Chapter Seven: Ghost Of Days Gone By
I shudder at the sound of the name.
Me: I'm sorry, did you say Andy Evans?
Officer Andrews nods.
Andrews: Andy Evans. That is correct.
Tears start to fall from my eyes.
Andrews: Sweetheart, is there something you want to tell me? What happened between you and Evans?
I wipe my eyes and try to maintain a steady recollection. I am greeted by the ghost of days gone by.
Me: Well, it all started a year ago. At the end of the summer I was at a party with him. There was alcohol involved, we were both wasted.
I can't hold the tears back any longer. They flood my face.
Me: That's when he took me outside to the woods. We were just fucking walking around then that sick bastard starts grabbing my breasts. Next thing I remember, we're laying in his car, he's on top of me, his hand is covering my mouth.
Andrews: Did you ever voice that you didn't want him to touch you?
Me: Yes. Before we started kissing I remember him saying "Do you want to?" and I remember telling him "No.", but he wouldn't stop. He forced himself on me.
Andrews: And how did this make you feel?
You've got to be fucking kidding me!
Me: How do you think it made me feel? I felt fucking used. Like I was nothing but worthless trash, I still have a hard time letting people in. Evans is a fucking monster!
Andrews looks at me concerned. She hands me a box of Kleenex.
Andrews: Okay. I believe I've heard all I need. Thank you Melinda, you're free to go.
I dash from that room like the building was ablaze. Corey and I walk outside. We are both silent until we are back on the road.
Me: I can't fucking believe that that bitch made me relive the most fucked up moment of my life.
Corey: What else did they say?
Me: They said that they would look into arresting him but I don't think they've got the balls.
Corey: Look, I'll phone my folks and let them know that I'm staying with you. We've got to talk to your parents about this.
I stare at him with appreciation.
Me: Thanks for everything.
THE TALKING GAME
When Corey and I arrive safely home, my parents are waiting with arms crossed.
Mother: We all have things to discuss.
Corey and I: Yes we do.
The four of us sit down in the living room. Their looks are pressing. I take a deep breath.
Me: Okay. You both remember the call you got from Mr. Freeman a while back about the conversation I had with him about Andy Evans raping me? Well, Corey was on his way to school today and found this woman.
I hate repeating the same story over and over.
Corey: The police told us that Andy is the prime suspect in the domestic abuse and sexual assault of the woman. They asked us to testify in court, but we denied.
Me: They told me that they would catch him but I don't see that happening.
My parents look deep in thought. They exchange whispers and solemn nods.
Father: Well, I think we should wait before we do anything drastic.
A week goes by. Still no information about Andy's arrest. We meet again.
Me: As you can see, I don't think the police are serious about catching him.
Father: Well, I guess we have no choice.
