Chapter 9
Summer
“Are you sure you want to go to school this morning? It’s only been a few days,” Zander asks for the third time this morning, concern emanating from him.
“Yes. I need to do something. My mind processes better when I keep it occupied. I have to move on, and that starts with school.”
He sighs. “Okay, but call me if you change your mind.”
“I promise I will.” I’m nervous about getting harassed at school, but sitting at home worrying about it is worse.
I have Jake’s hoodie on over my tank top today, despite the warm weather.
I may or may not have spritzed his cologne on the inside.
Pain meds and my bruise cream are in my backpack.
I used the poultice when I got up for an hour again this morning.
My boobs are healing nicely, but I’m not wearing a bra until I absolutely have to.
I wave goodbye to Zander when he drops me off at school.
All the guys are waiting outside today. I get very gentle hugs from Seb and Bay before we go to my locker.
Gabby is there waiting with a bag for me.
She found a bra at a medical supply store yesterday, and it’s designed for women who have had surgery, so it’s supposed to be very comfortable and supportive.
I thank her and put the bag in my locker without looking.
So far, I haven’t noticed any nasty comments or whispers.
Alex and I walk to class as the rest of the guys disperse. “How are you feeling, Summer?” Alex asks as we take our seats.
I wave to Jaxon seated a few rows behind us, then turn to Alex. “Nervous about people’s reactions today, but I slept about 6 hours last night, so that’s something,” I shrug. I told all the guys that Sarah prescribed a mild sleeping pill for me since they kept asking about my nightmares.
“Have you had any side effects?”
“No, nothing so far. I’m going to stay up a little later tonight so I don’t wake up as early tomorrow. Hey, where is your diving meet this Friday?”
“It is in Charleston at the same school as the preliminary meet.”
“Good to know.” The teacher starts the lecture, so we focus on the class.
AP English involves a lively discussion, but it’s weird without Cara there glowering.
Holly takes her seat to be closer to us and gives me a big smile when I sit down.
I’ve had a few people glance my way, but there’s no outright gossip or rudeness.
Nick, surprisingly, still joins us for AP Seminar despite Ben no longer being around.
We eat lunch inside today with Holly, Jaxon, and Gabby. I still haven’t heard a word about the kidnapping from anyone. “Seb,” I whisper, leaning over to him, “this is getting weird. No one is staring or talking about the kidnapping.”
“They’d better not, Sunshine,” he replies.
“What do you mean?” Everyone must know by now. If not, there’s the demeaning texts of me from Virginia.
“Let’s just say we spread the word that bothering you was not an option. The principal has enacted a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying at the request of the superintendent, too. They made the announcement yesterday. Between that and your friends, you should be safe here.”
Tears pool in my eyes as I furiously try to blink them away. These guys…I don’t know what I’d do without them. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“No thanks needed. I knew you were worried after the text blast. Honestly, it wasn’t that hard. The announcement, coupled with the suspensions, the trial, and rumors going around about Ben’s condition, means people are scared to step out of line.”
Can I be fortunate enough not to have people constantly propositioning me like in Virginia? That would be amazing. I can focus on recovery and actual schoolwork instead. Being left alone wasn’t a possibility in my mind.
“Hey Summer, what are your thoughts on the track meet this weekend?” Jaxon asks.
“I’m planning on going.” It’s being held in Charleston this weekend, which gives me a longer time period before I have to face another meet here.
“Yay!” Holly cheers. “Any chance of getting a chef-prepared meal this weekend?” She asks, smiling at E.
“I was already planning on it. Would you like one too, Jaxon?” E offers.
“Sure, thanks,” he replies.
AP Chemistry goes by quickly this afternoon with E and Alex. Alex follows me to my locker where Nick is waiting. “Hey Nick.”
“Shortie.” His dark, gravelly voice was always something I enjoyed a lot, but it has a deeper meaning to me now. Protection and safety. Not that I don’t feel safe with all my guy friends, because I do. Now, though, Nick feels like my impenetrable shield.
I switch out my books and grab the bag from Gabby. “Would it be alright if I joined you for class today, Summer?” Alex asks.
“Of course, but don’t you have biology to work on?”
“I can read on the bleachers. I thought you would be more comfortable with someone with you today.”
“You are very sweet, Alex. I’d love the company,” I say, smiling at him.
We walk towards the gym, Nick in front and Alex beside me, as I try not to focus on the building.
I take slow, deep breaths and watch the ground as we approach.
Nick reaches back to offer me his hand, which I gladly grab, a grounding force to keep me tethered to the present.
I keep my focus on Nick’s feet in front of me until we enter the court area.
I’m having heart palpitations and feel a little lightheaded, but I made it inside.
Nick gives my fingers a squeeze, then leaves for the locker room, and then Alex and I take seats on the bleachers.
Coach gives me a nod before starting class. After she has her class set up, she joins us on the bleachers. “Hi Coach.”
“How are you, Summer?”
“Okay. Did you get the doctor’s note?”
“I did, thank you. I heard that three students are facing charges for kidnapping. Do you feel safe being here?”
“I do. Although I won’t be going near that washroom or hallway for a while.”
Coach nods at that. “Do you want to compete this Saturday?”
“Yes, if I’m healed enough. At least the 200m relay, but hopefully all three.”
“Understood. You let me know what you need and I’ll make it happen. If you need more time off from the gym or track, if you need an escort in and out of the gym, a locker buddy, or whatever, you tell me, okay?”
“Thanks. I will Coach.” She nods and goes back to her class. “I still can’t believe how painless today was,” I say to Alex.
“It seems Virginia was a hard place for you to be,” Alex replies.
“Yeah, more than I realized. I assumed all schools were the same. I never expected to get through today without harassment.”
“Was it physical or verbal assault at your previous school?”
“Both. After the pictures started showing up, guys would corner me in classrooms and hallways demanding blowjobs or sex. Everyone thought it was funny. They never went past over the clothes, but it was horrible. I was called every name in the book for slut. No one stood up for me or helped me, and the teachers ignored it. It was just awful.”
“You will never experience that here, Summer,” he pledges.
“We will not allow it. I cannot promise that nothing will ever happen, but you have support here. Between us, the cheerleaders, the basketball team, Holly and Jaxon’s friends, and the teachers; someone would find it difficult to harass you like that. ”
“How do I have the support of all these people I don’t know?” I ask him.
Alex gives me a compassionate smile. “The basketball team enjoyed your protein granola bars during the playoffs, and they saw you supporting them all weekend. Because you are important to Seb and E, their teammates will offer you support. Cara and Ana’s actions appalled the cheerleaders.
Although Gabby is a sophomore, she is well liked by her teammates.
She made it very clear you are her friend, and her brother was hurt.
That team supports you 100%. Holly and Jaxon helped us communicate the pictures were to be deleted, and that you were off limits for any type of harassment yesterday.
I understand your coach also sent a text blast to the track team and the gym class that bullying of any kind will cause permanent removal from the team or class. ”
“Wow,” is all I can say in reply. My eyes feel damp from all the love and support I have here.
It’s astonishing. Alex gently squeezes my arm, then goes back to his work.
It’s going to take a while to process this latest trauma, but maybe I can move on from it here.
I don’t have to dread school everyday like I did before.
I think I can do this. Is it weird that I almost feel happy?
I grab my AP Chemistry homework and work on the questions for the remainder of the period.