After my jamout with One Direction, I get ready for bed. Still concerned about Mystery Man, I take extra precautions. I lock every door and window, and put a complete blackout curtain on my window. I move the gun from the kitchen cabinet to my bedside table. I even turn on all of the lights to make it appear that a lot of people are staying here. I did turn off the light in my room, though, so I could at least get a tiny bit of sleep.

I don't really know what else there is that I can do. I hope he doesn't bring a gun. If he does, it will just be a matter of who can shoot first to see who will be dead by the end of the night. And, of course, there is the off-chance that the gun isn't loaded. It's been forever since it's been used. Unfortunately, I have no idea where my mother keeps the bullets, so I can't reload it if it is unloaded. If he doesn't bring a gun and mine isn't loaded, I can fight him. I took classes at the gym over summer, so I'm an able enough fighter. But if my gun isn't loaded and he brings one, I'm pretty much screwed.

***

I'm startled awake by a slight sound. Immediately, I sit bolt upright and reach for the gun. My fingers close around it as I pull my cell phone from my pocket. I'm about to dial 911 when I realize nothing has actually happened. I just heard a noise. That's no reason to call 911. I need an emergency. 

Suddenly there's a loud crash. The window breaks and Mystery Man jumps through, clutching his bloodied fist. I freeze, my fingers hovering over my cellphone. As silently and unnoticeably as possible, I put in my pass code and begin to dial 911. Just as I'm about to dial the last 1, Mystery Man pulls a gun from his pocket, leveling it towards me. My finger freezes over the final digit.

Quickly I raise my own gun and point it at him. I pull the trigger, but nothing happens. Shit. The gun isn't loaded.

I throw it at him, attempting to club him with it, but he catches it with ease. He tosses it out the window. As his back is turned, I press the last 1 and try to dash to the door. But Mystery Man hears and catches me by the shoulders. I buck and kick, attempting to free myself from his hold, but he's too strong. I bash the phone against his head, drawing blood, but he shows no reaction and tosses the phone away. Immediately I panic and turn around so I'm facing him, kicking scratching, punching and clawing. Anything to get away from this man.

He chuckles low and says, "Feisty, eh? That's just how I like them." My blood runs cold as I see the look in his eyes, a look I failed to observe before. It's psychotic. This man is crazy and I don't want to think about what he's capable of doing to me. Tears slide from the corners of my eyes as my mind sifts through all of the possibilities.

He, meanwhile, hugs me closer and lays me down, facing him, on the bed. I tremble in fear as he looks into my eyes. And suddenly I know. I know what he is planning to do. My awful suspicions are confirmed when Mystery Man begins to lift my nightgown. My heart sinks and I close my eyes, awaiting my fate.

**20 Minutes Later**

Mystery Man leaves through the broken window, broken just like my life. Tears make salty tracks down my cheeks. My teeth chatter and I shiver uncontrollably, even though I'm not cold. I slip my nightdress and panties back on and go down the hall to my Mom's bedroom, where I pick up her extension phone. I call my mom in Venezuela and ask in a shaky voice, "Mom, can you come home right now? I just got raped."

***

"Oh my baby, are you all right?" Mom envelopes me in a tight bear hug. I wince as she hits one of my scars, but luckily she doesn't notice. I nod in answer to her question. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you!" she wails. "It's okay! It's not your fault," I assure her. She pulls back to look at me. "He didn't hurt you, did he?" I shake my head no. "Whatever you need, consider it done. I will support you through this and I'll make sure the police find and catch that bastard." "Thanks," I say. I bury my face in her dress, inhaling her comforting scent as I begin to cry.

***

I call Sarah after my mother leaves for the police station, which is just across the street. "Sarah, I have something bad to tell you." "What is it?" her fearful voice asks over the line. "Was it Mystery Man?" I nod, then remember she can't see me. "Yeah." "What did he do?" Her voice is full of anger. "He raped me," I state simply. She says nothing, so I tell her I'm going to bed and hang up. Too afraid to sleep in my room, I walk down the hall to my mother's room and get under the covers. Exhausted by the traumatic experience, I soon fall into a deep sleep.

***

"UGH!" I roll over and turn off the alarm clock. It's been four days since that little bitch raped me. I want to skip school again today, but I don't want to miss too much work, and finals are coming up. Besides, Sarah and my other friends will be worried about me. Maybe Tristan will, too, I think in the back of my mind. But I quickly push the thought away and get in the shower.

When I get out, I dress comfortably in old leggings and a hoodie. I eat a cereal bar on my way out. I get in my car and drive to school.

Sarah isn't waiting for me by my locker when I get there, which surprises me. I open my locker door and a flurry of notes fly out. About half of them are from Sarah and the others, sending best wishes and heartfelt condolences over what happened. The other half are anonymous. My breath catches when I see what is written on them.

AN: CLIFFHANGER! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know it's a little dark and unexpected, but trust me, this whole event is going to be really important later on in the story. Can't wait until I get to the romance of this whole thing! I almost can't stand waiting until I get to write the romance part of this. Anyways, comment below how you liked it and don't forget to VOTE!

All my love,

Em