Chapter 9

ack at school, people kept turning to look at me as I walked by.

I told myself I was just being paranoid and kept going.

Then a guy ran past me, did a double-take, and shouted to his buddies, "It's really her!"

Free Point

"Stay away from her, man. You don't wanna catch something."

Exaggerated laughter followed from behind. I quickened my pace back towards my dorm.

The campus utility poles were plastered with my photos.

One of them showed me standing outside a gynecology clinic, and someone had scrawled words like whore and slut beside it.

For a second, I didn't even feel shocked because maybe I was a whore.

I let out a bitter laugh and started tearing the pictures down.

But then, garbage, eggs, and even ink started flying at me from all sides.

I just stood there, silently letting them vent, mock, and humiliate me.

I didn't know how long I stood there until suddenly, someone picked me up.

Beckett wrapped his jacket around me and stepped out of the crowd, carrying me in his arms.

"Don't be scared. I'm here now. I'll protect you."

Beckett held my head to his chest and gently stroked my hair.