M.S. 172, Glen Oaks, Queens
As she nervously entered the counselor's office, fourteen-year-old Meredith Sommers quickly began an apology/explanation: "Dr. Brooks, I didn't know that she was there and if I did…" His steady, stern gaze from dark bushy eyebrows extinguished her words.
"Sit down, Ms. Sommers," he monotoned from behind his desk. His order obeyed, he continued: "What is the extent of your knowledge of sexual abuse?"
"Well, uh, it happens to some women, and maybe men sometimes, like if they're gay or in prison, and sometimes it happens girls, too." She maneuvered her eyes between his name plate and the miniature American flag on his desk.
"Do you know why?" He learned forward in his chair.
"I---I guess they want sex, whether the person wants it or not," she replied, squirming in her chair.
"Do you think Ms. Stabler 'wanted it?'?"
"No, no!" Eyes wide, she raised her hands, shaking her head vigorously. "She didn't want it; she just made a mistake!"
"She made a mistake?"
"Well, she, she shouldn't have opened the door without making sure he was from the power company," Meredith managed, shuddering. "Or, uh, she could have told him to come back when her grandmother was there."
"Or the rapist could have respected her and the law!" exclaimed Dr. Brooks. "Did you consider that fact, young lady?!"
Hanging her head, she shook it slowly. "Sorry."
"You need to be more than 'sorry'---you need to be educated." He reached into his desk and removed some pamphlets. "Your answers, as well as your conduct, indicate that you know very little about the subject of rape and sexual abuse. Until further notice, you are going to stay after school to write a report. It will be at least three typed pages." Handing her the booklets, he continued: "These will get you started, but there is additional information in the library and on the Internet. You will have to access those latter sources on your own time; after school you will be in the detention room. You will be permitted to read, to make notes, and to compose there. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," she replied softly.
"Also, you are to have no unnecessary contact with Ms. Stabler. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Now," he dismissed, "return to your regular class."
Feeling relieved but still shaken, Meredith unhesitantly departed the office. She walked swiftly to her English class, sadly making a mental note to tell Ms. Forman that she would be unable to work with the drama club in the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, her counterpart Gertrude Gibson was glumly departing her math class for her own appointment with Dr. Brooks.
Dr. Olivet's office, several hours later
"Unfortunately, Elizabeth, their thinking is not uncommon," Dr. Olivet sympathized. "That's why it's important that you understand that they are speaking out of ignorance."
"Great! Then maybe their punishment will stick with them!" The teen angrily wipe her cheeks with a tissue.
"And what is the penalty?"
"Staying after school writing reports about sexual assault."
Olivet nodded approvingly. "An excellent move on part of the principal. It will be a worthwhile lesson that they won't forget."
Elizabeth grabbed another tissue. Far enough: I won't be forgetting anything either! Then she said: "I still wish I could…let them know how I felt. I mean, I-I just couldn't get it out then!" She slapped her hand on her lap loudly.
After a short pause, the doctor said, "Are you up to a little written exercise?"
Elizabeth and Kathleen Stabler's bedroom, evening
Her letters completed, Elizabeth leaned back in the desk chair and silently read the latest one.
Dear Meredith:
First, my looks wouldn't have made a difference; Mr. Morgan harmed elderly ladies. Why? Because as I'm sure you're discovering in detention, rape is not about looks---it's about power and control. Rapists chose people of all appearances, ages, genders, races, and sexual preferences. Second, you're right about one thing: I didn't think it could happen to me, though not for the reasons you brought up. But remember this: if it happened to me, than it can happen to you. Hopefully, your extracurricular studies will show you how to protect yourself because I wouldn't wish this on even you! How would you like lying terrified that you might die from a beating?! Do you want some sick pervert to force his dirty sinful acts on you?!
Wiping her cheeks with her free hand, she signed her name without a closing and checked the other missive.
Dear Gert:
First, even if you wouldn't open the door to a stranger, you certainly would do so for an acquaintance---and there is something called acquaintance rape. I'm sure you're learning that now. Second, Mr. Morgan was looking for an elderly lady---my grandmother---thus proving the fact that rape isn't motivated by sex. It's about power and control. That's why you can just as easily be threatened into silence before getting slapped and punched and invaded!
Grimly signing her name, she had a sudden idea. After folding each letter, she withdrew two envelopes from the desk. This isn't part of my assignment, but, boy, does it feel therapeutic!
The master bedroom, 11:05PM
"She's going to do that?!" Elliot was surprised by pleased.
"And she was as serious as a heart attack." Kathy nodded proudly, sliding next to him in the bed. "I told her she was doing the right thing."
"That she is," he agreed. "Like I've told you, misconceptions and judgments are one reason why some rapists get off. Hopefully, those girls will take their newfound knowledge with them for life, especially if either of them ends up on a jury. Anyway, I think it's time for lights out. I want to be rested for my breakfast meeting with Cragen tomorrow."