Don't Think or Judge, Just Listen
Don't Think or Judge, Just Listen
"What is it, Annabel? What's so bad that you can't even tell me? What is it? Owen said. "Don't think or judge just listen." Annabel said.
"Something happened to me last May. Something I was reminded of at modeling before I came to the club," Annabel said. "Something," Owen said in a half demanding, half tender voice. "I know, placeholder", Annabel replied.
"If you want to know the whole truth, hear goes. I-I- was r-raped by my best friend Sophie's boyfriend, Will Cash at a party. Or at least she was my best friend then. The room went silent. "I, I don't know what say," Owen said finally.
Annabel continued. "Sophie walked in after he had, you know," Owen nodded. "She immediately assumed the worst. She never talked to me again, except to call me a whore and a slut. Rumors flew around the school and none of my friends wanting anything to do with me.
When fall came I was friendless and alone. And then you happened." Owen smiled at this. "And you, you befriended me immediately no questions asked. Owen, you probably saved my life this year.
I started talking about things I'd been silent about for so long, like Whitney's struggles. Still I won't talk about what happened with Will. I wanted to forget about." Annabel said. "I can't blame you for that," Owen said.
"Then at modeling that the other night, I overhead one of the models talking about how Sophie's best friend, Emily had slept with Will. Emily was a model and she came in late with sad eyes. When I saw the pain in her eyes, I immediately knew the truth. I was overcome with emotion.
I went to Bendo to meet you thinking that I could handle myself", Annabel said now with tears in her eyes. She continued anyways. "Then Rol-ly wanted me to t-talk to Clarke for him-m. C-Clarke and I haven't t-talked since I was s-stupid enough to d-ditch her for S-Sophie years a-ago. "I'm so s-sorry for ditching you Owen. I didn't mean to hurt you." Annabel said now bawling.
Without hesitation Owen grabbed her by the waist, pulled her close, and held her. "Shh it's okay, I've got you." Owen said soothing her.
Annabel and Owen sat together for a quite a while. Annabel had her face buried in his chest, and Owen had his arms protectively wrapped around Annabel. When people started shuffling in to set up for the next show, Owen took Annabel hand, pulling her up, and held her hand as they walked to the parking lot.
When they got to the parking lot, Owen was the first one to speak. "You're so brave Annabel, do you know that?" "I guess," Annabel replied. "I'm serious. You are so strong and you don't even know it. I'm so proud of you Annabel."
Owen said. Annabel grinned. "Hey, there's a smile," Owen said. "So," Annabel said staring down at their intertwined hands and then back at Owen. "Are we cool?" "Yeah." Owen said. "You know I thought this whole time that it was me, that you didn't like me anymore," Owen said. "Owen, after all this time, how could I not like you like? How could I not love you?" Annabel said. "Did you just?"-"yeah," Annabel cut in. "I love you too." Owen replied.