Chapter Twelve: Spirit Got Lost
"Paige, I was not raped."
"It's okay, Manny, you can tell—"
"Paige, listen to me! I just have some things going on that are…well, less-than-pleasant…but it's not rape. I've never been raped."
Paige looked at Manny, her eyes glossy with unshed tears, and to Manny's horror she realized why Paige was reacting so strongly.
It had been months ago, when Degrassi beat Bardell in a soccer match. Paige had gone after a Bardell boy, Dean. When Dean came back to Degrassi for a new match, Paige had tried to warn Manny that Dean was bad news. Manny told her she was jealous. Later, JT attacked Dean in the mascots uniform. Manny never really thought about it. Sure, it was weird, but Dean never called her and she and Paige soon reconciled.
Shit, Manny thought.
"Paige…like I said, there are things. Things I can't tell you, or anyone. Maybe someday, but I'm okay. I'll be okay. It's not rape, though, believe me."
"Then what is it?" Paige asked, her voice slowly catching up to normal.
Manny sighed. "You wouldn't understand."
"Manny, there has to be some explanation—"
"Paige. Don't. You and I have been getting along lately, but please don't push me."
Paige frowned. "Well, alright, Manny." She finally regained most of her composure. "But don't go after Sully again for your problems."
"I won't," Manny replied.
"Good." Paige left the washroom, immediately hounded by Hazel and Terri's incessant butting into other people's business.
Manny let herself smile a little. Paige, thinking she was raped of all things. It seemed inconceivable. But she quickly frowned, thinking of all the pain that built up in Paige's eyes.
There's more to that girl than people know, Manny thought.
"Doesn't matter," she whispered to herself.