{115}✔️

A/N: Trigger warning: mentions of rape.

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Dahlia's POV

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"You need to chill, baby." Billie told me for the fiftieth time today as I bent down to scoop up a pile of clothing. I slowly stood back up and placed the clothes on the table in front of me before sending her a look.

"I'm fine. I feel a lot better, Bil, seriously." I muttered before starting to sort through the clothes. I threw the stuff that I knew we wouldn't use into a box beside the table and folded up the stuff that I thought we could use.

I leaned back to peer past the curtain and take a look at the stage. Cadence was screaming at two girls about them fucking their lines up. "Are you two trying to sabotage my fucking play?! You can be replaced you know! Fuck, how hard is it to say one simple sentence?! 'Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!' Say it with fucking feeling!" She screamed.

I leaned forward again, smirking to myself and shaking my head. Billie sighed as she slid on top of the table, and I narrowed my eyes at her because she was taking up a lot of space.

"You do not feel better. What happened happened only two days ago and you're still sore as fuck." She poked one of the bruises on my arm and I hissed, moving away from her. "You should still be at home resting. Why can't you take the week off?"

"Because I took a week off when all that shit with Kai was happening and I took a week off when I got jumped and I've taken all those days in between," I grumbled. "I don't need to be out any more. I need to be here so I can help out with this play and so I can get all my study guides and try not to fail every one of the exams coming up." I rolled my eyes.

And also whenever I'm at home my family is smothering me with sympathy and forcing me to talk to idiotic police officers.

Billie sighed once again as she forced me to put down the shirt I was holding and grabbed my hand. "Dahlia, you can talk to me about it if—"

"No," I shook my head. "I don't want to talk about it. I don't need to. I know you think I'm just trying to be strong and pretend I'm not hurting or anything like I always do, but seriously, I'm fine. Like, actually. I'm fine."

"I don't believe that for a second." She mumbled.

"Well, there's nothing I can do about that." I shrugged.

She scoffed and got up, storming off before I could say anything else. I turned to look at the clothes in front of me again and continued to sort through them.

I don't know what she wants from me. I guess she wants me to cry and be sad about what happened or something, but I'm not. Maybe I'm in shock? I don't know, but I'm not sad and I'm not scared and I honestly just feel normal. And I'm sorry that she thinks I'm just not talking to her about how I'm really feeling, but it's not like I can force myself to feel something that I don't.

I'm just ready to move past the whole thing. I beat his ass and that was that. Now I just want to move on.

She should be happy. I went to the police like she told me to. I'm getting a restraining order and they asked if I wanted to press charges against him for assault and I'm doing that. I don't even want to, I'm just doing it to get her and my family off my back. I don't know what else she wants me to do.

I shook my head to myself as I stopped sorting the clothes and leaned against the table, putting my head down on it for a few seconds.

She was right about one damn thing. I really am still sore as a bitch. My whole fucking body is aching and throbbing and I've already taken all the pills I could take for right now. They're not helping a god damn thing, probably because it's just ibuprofen. Nothing too strong.

I probably should've gone to the hospital or something to get some stronger medicine, but I didn't want to. My dad asked me if I wanted to, but I told him that I looked a whole lot worse than what I felt. I was lying like a motherfucker when I said that, though. Everything hurts and I feel like I'm about to black out from the pain any second now. I didn't wanna worry him or make the situation seem even worse by taking a trip to the hospital, though.

I'll just wait it out. I'll probably start to feel better in a few days and it'll all be fine. Right now, though, my head feels like it's about to explode.

I slowly stood up straight again after a few seconds and pinched the bridge of my nose as I squeezed my eyes shut. I decided to go ahead and take the clothes in the box out to my car so that I could get a bit of fresh air.

I grabbed the big box and struggled with it all the way out of the auditorium and halfway through the parking lot. I was almost to my car when I heard somebody clear their throat, causing me to jump and drop the box and half it's contents.

"I'm so sorry!" The guy standing there said as he rushed over to help. He was an older man and I'd never seen him before. He was dressed in a nice suit and he looked way too dressed up to be in a school parking lot.

I laughed a little at the thought and shook my head. "That's okay! I just didn't know anybody else was out here."

He finished putting the clothes that'd fallen out back into the box and then picked it up, gesturing for me to lead the way to my car.

"Right. Well, I actually was coming to the school to talk to you, Dahlia." He said after a moment. I raised my brows. "You know my name?"

"Oh, yeah! You're a very bright girl. You applied for a scholarship to go to the college that I represent, and spoiler alert, you got it!" He grinned. "I'm Ted, from CAU."

"Oh!" I smiled largely as I popped my trunk and opened it for him. "I really got that scholarship?!" I questioned quickly.

CAU isn't my dream college or anything, but it's a really nice college that I wouldn't mind going to. It's really expensive, though. Tuition there is no joke.

I wasn't expecting to get that scholarship since so many other people applied. This has got to be the best news I've gotten in a while!

