Aftermath

oOo

Summer Hathaway sat on her couch, staring at the TV. Her parents talked in the background. Tearstains were on her face and she sniffled occasionally. She clenched her small hands into fists and the relaxed her fingers to spread. Quickly though, she tensed and they curled up again. Just breathe, she told herself.

Just breathe. It's okay. They know. Mommy and Daddy know and they still love you. They still love you even though you're a horrible dirty slut. But, he lied. He said no one would want to see you. But, he lied. Mommy and Daddy and Dewey and Katie and Alicia and Marta and Zack and Tomika and Lawrence and Freddy love you.

They.

Love.

You.

Her eyes filled with salty tears again and they trailed down her cheeks like falling stars. She tried to muffle her whimpers, as to not distract her parents. They were making phone calls, desperate phone calls. To the hospital, to the school, to the police and to as many therapists as they could find. They were tracking down the sicko who touched their daughter. He'd be arrested before the day was through, or so the authorities said.

They had enough identification information to find him in minutes. At first, there had been some skepticism about how well Summer remembered the face of her attacker. Considering that she saw the man everyday for fifth period science, it was a pretty good guess that she knew him well enough. Since the rapist was a teacher, that made the search all the more speedy. That was a few hours ago.

Her cell phone had run a few times every hour as the band mates called in. They were careful, as if speaking any higher than a soft whisper would make her house explode. But, Summer had been grateful for the company. After each of them had called at least once, her doorbell had rung. Her mother moved first, flinging the door open. There stood Alicia, Tomika, Katie and Marta. And with them was a soft white bunny rabbit in a cage. A giant bow adorned the wire contraption.

Katie explained in a rushed voice that the bunny had been Zack's idea because of how Summer had loved Alice in Wonderland when she was younger. And, so, he and the boys went out and bought a rabbit for her. And the girls decided they needed to catch up and see how Summer was doing and maybe hang out for a few hours.

Her mother had nodded, but said to keep the festivities calm. How about watching a little TV, she suggested. The five females made themselves comfortable on the carpet with blankets and pillows. Summer laid sandwiched with Alicia and Katie on one side and Marta and Tomika on the other. As they were about to turn on a DVD (some random chick flick) the news came on.

"Special report... One Mr. Jeremy Madison, of Horace Green JR. High was arrested today on the charge of sexual harassment and rape. Further investigations will be conducted to turn these charges into concrete facts. Allegedly, Madison cornered one of his students after school and forced her to engage in sexual intercourse. That is all the information that we can disclose at this time, updates will be posted at both our website and we will have a full story later in the week..."

Summer Hathaway covered her mouth with one hand as she cried more tears. He was gone; he couldn't hurt her again. There was nothing to be scared of. She was safe. She was free. She was okay.

She was loved.

oOo

And, thus, it is over. I end this tale with a bow and all the love I have. May my reviewers and readers be blessed. And may those unfortunate enough to have to face what Summer Hathaway faced be blessed with courage and strength. My story is dedicated to all rape victims in the world.

It is not your fault, don't blame yourself.