Page 77 of Waiting Forever
“You looked thoroughly disgusted.”
“I was.” I snort and then laugh at myself.
The people at the table one over shoot us dirty looks. I laugh harder and bury my head in my arms on the table to muffle the sound. I don’t know why it’s so funny to me, although I think it has to do with my nerves.
Ever since Harper left, my stomach has been in a tight knot. Truth is, I’m scared as shit over what she has to tell Nathan.
It’s silly for me to think because Nathan and I haven’t had sex yet, our relationship isn’t stable. There are so many other reasons why it isn’t—our parents, our early stage in the relationship, Harper’s lingering presence, Nathan’s inconsistency when it comes to commitment, and, of course, sex.
“You sobered up quickly,” Azure comments.
I blink at him, unaware that I had lifted my head from the table until now. “Just thinking.”
“It’s the ex, Harper, isn’t it?” He fiddles with the pages on his book.
“Among other things.”
He studies me but doesn’t press the topic. “I can stay if you want me to.”
I glance at the clock on the wall behind him. He has class in a few minutes. “No. I’m fine. Thank you. Don’t worry about me. I had a dramatic moment.” I grin and roll my eyes.
Azure doesn’t look convinced. He stays put.
“You’re sweet. But go to class. I’m fine. I promise.”
With reluctance, he packs up and stands. “Think about the Halloween party.”
“I will.”
As he walks away, my phone vibrates on the table with a text. I stiffen when I read the screen. It’s from my former best friend, Isa.
29
Kensington
I HAVEN’T TALKED to Isa since I left Dallas. Correction, I haven’t spoken to her since she sided with her boyfriend and told me I was exaggerating about what happened because I wasn’t raped, and apart from some bruises on my arms and calves, my clothes hadn’t been removed.
I fought hard for them to stay on, fearing if the guys who attacked me got them off, it would be over, and I would be assaulted in a way I’d never come back from.
The most vivid memory I have of the attack is when one of the guys touched my belt. In that moment, I knew if they got the buckle undone, the rest of my clothes would follow, and I’d have no chance of stopping them from violating my body. So I fought, jerking and writhing while they held my legs and arms, my body suspended in the air as they tried to get me on the bed and get me under control.
Honestly, I don’t know how I did it. I was tired and terrified that I would burn out before they gave up on me or I could escape. But I didn’t quit. I refused and kept fighting.
Time passed. Probably only minutes, but it felt much longer. They reached for my belt several times, but I managed to buck my body and knock their hands away. I’d worn jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and lace-up boots because the weather had been overcast and rainy. I’d never been so thankful for the protective layer of clothing.
The two guys were swearing and yelling at each other to get a better hold on me. The one holding my calves stumbled a few times. Once he bumped into a dresser and lost his grip on my legs.
It’s a blur to how I actually got a way. I remember kicking and twisting and somehow breaking free. I don’t remember running from the bedroom, but I recall coming face-to-face with the only guy there I knew. Prescott’s friend, Liam. The skinny kid looked horrified.
He’d greeted me at the door when I first arrived and took my car keys when the guys who grabbed me thrusted them into his hand.
He was still holding them when I broke free from the bedroom. Instead of going after me, he backed up against the wall as if he were afraid, or maybe ashamed.
Frantic and still reeling with adrenaline, I charged him, snatched the keys from his hand with zero resistance, and ran out the door to my car.
My lungs felt as if they’d taken a beating, but my body was still too high for me to notice any abuse or pain.
In my car, I hit the gas and raced out of the neighborhood. The next thing I remember is parking at a nearby gas station and calling my dad. I don’t know why I chose to call him over Mom, but I did.
