Alpha Bully (Wolf Ridge High 1)

At night, I lie in bed and think of the things I wish I’d done when it happened. What I could’ve done differently to prevent it in the first place, or how I could’ve defended myself better.

I’m ashamed to say that in the moment, all I did was freeze like a deer in the headlights.

But I’m lucky. Cole Muchmore, a WRHS football quarterback, walked in at that moment. We weren’t friends. In fact, I would have said we were the opposite. But that didn’t stop Cole from taking immediate action to protect me from my molester. The moment he saw my predicament, he slammed his fist into Mr. Brumgard’s nose and told him never to touch me again.

When I ran away, he followed to make sure I was okay. He offered his assistance if I wanted to press charges.

Even though I understand the shame of sexual assault should belong to the perpetrator, not the victim, I didn’t want to come forward. I didn’t want my story known, or for people to think I’m broken or damaged.

But after much deliberation, I decided it was better to come forward and tell my story to prevent what happened to me from happening to another social outcast or otherwise vulnerable girl who comes to this school.

I don’t want to be pitied. I don’t want to be whispered about or pointed at. If you see me in the halls after you read this story, I’d prefer a fist-bump or high-five. Or just a simple, “Hi, Bailey,” would be nice.

I smack my head against the lockers. How could I have ever been so cruel and insensitive to Bailey? Even after I, personally, had softened toward her, I never lifted my ban on the rest of the students forming friendships with her. They followed my lead, my orders. She’s been walking around this school as an outcast since day one because of me.

I smack my head against the locker again.

I thought I was breaking her, but the truth was, she came broken. She came broken from her best friend’s death, and then Brumgard broke her more.

But she put herself back together.

She rose above everything, above me and the shit I said about her, above Brumgard, above every student at this school who snubbed her. And she did it, not by putting up a front and pretending to be strong.

No, by showing her vulnerability.

Bailey Sanchez has more courage than anyone I know.

I smack my head a third time and a light hand touches my shoulder. “Mr. Muchmore?” It’s Señora Cok, the Spanish teacher. “I think you’d better come with me to the principal’s office.”

To the office—right. Because Brumgard is going down. I walk with Señora Cok to the principal's office. Bailey’s standing outside the door and Principal Olsen opens it and beckons us both in.

I follow Bailey in. She’s wearing one of those mini-dresses that drive me insane, this time with an old-fashioned rounded collar and knee-high socks underneath. She’s unique and beautiful and definitely the coolest thing that ever happened to this campus.

But the metallic scent of fear tinges the room. She’s nervous.

I walk straight over and take her hand, even though I have no idea if she’ll let me hold it. “You have nothing to be afraid of,” I say firmly.

Principal Olsen turns quickly around. “That’s right, you don’t.” He holds up the paper. “I have one question for both of you.” He points at the top article. “Is everything in here true?”

“Yes, sir,” I answer.

Bailey nods.

Olsen picks up the phone. “Call in the sheriff. And get Coach Jamison over to Brumgard’s classroom to make sure he doesn’t try to leave.”

“I already took care of that,” I interrupt.

Olsen raises his brows at me, but nods, listening to whoever is on the other line. “That’s right. Yes, let Green know, too.”

He hangs up the phone and looks at Bailey. “I’m very sorry about what happened to you. Do you want to call your mom or should I?”

Bailey closes her eyes. “My mom,” she groans. “I’ll call her.”

“All right. You two sit tight in here until the police arrive. I’m going to check on the Brumgard situation. Cole, you say you took care of it?”

“I stationed ballers at his door and window. He’s not going anywhere.”

“Good work, Cole.” He drops a hand on my shoulder. “You handled yourself well. I’m proud of you.”

I want to roll my eyes, because that’s what the old me would do, but for once an adult’s praise feels honest and deserved. I accept it as the honor it is. “Thank you, sir.”

He leaves the room.

“Bailey—”

“Let’s not, Cole.” She sounds tired. Strained. She pulls her hand away from mine.

I step closer but don’t touch her. I have so much to say and this is the first chance I’ve had for a face to face alone.