Just A Girl

Chapter 10

3 weeks had passed and I was back in school. Leo had gotten charged with sexual assault and would be serving time in a juvenile facility for 2 months and then 3 months of probation. His sentence is a joke and a slap in the face, but I guess the justice system feels like they're doing something.

Things at home seemed to be going over well, but I honestly still felt distant.

I had been receiving supportive calls and texts from Justin and Skylar. I responded back and even let them come visit me sometimes.

I kept in contact with Mrs. Ramirez, but I didn't want to speak to Adrian.

I'm not sure if it was because I was afraid of his touch or if I was ashamed of what happened and him being an almost first hand witness.

Sitting in bed, I sent a text to Adrian saying, "Hey. Can you come over?"

"Yea. Be there in 10." He replied.

Pacing around my room, those 10 minutes felt like a decade. Hearing the doorbell ring, I walked down stair and opened the door.

Greeting Adrian, I led him to our backyard.

"Would you like something to drink? I'm going to get some lemonade." I asked.

"Uh I'll take the same. Thanks."

Returning to the backyard with our drinks in hand. I knew I needed to break this barrier.

I took a deep breath and started talking.

"Look Adrian, I know I've been giving you the cold shoulder and it's not fair, but I felt like I couldn't trust you. You were the one that came and stopped the assault. If anything I should be obsessively thanking you everyday, but I'm in a weird space. I like you. And not just in a friend way. I struggled because I can't like you in that way and be afraid of your touch all because of what some jerk did to me."

Taking a pause, I continued with, "I'm not sure if you understand, but I don't think you'd want to be with me after seeing something like that."

I began twiddling my fingers hoping he would say something.

After a few minutes of torturous silence, Adrian cleared his throat.

"Addie. I like you alot too, and not just in a friend way. I respect you and your decisions. I'm not sure why you think I wouldn't want to be with you after what Leo did. If anything, I've witnessed your amazing strength and beauty throughout this whole ordeal. I can understand you not wanting to be in a relationship right now. You've been through alot, but I just don't want to be pushed away."

Feeling a weight lift off my chest, I looked at Adrian and said, "Thank you. I would like for us to stay friends and grow from there if it happens."