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Chapter Twelve [Sensitive Content]

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[] WARNING: MUST READ []
If you are sensitive and/or experience trauma when reading contents that include sexual assault, please do not read the following chapter. If you want to read this chapter but are uncomfortable with such content, another warning will be included when the sensitive content begins. Please be aware that I can only depict what I think a victim feels in this case and am not, at all, one of a profession that is knowledgeable of such a case.

Thank you.

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I was surprised to find that Ryan didn't bother me for the rest of the day, even after what happened this morning. Currently, I was in History with Miss Smith, who was trying to calm the previously mentioned bully. He seemed more irked than what he was this morning, and I couldn't understand why. Dexter and I met up at lunch earlier, and when I asked him about what we'd be doing, he said we would be going out to little shops along the street to find some stuff to buy and eat. That would be it.

That was supposed to be it...

Miss Smith sighed heavily as Ryan, once again, pushed back her words, ignoring them. "Ryan," she said softly, "Please don't shout in the classroom."

Ryan glared at her, his jaw clenched tightly. "I don't have time for this! Just dismiss the class already!"

"Dismissal is in thirty minutes!" She exclaimed, trying to remain calm.

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Finally, Ryan was kept at bay by his friends until dismissal was actually called for. I had to stay behind because Miss Smith asked for me to talk to her. Others suspected I would be receiving new handcuffs, and their friends told them not to get their hopes up. I was finished packing my belongings and slung my backpack over my shoulder, walking over to the front desk. Miss Smith smiled up at me tiredly, just as she always did.

"How is it today without handcuffs, Meredith?" She asked. "Was it relieving to use your attributes?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "Actually, I think I'm more prone to being alone now." I smiled slightly at her. "But, I made a friend, even after being so monstrous. His name's Dexter."

"How nice!" Miss Smith said, happy for me. "That's great to hear. I'll see you tomorrow then!"

I nodded, walking out of the classroom while waving over my shoulder. "Bye!"

She waved back, and I turned around, walking down the hall. As I rounded the corner, I saw Ryan leaning against the lockers, the same blank yet irked expression on his face. Fuck! Why does he have to be there of all days? The past days, he wasn't there! Why now..? I breathed in deeply, trying to let go of the stress building up inside of me. Taking a small step forward, Ryan heard me, turning to look in my direction. My gaze immediately averted away from him as I continued walking, hoping I went by unnoticed, even if it was a silly wish.

As I passed by him, I suddenly stopped in my tracks when he said, "You shouldn't go."

What?

My eyes flickered to his, as if trying to sense whether or not it was a joke from him. Ryan didn't flinch at all. His eyes were cold and bland, but at the same time, I recognized some sort of pain in them. He's hurt because of something. Stopping myself from moving any further, I turned around and faced him, confused by what he meant. He stood up straight, walking towards my direction. I held my breath as he stared down at me, feeling the tips of his shoes touch mine.