Sarah had been absent from school for five weeks. Whenever Alex was around, she found solace, feeling empowered enough to face the world. But encountering an average teenage boy outside her home would send her into a panic.
Presently, Sarah was grappling with a fear of guys, especially physical contact. Alex could barely hold her hand without triggering a flinch. Even when he attempted to touch her cheeks, it had to be done slowly to avoid startling her.
It was exhausting for Alex, having to exercise immense patience. When they went out to a nearby cafe, he ensured no males came within a 0.5m radius of her, as she would become agitated.
Despite the strain, Alex didn't mind. He took his role as Sarah Johnson's protector seriously, willing to do anything to keep her safe. He was pleased to witness her gradual improvement, proud of her strength.
It took an additional week for Sarah to meet the Aerospace boys after meeting Alex. They had to meet her individually to avoid overwhelming her, and it took another week for all of them to be in the same room as her.
Mentioning Matthew McCall was strictly off-limits. Once Henry inadvertently mentioned him, triggering Sarah's shriek and hiding behind the couch. Alex comforted her, whispering reassuring words while holding her hands to calm her down.
The Aerospace boys became certain that Sarah was meant for Alex and vice versa. Meanwhile, the school buzzed with curiosity about the disappearance of Matthew and Sarah. Rumors swirled, speculating about Matthew's expulsion and Sarah's whereabouts, but only the Aerospace boys, Deliah, and her friends knew the truth, keeping silent.
As weeks passed, speculation intensified. Alex appeared fatigued, the Aerospace boys seemed somewhat melancholic, and even Deliah exhibited unusual behavior, occasionally staring into the distance.
Various false narratives spread about Sarah's location and activities, none capturing the reality of her suffering, trauma, and horror. Life wasn't a fantasy where an attractive man came to forcefully ra*pe you, and magically, a romantic connection blossomed between you both.
Ra*pe was cruel, a heinous sin that inflicted more pain upon the victim than anyone could fathom. While some might romanticize such acts as mindless individuals, the truth remained stark—Sarah suffered unimaginable trauma. Nights were haunted by her cries for help, haunted by the haunting replay of events.
Yet, Sarah's strength prevailed; she knew she'd eventually find solace, especially with Alex by her side. Today marked her return to school after a five-week hiatus. But the thought of facing countless guys in the school corridors, the bustling cafeteria, and the inquisitive stares overwhelmed her, making her almost yearn to retreat home.
"I'm here," murmured Alex, sensing her apprehension as they stepped out of the car. Deliah offered a reassuring smile, standing by her sister's side. "Alex and I are here for you."
Nodding, Sarah tightly held onto Alex's hand, with Deliah on her other side. Together, they proceeded towards the school, their presence acting as a protective shield. Whispers erupted as people noticed Sarah's return. "She's back!" echoed across the crowd, setting Sarah on edge, especially with the prospect of facing numerous guys.
As the students crowded around, bombarding them with endless questions, Sarah trembled, seeking refuge closer to Alex, who instinctively tightened his grip on her hand. Deliah, reaching her locker, sent Sarah a reassuring smile. "Stay strong, Sarah. You've got this."
With a nod and a subtle gesture of determination, Sarah followed Alex towards the Aerospace group by their lockers. A passing guy accidentally brushed his arm against hers, causing her to freeze, a sudden yelp escaping her lips as fear took hold.
Alex swiftly pulled her away, positioning himself between her and the guy, his voice laced with anger. "Watch where you're going," he growled.
The guy appeared taken aback and slightly offended. "Dude, my arm accidentally brushed against your girl's. No need to overreact."
"That's what you think," Alex snapped back. "Watch where you're going."
Turning back to Sarah, his demeanor softened as he guided them toward their lockers. "You okay?" he whispered, a worried expression crossing his face as he scanned hers.
Sarah nodded, moistening her dry lips. "Yeah, just caught off guard. I wish I didn't react that way."
"It's okay," Alex reassured her, gently taking her hand and placing a kiss on her fingertips. "Mrs. James is resilient; she'll recover soon, won't she?"
Looking up at him with a faint smile, Sarah nodded. "Yeah, with Mr. James supporting her."
Alex's grin widened as he chuckled. It was the first time she indirectly acknowledged being Mrs. James. "Absolutely, Mr. James will stand by you, never leave your side. And so will Alesa."
"Alesa?" Sarah blinked in confusion.
"Alesa," Alex reiterated, raising his eyebrows as if it should be obvious. "Remember? Our daughter."
Seeing that beautiful smile grace her lips brought him immense joy.
During break time, the Aerospace group and Deliah with her friends were having lunch in the cafeteria.
