Chapter 89: Chapter 89

JUNE

“Did you see the posts?"

“Yes, I did,” he swallowed. “You weren't supposed to see it, doll. I'm sorry. I let you down.” His shoulders dropped, “I should have listened to you when you told me about your fears.”

“It's alright,” I took his right hand in mine and laced our fingers. “Funny how I'm the one comforting you when you should be the one.” I tried to joke, to lighten the atmosphere, but it didn't give the desired effect.

“I know,” he muttered. “I apologize for that, June. I was just… I thought…"

“It's okay,” I forced a smile, knowing that we both can't be sad at the same time. “See you tomorrow, Mark,” I waved at my best friend before I led Kristin towards the house.

“Call me if you need me!” Mark hollered, and I waved to tell him that I heard his words.

I led Kristin into the house and towards the nearest couch in the parlour. I helped him sit before I went over to the kitchen and got a glass of juice for him.

“I should be the one doing this, June," he rose from the couch and took the glass of juice from me. “I'm sorry,” he lowered his head, looking sad.

“It's alright,” I smiled, trying to be strong. “We don't need to take blame. For now, all we need to do is find a way to take the picture down.”

“You think I've not tried that?” He sat back on the couch, still with the glass of juice in his hand. “The pictures have circulated. And taking them down now will take some time. All I'm looking for is who posted it.” He took a large gulp from the cup of juice, “I'm sorry, June. I should have been more careful.”

“It's okay. We will get to the root of the matter. For now, we just need to calm down,” I smiled at him.

****

Things didn't get better after that. The looks kept accompanying me everywhere I went. It has gotten to the point that Mark had to accompany me everywhere I go.

He makes sure none of those who try to hurt me get close enough. It hasn't been easier on Kristin either. Though he told me not to worry that he has everything in control, I can't help the feeling that he's not telling me everything.

It doesn't sound like everything is alright with him. Most times he returns from work looking like one who had a collision with death and lived to tell the tales.

It has been two weeks, yet the post hasn't lost its novelty at all. It seems like it gets renewed each day. And it doesn't help the fact that I got a visit two days ago from social workers, who want to know if I was forced by my uncle, to sleep with him.

Had it not been for Mark, things would have gotten bloody between us.

“I will be right back,” I rose from the chair I was sitting on. He took me out to have an ice cream after I told him I had a craving.

I wanted him to get a bowl for me from the ice cream shop, but he was hell-bent on taking me out "for a breath of fresh air"—his words, not mine.

“Where are you going to?” He rose, “I will escort you.”

His words caused me to chuckle, “I'm going to the restroom, Mark. You can't escort me there. Relax, no one is out to hurt me there.”

“I can stay outside and wait for you,” he folded his arms, stubbornly letting me know he was not ready to budge.

“No, you can't,” I smiled at him. “I will be right back, okay?” To appease him, I went over to his side and pecked his left cheek.

“Trying to bribe me, are you?” He grumbled.

“Did it work?”

“Of course, it did,” He sat back in his seat. “If you don't come out in ten minutes, I'm coming in there. Women's restroom or not.”

“What if I have to … You know,” I wiggled my brows at him.

“Eww, don't give me ideas," he wrinkled his nose.

Giggling under my breath, I strode towards the restroom. There was no one in sight when I went in, but when I exited the stall and went over to wash my hands, I noticed a woman casually leaning on the wall.

She's putting on black pants and a red tank top. But that wasn't what caught my eye. It was the blue sunglasses she had on with a black cap, to hide most of her profile.

I only spared a glance her way before I strode over to the washbasin.

“So, you are the bitch?” The woman asked, stepping away from the wall she was leaning on.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing special about you. Just a spoiled brat who is a slut enough to fuck her uncle. What a disgusting piece of trash you are." She advanced closer, her footsteps echoing in the quiet restroom.

“Who the hell are you?” I gritted my teeth, involuntarily clenching my fists.

“You don't need to know who I am. It won't help you at all.”

It happened within a second. I was unprepared for the attack because I never thought she would harm me.

“Fuck!” I screamed out in pain as my arse collided with the ground.

The damned bitch pushed me.

“Bloody hell!” I cried out at the pain that seared through me. I gasped, clutching my stomach as I tried to ride out the pain.

“A bitch will always be a bitch!” She kicked me.

“Stop!” I cried out when I felt something wet between my legs. “Please stop!” I sobbed as the pain became tenfold. It was almost blinding, taking my breath away.

“Why? Weren't you moaning when he manhandled you? Crying just because of a push?” She chuckled, placing her booted right foot on my stomach.

“No! Don't!" I tried to push her off, but the pain was too much.

“Why?” She smirked, raising her right foot only to bring it down to my stomach.

My eyes turned at the intense, indescribable pain as black dots danced in my eyes, slowly taking the light from them.