I couldn't believe Coach Patrick had just dropped me after my first fight and was willing to move on to the next kid that showed any potential at Liberty, he was just a hungry scout that would do anything to get his next payday package from a wonderkid. I felt foolish for trusting the man when Bobby had warned me about him, any kid that would be getting close to Coach Patrick I felt a duty to warn them as well from his devious ways

With my family, Clay and Jesscia around my side, I hadn't told them the bad news that I had received. There's would be another time to tell them when I would be realised from the hospital, Aunt Liv and Uncle Andy went to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat as they planned to stay the night here in the waiting room till I was discharged

'No need to look so glum Clay' I stated

'I just feel bad for you Mason that's all' he explained. 'We worked so hard all for nothing now'

'We'll get him next time and I'll finally beat him'

'Has Coach Patrick arranged a rematch with Mateo' he asked

'Well….'

Seeing the hopeful looks in their eyes I couldn't withhold the truth from them any longer, I needed to tell them what Coach Patrick had told me about my boxing career being down the drain

'Coach and I have gone our separate ways' I admitted

'That sounds like a breakup' Hannah exclaimed. 'What does that even mean? Going your separate ways'

'Well you could say that Hannah'

'He wouldn't just let you go after one fight would he?' Jessica enquired

'Don't always trust your teachers no matter how nice and genuine they might seem'

'You didn't need him anyway Slick, he was just holding you back'

'He never did care about your boxing career so good riddance to him' Hannah interjected

'You got nothing you want to say about the bastard Clay' turning my attention over to the young man

'I didn't want to say anything to you Mason whilst you were preparing before the fight but Coach Patrick had bet against you'

'What' I exclaimed, completely gobsmacked from the revelation. 'How do you even know that Clay?'

'When we got to the gymnasium early to set up I found him in one of the corridor putting a bet on you to lose'

'How much did he put on Clay' I questioned, like to would make a difference to what I thought of him

'That I don't know but I know he was conspiring with Mateo's coach as he was placing a bet as well'

'What are you going to do about that Slick' Jessica enquired

'There's no point in confront Coach Patrick when he's dropped me, just gotta let bygones be bygones'

Clay shared a look with Hannah and they both called it a night before heading out of the room and went home, saying they would be back in the morning when I might be released from the hospital to take me home. Once the young couple was out of the room Jessica turned in her chair to face me, we were finally alone and she could ask what was on her mind from earlier in the day

'Now that we have a little more privacy I can ask you some stuff that I wanted to know all day'

'Well ask away Jess it's not like I can go anywhere at the minute'

'Just be honest with me and tell me what's going on with you Mason'

'A lot has been going on with me Jess and I've been keeping dozens of secrets'

'What secrets?' She enquired, raising a brow

'Do you remember when I found out you and Hannah were raped by Bryce, I've been doing some of my own investigation work and found other victims'

'Like me and Hannah'

'Yeah there are about six other women out there that have shared the same fate as you and Hannah and I've heard all of their harrowing stories'

'So that has been on your mind for the last few months and you didn't even bother to tell me'

'I'm sorry for keeping that a secret from you Jess, I was sworn to secrecy every single time when someone opened up to me just like you and Hannah did'

'Has any of the other victims gone forward to the police? Or reported their crime at least so it was on file'

'No one has reported their rape yet to the police and this is why I pleaded with you or Hannah to report it' I exlplained. 'Someone needs to be the first person to report it and I'm sure the rest will follow, every single one of you are scared and I get that'

'I'll have to speak to Hannah again and we'll discuss our options again on what we wanted to do regarding Bryce'

'If you're gonna have a discussion then I think both Clay and I should both be there'

'When you're released from here and head back home then shall the four of us discuss what our next step is' Jess admitted. 'Is there anything else you are keeping from me'

'I've been having hallucinations of Bryce whenever I am stressed'

'I know how you feel because I'm seeing him in my dreams but why didn't you say anything to me when you first had them'

'Why didn't you say anything to me Jess when Bryce kept on appearing in your dreams' I contradicted

'I know your mind was on the boxing match so I didn't want to distract you further from your practise'

'I'm your boyfriend Jess, you should have told me'

'It seems like we have been keeping secrets from each other' she sighed deeply. 'From now on Slick, no more secrets between us both now'

I nodded my head as Jesscia shuffled closer to me on the bed, she leaned down and softly connected our lips together. Placing my hand against the side of her cheek I deepened the kiss and held her in place. Seeing a small smile creep amongst her face I kept a hold of her and gently rubbed my thumb over her knuckles

'Stay with me the night Jess' I asked hopefully

Jessica texted her parents that she would be staying at the hospital for the night as I shifted up to one side of the bed, she slipped off her jean jacket and shoes before climbing up onto the bed. Snuggling down into the empty space I threw an arm over Jesssica's body and held her close against my front, finding peace in each other's close embrace as we both drifted off to sleep…..

