I ended up wandering the woods. The trees, the blue sky and the sun were beautiful. It relaxed me.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps nearby. I hid behind a tree and waited for them to leave. Only, they were coming closer toward me. It was like a one of those birds circling in for the kill on their fishy prey. Only in this scenario, there was no bird and there was no fish. There was only me and my fears.

I ducked my head closer to my knees and cupped myself into a ball. Like that would save me though. Perhaps, I could just shrivel into nothing and then I’d be safe forever.

I raised my head unwillingly, knowing it was Jack standing over me. With my voice almost inaudible, I whispered, “Please—don’t … hurt me.â€?

And I hated the way my voice sounded. So weak, so helpless. Yet, that was how I felt up against him. And that’s how it would always be. He’ll be the jock and I’ll be the vulnerable girl. But why me?

Maybe it was because I had someone. And everyone wants what someone else has. Right … or wrong?