Page 108 of Rush

“Would you be able to give me a copy of the test results for me to show to the police?”

“Of course.”

I wait while he prints it out for me. Then, I put the test results in my bag, thank Dr. Pritchard again, and leave his office.

Luke is still out there, waiting for me.

“Okay?” he asks, getting to his feet.

“Yes…no.” I shake my head, fingers curling into the sleeves of my sweatshirt.

I feel like I’ve been violated.

Like something has been taken from me.

I was lucky to not have been sexually assaulted. Leo might not have done it, but someone else could’ve taken advantage of me in my vulnerable state.

And I know it wasn’t alcohol in my system…but I still had the same effects as if I were drunk. The hazy feelings, emotional and physical numbness, the vomiting. All the same results, just without the booze.

“You were drugged?”

I nod, and Luke’s face tightens with anger. He walks over to me and wraps his arms around me, hugging me, and the gesture is so sincere and kind that I start crying.

“I’m so sorry.” I sniffle, moving back, embarrassed at my public meltdown. “I’m getting your shirt wet.”

“Don’t be sorry. You’ve every right to be upset. I’m fucking furious, and it didn’t even happen to me.”

I’m so lucky to have him as a friend.

“Thank you, Luke, for everything…bringing me here, being there when I need you.” I dry my tearstained face with my hands.

“Ari, this is what sponsors are for…what friends are for. And we’re friends. And trust me when I say that I’ve had worse things on my shirt than tears.”

“Puke?” I say.

He nods, and I laugh through my tears.

“Thank you,” I say again, and this time I’m thanking him for the laugh just right when I needed it.

“Come on,” he says, putting his arm around my shoulders in a friendly gesture. “Let’s get you home, and then we’re going to figure out what we’re going to do about this.”

“Okay,” I say, and we start walking down the hall.

“But there’s one thing you can trust me on. The bastard who did this to you won’t be getting away with it; that’s for sure.”

I see the hulking figure of my dad waiting at the foot of my building steps as Luke pulls the car up.

“My dad,” I say to him.

“Ah.”

“I’ve been ignoring his calls all day. I know you want to talk about our plan of action, but I should talk to him.”

“You should. And, Ari, really talk to him this time.”

I glance over at him, knowing what he’s saying. “I will. And thanks again. I’ll call you later.”

I climb out of his car and walk over to my dad.