Chapter 5 Bruised innocence

Eric's POV

Eric & Ethan at Ethan's house

Ethan's house felt warmer than ever. Not because of the temperature, but because of the quiet comfort we shared after what happened.

"Ethan, I'm really sorry for running away and leaving you," I said, guilt tightening my chest. "That was cowardly of me."

"Eric, it's okay. I'm just glad you got away," Ethan said weakly, his voice strained as he held his head. "If they had caught you... it would've been worse. They planned to really hurt you."

"I don't even know what I did to deserve this," I muttered. "Why won't they just leave me alone?"

"Maybe... they want something from you," Ethan replied, eyes half-closed.

I turned to him, confused. "And what could I possibly have that they'd want?"

Ethan hesitated. "You."

"What do you mean-me?"

"Eric, please help me sit up," he interrupted, clearly trying to shift the conversation. I supported his back gently, but I wasn't done.

"You still haven't answered me."

"Enough with the questions, Eric. I'm in pain."

I fell silent, nodding. "I'm sorry. I'll take care of you. I already told my parents I'd be staying here until you recover."

He blinked. "What did you tell them?"

"I said we have a week-long group assignment."

"Thank you," he said quietly.

"I'll be back soon. Just going to get my stuff."

****

I returned home, told my parents what they needed to hear, and reassured them until they finally let me go.

Back at Ethan's, we shared a quiet evening. His grandmother, Mama Tamara, filled the air with warm stories, trying to lift Ethan's spirits. I made sure he took his medication. We never told her what really happened.

The Next Day

I dressed for school, determined but afraid. Ethan wanted to come too, but he still wasn't strong enough. I insisted he stay back.

At school, every hallway felt like a trap. I decided I wouldn't step out of class-not until the final bell. The thought of seeing Carter or his friends again made my stomach twist.

When the last bell rang, I waited-an extra hour-hoping they'd be gone.

But when I finally stepped outside, they were there.

Carter. Caleb. Oliver. Standing at the entrance, waiting like shadows.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

"You really thought you could hide from me?" Carter sneered.

Fear slammed into me like a wave. I was shoved back into the classroom before I could even scream.

Carter sat down, crossing one leg over the other like a king watching a performance.

Water was poured over me. Fists landed. But only in hidden places-my ribs, stomach, back-places that wouldn't leave marks.

Then Caleb grabbed my shirt. Said he wanted to see where his punches landed. My clothes tore. Shame covered me faster than the bruises.

"You look prettier when you cry," he whispered. Then, horrifyingly, he began unbuckling his belt.

I froze, paralyzed by fear. But Carter, who had been silent, finally stood.

"Leave us," he said coldly.

They obeyed.

Now it was just Carter and me. I stood, trembling, my shirt in pieces, body aching.

"Why don't you ever learn?" he murmured, stepping closer. "Is this what it takes to finally break you?"

His eyes trailed over me like poison. "You've got a beautiful body, Eric. You know that, right?"

He reached out, touched places I didn't want touched.

"If you become my little baby, I'll protect you. No one will ever touch you again," he said. "You've already made your choice. I see it in the way you look at me."

I didn't speak. I couldn't.

He wasn't wrong-not completely. I had feelings I never understood, feelings I kept locked away because of how strict my parents were. I used to search for answers late at night, alone with my phone, afraid to be seen.

So, out of fear... out of desperation... I made an offer.

"I'll... use my mouth," I whispered, "if you let me go."

His face lit up.

"Amazing."

He unbuckled his belt again-this time with glee. It was like he'd finally discovered how to play with his toy.

After that, no one bullied me again. But I was never free. Anytime Carter texted, I went to him. I had no choice. My body belonged to him. I couldn't tell anyone-not even Ethan.

One afternoon after school, he texted again: "Wait behind."

I obeyed.

He dragged me to an empty classroom. I knelt under a desk, trying not to gag, begging inside for it to end quickly.

But then-

"What are you two doing?!"

I turned.

It was Mr. Dante.

My favorite teacher. Young. Brilliant. Kind. I admired him for everything he was. And now, he has seen me like this.

My worst nightmare had become reality.

Carter, for once, showed some respect. He stood, fixed his belt, and walked out-silent.

"Follow me," Dante said.

I did.

From that day forward, Dante protected me. Carter never touched me again.

During breaks, Dante called me to his office. After school, he'd drive me home. He treated me like I mattered. Like I was safe.

It felt like love.

I liked him-so much that I did for him what I did for Carter. But this time, it felt different. Consensual. Maybe even romantic. In his office, behind locked doors, we shared things I'd only dreamed of.

But dreams can shatter.

One day after school, I arrived at his office... and heard voices inside.

Carter's voice:

"When are you going to give Eric back to me? Haven't you had your fun yet?"

Dante replied softly:

"Why the rush? Give it a few more days."

My legs refused to move. My heart shattered.

So I was a toy... passed between them.

And just like that, my illusion of safety collapsed.