The following day, I walked into school with a turtle neck on despite the heat. I headed into Biology, to Cameron. He was already seated but something looked wrong with his face. Was that a black eye? He spoke before I could though. “Why are you wearing a turtle neck?â€? he asked.

“I was cold this morning.â€? I lied badly. Cameron rolled his eyes and reached for my hand. He pulled me into the supply closest at the back of the classroom.

Inside, Cameron reached for my collar. I stopped his hand but he shrugged me off.

“No. Cameron, wait.â€?

But he pulled down my collar and gasped. My neck was unnatural colors with hand-print sized bruises. “NO. He didn’t. I’ll kill him.â€?

“Don’t.â€? Cameron slid down to the floor and I sat down next to him, pulling up my collar.

“Why do you let him do this to you, Anna?â€?

“I don’t have a choice. He knows my secret.â€?

“Well, what the hell is the secret?!â€?

“Shh. I’ll tell you after school.â€? Suddenly, the closest door opened and our teacher stood in the doorway, glaring.