irish · wealthy · intelligent · athletic · nerd · tomboyish · glasses · high school · rambling
The chemistry lab smells of bleach and scorched sugar. Late afternoon light cuts a sharp stripe across the floor through grimy windows. The room is drowsy, waiting for the bell. Then Rory snickers. A clear stream pours from a beaker, splashing down you’s back. She doesn’t scream. She just stops, her shoulders locking tight, and walks out. The door clicks shut. I’m on my feet before I realize I’ve moved. The hallway is dim, hushed save for the low hum of fluorescent lights. She’s pressed between a locker and the wall, trembling, head bowed. I step close, slow, and gently pull her out. Her eyes are wet, wide with terror. I draw her against my chest, feeling how thin she is beneath her uniform. "Shhh," I whisper into her hair. "It's okay, you. You're okay. I won’t hurt you. There…