Chapter Five- Crying on the Ladies' room

Richard quietly snuck out of the Anders' early the next morning. He kissed Kori good-bye and told her he'd be back later. He hated leaving her there, because she was clearly and understandably still frightened.

"I love you," he whispered tenderly. "I'll come back later, and maybe we can watch a movie or something."

"I love you, too," Kori whispered back. "I'll be OK, my Daddy is here."

Richard gave a half-smile and kissed her on the cheek.

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"What're you watching, Al?" Richard asked, seeing Alfred glued to the television screen.

"The news, sir. It seems Roy Harper was found dead this morning, a victim of driving while intoxicated. Such a shame, really, his adopted father is a good friend of Master Bruce's."

"Oh," Richard replied, fighting to keep his expression blank of the hate he had for Roy. His very blood was boiling. "That's too bad. He was in my Calculus class."

"It is indeed, sir. I must inform Master Bruce," Alfred said, sweeping from the kitchen of Wayne Manor.

"He deserves it," Richard mumbled to himself. "He's just lucky I didn't get to him first."

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Over the next few weeks, life seemed to be returning to normal. Only Kori's pleas kept Richard from telling her parents.

"I am still afraid," Kori told him whenever he mentioned this. "I know he is dead, but I am still afraid. I will always be afraid because of him."

"I know, baby. But your parents should know."

"Please, Richard. Keep it our secret."

At this point, she forced her way into his arms and rested her head on his shoulder.

And he felt so bad for her for having to go through this that he kept his mouth shut, though against his better judgment.

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It was about three weeks after the 'Harper Incident' as Richard had named it when he found out the real consequences of Roy's actions.

The six teenagers were sitting in health class, waiting for the few remaining stragglers to find their seats. This was the first day of their new unit, 'Family Life.'

"Now, I know you all know where babies come from," Mrs. Roberts began, glaring at her class as though daring them to laugh. "But now it's time to explore the, er, finer points."

Gar snickered and was smacked on the head by an irritated-looking Rachel.

"Thank you, Miss Roth. Now, moving on with our discussion…"

Mrs. Roberts turned on the ancient overhead, projecting a diagram of… (I imagine you know what I mean)

"During intercourse-" Mrs. Roberts continued, but stopped when Kori stood up. She ran out of the class, her face hidden in her hands.

"Miss Beecher, Miss Roth-" Mrs. Roberts began, but the two girls had already raced off after their friend.

"She's probably in the bathroom," Rachel remarked quietly when they were in the hallway, concern clear in her violet eyes.

"Probably," Karen agreed. "I wonder why the diagram made her so upset," she added thoughtfully.

"I don't know," Rachel admitted, "But it better not be because of Richard."

"Richard wouldn't do anything to hurt Kori," Karen scoffed. Rachel shrugged.

Karen rolled her almond-shaped chestnut-colored eyes.

"Kori? Are you in here?" Rachel called, kindness and concern in her voice.

They were answered by a sob.

"Kori," Karen said gently upon seeing her friend.

Kori's face was a horrible shade of red, her eyes swollen and puffy. She looked absolutely miserable.

Karen threw herself onto Kori's trembling figure, hugging her.

"What happened?" Rachel asked quietly. "Is Richard trying to make you do something that you don't want to?"

Kori looked revolted and shocked. "No," she said firmly. "It was not him."

Karen released the other girl and gently led her to the small couch located in the ladies' room.

"So, you're saying…what?"

"R-Roy Harper," Kori mumbled.

Rachel knew immediately what had happened. "He touched you, didn't he?"

Kori nodded miserably.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Karen queried.

"Does Richard know?" Rachel demanded at the same time.

"I am sorry I did not tell you. And Richard knows," Kori muttered. "He knew right after it happened that I needed him right then."

"No wonder you freaked out," Karen said sympathetically.

"He can't hurt you anymore," Rachel assured her. "I just can't believe…Roy Harper. I always thought he had a crush on you but…"

"I know," Kori slurred. Karen hugged her again, stroking Kori's ruby locks in a motherly way.

"But that's not all," Kori added, pulling out of Karen's hug.

"What?"

"I'm…pregnant."

Bet you weren't expecting that…

OK, maybe you were…

Love,

Queenie

PS…And the donkey will come to haunt you…