Riley and Maya were laying together in bed one night in just their underwear. Maya looked up at the ceiling with a troubled face, while a smiling Riley said, "Mmm. It feels so good to be engaged to one another Maya. I can't wait until we're married." However a worried looking Maya suddenly moved away from Riley slightly as she said, "Riley... there are things about me I still haven't told you; things that... that might make you realize I might not be good enough to marry." A concerned looking Riley then said, "What are you talking about Maya? You're one of the best people I've ever known." Sadness however went across Maya's face as she said, "The thing is though Riley... I have a past. I know I told you that Jasmine was born due to my swimming coach taking advantage of me... however... I was no saint either... and life has had a way of reminding me of that."


*Six Years Ago:

The chlorinated scent of the pool water clung to the air, as fourteen year old Maya Hart was swimming through the pool during her regular afternoon swim team practice. Maya was a force to be reckoned with, her toned body a testament to countless hours of training. Many people were impressed by Maya's swimming skills, and would sometimes watch her. However no one watched Maya more than her swim team coach: the 22 year old male leader: Richard. Richard couldn't help but carefully observe how the water moved against Maya's skin, the way her butt cheeks would rise and fall as she walked, the way Maya's movements strained the fabric of the suit, the way some of her cleavage would show as she bent over, and the way her smile would grow every time she looked at him. It was a sight that filled him with a burning desire that he tried to hide from everyone else.

As swimming practice ended, Maya climbed out of the pool, her muscles flexing with each movement as she grabbed her towel. She knew Richard was watching. It was an empowering feeling, one she had grown to crave. The power of his gaze on her was intoxicating, making her feel desired in a way that the other girls on the team could never understand. She took her time drying off, bending over just so, giving him a perfect view of her butt. It was a silent dance they had started to play over weeks of practice, a dance that grew bolder with every beat of her racing heart.

The locker room later buzzed with the chatter of teenage girls, the air thick with the mingled smells of shampoo and sweat. Maya waited until the last of her teammates had left before approaching Richard. She had something she wanted to give him, something she knew he'd want. With a coy smile, she slipped a scrap of paper into his hand. "Call me later," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the showers. "I've got something to show you."

As the evening sun painted the sky in warm hues of orange and pink, Maya sat cross-legged on her bed, phone in hand. The screen was a gateway to a secret world, a place where she could be more than just the young swimmer that everyone knew. Eventually Richard texted her.

Their conversation started innocently enough, with the usual pleasantries about how their day had been. Richard casually mentioned how good she looked in her swimsuit today, and Maya, feeling a familiar thrill, played coy. She knew where this was heading, but she enjoyed the chase. "Thanks," she replied, "But I'm not sure if I look beautiful without it on."

The words hung in the air, a silent dare. Richard didn't miss a beat. "Well, I'd be happy to be the judge of that," he texted back with a winky face emoji that did nothing to hide the raw lust in his words. Maya felt her heart flutter at the suggestion. The excitement of the forbidden mixed with the thrill of the power she held.

With trembling fingers, Maya took several photos of herself, naked in front of her mirror. Each shot captured a different angle, each one more revealing than the last. She studied them, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through her veins. Was she really going to do this? With a deep breath, she sent the pictures to Richard. The anticipation was electric as she waited for his response.

His reply was almost instant. "You're absolutely stunning, Maya," he texted, his voice thick with desire. "I'm jealous of whichever lucky boy has already taken your virginity."

Maya felt her cheeks flush, even though no one could see her. "I'm still virgin. Just been waiting for the right person," she admitted, the words feeling heavier than she expected.

"Well, I'd be honored to be that person," Richard replied, his words bold and unmistakable. "If you're willing, of course."

The gravity of his offer settled heavily on her chest. The locker room whispers and the glances had led to this moment. But was she ready?

Maya took a deep breath and typed back, "Okay. After practice tomorrow." Her heart raced as she sent the message, the finality of it all hitting her like a dive into ice-cold water. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a strange thrill.

The next day dragged on like the last length of a mile-long swim. After the final whistle blew, Maya's stomach was a knot of nerves. She showered quickly in the empty women's locker room, feeling the warm water cascade down her body, washing away the day's sweat and her inhibitions. With trembling hands, she put on a fresh set of clothes and met Richard outside the men's locker room. The deserted hallway echoed with the sound of their footsteps as they approached.