The students remained curious about Sarah's recent absence, but no explanations were given. However, the teachers were aware and assisted Sarah in catching up on missed work. Luckily, Alex had shared his notes from the past five weeks to help her stay on track.
Sometimes, it was tough. Watching other girls talk about innocent things like boyfriends and first kisses made Sarah feel tainted and marked.
In a sea of pristine papers, Sarah felt like the only one stained red. She had once mentioned to Alex, in passing, that she wouldn't blame him for finding someone else, now that she no longer felt pure. His response—a cold, piercing glare—stung deeply. Despite his words of indifference, his disapproval was evident.
With the support of Alex, Aerospace, Deliah, and their friends, Sarah struggled to endure the weight of it all. The relentless taunts of being labeled a "slut" only exacerbated her feelings of unworthiness, amplifying her sense of having lost her innocence.
"Hey, look who's back!" Levi, an ardent admirer of Deliah, boisterously interrupted their lunch. His voice carried, drawing attention swiftly. "So, the school's little 'slut' is back!" he jeered. "The one who stole her sister's boyfriend!"
Sarah flinched at his words, while Deliah, aware of the truth after reading her sister's diary, frowned disapprovingly. They had recently discussed this, and Deliah had insisted that Sarah owed her nothing. It was her own guilt that had driven her actions, leading to self-harm.
Surrounded by curious onlookers nodding in agreement with Levi's remarks, he continued his verbal assault. "Where have you been, Sarah Johnson? Out with guys other than Alex, cheating on him, huh?"
Alex's fists clenched, but Sarah restrained him with a touch. "Please," she silently pleaded. He took a deep breath, holding back his mounting anger.
Levi persisted, defending Deliah. "I can't believe someone as amazing as Deliah has a disgraceful sister like you! You're a blot on humanity—"
"SHUT UP!"
Sarah was taken aback, expecting the eruption to come from Alex. Yet, it was Deliah who surprised everyone. Alex, visibly relieved, had almost reached his limit.
Levi, startled by Deliah's unexpected outburst, stammered, "D-Deliah?"
"I said shut up!" Deliah growled, standing on the table. She kicked away an empty cup, scanning the cafeteria, now filled with hushed students.
Everyone fell into a hushed silence, caught off guard by their queen's outburst.
Deliah took a deep breath, steeling herself. "First and foremost, to anyone out there running their mouths about my sister... Back off!" Her words dripped with anger.
Steve arched an eyebrow, while David let out a low whistle. "That's harsh."
"Why is everyone so obsessed with what we do and who we date?" Deliah demanded, frustration lacing her tone. "Can't we have even a shred of privacy? Did I ever ask for your defense, or play the victim card?"
A heavy silence hung in the air.
Levi cleared his throat, "But, Deliah, they betrayed—"
"Sarah and Alex did not betray me," Deliah interrupted firmly. "Alex's heart belonged to Sarah all along, and they're meant to be together. I've only been a hurdle in their love story and caused them pain. I'm the one at fault here. If anyone's to be labeled, it's me."
"Liah!" Sarah gasped, shaking her head.
Deliah looked down at her sister, offering a soft smile. "Sarah, believe me when I say Alex is perfect for you. And vice versa. He genuinely loves you, Sarah, deeply. Despite what anyone else thinks, you two are meant to be."
Sarah sniffled, and Alex smiled gratefully.
Deliah shifted her focus to the onlookers, some even filming the scene.
"It's our lives, not yours. Whoever dates whomever, or wherever Sarah's been and why she was absent, it's none of your godd*amn business!" Deliah snapped. "If I catch anyone badmouthing Sarah and Alex, they'll have to answer to me." Her eyes glinted dangerously.
Joe grinned, hopping onto the table. "Count me in!"
"And me!" Brad chimed in, helping Nancy onto the table.
"ALL OF US!" The rest of Aerospace chorused, rising in solidarity. Sarah was now tearful, deeply moved, while Alex looked on at his friends with sheer amazement.
"See that?" Deliah smirked. "If you're aiming to offend us all here, go ahead. But watch your back. You'll have a tough time."
Applause echoed as everyone turned to find Principal Mr. James entering the cafeteria.
"Well put, though a tad too blunt, Miss Johnson," he smiled. "And boys? Clean the table after your 'performance.' It's for eating, not standing."
The boys hurried off the table, searching for nametags.
"Don't mind me, carry on with your meal!" Mr. James reassured the other students. Gradually, the usual chatter resumed, discussing the recent incident.
Meeting Alex's gaze, Mr. James winked. Alex beamed, silently mouthing, "Thanks, Dad." The principal discreetly glanced around before leaving. Alex looked back at his friends' table, his girlfriend teary while Deliah comforted her, and he couldn't help but smile.
He had the best people in his life. The absolute best