Beautifully Broken

“You said someone’s after you. Have you thought about going to the cops?”

I toss my fork onto my tray, not necessarily mad at Rex, but our conversation. Gerald is the last person I want to think about, especially with that note burning a hole in my pocket. “I can’t. It’s been almost a year. There’s no evidence anymore and all that will do is piss Gerald off.”

“You’re well within the statute of limitations. Didn’t you hear about the Me Too movement a few years ago? Those girls were hurt years ago and their charges stuck.”

They stuck because those girls were accusing high profile people. Lowly wannabe slum lords are swept under the rug thanks to crooked cops. I wouldn’t stand a chance. Besides, all making a report would do is give Gerald a way to find me faster. “Just drop it, Rex.”

“That man should be locked up for what he did to you, Piper. You didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t be afraid to report him.”

“I didn’t tell the cops when I assaulted him, Rex. By definition, that’s doing something wrong.”

“But he—”

“No!” I yell. “Conversation over.”

First the note and now this. I should have skipped this morning when Ms. Cherrybroom gave me the pass. I stand and march towards the school but change my mind. I turn and put my hands on my hips. “You can’t just ask me to be your girlfriend and expect me to change everything, Rex.”

“What are you changing?”

“Me! My plan. My life.”

Rex stands and takes a step towards me. “What exactly is your plan?”

“Forget it. You wouldn’t understand.” I turn and run.

Away from Rex.

Away from it all.

24

Rex

I pushed her too far. I knew better. I saw the warning signs that she was going to break but I kept going because I couldn’t let it go. The rest of the day dragged. I waited at Piper’s locker after the last bell for five minutes but she never showed up. She wasn’t at my car either. I pull out my phone.

Me: Hey, where are you?

Me: I’m at my car. Want a ride?

Me: I’m sorry, Piper.

Three dots appear. My heart skips until they disappear again and then nothing.

Me: Text me back. I’m getting worried

I drive to the Red Onion but she’s not there either. I park in my driveway and open the front door. It’s unlocked which is strange because I never go out it.

“Piper?” I call out running through the house. Searching. Hoping. But she’s not there. Not inside. Not outback on the patio. Not in the pool house. She’s not here.

My fist hits the wall beside me, leaving a round imprint in the plaster. “Shit!”

Me: Do you know where Piper is?

Logan: Who’s this?

Me: Rex

Logan: How the fuck did you get my number