"Huh?" I stammered. "What are you saying-"
"Use me against them, so they can't bully you anymore. Because by the time they find out that the two of us are engaged, I believe they will finally stop causing violence and insulting you. Because if it is necessary for you to use me so that they stop attacking you, I'm willing to give myself to you and use me-"
"No." I shook my head and pushed him away from me. "It never crossed my mind to think of using another person just for my own sake-"
"Come on. We're doing that right now." He crossed his arms around his chest when he lowered the bimpo he was holding to the floor. "That's what our marriage is for, did you forget?"
And I realize... he's right.
"So, the next time they attack you, don't hesitate to use my name. I think you are aware of how relevant I am to this school. It will probably be enough of a threat to them, so they won't treat you as a loser here anymore."
He was about to leave when he unhooked his bag from behind him. In it, he had a pair of clothes that he took out and handed it to me.
"You can't attend your class with your clothes looking like that. Make sure before going back to your classroom, you change first. Just use this jersey of mine." After he said those things, he left me at the bottom of the stairs going to the principal's office.
I was left staring at the clothes he lent me. Lucas made me wear black shorts and a basketball jersey. I don't know if it's better for me to go to my class in this dirty uniform? Why do I wear a jersey and get laughed at in class?
"I guess it's better not to attend my class. How's that sound?"
—
"I have thought of passing these files I have since I was just here, around the area, so I hope you don't mind, hija."
"No." I shook my head violently. "What brought you here, Cap? Do you have a lead about my rape case? Have you told my mother yet?"
I had the courage to ask him about my case since I talked to him in an empty room that I have already asked permission from one of my teachers. And she allowed us to use the empty room. It's good that we're not talking to a policeman in a public place because I'm sure I'll be the source of gossip again.
One more thing… I'm really determined to find out who took advantage of me. I just couldn't stand alone in the sidelines doing nothing to bring justice to myself despite the abuse I suffered because of him, he is enjoying his liberty.
"We have not found any leads so far. But rest assured that we will continue to investigate your case." He had a brown envelope placed on the table and opened it... and it contained photographs, and he laid it on the table. "Right now, I came here to ask you if one of these men took advantage of you?"
Five photos are lying on the table. I looked at them one by one and thought carefully if one of them resembled the man who took advantage of me. But… none of them matched.
"None of them, Cap." I just sighed, filled with disappointment. "I'll just wait for the leads you can give me once you have an update. I will go first since I still have class."
"All right. I will call Joyce as soon as we have an update."
After that, I was the first to leave the room. I was only able to enter our class today because Cap talked to me. I really hope that our subject teacher is not in our room at this time. Maybe because I was more worried my teacher would not let me enter the class because of what I was wearing... knowing that I would enter his class wearing a jersey.
"Mamsh, look! Chanty is wearing Lucas' jersey, right?"
"Whoa! She's wearing his jersey. Is this for real?"
"It looks like they really are a couple, Monica."
My classmates were whispering to each other and again creating an issue about me when I entered our classroom. The good news is that our teacher was not there when I got to the room. The only bad thing is that when I got there, my classmates became quiet and at this time, I was once again the nest of their gossip.
But this time, at least what they are making a big deal about now is the jersey I was wearing right now.
"Take it off!" I was surprised when someone behind me pulled my hair and one of her hands tugged at my clothes. "That doesn't suit you, so take it off!"
"What!" I pushed Monica hard away from me. I think I pushed her too hard, so she sat on the floor. "You know… you've gotten into my nerves since earlier! You and your friends have been mocking me and insulting me over and over again! It is as if you and your circle of friends have been insecure about me?!" I laughed. "What's wrong with you, Monica?!"
"You are my problem!" She stood up and rushed at me to push my shoulder hard. "Don't you at least hate yourself, Chanty? You've been raped by some guy next to you and you even got pregnant, but you still have the courage to stick with Lucas, right?! Now you will use Lucas, who, compared to you, is a very clean and decent man just to be your weapon to cover your issue! You really have no shame left in yourself, do you?!"
I thought it was over or she has gotten tired when Monica used my issue being a rape victim to get rid of her ridicule and belittling of me. I thought it was enough for them to know that there was "something" between me and Lucas for them to stop attacking me using the rape victim card... but still no.
"I'm sorry if you think of me as small and dirty dust, huh? I'm sorry if I'm like this." This time, I made myself strong. I really forced myself to be strong and I do not let myself cry in front of them. "And I'm sorry if despite the dark past that I have, Lucas still chose me rather than going back to a woman with a rough attitude like you!"
I know my answer surprised her as well as my classmates. They were all gasping in the air because of that. I did not expect that I would be able to say such a word to Monica. But the things she says to me are not humane either, so I just retaliate against her.
"What did you say-"
"You can't accept it? Is it hard for you to accept this loser you call…" Pointing at myself. "Is it hard to accept that only someone like me can steal the man you've been wanting to get back to you for a long time? Huh, Monica?"
I became their friend, and even though they offered a fake friendship to me, at least Jade was able to tell me about Monica who was willing to do anything just to get back with Lucas.
"Out of the two of us, you're the real loser-"
"SHUT UP!"
Out of nowhere, Monica suddenly rushed at me, and she didn't stop slapping my face and she's pulling my hair harder. But I didn't let myself be defeated by her. I also tweaked her hair until she screamed in pain.
"Guys, stop it!"
"Pres, call a teacher!"
None of my classmates managed to wean Monica and me. She was really good at tweaking and slapping me. It's as if my plucking doesn't matter to her.
"You will eat everything you said earlier, Chanty!" And after saying that, she immediately let go of me and pushed me hard.
My back hit the back of the teacher's table and that's when I fell. My back hurt from hitting the wooden table in front of me so hard-
"Guys, call the nurse!"
"Chanty is bleeding, guys!"
Because of what I heard, I looked between my legs—And sh*t. I'm bleeding!