Even when I woke up, I still couldn't comprehend what happened last night.
Ethan: Chloe, I am so sorry for what happened last night. Someone told me what I did, and I had no clue I did that. I understand if you can't forgive me, but I hope somehow you can. If there's anything I can do to make up for what I did, please let me know. I am so sorry and that will never happen again.
Even after an apology, I'm still not okay. I know the truth now, but I'm still afraid.
I'm not sure how I made it home alive. All I can say is it was luck. I barely remember the walk, but I know I fell a lot.
My knees had bruises, cuts, and scrapes. There was dried up blood everywhere and I felt disgusting.
———
Monday
The weekend gave me some alone time, which I haven't had in a while. No one could touch me, hurt me, or see me.
Now, back to reality. I didn't want to see Ethan because I knew he'd just apologize again. I just want to be left alone and in peace.
The last time I was in peace was when I lived in Italy.
My independent study hour suddenly gave me something to look forward to. Cameron was in my class all along.
I sat next to him in the library today, which is where that class takes place. Instead of doing homework and being productive, we just talked. Talked, talked, and talked about random shit.
He even offered to drive me home after I complained about not having my license.
My independent study hour was my last class of the day. We left the library once the bell rang and headed out of the school.
"We should hang out," he says. "For sure."
"Like today," he chuckles. "Oh, um... it's kinda last minute and I don't think my dad would be okay with that."
"Just say you have to go to tutoring," he shrugs. "Good idea," I say. We head to his car, but I suddenly see Ethan approach his car, but he stops to look at us.
"Hey, Dolan," Cameron says. "Hey," he says with a blank face. He looked a little worried.
"What's up, man? It's been a while," Cameron gives him a 'bro hug.' "Yeah, uh... nothing much. Chloe, did you forget about our study session?" He asks.
I furrow my eyebrows and Cameron does the same. "Yeah, we had plans," he says to Cameron, "but hey, let's play some football later."
"Uh... yeah. Well, see you later, I guess," Cameron says to me before walking off. "Ethan, what the fuck?!"
"Shh! Just get in," he says. "What the hell?! No! You just ruined my plans!"
"Fine. Go get raped," he bursts. "W-what?" I choke. "Get in and I'll explain."
———
"How many?"
"Like... 20 girls."
"And he hasn't gotten caught?!" I was so angry. "Nope, because the girls are too scared to tell the school and police."
"What the hell," I say in shock. "Yeah, you're welcome, by the way."
"You just saved me from something awful," I say, "how did you know about all this?"
"The girls talk and I heard it through gossip. I caught him once too."
"And you didn't report him?"
"He claimed it wasn't 'rape,' but I don't believe that at all. Plus, I don't have enough proof."
"That's so awful," I say.
He pulls into my driveway and puts the car in park. "I wanna apologize again."
"You don't have t-"
"It wasn't okay. I don't wanna seem like another 'Cameron.' I want you to trust me. What I did wasn't okay, Chloe."
"You were drunk though."
"That's also my fault. I chose to drank knowing nothing good would come out of it."
"I understand," I nod, "and I appreciate you a lot. Apologizing shows me you care. You even looked out for me and stopped me from going with Cameron."
"I care about you."
———
