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“Then it’s my fault,” Allie whispers brokenly, not looking at any of us. She keeps her hands tucked between her knees, watching them like they’re the most fascinating thing in the world.
“What?” both girls ask, looking at Allie like she’s grown two heads.
“He tried to rape me when I was younger. He would have succeeded too had it not been for his mum walking in on him. Long story short, my mum’s a bitch. She made me sign a non-disclosure form without explaining what it was to me. It’s pretty much void now since there was a clause that my dad had put in after. If Logan hurt another girl or attempted to, then the non-disclosure would be void.
“I’ve had to live with this secret every day since, and now I’ll forever live with the guilt of what happened to you and countless other girls. I’m so very sorry for all your pain.” Allie breaks down, her shoulders shaking as she cries.
“Allie,” I call softly, moving over to her. “This isn’t your fault. The only person to blame is that prick. None of us asked for this to happen. We can all play the ‘what if’ card, but in the end, nothing can change what’s happened,” I tell her and the others softly. “Because none of us had control over what happened. It’s not about what we did. It’s not about what we wore. Or how we were acting in the moments leading up to the assault. We didn’t ask for this. We didn’t want this. And none of us would wish this upon anyone.”
“You’re right,” she responds gently. “None of us wanted this.”
My phone beeps from my pocket, alerting me of a text message. I pull it out, a small smile touching my lips when Cole’s name lights up my screen, my heart hammering against my chest.
Jesus, even my belly is fluttering like mad and it’s only a text.
Cole: Are you okay?
Willow: Yes. We’re at Becca’s. It’s bad, really bad. It’s a long story, but I’ll explain everything when we get back. We’ll be back soon. XOXO
Cole: We’re going to practise. We’ll be back in a few hours. Text me when you’re home.
Willow: I prefer these messages. You’re actually getting your money’s worth sending a full text. Plus, I feel loved.
COLE: You’re a nut. Text me!!!
I shake my head in amusement. His personality will never cease to amaze me. Shaking all my thoughts of Cole out of my head, I turn back to the group, noticing how tired Rosie looks.
“We need to go, but promise me you’ll get in touch with us soon,” I plead, wishing I could stay to watch over the both of them.
“We will. Thank you for coming to see us,” Rosie declares, looking seconds away from passing out.
Poor girl!
“It’s fine. I really hope you feel better soon,” I tell her.
“Thank you,” she replies sleepily.
“Can you keep us up to date with what is happening?” Becca whispers, glancing back at Rosie, who has already drifted off to sleep.
Standing near the door, I step forward and pull her into my arms, giving her a tight hug. She needs this as much as I do.
“Text me your number as soon as you get a chance. A relative of Cole’s is a police officer and he’s agreed to help us build a case. We want to put as much together as we can before filing charges. That way, his parents can’t bail him out.”
“Will you be here when he comes to take our statements?”
“If you want us to be here, then yes, we will,” I agree softly.
“Please. I don’t know how she’ll react to being around a male. When the hospital called me, I went straight over there. They had to sedate her when she came around. She had lashed out at anyone who came near her, but when a male doctor walked into the room, she went batshit crazy, throwing equipment at him and screaming,” Becca explains, tears running down her cheeks.
“She’ll get through this, and we’ll make sure they pay. I promise.”
She nods, wiping away her tears before looking at us.
“I’ll text,” she promises.
We wave goodbye and leave the room quietly, but as soon as the door shuts, I’m rushing out of the building as fast as my feet can take me, needing air. Once we’re outside and the rain hits my face, I burst into tears. Hard, loud sobs rumble out of me.
Allie pulls me into her arms and I cling to her, needing her support. She takes my weight with a struggle and ends up guiding me slowly down onto the step, not caring that we’re getting soaked.