Page 12 of Extracurricular with Mr. Abbot
I open the card and help her read it.
To Princess Megan,
I hope that you’re okay.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
From
Your friend.
She didn’t sign it, but she did draw a ball. I can’t help but chuckle at the picture she drew. It’s a princess, Erin, and a ball.
“Oh, daddy, it’s my friend,” Megan cries in awe. “The silly one who thought I hurt the ball.”
“That’s right honey, yes, it’s Erin.”
She pauses for a moment. “Why didn’t she come in? I want to see her.”
I smile at my sweet girl. “You were asleep, honey.”
Megan pouts as the door opens, and my parents walk in, they say their hellos, and Megan tells them all about her present from her friend. She’s so excited as she shows them every single thing that Erin bought her.
I’ve not told anyone about mine and Erin’s relationship. Hell, I have no fucking idea what it is that we have. It’s not a normal or conventional one, but it’s the only one we can have right now.
Two more years, and then she graduates.
Two more years of hell and suffering, but I can do it.
SIX
ERIN
Eight months later
I sigh as I walk out of the library, praying that Danny doesn’t follow behind me. The man is annoying as hell and won’t take no for an answer. It’s been almost three years, and he’s still trying to get me to date him. I won’t. I haven’t dated anyone. I haven’t been with anyone other than Jared.
I love the man. I really love him. Every day I wake up, I pray that I can see him. That I’ll be able to get a glimpse of him so that it’ll be enough for me to get through my day. In the time that we’ve had to be apart, it’s been hellish, but I respect him for it. He’s got priorities, one that matter a fuck of a lot more than anything in this world. I love that he puts his daughter above everything else. I think that’s one of the reasons that I love him.
I start to walk home, glad that it’s not completely dark outside. There’s still a little daylight left. I try my hardest to get out of the library at a decent hour so that when I’m walking home, I’m not constantly afraid of what could be hiding in the shadows.
I start to walk through the park, it’s a shortcut to my home. Usually, I’d walk around the long way, but I’m tired, and I’d rather get home, shower, and curl up in bed and watch a movie.
My spine tingles as I walk through the wooded park. I regret coming this way. Fuck. It’s starting to darken quickly. I hurry my steps, I should be able to get out before it gets any darker.
I hear footsteps behind me, and my heart starts to race. I glance behind me, but no one is there. What the hell? Am I going crazy? I continue on, keeping my eyes open and glancing around. I’m all alone. Why the hell did I come this way?
My footsteps are heavy against the ground as I walk hard and fast. I need to get the hell out of here and get home.
A hand clamps around my mouth and stomach and starts to pull me backward. I jolt against it, trying to claw at the hands that have me in a vice grip, but he’s too strong. He lifts me into the air and carries me toward the trees.
The smell of leather and sweat mixed with a spicy mint makes my stomach roll. I know that smell, I know who it belongs to. Nausea rises through my throat, and I swallow it down, I’m so fucking scared right now. My entire body is trembling as I try to fight against him.
I try to scream, but it’s muffled, his hand quieting the scream.
He throws me to the floor, and I know that he’s going to rape me, I know that he’s going to hurt me.
“Stop it,” I scream as loud as I can. “Noooo,” I cry out, wanting to be as loud as I can, hoping and praying that someone can hear me. “I hate you,” I snarl at Danny. “I hate you.”
