It isn’t the first time I’d felt uneasy like that, either. Before, I’d put it down to me just freaking myself out. Tonight, though, I’m not convinced it’s that. I quicken my pace and turn the corner, my arms wrapped tightly around my waist. Out of nowhere, a hand covers my mouth.
I gasp and struggle, desperately trying to wrestle out of their grip but it’s too strong. My heart pounds as I’m dragged backwards. I see a brick wall I recognize. The alleyway behind the theatre. I feel sick. I try to fight, but I can’t break free. I try to scream, but my muffled cry is lost in the wind. I freeze as he slides his other hand over my dress and across my waist. Oh, God, no. Please, no. I squeeze my eyes closed and brace myself.
“I never realized you were such a slut until tonight,” a voice hisses in my ear, too low for me to recognize. “I’m disappointed in you, Anna.”
I know him? Or at least, he knows me. I struggle against him, a new wave of energy hitting me, but it’s no use. Then, I’m suddenly thrown onto the ground.
“Get the fuck away from her.”
Dad.
I crawl far enough away that I feel like I can turn my head. I look up, just long enough to see my father struggling with my attacker. Dad has him by the arms, which are twisted behind his back. I gasp and get to my feet, my heart racing. Nathan. Tears sting my eyes.
Thank God Dad was here.
“Anna, call the police,” Dad says calmly.
Nodding, I take out my phone. My hands shake so much I can barely hold it steady, but somehow, I manage to complete the call. Two other men race over to help Dad restrain my attacker. I stand just out of the alley as I wait for the police, shaking uncontrollably. They arrive minutes later. One talks to me while the other officer places Nathan in the back of the police car.
“Are you okay?” The officer asks. “Did he hurt you?”
I shake my head and then somehow find the strength to nod.
“I’m fine. He didn’t get a chance before my father…” I shudder, not wanting to think too hard about what could’ve happened. She nods and takes off her jacket, putting it around me. I accept it gratefully.
“I’ll call you an ambulance, just to check you over,” she says.
“No, please don’t,” I say, not wanting this to become a big deal. “I’m fine. Really. I’m just shaken up. Once I get home, I’ll be okay.”
“Okay, but we’ll need you to make a statement. It’s better if you can do that tonight. Can your dad take you in?”
“I’ll drive you.” Dad nods. I turn around, not realizing he had walked over to us.
“Thanks,” I mumble.We walk in silence to his car. I get in, still shivering.
“You’re shaking,” Dad says.
He shrugs off his jacket and hands it to me. I take a deep breath, trying to hold back tears as I slip it over the officer’s jacket. The combination of the two extra layers begins to stem the cold.
“Did he hurt you?” he chokes out. I shook my head.
“No. You got there—” I close my eyes, not trusting myself to finish the sentence, but then I take a deep breath and force myself to. “He didn’t do anything other than scare the hell out of me.”
“Jesus, Anna.” He hits the steering wheel, making me jump. “I could’ve killed the guy,” he mutters. “I wanted to fucking end him. Just like that. I could’ve snapped his neck.”
I believe him, too. There was a reason he was banned from attending my little league games when I was ten. He lost the plot during one game and punched a referee so hard that he broke his nose. I’m pretty sure he got banned from playing soccer when I was younger, too.
He glances at me. “Do you know him?”
“I…I’ve seen him around,” I say honestly. “I think I might’ve seen him watching me.”
“And you never thought to tell me about it?” he growls, his eyes flash with anger, but I know it’s not directed at me for once.
I wince and decide not to tell him about the time he exposed himself to me. Mainly because I’m too embarrassed. I know I should have reported him then, at the very least. If I had, then maybe this wouldn’t have happened.
“I'm sorry. I didn't think it was important, and you haven't exactly been easy to talk to lately,” I mumble.
He sighs and glances at me. “This is about Nick now, isn't it?” he asks sharply. I don't answer because I’m not in the mood for another argument. Dad doesn't press me to answer him, and I’m thankful for that.We arrive at the station and go inside, taking a seat in the waiting area. I’m fidgety and jumpy, but considering what almost happened, I think I’m in pretty good spirits. All I want to do is get home so I can go to sleep. I shift uncomfortably in my chair, feeling restless. I’m about to stand up and go for a walk when a lady officer calls my name. I stand up and follow her. Dad gets up, too, but I shake my head.