"Yeah, if you want it it's pretty much yours!" He chuckled. "But I have to say, as bright as you are, the only reason I even know who you are is because of my son! He told me all about you and I looked at your scholarship submission afterward."

"Your son?" I raised a brow.

"Rufus."

Oh, I'm not even shocked. Of course his son is Rufus.

"Right. Rufus...I just have to ask, did you or your wife name him?" I chuckled bitterly.

"Well, my wife didn't get to because she died while she was giving birth." He sighed.

"Oh. Sorry." I mumbled.

"That's alright, darling," He patted my shoulder. "Listen, I would love to have you as a student at my college! Your grades are pretty nice, you've joined lots of clubs. I think you'd make a great addition! I think you'd really love our campus too! It's large, but not too large."

"Yeah?" I tilted my head.

"Yeah! And you know it's only a thirty-minute drive away which isn't too shabby. You could drive to and from school every day if you wanted, but I do think you'd enjoy staying on campus. The dorms are very nice if you ask me!" He chuckled.

"Mhm."

"Yeah..." He drifted off, his smile falling slowly. "Listen, my son told me about what you did to him, Dahlia. He came home looking like he'd been jumped by an entire gang and when I asked him what happened, all he could get out before he passed out was 'Dahlia Doe.' So, I did some digging, found you, found out that you applied to CAU, and now here I am."

"Yeah. Here you are. And why are you here? I get the feeling that you're not just here to tell me I got the scholarship."

"See, you are smart," He laughed before letting out a small cough. "Well, Dahlia, I just had to come and see you. My kid comes home bruised and bloodied and looking half dead and I'm worried sick, wondering who could do such a thing. I came here expecting to see an evil little monster, but you're just this tiny little sweet thing—" He shook his head. "I don't get it. I just don't understand. Why would you do that to him?"

"Sir, I didn't attack your son just to attack him. He tried to rape me." I stated blankly. "I guess he didn't tell you that. Sorry I beat his ass. Maybe you should talk to him more about why I did it."

I turned to walk away after slamming my trunk shut but he quickly ran to block my way.

"Yeah, no—" He let out a small chuckle. "He mentioned that he tried to...Have sex with you—"

"Rape me. He tried to rape me. There's a difference."

"—But he said he was sorry so I'd appreciate it if you'd do the same. You two can just make up and leave this in the past!"

"He said he was sorry?" I questioned, raising my brows.

"He did." He nodded.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean to me?"

"Little girl," He sighed, rubbing a hand down his face as he placed his other hand on his hip. "I don't know how else to say this...You just need to keep your mouth shut about this. I heard you're pressing charges and I—We can't have that. He can't have that on his record. I get that what he did was wrong or whatever, but he's got a bright future ahead of him and he doesn't need it tainted because of one little incident with one girl."

"Fuck your son's future, fuck your son period, and fuck you too. Fuck outta my face while you're at it." I spat.

"Are you really willing to ruin your own future trying to ruin his?" He questioned loudly.

"Yes!" I yelled, letting out a small laugh. This guy doesn't know me so he doesn't know just how fucking petty I am. I'd ruin my future in a heartbeat if it meant inconveniencing this motherfucker.

"Dahlia, if you want that scholarship, if you want to get into my college—"

"I don't," I shook my head. "I don't want anything to do with your stupid college anymore."

"You're willing to ruin your whole future just because of this one little tiny incident?!" He asked once again, in disbelief.

"I'm not ruining my whole future just because I'm turning down your stupid scholarship, you egotistical asshole." I rolled my eyes. "There are other colleges. Better ones."

"Dahlia, think about this!" He followed me quickly as I walked toward the auditorium doors. "Rufus is a good boy, he just made a mistake! Nothing even happened! You made sure of that. Don't press charges, this could ruin—"

"It's not gonna ruin a damn fucking thing for him!" I screamed, turning to face him again. "Rufus is a rich white boy with a whole lot of privilege. Trust me, nothing's ruined for him. He could literally get away with fucking murder." I spat. "You wouldn't have to be here begging me to drop the charges if you'd raised your son to keep his gritty little fingers to himself, by the way."

"I'll write you a check," He offered, pulling out a pen. "Twenty thousand dollars just to drop those silly little charges. That's a great deal, isn't it?"

"Oh, twenty thousand dollars, let me call the police station and drop them immediately!" I yelled sarcastically.

"Twenty thousand is usually more than enough!" He yelled. He cleared his throat and shook his head, letting out a nervous chuckle as he realized what he'd said. "I mean, ugh...How about twenty-five—"

"How about you get the fuck out of my face with that pissy pussy money." I growled.

I turned around and opened the auditorium door quickly. "You'll be sorry!" He yelled.

"Suck my dick!" I yelled back, flipping him off before walking fully into the auditorium.

Fuck, my head hurts.

***

"Hey!" I hissed, trying to catch Jasper's attention. He turned to look at me and raised his brows. "Get over here!" I quickly waved him over to me.

