Something New

Chapter 5

We walk barefoot through the sand. After lunch we placed more guitar together with dad. Dad seemed to enjoy jamming out with us young people. Before we moved, he had a band with a few of his friends. But after we moved, he didn't find anyone he could play with.

'It used to be a lake, but when the property was sold to the current owners, this part of the lake was sold with it. The owners laid down a bunch of sand. They kind of made their own beach.' I tell Jason.

'It is beautiful out here.' He says. He takes his time to look around.

'Yes, it is. Hailey and I have always visited a lot, but especially this summer.' We have made some great memories here.

'And nobody knows it's here?'

'For a small town that spreads gossip like the flu, it is a miracle that this place is still one of the hidden treasures. So, you better not tell anyone because is this is my hiding spot.' I laugh.

'You haven't been in town since it happened?'

'No.' I admit.

'But you did groceries yesterday?'

'Yes, in our neighboring town.'

'Was it really that bad?' He doesn't imply that I am overreacting with the tone of his question, like Joe did when I confronted him with what he had done. And that is a relieve.

'Depends on how you at it. I wasn't raped, thank god! He wasn't in any way aggressive towards me, luckily. It is definitely not the worst thing someone has ever done. But what he did... it's just not right. He broke my trust, he humiliated me. And he did take advantage of me in other ways. He knew how to play me to get what he wanted. He broke my heart and I wish I could take it all back.' I sit down in the sand. It's too warm to walk any further.

'I am really sorry that happened to you.'

'I know. that is why I don't want Hailey to get hurt. Been there, done that. It isn't fun.' I say.

'I can't promise anything, because I don't know her that well. But I would like to find out. Maybe it works out, maybe not.'

'I know.' I repeat.

'You should go into town.' He says out of nowhere.

'What?'

He sits down next to me. 'I know it's hard, but school is going to be hard too. So, why not start now and show those bullies that you don't care what they say about you?'

'But I do care.' I say.

'Then act like you don't. when they see that you not care, they will eventually stop caring as well.'

'If it was only that easy.' I say.

'It might take a while, but eventually it will get better. I promise!'

'We'll see. I am not going to town today. Baby steps, okay? Now, I just want to enjoy the sun and the sand.' I close my eyes and angle my face towards the sun.

'Okay.' He says.

My phone buzzes not even seconds later. I look at my screen and sigh.

'Who is it?' Jason asks.

'Principal Santhony.'

'You have the principal's phone number?'

'Yes.'

'Why?'

'I always give the new students a tour of the school. So, I always need to be in contact with the principal, just in case there are changes I need to know about.' I explain.