The locker room door squeaked open, revealing an empty cavern of lockers and benches. The smell of damp towels and musky cologne filled the air as Richard ushered her inside. He locked the door behind them, and the sound sent a shiver down her spine. This was really happening.

Maya peeled off her swimsuit, letting it fall to the floor like a discarded shell. Richard's eyes devoured her, his gaze leaving a trail of fire on her skin. She felt exposed and vulnerable, but also thrillingly powerful. Richard took in the sight of May's underage naked body, and she knew he liked what he saw.

He stripped quickly, revealing his toned physique. His erection stood proudly, a symbol of his desire for her. Maya's eyes were drawn to it, a mix of curiosity and fear. They stepped into the shower, the tiles cold against their feet, and Richard pulled her into his arms, kissing her with a hunger that seemed to match her own.

The warm water sprayed down on them as they explored each other's bodies. Maya's hands found their way to Richard's hard adult penis, stroking it gently, her eyes never leaving his as her fingertips brushed against his large cock. He was hard and hot, and she felt a sense of pride that she could make him feel this way. She began to stroke him, watching his face contort with pleasure as she grew more confident in her movements. Suddenly she felt his hand between her legs, his touch sending jolts of pleasure through her. The moment stretched out, filled with the sound of the water and their ragged breathing.

Richard's breath grew ragged as he watched her, his hand moving to caress her fourteen year old breasts, his thumb brushing against her hardened underage nipples. The sensation sent bolts of pleasure through Maya, making her gasp. She knew that this was what she wanted, that she was ready to give herself fully to him.

When Richard finally pushed into her, Maya's eyes snapped shut and she bit her lip to keep from crying out. It was nothing like what she had imagined, more intense, more real, and she felt herself opening up in ways she never had with anyone else. Richard was gentle at first, moving slowly, giving Maya time to adjust. But soon, he grew more urgent, pushing her against the shower wall. The tiles dug into her back, the water pounding against her skin like a heartbeat out of sync with her own.

The sound of their bodies slapping together echoed through the tiles, bouncing off the walls like a secret they were sharing with the empty room. Maya felt herself starting to lose control, the pleasure overwhelming the pain. She whispered his name as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper inside her. Their breaths mingled, the steam from the shower clouding around them, creating a private world where only the two of them existed.

Their bodies moved in sync, the water beating down on them like a drum, setting the rhythm for their love making. Maya felt the tension in her core build, her body responding to his touch in a way she had never experienced before. As Richard's adult penis was pushing back and forth in Maya's underage body, Richard whispered sweet nothings in her ear, calling her his little swan, telling her how perfect she was. Maya leaned back, letting the water run over her face and down her neck, her eyes closed tight as she focused on the feeling of Richard inside her.

The world outside the shower ceased to exist as they became lost in the moment, their cries of pleasure echoing through the empty room. It was a secret, a forbidden act, and the thrill of it only made it more intense. When they reached their peak together, the world around them seemed to shatter into a million pieces, leaving them gasping for air in the aftermath.

When it was over, they stood there, panting and shivering under the cold spray, the reality of what they had just done slowly sinking in.

"Maya," Richard murmured, his voice husky with emotion. "You're so beautiful."

Maya looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of shock, pleasure, and fear. "I'm not a kid anymore," she whispered, trying to convince herself.

They kissed again, this time more tenderly, the intensity of their previous embrace replaced by a gentle exploration of each other's mouths. Richard's hands roamed her body, tracing the lines of her waist, the curve of her hips, and the soft mounds of her breasts. Maya's own hands wandered down to his chest, feeling the wetness of his skin and the thud of his heart.

They stepped out of the shower, their bodies still entwined, and wrapped themselves in towels. The cold air outside was a stark contrast to the steamy shower, and Maya felt a sudden urge to pull away from Richard, to retreat into her own thoughts. But his arms were strong and comforting, and she found herself leaning into his warmth instead.

"We should get dressed," she murmured, her voice shaky. "My mom will be here soon."

Richard nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Of course," he said, his voice just as unsteady.

As they dressed in silence, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of finality. What they had just done had changed everything, and she knew there was no going back. As Maya slipped into her clothes, she felt the fabric stick to her skin, a constant reminder of what had just occurred. She tried to ignore the small voice in her head that whispered about the wrongness of it all, about the repercussions that could come from this indiscretion. However Maya tried to ignore that small voice in her head... but she wouldn't be able to ignore it for much longer.

