I wear BROKEN like a crown

8- Pretty face, No trace

Angeline let me lie down in her room as she and whoever else crashed overnight, helped clean up the place. I wanted to call my dad right away but my phone was no where to be found. 

Angeline told me that she hadn't seen Adam either. Where could he have gone? How could he have left me? 

I couldn't close my eyes, because every time I did, all I saw was the mystery man's face. But the more I think of it, the more his face warps in my memory. The first time I closed my eyes, I was seeing his face clearly- in all of his disgusting arrogant handsomeness. By the time, I sat up, breathing heavily because I don't think I'd ever be able to sleep again, his face looked distorted, ugly- monstrous. 

I curled up on the bed, shivering despite the blankets I rolled myself in, unable to stay calm. I felt like no matter what position I was in, I still felt his hands touching me. I let out a choked whimper as I moved and felt the pain in my legs again.

What had even happened? What did I do? Did I deserve this? Since I'm trash?

I hadn't cried the whole time, mind blank, and in shock- my only goal to leave this cursed house. But now that I'm here- in a room I've been in before, surrounded by the familiar scent of a girl I've known most of my life- it hit me.

All the pent emotions crashed down on me and I weeped. I sobbed like a newborn, earnest and without restraint, nursing the mental wounds of the worst night of my life.

Angeline burst in not two minutes later, jumping into bed with me and pulling me into her arms again. "Oh Thea." She murmured into my hair. "What am I gonna do with ya?"

It took a while for me to calm down. I was ready to fall asleep but Angeline didn't let me. "Ya gotta tell me what's got ya so upset."

I looked at her. Would she believe me? Or will she think I'm trash too?

"Could anyone come to the party?" I asked softly.

"Pardon me?"

"The party. Could anyone come?" I repeated. 

She gave me a puzzled frown. "Well, yes, Thea. If it was an exclusive party, ya know all them hood rats wouldn't have been there." She gave me a side eye. "Did one of them do something to ya?"

"I- I don't know." I shook my head. "I really don't."

"Did someone hurt ya, Thea? I saw some bruises but ya get into fights all the time so I wasnt worries much." Angeline leaned in and fixed me with a look. "I ain't my brother, but you're like a sister to me. So, tell me, I won't do nothing. I'll just listen to ya."

I sighed and looked down. She wouldn't judge me. Hopefully.

"There was this... man. I had never seen him before." I started picking a scratch on my arm. "And, that's normal for bigger parties- but, I noticed him staring at me. Um. I- It was weird, but I ignored it? I just told Adam to keep an eye out."

Angeline nodded, eyebrows pinched together. I continued.

"I started to dance. With a boy. He was... nice? But when that man came up, it became clear." I sniffled. "He's a man. That boy was only a boy. And I'm only a girl."

I put my head in my hands and started to cry again, my head aching. Angeline rubbed my back, wiping off her empathetic tears. "Did the man hurt ya?"

I nodded slowly. More tears fell from her eyes. "Thea. Did he..."

I nodded again. This time, it was her who put her head down and cried. "I'm so sorry. I should've- I should've- in my own house? No way." She sobbed. "Thea, I'm so sorry."

It obviously hit her hard. I comforted her instead of her comforting me. The thought made my heart heavy but I kept my mouth shut.

After a minute, she calmed down, determination now clear in her eyes. "We'll find him, Thea. He won't get away with it. Do ya understand?"

I tilted my head. Interesting. I nodded. She squeezed my hands. Her voice was quiet when she next spoke. "Do ya remember what he looked like? Traits, voice, clothes? I'm calling the police."

I shake my head immediately. 

"What, no police?" Angeline looked appalled. "You can't be serious."

I pointed to her and then me. Realization dawned on her. "Just us two can't possibly be enough, Thea. I respect ya so much, but why can't we let professionals help us?"

They'll never believe without concrete evidence. He left no trace. They'll shrug it off and dismiss such heinous acts. I won't get justice but be known as the girl who was....

No.

"No police." I stated, my voice strong.

Angeline looked shocked for a moment before heaving a sigh. "Fine." She looked down, obviously greatly disappointed.

You disappointed her like the trash you are. 

The thought is whispered into my head, almost like it isn't my own- the suddenness of it startling me. When I whimper, Angeline looked up. "I'm not mad, dear. I just can't believe this happened. And now, no cops...? My house has no cameras, so many people were here, and if there were witnesses, ya wouldn't be in this position right now, would ya? I just don't see how we can do this alone."

I scratched my arm, anxious. Maybe I should just forget it. Bad things have happened to me before. I am... strong.

"Just leave it alone." My voice came out barely a whisper.

Angeline's jaw dropped. "Thea."

I shrugged. Her lips quivered. "I don't think ya should stay here." She says after a moment.

My heart dropped. Was she so upset that she'd kick me out?

"Don't look so frightened, dear. I don't want to stay here either." She stood up. "We'll leave once out there is clean. I'll lock up and we'll sleep at your house. Good?"

I let out a breath of relief, nodding. Good. 

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Ahoj! Is the storm truly over? How do you think our MC will cope?

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