In the Open

"Hey babe! Hop on in!"

*** Jennifer Craven above ***

Nick helps me quietly sneak into my window when we arrive. I am obviously still drunk, because I don't protest when he follows me in.

"Did you have fun at your first party?" He asks, taking a seat at my desk as I fall onto my bed.

"No." I stuff my face into my pillow, not having the energy to remove my shoes or do my nighttime routine.

"Why not?" It sounds like he seriously isn't comprehending why I didn't have fun at the party. Is he stupid?

"I was being felt up against my will, called horrible names, and I'm going to wake up with a killer headache. Does that answer your question?"

I hear him scoff, and if I weren't so tired I would jump off this bed and pummel him.

"It's not like you were raped. It wasn't that bad. And being called names is a part of life."

"Are you always such an insensitive douche?!" I whisper shout at him, trying to control my rising anger and forget about everything.

"He touched me. Even when I told him no. He touched me places I haven't been touched, and he didn't care if I wanted him to or not. So it doesn't matter if I was raped, because either way, he took something from me. He tainted me. So don't you dare tell me it wasn't that bad."

Silence settles itself in between us. I can feel the drowsiness washing over me, and all I want to do is sleep.

"Why do people keep on doing this to me?" I whisper to myself, too quiet for Nick to even hear. He stays silent as I stare at my ceiling, willing any of my thoughts away.

We stay like that for probably an hour. I know that he should leave, but I don't have the heart to kick him out. I just bask in the quiet bubble around us, until it begins pulling me into sleep. The last thing I see before my eyes close for the night, is Nick making his silent escape out of my window.

***

I wake up shivering. My eyes creak open, and my head feels like it contains a stampede of elephants.

I've only drank twice, but I can already tell that hangovers are the worst.

As the memories from last night come rushing in, I glance at my window.

The curtains are blowing from the wind that enters through the open glass.

He could've at least shut it.

I slide out of my bed, ignoring each pang of pain that splits through my head as I walk, and close the window.

I start taking off last night's clothing, starting with my shoes, and head into my bathroom.

After I've completely stripped down, I step into my shower, allowing the warm water to cascade over me in a soothing manner.

I stay under the relaxing waterfall for at least half an hour before reluctantly getting out.

Throwing my hair into a messy bun, and dressing in sweatpants and a T-shirt, I walk downstairs.

I search for any sign of mom, dad, or Amelia, but find nothing. A piece of yellow paper on the counter catches my attention.

Nadine, we left early. Remember, don't have anyone over or there will be consequences.

-Mom