A week later, it happened. Richard didn't show up to swim practice one day. At first the other girls on the swim team started spreading rumors on where he was, as teenagers go. But then... the truth came out. When Maya was least expecting it, she heard that Richard had been arrested. Her heart stopped, and the floor seemed to fall out from under her. She felt dizzy, her hand shooting to her mouth to hold in the bile that threatened to spill forth.

The TV news confirmed it later that night. Richard's mugshot stared back at her from the screen, the smirk she had found charming now twisted into a grimace of fear and desperation. The newscaster spoke in a serious tone, listing his crimes: statutory rape, abuse of power, and a slew of other offenses that made Maya's blood run cold. Her eyes widened as she learned Richard had been sleeping with four different underage girls from the swim team, all of whom had come forward.

Maya felt the weight of the world crush down on her. She wasn't just his victim; she was one of many. The feeling of pride and power she had once felt was now a thick coating of disgust that clung to her like the chlorine from the pool. She had been used, manipulated, and her innocence had been stolen.

The following week was a blur. Maya's mother picked her up early from school every day, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and concern. The other girls on the swim team avoided her, their whispers turning into glares.

Then, one afternoon, the doorbell rang, and Maya knew before she even looked through the peephole that it was them: the police. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw the stern faces of several officers standing on her doorstep. The sight of their badges made her knees buckle. She knew what this was about.

"Mrs. Hart, we need to speak with Maya," one of the officers said gravely.

Her mother's face paled, her grip on the door tightening. "What is this about?" she demanded, her voice shaking.

The officer's expression grew even more serious. "It's about her old swim coach and some... inappropriate material that was found on his phone."

Maya felt a cold sweat break out across her forehead as she was led to the living room. The officers explained that Richard's phone had been seized as evidence, and that it contained the nude photos she had sent him. They were charging Maya with distributing child pornography. The words hit her like a ton of bricks.

As the reality of her situation sank in, Maya felt a deep sense of dread fill her. Her mind raced with thoughts of the juvenile detention center, of her name being tarnished forever, of never being able to live a normal life again. She had thought she was in control, that she had made a choice, but now she was just another one of Richard's victims.

The interrogation that followed was a haze of questions and accusations. Maya and her mother gave no answers, wanting to have to discuss the matter with a lawyer. The officers tried to pressure Maya though into saying something anyway; clearly trying to pressure her into forgoing her rights.

After what felt like an eternity, Maya was allowed to not have to go to any type of juvenile detainment center, pending her upcoming trial. Maya felt numb, unable to process what had just happened.

A lawyer that Maya and her mother soon met with did give them some positive news. Since the seized text messages did prove Maya was being encouraged by an adult figure to send nude photos of herself, they could go with the defense of Maya being coerced into taking illegal actions by an influential authority figure. Maya's record would eventually be wiped clean as well... but not after a period of probation and court appointed therapy sessions.

But the real horror was what Maya felt within her body. Weeks after her secret sexual affair in the locker room shower, she was feeling more off. The smell of the chlorine from the pool no longer felt like a welcoming scent, but instead, it made her nauseous. The smell of the cafeteria food made her stomach churn, and she found herself getting tired much quickly than she used to. It was only when she missed her period that she had a sinking suspicion of what was really going on.

Maya took the test in the privacy of her own bathroom, her heart racing so hard she thought it would break out of her chest. The little blue line that appeared was stark against the white plastic stick, like the harsh reality of the situation slapping her in the face. It was then that Maya realized... she was pregnant... with Richard's baby. The man who was now in jail, awaiting his trial, was going to be a father... and she was going to be a mother... at 14 years old.

The news hit Maya like a freight train. The fear of being labeled a criminal was nothing compared to the fear of becoming a mother so young. She didn't even know how to process the emotions that were swirling around in her. She felt so alone, her heart breaking into a million pieces at the thought of having to tell anyone, especially her mother.

Maya sat on the cold tile floor, her knees drawn up to her chest, the stick clutched tightly in her hand. She stared at the blue line for what felt like hours, willing it to disappear. But it remained, a constant reminder of the choice she had made, and the consequences she now had to face. She felt the tears fall down her cheeks, mixing with the salty taste of fear and regret.

The days that followed were a blur of doctor's appointments and hushed conversations with her mother. Maya had always been a good student, but now she found it hard to concentrate. She could feel the eyes of her classmates and teachers on her, even though she had not told anyone about the pregnancy yet. The whispers and stares grew more pronounced, as if they could see the secret growing inside her.

