Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
A n instinct to run and get as far away from the house as possible, pushed Evie’s legs to move like they had never moved before. Bushland at the end of her street concealed her flight as she exited the street and raced into the cooler shade of the trees. Thin tracks weaved their way through the bush and she slowed her pace, her breath ragged, her chest heaving and aching. A small clearing ahead caused her to slow and eventually stop. She leaned over, her hands resting on her knees as she tried to get her breath.
The cleared area was familiar. She and Chris often used it to get away from everyone and share intimate moments. As she sat down on a fallen log, she looked towards the soft grass that grew near the edge of the clearing. Only last week they had lain together in that very spot, declaring their love for each other. He had given her a ring and she had given him a keyring; made from the penny she had found at the beach. His kisses had been passionate, and she had responded by pushing up against him, letting him touch her under her clothes. It was that afternoon they made their plan to have sex, and it had felt like the most exciting day of her life.
Now, all she could think about was Chris and Geraldine rolling around together, naked. Just like his father with her mum. How could Chris lie to her like that? She loved him. He said he loved her. Thinking hard, she tried to recall when she had last seen Chris and Geraldine together. She sat up straighter. At the time their closeness had not worried her, but only last week she had seen them with their heads together, whispering secrets. She gulped. Chris had put his arm around Geraldine’s shoulder and then quickly removed it when Evie walked by.
Geraldine had never even had a boyfriend. She thought harder. The older girl had always been a bit standoffish towards Evie. She spat on the ground. Filthy bitch, she thought. Bastard. They’d made a fool out of her, and to think she’d come close to losing her virginity to him. Tears streamed down her face. He had made all those words up. He was just like all the other boys who had sex with lots of girls. They said they loved the girl so she’d do it with them. Then they told the girl how special she was. But then they moved on to another girl.
She realised she was spitting and swearing, using words just like Layla did. Wiping her hand across her eyes, she stood up. That’s who she needed to talk to. Layla. She would know what to do and should be on her way home from Adam’s right now.