As I walked out into the chilly April morning, I couldn't help but contemplate whether or not I should run quickly back into my small 2 bedroom home to grab an extra sweater.

My father had been in an extra bad mood that morning, and I didn't want to bother going back into our small, poverty stricken shack, so I continued on down the stairs to the block. I was slightly relieved it wasn't a weekend; today would be a bad day for dad, and I was happy for an excuse not to be around.

I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I hardly noticed Casey Lansting, my long time best friend, running up behind me.

I turned just in time to see her long blonde curls bouncing off her back. I could already hear her panting; Casey wasnt exactly the most fit, 200 pounds from it.

"Did you hear about what happened at the party last night?"

She didn't even give me a chance to answer the question before she continued to explain in her hurried, excited way.

"The police showed up and shut it down. You know that girl, Amber what's her name?"

Amber Ross. She was an even bigger outcast than me. The girl had more piercings on her body than I did stuffed animals growing up.

"Well anyways, I heard she called the cops freaking out. saying something about one of the football jocks raping her. Can you believe that?"

I can. As a matter of fact, I knew it was true with every bone in my body. and I bet I knew exactly who the jock was.

"Sandra? Are you okay?"

I suddenly realized I hadn't been walking with Casey anymore. She was about 10 steps ahead of me now, watching me with a concerned look on her face. my heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to jump out of my chest. I closed my eyes.

Breathe, Sandra.

I took a large, stagering breath and opened my eyes, and gave Casey a resurring smile to show I was okay. she gave a sigh of relief, and linked her arm with mine as we began walking to school. Casey continued to jabber on about the party while I walked silently, lost In my own mind.

The day hadn't even begun yet, and I could already feel it was going to be a long one.