The pressure mounted as the days turned into weeks. The trial approached, and with it, the inevitable day when her secret would be laid bare for everyone to see. Maya felt as though she was drowning in a sea of her own making, and she didn't know if she would ever find the strength to swim back to shore.

But amidst the chaos, something unexpected began to happen. Maya's mother, who had once been her rock, began to crumble. The stress of the situation, the betrayal of trust, and the fear for her daughter's future had taken its toll. She started drinking more, her eyes often red and puffy from crying. Maya felt guilty for adding to her mother's pain, for not being the daughter she had always dreamed of. She wished she could take it all back, but she knew she couldn't.

The trial loomed ahead, a dark cloud on the horizon, and Maya knew that no matter what the outcome, her life would never be the same. She had lost her innocence, and now she was in danger of losing so much more.

On the day of the trial: the courtroom was cold and uninviting, the stern faces of the judges and the whispered conversations of the lawyers doing nothing to calm her nerves. Maya sat between her mother and their lawyer, her hands clutching the fabric of her dress so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Richard was brought in, handcuffed and wearing a prison jumpsuit, looking nothing like the charismatic coach she had once adored.

The prosecutor presented the evidence, and Maya felt like she was watching a movie of her life, one that she had no power to change. The photos Maya had sent Richard were shown on a screen (albeit blurred), and Maya couldn't help but cringe at the sight of her stupidity, displayed for the world to see. The disgust in the jury's eyes was palpable, and she could almost feel their judgment pressing down on her.

However the narrative shifted when Maya's lawyers spoke of the manipulation by Richard that had driven her actions. Then everyone listened to the testimonies of the other girls Richard has sex with. They had all been through the same thing, all manipulated by the same man. And as they shared their stories, Maya felt less alone.

The verdict soon came down like a guillotine. Richard was found guilty on all counts, the jury's decision a stark reminder of the gravity of his crimes. The courtroom was silent, save for the quiet sobs of the other victims and their families. Maya felt a mix of relief and sadness. She had been spared the full weight of the law, but at what cost? Her reputation, her youth, her innocence—all lost to a man who had seen her only as a conquest.

The weeks that followed were a blur of doctor's appointments, court appointed therapy sessions, meeting with her probation office, and awkward glances from her peers. Maya had decided to keep the baby, a choice that was met with both support and disapproval from her community. It also didn't help that the same leaders in Maya's community that wanted her to keep her child, were also the same leaders that treated her in public like she was some whore.

Maya's pregnancy was not an easy one. The nausea was relentless, and the weight of her decision bore down on her with every kick and flutter from the baby growing within her. Yet, amidst the turmoil, she found moments of peace. The swimming had to be put on hold, but she found solace in sitting by the river, watching the water flow endlessly.

At first sitting by the water left Maya feeling sad... but eventually the water reminded her of the strength and resilience she had always found in the pool... and that was a resilience Maya would carry over into her ability to being a mother.

The baby grew, and with it, so did Maya's resolve. She had to find a way to move forward, to rebuild her life from the rubble. She threw herself into her studies, her mind craving the structure and routine that had been shattered by Richard's betrayal. She found comfort in her books, in the knowledge that she could still achieve greatness despite her past.

When the day of her delivery arrived, Maya was terrified but determined. As she held her daughter for the first time, Maya knew that this tiny life was the most important thing in the world to her. The little girl Maya held in her arms was like a beautiful flower; so Maya decided to name her daughter after the most beautiful flower she knew of... Jasmine. Maya knew she had a long journey of recovery ahead... but what she didn't realize was that there was still more sadness ahead of her...


Two years after the trial, Maya had grown into a strong young woman, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of someone who had seen too much too soon. Her grades had improved dramatically, and she had even started to make friends again. One of them was George, a new student who had moved to town. He was charming, funny, and had no idea about the scandal that had shaken Maya's world. The two began to spend weeks after school studying together, sometimes in the woods where it was more calm and peaceful

One evening, as they sat on the banks of the river, their legs swinging over the edge, Maya felt the weight of her secret life as a teenage mother pressing down on her chest. She knew she couldn't keep it from him forever, especially if they were going to be more than just friends. "George," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "There's something I need to tell you."

His eyes searched hers, a look of genuine concern etched on his features. "What is it, Maya?"

Taking a deep breath, Maya immediately said, "I'm a single mother to a little two year old girl. I... I made bad choices over two years ago... but I'm not that person anymore." Maya then sat quiet for a moment... but then George suddenly said, "That's okay. That alone doesn't make you a bad person."

