The New Kid

Chapter 27- Savannah's Secret

Things had changed since I discharged from the hospital. My phone was flooded with get-well messages from people I had never met at school and their invitations for friendship. I surprisingly found Dex and Asia were one of the well-wishers. I half-smiled at their messages. I wondered if I should've been happy they were hoping I got better, but I didn't know what to feel.

I put my phone down and continued watching Purple Rain. I also did nothing when I got home. I couldn't really function well with one arm. All I could do was look through my phone or change channels on the TV remote. Showers were the hardest of all, what with putting plastic over my cast and washing my hair with one hand only. My hair came out either really soft, or really oily from using too much shampoo.

I got a text from Savannah. She asked if I was home. I laughed a little at the question since that's where I had been for three days. I told her yes. I didn't give her my address since I assumed she had visited Drake before. She told me she was wanting to talk to me face-to-face since she felt that it needed to be said in person.

"Scott, there's a blonde girl here to see you," Mom said.

I nodded and still watched the movie.

"I love this movie," Savannah said.

She scared me since I didn't hear the door open. She sat next to me on my bed.

"How's that going?" Savannah asked, pointing to my cast.

I laughed, "This thing itches so bad."

Savannah smiled, "I'd imagine."

"So, why'd you want to come over?"

Savannah sighed, "There was something I wanted to tell you in person."

I nodded, "What is it you want to tell me?"

"There were two things actually," Savannah began, "You're gonna get mad at me for both of these things."

I raised an eyebrow. Maybe what she would tell me would show why she had a sad demeanor. Savannah sighed, "Well, I... I don't...I can't say it."

"Savannah, you've already mentioned you had something to talk about, so don't go back on your word."

She sighed, then touched my hand, "I don't feel an attraction to any guy," she said quietly.

I cocked my head slightly. Then the realization of what that meant hit me.

"I don't understand, Savannah. How did you not tell anyone?" I asked.

"I was afraid of what people would think of me. Phoenix is more religious than you realize, Scott," Savannah explained.

I was dumbfounded. I had kissed this girl who was closeted. I wasn't mad, just confused.

"Why did you kiss me then?" I asked.

Savannah sighed, "Scott, I just wanted to see how it felt to kiss a guy. You kissed well, I'll give you that, but I didn't feel anything. No spark, not even a tingle."

"Savannah, if you're over here to ask me to accept you for what you are, that's such a sad thing to do because your question was answered from the day I met you. I've always accepted you," I stated.

Savannah perked up. Tears began to well in her eyes, "Thank you, Scott. That means so much."

The smile on her face faded and she grew solemn, "Now, the second thing I wanted to tell you...God I can't believe I'm saying this."

"What is it?" I asked.

Savannah choked on more tears, then began, "When I was in the eighth grade, I was at one of Cameron's parties he used to throw. He had gotten with Jessica about three months before this. I've never told her what I'm about to tell you. You see...I had left my water in the dining room. I even put my name on it so I wouldn't get some random person's vodka or whatever these people were drinking. All of a sudden, I felt sick, and I called my mom to come get me. I thank God every night that we used to live a block away from Cameron. She took me home and I went to the doctor the next day. Come to find out there was...there was...I can't say it..."

"Cameron slipped a roofie in your drink," I finished.

She nodded, "I never told anyone because I don't think anyone would've believed me. You're the only one besides my family who knows."

I shook my head. There was a silver lining to the situation, as Savannah got away unharmed.

"I went on about life normally, so nobody would be suspicious. Cameron looks at me funny all the time now. Guess I'm the one who got away," Savannah said.

I grabbed her and hugged her tightly. The tears finally came upon my shoulder. I held her, wishing her solace as well.

"I'm glad you're safe, Savannah," I said.

She held me tighter. Eventually, she stopped crying and looked at me, "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Once he gets out of juvy, I'm beating the hell outta him. For you, for Jessica, for everyone," I said.

Savannah nodded, "Well, I think I've bothered you enough. See you tomorrow."

I went to sleep about ten minutes later, Savannah on my mind.