JESSIE
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Tugging on my jacket, I smile at the female officer who walks me to the door and hands me the brochures.They explain how to get support, which is nice, but right now I just want a hug from my mom.
A real hug from someone I feel safe with and can trust.
Coming here by myself to go re-live the entire assault was a stupid idea, but clearly my dumb brother is a selfish dick, so I wasn’t going to ask him after his reaction this morning.
I couldn’t ask Jayden.
I hate that I’m now the girl who was raped, and that is how he will see me.
“Call them.Trust me, it will help,” the officer says, pushing the door open.
“Thanks.”I slip on my sunglasses and step outside into the late afternoon sun.Parked right outside is a black Jeep with two familiar idiots leaning up against it.
Great.
They’re also wearing sunglasses and dressed in jeans and T-shirts with their arms folded likeIdid something wrong
I wish they had left me alone.I don’t have anything left in my energy tank to deal with them tonight.
“Should have known you’d find me.”I start walking along the sidewalk, shaking my head.
“Jess!”Jayden calls, and I hear their boots on the ground as they catch up.“Wait.”
“Did Mom kick your ass for being a selfish dick?”I ask, not slowing.
Jayden leaps in front of me, forcing me to stop.
“No, I kicked my own ass.”He gives me one of his stupid, droopy smiles.Some woman is going to fall in love with him one day, and I will have to warn her that it’s one of his superpowers.
We girls must stick together.
Right now, I am picking my battles and just want to get home.Clearly Liam drove him here and is waiting for us to make up.Then, I guess the plan is, we all go back to status quo.
As predicted.
I shouldn’t have told him I love him.Then again, he knows.He’s always known.
I cross my arms.“Say sorry.Get it over with.I have a party to go to.”
His brow lifts, and he glances at Liam, who’s standing to the side.
“I told you to leave me alone,” I say to him.
“Not happening,” Liam grumbles.
“I’m sorry.”Jayden rubs the back of his head.“I am sorry, Jess.I freaked out when I saw you in his bed and then when he said what happened—”
“Rape.You can say it.”
“Jesus, Jess.”
“Oh, fuck off.”I push past my brother, and he grabs me, pulling me into his arms.
“Jess, please.”