The words hit Maya like a warm embrace. No one had ever said that to her, not even her mother. She felt the last of her defenses crumbling, and she leaned into him, feeling safe for the first time in what felt like forever.

The next two weekends were filled with nervous excitement as Maya and George went on their first two official dates together. The first was a simple dinner at a local Italian restaurant, the kind of place where the breadsticks were warm and the marinara sauce was homemade. Maya had never felt more alive than when George held her hand across the table, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles as they shared a plate of spaghetti. The second date was a fancy steakhouse, the kind of place that required reservations and where the lights were dim and romantic.

On the first date, Maya was nervous, picking at her food, and avoiding any topics that could lead to her past. But George had a way of making her feel at ease, of drawing her out of her shell with his laughter and kind words. On the second date, she felt more comfortable, even allowing herself to talk about her daughter Jasmine. George's eyes lit up at the mention of her name, and he asked question after question about what she liked to do, her favorite foods, and her little giggle that Maya said was the best sound in the world.

For two weeks, Maya felt like she was floating on a cloud. Every time she saw George at school, her heart skipped a beat. She had never felt this alive, this hopeful. Maybe she could have a good future after all, one filled with love and happiness.

But at the end of their second date, George casually asked her: "Maya, what's your middle name?" Maya didn't hesitate at all before sharing it. It was such a simple thing, a name that she had never thought twice about.

The next day, Maya's phone buzzed with a message from George. She eagerly opened it, expecting to find the sweet words they had started to often exchange. But instead, her heart plummeted as she saw a screen capture of a news article on the screen. It was from two years ago, with the headline "Local Teen Put on Probation for Child Pornography Charges." The message from George beneath it read, "You didn't tell me you created child pornography and were on probation. I don't want to date a criminal. Goodbye."

Maya felt as though she had been punched in the gut. Maya had a common enough first and last name, but George must have used her middle name to finally do a thorough online search on her past. Maya had tried so hard to keep the most painful parts of her past buried, but George had dug it up, and now he was throwing it back in her face. Maya's mind raced as she composed a message back to George, explaining that it had only been photos of herself, that she had been coerced, that she had been off probation for over a year, and that the judge wiped her record clean. But George didn't respond.

For the rest of the week, Maya waited for a response that never came. She saw George in the halls, his eyes avoiding hers, his smile no longer reaching for her. She felt like the floor had been ripped from under her, leaving her to fall back into the darkness she had fought so hard to climb out of.

The weekend brought no reprieve. Maya sat in her room, the walls closing in on her, staring at the same message she had read a hundred times. How could she explain to George the fear and confusion she had felt when she had sent those photos? How could she make him understand that she had been a victim, not a criminal?

Maya began to roll up into a ball as she cried. George was such a kind caring young man. If someone as great as George couldn't love her... who could? It was then Maya made a realization as she said out loud to herself, "I am never going to marry anyone. I am not good enough for anyone."

Suddenly Maya's phone made a buzzing noise, and she jumped, hoping for one more second it was George... but it was only her mother, reminding her to pick up Jasmine from her grandma's. The sight of her daughter's name on the screen brought tears to her eyes. Jasmine was the one good thing to come out of this mess, her beautiful, innocent baby girl.

With a heavy heart, Maya gathered her strength and stood up. She was going to have to work extra hard to build a better for life for herself... since it would be a life that sadly would involve no one being able to ever love her.


*Present Day:

Maya sat with Riley in the bedroom, as a look of guilt and sadness went across her face. As Maya wiped away some tears, she said, "I did terrible things Riley. I encouraged a man to have sex with me knowing it was wrong, and I sent nude photos of myself while underage knowing it was wrong. People have wronged me... but I did wrong things too. I don't deserve to feel loved."

However Riley immediately hugged Maya as she lovingly said, "Don't say that Maya. Yes, you made mistakes... but I can see from your actions in the present that you're not that person anymore. Richard took advantage of you and manipulated you when you were still young. As for George... he chose to distance himself from you out of fear. He let his worst assumptions of you based solely on your past blanket his knowledge he had gained of who you were in the present. We all have a past Maya... but the people who truly love us are able to see who we have become in the present."

As Maya felt a wave of relief hit her body, she squeezed Riley tight as she said, "Riley... thank you. I love you... I love you so much." The two young woman then simply remained still as they hugged one another for the next several hours...

THE END (FOR NOW)