The drama club meeting had ended almost thirty minutes ago and I'd been waiting by my car for him to come out of the auditorium since then. I don't know what the hell took him so long, but it's about time he brought his stupid ass outside.

"What is it?" He questioned skeptically. He and all his rat ass friends have been acting weird around me since they heard about what happened with me and Bowl cut bastard.

"Your brother is known for three things. He's known by all the stupid straight girls for being the most popular guy in school. He's known by all the gays and guys for being the biggest nuisance in school. He's known by literally everyone for always having drugs." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"What's your point?" He questioned.

"Do you have any painkillers? Nothing I'm gonna fucking get addicted to or some shit, just something that isn't a dumbass ibuprofen?" I sighed.

"I've given all my painkillers to Rufus." He spat sarcastically, glaring at me. I stepped closer to him and he held his hands up, quickly fixing his tone. "Ugh, I've got, uh, a Percocet in my pocket."

"Well, get it the fuck out then." I demanded.

He pulled a bag of pills out of his pocket and looked them over before pulling one out. "Now, don't make this a habit, okay? I'm supposed to be selling these." He told me before quickly shoving the bag back into his pocket.

"I might need another one tomorrow," I spat. "And if I do you're gonna give it to me. Got it?"

He just looked at me for a few moments before slowly nodding. "I'm sorry about...You know..."

"Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes.

"No, really! I am! Rufus has a temper and he's a real stickler for respect. He used to get bullied and now he's real defensive all the time and he just—"

"I don't give a fuck, Juicehead." I scoffed. "What happened happened and now it's over and I literally don't care anymore. Make sure to have a perc for me tomorrow."

"Alright," He sighed. "Um, but don't mention to my brother that I gave that to you, alright? Cause he'll kick my ass if he knows I'm just giving his shit away."

"Why on earth would I be talking to that bozo in the first place?" I tilted my head, not hiding my annoyance.

"Well, I don't know, I just—"

"Hey!"

I quickly shoved the pill into my pocket before looking behind me, sighing as I saw that it was Denny. He'd been staying after school today to talk to the counselor about college shit. I'd forgotten about that until now, though.

"Are you the pussy ass bitch boy that put your fucking hands on my little sister?" Denver practically jogged up to us, narrowing his eyes. He towered over Jasper and I could tell the boy was scared.

Hell, he was scared of me and I'm smaller than him. Of course his ass is scared of Denver.

"N-No! No! The guy who did that is my friend, but I—I didn't do anything! I swear!" He shook his head quickly.

"Are you lying, punk ass?" Denny questioned, grabbing him by the shirt. Jasper shook his head quickly and Denny looked over at me to make sure. I nodded. "You better fucking not be." He spat, still getting into the boy's face. "And tell your pussy ass friend that when I see him imma fuck his ass up."

"I—Um, okay!" He squeaked. Once Denny let go of him he backed away slowly and then practically ran to his car.

Denver turned to face me and glared. "The fuck did you put in your pocket when I was coming over here?"

"That was some scene." I ignored his question.

"Answer my fucking question. Now."

"Why are you always in my fucking business?" I huffed before opening my car door. He yanked me away from it and slammed it shut before glaring down at me again. "Dude, are you kidding me? Leave me alone, weirdo!"

"If I have to turn your ass upside down and shake you until everything you have in your pockets falls out I will. But don't fucking make me go through the trouble." He held a hand out and I sighed, rolling my eyes as I put my hand in my pocket.

I pulled a penny out and slapped it into his hand before glaring at him. "There, are you happy?"

"This is what you were hiding?" He asked, clearly not believing me. I nodded and he let out a small laugh, looking away from me. "Get rid of the fucking pill, Dahlia. And if I see you around his ass again I'll kill him and then you."

He threw the penny down before turning and walking off. I rolled my eyes before opening my door again and climbing in. I slammed it closed behind me and took the pill out of my pocket.

I watched his back as he walked off in the other direction, and I opened my water bottle and swallowed the pill as quickly as I could.

"Fucking asshole." I muttered to myself before starting the car.

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A/N: 6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣ ‼️‼️

So the tea is, this story already does and will probably contain more mentions of rape, abuse, lots of violence, lots of foul language, etc etc. I'm just saying that now in case I don't remember to put a trigger warning in the future. Also someone asked me if I'd be mad if they skipped a chapter bc it'd be triggering for them to read. BITCH HELLL FUCKINGGGG NOOOO. THATS FINE. DO NOT READ SHIT THATS GONNA TRIGGER U JUST BC U THINK ILL BE MAD IF U DONT. I WONT.

I appreciate y'all reading my shit but it's not like ur required to. I have literally no right to be mad for any reason if anybody decides they don't wanna read a chapter or they don't wanna continue reading the story or whatever. Ur reading this because u (hopefully) enjoy it. Don't read anything that's gonna trigger u!!! Ily!!

Also

I don't think I'm updating tomorrow y'all. I gotta chill for a bit 🖤