Early the next morning after I had a couple of scans to make sure nothing was wrong with me I was finally released from the hospital. I was back home resting with Clay, Hannah and Jessica by my side in the living room whilst my aunt and uncle had gone to the store for the day

I reached over to the side of the couch armrest and turned the tv off, sharing a knowing glance with Jessica this was the perfect opportunity for her to talk to Hannah again about maybe pressing charges against Bryce. Both Clay and Hannah were looking at us cluelessly as to why I had turned off the tv

'Do you guys mind if we talk to you about something really important' I enquired

'No not at all Mason, what's on your mind' Clay asked

'We were talking last night at the hospital and we wanted to know Hannah if you had any more thought about going to the police'

'Like reporting what he did to me. What's changed your mind Jess to come forward' she proclaimed

'I've been having nightmares about him for the last few weeks and I know I won't be able to shake it off till I know he's behind bars'

'She isn't the only one to be having nightmares because you know yourself Clay I've been having hallucinations'

'How come neither of you told me that you guys were having nightmares' Hannah questioned

'We didn't think it would get as bad as it had and we wanted to consult with you guys first before we do anything'

'Since we last spoke about going to the police is there any new evidence we can put forward to him so they can press charges this time' Hannah stated

'Mason might be able to help you both there' Clay interjected

'How can you do that Mason? It's not like you were there when we got raped' Hannah sighed

'Ever since I was forced to join the team I've been doing my own investigation work on Bryce and I've found some incriminating stuff'

'Enough to solidly put him away without the chance of parole'

'If all the women that have came forward to me do the same and go to the police, Bryce won't ever step a foot outside as a free man'

'But can you guarantee they will come forward Mason?' Clay exclaimed, putting an arm around his girlfriend. 'I'm not having Hannah be put on the stand and watch her get character assassinated'

'Once news gets out that Bryce has been arrested for rape I'm sure the others will see how brave the two of you have been to come forward and they'll press charges as well'

'Obviously we don't know how strong the evidence you have is but is it more than their word' Clay replied

'If a jury doesn't believe either Hannah or Jessica then I doubt they won't believe the other five women as well'

'I thought you said there was six other women' Jessica stated

'One of the young girls took her own life' I admitted tearfully. 'But there is someone that can corroborate her side of the story'

'When will we go to the police to report our rape' Hannah asked

'Whenever you and Jess feel ready to do so, it doesn't have to be today' Clay sympathised

'I'm ready now Hannah to come forward but I won't yet if you are not comfortable to do so yet' she explained. 'We'll be there for each other at the police station Hannah I promise'

Hannah looked around the room for some reassurance that everything would be ok, Jessica and I gave her a hopeful nod of the head before she turned her gaze to her boyfriend. Clay took Hannah's hand in his and gave them a gentle squeeze of assurance. Hannah gulped suddenly and faced the rest of us again

'If you're ready Jess then so am I' She admitted. 'Lets go this afternoon to the police station'

I was proud of my little sister's bravery to finally come forward with Jesscia, it was never going to be easy but they were doing something most women stay silent out of fear of humiliation that they had let it happen. Once news had spread about what they had done I hope the others can come forward to affect the trail…...

It had just past one o'clock in the afternoon and the four of us stood outside of the police station, in the next few hours we would have set the stone in motion for the police officers to start their investigation. I lead our small group inside the reception area and went up straight to the desk

'Can I help you sir' the police officer asked

'My friends over there would like to make a report, they have requested they speak to a female officer'

'Just take a seat with them and I'll send the next available female officer over to you'

I nodded my head and went back to my friends who had sat in the back of the seating area, dropping down between the two girls I claimed a hand of each of them and intertwined our fingers together, I wouldn't be letting go of them till they were called away to a interview room by a female officer

Hannah and Jessica had told us both to stay put where we are as they wanted to be alone in that interview room. Shifting in my seat I leaned closer to Clay whilst he was zoned out of boredom

'Everything changes the moment we leave through those doors' I stated

'In what way Mason?'

'The way that we look at our girlfriends and how the world will look them now'

'We just got to be there for them now more than ever. Hannah was already on edge before we came here so I just got to reassure her more than everything will be ok'

'Do you think we will ever get back to a normal life before Bryce came into ours and ruined it'

'We won't ever get back to a normal life again but we have to make do and try to lead as normal as we possibly can'

'That's one of the biggest thing I'm afraid of Clay, we will be also be able to pinpoint where everything changed'

'There's nothing we can do about the past now Mason, we can only change the future' he proclaimed. 'What are you going to do now with your boxing career now that coach doesn't want anything to do with you'

'I still want to box Clay and being with Coach Patrick could have opened up a lot of doors for the future but I'm happy to go along with Caleb with what he has offered me. Professional or not I still want to box and I still want you to be my coach'

'Nice to know I still have my job'

We both giggled lightly at the comment and noticed the two girls coming out of one of the interview rooms, rushing over to them I embraced Jessica tightly in my arms before hugging Hannah as well and keeping her close by my side

'So how did it go in there' I enquired

'Officer Ashley was really understanding and didn't push us for answers' Hannah replied

