't done in a while. She takes a smoke and huffs. Letting her body take in the toxins. Then she puffs. The smoke disappears just like she did.