Page 45 of What Goes Around

“You were drugged,” I said. “But you weren’t hurt. I got here in time.”

Her breath hitched, then shuddered out of her. Shame moved across her face.

“Do you want me to call the cops?”

“I… I can’t,” she whispered, shaking her head. “My brother… he’s a cop. He’d lose his mind. And I…” Her voice cracked. “I liked him. Rick. I thought he liked me back.”

She let out a weak, broken laugh.

“Guess I’m just the idiot nerd who should’ve known better.”

I didn’t sugarcoat it.

“I’m not calling anyone unless you want me to,” I said. “It’s your decision.”

She stared at me and a tear slid down her cheek. She wiped it quickly, embarrassed. “I just… want to go home.”

“Then home it is.”

I ordered an Uber and helped her down the stairs, keeping her close when she swayed.

She leaned into me more than she probably realized, her steps uneven, her body still heavy from whatever they had given her.

Neither of us spoke.

When we pulled up outside her house, she hesitated at the curb.

Still trembling.

Still ashamed.

Still so painfully young.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” I offered.

She nodded, grateful. I stayed by her side until she was safely inside. She turned once before closing the door.

“Thank you, Ashley. Really.”

I blinked. Surprised she even knew my name. I only nodded and turned back to the waiting car. Leaning back against the seat, I stared out the window as the city blurred past.

Going home.

Back to the family who hadn’t believed me the first time.

Back to my parents who might have been involved in the horrors that destroyed my life.

Back to rotten Apple.

I needed answers.

And this time, I wasn’t a naïve girl hoping and begging for their love.

Chapter 14: I See You Now

The Uber dropped me off at 6:04 a.m.

The house looked exactly the same as it had in my first life. Quiet. Suburban. Harmless.