Running Into Danger

I wake up to Juliet screaming my name. It got me in a panic so I started screaming myself. "Riley we're going to be late. Get ready sister." She laughs it off. I'm sweating like a pig, exhausted from tossing and turning. Wait, how did I get back here?

"Earth to Riley Shawn? Did you hear me?

"Hmmm? Oh yes I heard sorry. You can leave without me I'll just miss my first couple periods."

She walked out of my room down the stairs. When I heard the engine roar and drive off I chose to get out of bed. I stood up and fell to the ground. My legs hurt in between. Thoughts from last night started running through my head. Jake saying dirty things to me.

"Fine by me. We can just skip this part and go straight to fucking."

"When I fuck you senseless you'll be screaming my name, over and over again."

I started pulling my hair, clamped my eyes shut trying to rid the memories but it wasn't working. Him ripping the dress I was wearing, violating, rapping me. I need to take a shower. I'm hoping it will wash all the thoughts away. Down the drain.

I walked back to my room with my hair twisted in a bun and a towel wrapped around my body. I dropped the towel in front of the mirror. I gasped. My mouth in the shape of an 'o'. I had bruises all around my hips. Dark blue and purple finger tips marked my skin. I starred at myself for what feels like hours. I feel dirty, even after my shower. I feel, exposed.

I shake my head. I have to get through this day. I need notes for tests and my homework. Yes, school will be my distraction from all this. I try to stay strong. But this little girl inside is just screaming. Trying to break out and run. I want to run into my mother's arms. Have her coo sweet things into my ear saying everything will be better. With my dad stroking my hair and kissing my forehead. I wish they were here. I know they are right besides me but, it still doesn't make me feel better. It's hard to erase something quite traumatic like last night but I just got to.

I walk over to my closet and look for clothes to wear. The news says it's going to be the hottest day this week. I decide to wear a simple tank top, jean shorts, and my white converse. I'm too lazy to put my contacts in. My glasses will just have to do. I'll just ignore the snide comments people make of me wearing them.



Harry POV

The gang and I are just chilling by my car, waiting for Juliet and Riley. Oh Riley, I feel so guilty. I couldn't sleep at all last night. Fifty shades of dark circles under my eyes. I groan. I see Juliet's car pull up. I stand up straighter eager to see if Riley walks out. Only Juliet is in the car. Perri yells out to Juliet. Once she's over to us I bombard her with questions.

"Where's Riley?"

"None of your concern. I told you not to hang with her."
"I don't give a damn. Just tell me how she is?"

"Harry you're a dick. And well she slept in. She was sweating balls, looked really tired. I hope she doesn't come to school."

"Is she in any pain?"

Everyone gave me weird looks. I don't normally act like this. Even when it came to a girl. But they don't all know that Riley was rapped. I do.

"Pain, umm, as in sick kinda pain?"

"Ummm no. Just scared, panic, pain. She did move her legs weird when she was shifting in her bed."

"I'm going to call her. I need to know if she's coming."

"NO! She's a big girl Harry and she says she's just going to miss a couple classes. God, what has your panties in a wod?"

Everyone laughs at her stupid comment and walks toward school. I have my thumb hovering over Riley's contact. I just go along with Juliet saying she's coming later. Riley would never miss school. It's just not in her nature.

It's fourth period and I still haven't seen Riley roaming around the halls. I have to call and check up on her during lunch. I can't take the anticipation anymore. The lads and I walk out to the quad and start eating. I pull out my phone and I'm about to hit the green button but my phone is snatched out of my hand.

"Harry leave her alone she doesn't want to be with you!"

"Juliet give me my fucking phone back! And you don't know that, you don't know shit!"

"Keep this act up Harry and I'll throw your phone in the fountain."

She smirks at me. I know she'll do it. I don't stop I keep fighting I'm already in a forensic state.

"You can't stop me from me talking to her, texting, touching, seeing, or breathing her!'

I see my phone flying through the air. Landing in of course the fountain. I scowl at Juliet and she gives me such a fake smile. I storm off to retrieve my phone. My arms half way in the nasty fountain full of coins. People and their throwing a dumb coin and wishing for a dumb wish. I take my phone out and look up. I see Riley. She turns her head and our eyes meet. She stops in her tracks. I stand up and wipe the water from my arm. I just stare at her. I can't move. I don't know what to do or say. I was never prepared for this.

Some stupid jock rams into her not paying attention that there's someone there in his way. Her books fall to the ground. They both crouch down to gather the books. She looks up meeting, whoever the guy is, eyes. A look of pure panic crosses over her face. She stumbles back and runs. She starts running to who knows where. My legs start moving, following after her. It doesn't take long to find her. When I get to entrance she ran through, she's only ten feet in. She legs are clamped. I notice her shorts are lying a bit low. I see dark circles exposing from under the material. No. I let this happen to her.

She doesn't know I'm behind her. I start to speak, "Riley?" My voice cracks. What?
I hear a sniffle. She takes a step away from me still not looking at me. "Riley?" I say again.

She sighs and turns to look at me. She has black smudges under her red eyes, her lips are quivering. She looks lost and broken. And it's all my fault.

Notes