'So what happens now then' Clay interjected

'They will look into the matter once they get the chance to do some investigation of their own into the allegation' Jessica informed us

'Then they will bring Bryce in for questioned before pressing charges I hope' I proclaimed

'Officer Ashley did tell us they would be questioning him next week at the earliest'

'Well at least that is something then' I remarked. 'Come on let's get out of here and go somewhere else'

'Back home' Hannah suggested

I nodded my head as Clay and Hannah lead the way out of the police station hand in hand, draping my arm over Jessica's shoulder I pulled her close along my side whilst she wrapped a arm around my waist

'How are you feeling Jess'

'I'm feeling good Slick, knowing that Bryce is going to get what he deserves soon'

'I know she won't tell me to my face if something was wrong but how was Hannah in the interview'

'Hannah was really ok in there and so was I. It was all thanks to Officer Ashley for making us comfortable to talk to her about what happened'

'I just hope you don't become targets again from Bryce or the jocks for coming forward'

'Even if we do Officer Ashley has shown us a support system that's been in place for survivors with any problems they might face'

'Well I hope you and Hannah do use the services if you need them'

'Hannah and I have booked a counseling session for next week when they have arrested Bryce and before you ask, we will be alright when we go'

On the walk home the four of us agreed to a pizza night with a movie, I had managed to get Jessica to agree to stay over the night instead of going home late at night, it would be a rush in the morning to drop some of her stuff back home before going to Liberty for the day but at least I get to spend another night with my love curled up in my bed…

Open entering the school corridor with my friends that familiar linger of eyes rested on me, I had become people's new topic of conversation especially after that defeat to Mateo on the weekend. Jessica and I paired off and went to our locker to grab a few textbooks for our classes, opening the door dozens of newspapers fell to the ground and circled my feet; bending over I picked up the paper and saw sunday headlines of the local news about my defeat

A small crowd circled around the little pile of newspapers to see where the noise had come from, the jocks joined the group of people and pushed their way near the front. Some on the team looked more shocked than others as they knew this would happen when I opened the door

'Don't worry Mason I don't think anyone remembers what happened on saturday' Bryce mocked

'What the hell'

'It was supposed to be a nice surprise if you had won but oh well; least we tried' Monty sniggered

Bending over I grabbed a handful of the papers and placed them in the recycle bin, looking to my sides each of my friends grabbed a bunch of papers and placed them in the bin also. The mess was soon gone but that was all everyone was talking about now. I decided to retreat away from the jocks to Clay and Hannah in another corridor

'What a cruel prank' Clay exclaimed

'I expected as much from them so I'm not surprised'

'Well don't stoop down to there level Mason' Hannah sympathised, looping her arm through mine

'It's all my fault Mason I should have told you soon' Vincent interjected

'I don't understand Vinny'

'I overheard Bryce and the others planning on putting something into your locker, I should have said something to you soon once I knew'

'It's not your fault and I'm not blaming you for anything. I'm just a bit annoyed that it happened in front of everyone'

'You'll be the topic of everyone today and what happened with your boxing match that's for sure'

'One minute you're the centre of everyone's conversation and then comes the next day and someone else is' I explained. 'I just need to ride through the storm that is Liberty'

The public address system on the walls tuned up and seconds later the voice of Principal Bolan came echoing through. Asking for all students and faculty members to make their way to the large gymnasium for an important announcement

'Do you know what this is about' I asked curiously

'Beats me' he stated

Looking around my close circle of friends no one had a clue either but excitement lingered in the hallways about what might come. Following everyone else's lead we went to the gymnasium for an announcement by Principal Bolan, sitting up in the back row of the bleachers it was a matter of time before we found out why we were called here

Near the podium some of the jocks sat near the front and congratulated Bryce on something; whatever this announcement was it had something to do with him. Principal Bolan came up to the stand and drew everyone's attention to him by tapping the mic

'Settle down everyone….I know you are all wondering why I called you all in here. After friday's baseball game a very special milestone was reached and broken'

Coach Patrick had given me the day off to prepare for my boxing match so even I was in the dark about the milestone. All the jocks had kept quiet as nothing was on the socials over the weekend other than me

'One special athlete has broken the all time school record for most home runs during their tenure here that was held for over fifty years' Principe Bolan exclaimed. 'So without further or do I like to call upon Bryce Walker'

Bryce got up from his front row seat and greeted Principle Bolan before giving him a small hug then a handshake, he took to the podium to address the rest of his peers

'Thank you Mr Bolan and the school for the acknowledgement of my achievements, before I go any further I would like to thank….'

The doors to the gymnasium opened and took everyone by surprise by who it was; an adult male and female came into view and came up to the podium. The woman looked very recognisable as I saw her only just yesterday

'Are you Bryce Walker?' Officer Ashley asked

'What seems to be the problem officer' he asked curiously

'If you would come with us sir we would like to ask you some questions'

Bryce didn't argue with the police officers and followed them out of the gymnasium, Officer Ashley and her colleague lead Bryce out as the whispers and rumours started to circulate on the bleachers as to why the police department was here for him….