Page 55 of Harmony

Pressing play, I hold my breath.

At first, it’s dark. Then the camera is moving. I can hear voices, but I can’t make out what they are saying.

Then the room comes into focus.

It’s the locker room. More specifically, the men’s locker room. The two people are me and Nate. I’m bent over as Nate slams into me from behind.

It’s a sex tape. A sex tape of me and Nate.

I slap my hand over my mouth, holding back the vomit. My body feels heated, like a fever has taken over. There is a tingling sensation on my skin, making me feel like a live wire. My breaths come quicker, dizziness from lack of oxygen setting in.

This can’t be happening.

I’m gasping for air.

Unknown: It’s okay, Hailee. Breathe. It’s not like we are going to blackmail you or anything. Oh wait. That’s a great idea.

The next message brings tears to my eyes.

A moment of weakness blew my cover. There is no way they will believe I hate him now. I could see how I looked. I was greedy for it. I wanted him more than I wanted my next breath. I didn’t care what the consequences were.

I don’t regret the act itself, but I regret how it came about. We were so focused on each other; we didn’t even realize someone else was there.

Then I remember the sound I heard before I left. I guess I had a clue someone might be there. Isn’t that why I ran?

Putting my head between my knees, I ignore the next buzz of my phone. I need to settle down. Get my shit together before I truly lose it.

“Hailee? What’s wrong? What can I do?”

I hear the words, but they are fuzzy. Almost like I’m underwater.

“Hailee, come on, girl. I need you to breathe.”

The next thing I know, arms surround me, holding me tight to a chest. I blink my eyes as the tears fall freely.

After several moments, my heartbeat slows. I can hear the whispered murmurs in my ear, reassuring me I’m okay. I can feel a hand caressing the back of my head as it holds me to a broad chest.

When I finally feel calm, I pull back, looking up at Jacob.

“What happened?”

I let out a sob, collapsing back into his chest. I can’t tell him, but I can take this from him. This comfort he is offering.

“We won’t talk about it. Let it all out, Hailee. I’m here for you. I’ve got your back.”

I don’t know how much time passes before I finally settle, my tears drying up.

“Thank you,” I whisper as I hug Jacob closer to me.

“Anytime. I meant it. I got your back, Hailee. You can trust me.”

I give him a sad smile. “I think I need to figure this out on my own. Thank you for being here for me, though. I appreciate it.”

“Always. Do you want me to stay with you a while longer?”

I shake my head. My body is depleted. All I want to do is go to sleep.

“Well, I’m only a room over. I’ll tell Loraine to find somewhere else to sleep for the night. I think you need some time alone.”

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