She steps back as if Alex had slapped her. “Wh-what are you talking about? I didn’t drug anyone.”
“Seb was unconscious when I entered the bedroom. He wasn’t aware of anything happening. So, either you knew he was drugged and unconscious, didn’t care, and intended to rape him, or you’re lying and were too drunk to function. Which is it?” I ask.
“He was fine. We were having fun. Tell them, Seb,” she says, looking at him desperately.
“I was drugged, Cara and I have the blood work to prove it. I didn’t know I was on that bed with you. I’d never make out with you, let alone fuck you,” Seb says in a dead voice, looking over her head at the school. E and I lean closer in support.
“No,” she shakes her head. “You were fine.”
“He was far from fine,” E responds. “He needed a doctor and an IV all night and didn’t wake until the next day. I suggest you walk away now and never come near any of us again, Cara.”
“I would forget your vendetta against Summer as well. That will not end well for you,” Alex adds.
Her friends grab her and start pulling her away. “No,” she shouts. “Seb, I’d never hurt you,” she yells. “Please believe me, Seb. I’d never hurt you,” she cries as her friends pull her around to the back of the building.
“Well, that’s over at least,” Bay says, turning and squeezing Seb’s shoulder.
“Are you okay?” I ask Seb, wrapping my arm around his waist.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Feels surreal,” he says, seeming to come out of a daze. E gives him a kiss on the cheek, then we walk back inside to go to class.
Morning classes go by without a problem, and then Nick and Alex walk beside me to lunch. I’m really hoping Cara doesn’t show her face. We find the guys outside with no sign of her, and I breathe a sigh of relief for Seb. We join them and have a pleasant lunch together. Reesa joins us as usual. I still haven’t heard her speak to anyone, and it’s getting weird. I say hello and get the usual smile in return. It doesn’t seem to bother the guys, so it must be normal. Gabby comes by to check on her big brother and me as we’re eating.
“Hey Sunshine. I was thinking about staying for your practice after school. I can monitor things while you’re running,” Seb offers.
“Thanks, but I’ll be okay. I’ve got Holly and Jaxon with me, and the coach will be there.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind,” he says, looking worried.
“I’m sure. I won’t go anywhere alone, I promise.” He nods and returns to his lunch.
Afternoon classes go well, and I still haven’t seen Ben. I think I did really well on my chemistry quiz, so I’m happy about that. Alex walks me to my locker after class, where Nick is waiting for me. I grab my gym bag and take a deep breath. “Ready?” Alex asks.
“As I’ll ever be,” I nod.
“I am joining you today, as this is my study period. I will work on my biology class from the bleachers.”
That’s so thoughtful of him, but I want to minimize interruptions for the guys. “Alex, you don’t need to do that.”
“I would feel better if I did, at least for today. We need to talk to Jaxon as well.”
I relent, knowing enough about Alex that he’ll join me, no matter what I say. I’m secretly grateful, too. “Okay, thanks.”
We head to the gym, and Nick walks me to the locker room doors, then breaks off as Alex takes a seat partway up on the bleachers. Ana and Stacey are in the locker room, but I don’t see Cara. I quickly change, rub in my cream, and head out to stretch, then match up with Jaxon on the track. “Hey Summer. How ya holding up?”
“Alright. Haven’t run into Ben yet.”
“He’s in the gym. That’s some crazy stuff that happened to you guys. I’m sorry we didn't see anything.”
“It’s okay. I think the guys want to talk to you about Ben. The plan is to have eyes on him, and for him not to have an opportunity to get me alone again.”
“Can do. I’ll stick close by and walk with you to and from the track. If Nick’s not in the gym, I’ll keep my eyes on you both the entire class. He won’t get to you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” I gratefully reply. Again, I’m feeling so blessed with the easy friendships I’ve made here in South Carolina.
“No worries. No one should feel unsafe like that. I’m gonna pick up the pace now, but I’ve got eyes on you, okay?”
“Yup, talk to you later.” I continue my jog and look into the gym when I can. Nick is lifting weights, practically staring a hole through the back of Ben’s head on the treadmill. At least he’s facing away from the track. Cara must be out of gym until her nose heals.
