I guess a lot of people would think that getting raped would affect me, but it didn't. I, for some reason, was able to continue on like nothing ever happened. Probably because I didn't see the guy, or I was knocked out when I was raped, I don't know. It just doesn't feel like it happened. I know it did, but i don't really feel any different.

It's been a couple weeks now, and life has been going on as normal. Well, as normal as it can be. I've been having really bad cramps, like when I'm on my period, but I'm not actually on my period. It's probably just side effects from being raped. Damn, I feel like I just toss that word around so carelessly. I probably should be feeling something about it, but I'm honestly not.

This morning when I woke up, I had to rush for the bathroom before I threw up. As I sat on the floor of the bathroom, trying to catch my breath, I noticed my toiletries pouch, the one that I carry in my bag when I'm on my period. Oh god, my period.

I stumbled to my room to check the date. October 24.

I sank onto my bed, my mind reeling. How could I have missed it? My period was two weeks late. It's never late. I was super regular, it was almost like clockwork. But then that meant...

I groaned as I rubbed my face. "I can't be pregnant. I'm on birth control," I said with a delirious laugh. Just then, a massive cramp hit me. I doubled over, my vision going spotty. I normally get bad cramps on my period, but not this bad.

I forced myself to get up and start getting dressed. I made my way to the kitchen to make breakfast, even though the thought of food made me want to gag. I pulled out a bagel and stuck it in the toaster, and set it to go while I finished getting ready. I went back to my room to grab my backpack, phone and keys. On my way back to the kitchen, I paused to take some Tylenol for the cramping.

Once the bagel popped back up, I pulled it out and spread cream cheese on it, then set the two halves on a plate and put it on the table for my dad. I then packed up some lasagna for lunch, stuck a TupperWare in my bag, and a second one on the counter for my dad.

I grabbed my keys off of the small table by the door as I walked out of my house. I jumped into my Jeep, turned on the ignition, and pulled out of my driveway. As I drove, I passed the local pharmacy and made a mental note to stop and get a pregnancy test after work.

I reached Wilson High, parked in my usual spot, and headed into the building. I stopped by my locker, pulled out the necessary textbooks, and then headed straight for my first class. People tried to say 'Hi,' and 'Good morning,' but I just ignored them, and pushed past.

When I got to my class, there were only a couple students in the classroom. Mr. Dashner was writing something at his desk, not even bothering to look up when I walked in. I made my way to my desk, and sat down just as a wave of dizziness hit me. I had to hold onto the desk to steady myself.

Once the dizziness passed, I was able to focus on the room around me. There were more people in the room than before, and it was quickly filling up. I saw Asher and Oliver walk in together, laughing about something. The sight made me smile.

The boys came and took their seats beside me, and immediately started asking questions.

"You feeling ok?" Asher asked with a concerned look on his face.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be ok?" That's another thing. I didn't tell the boys that I had been raped. I didn't want them to go crazy trying to find a nameless and faceless man.

Asher shrugged and turned his attention to his bag as he pulled out his textbook and started flipping through it.

Thankfully, Mr. Dashner started class, saving me from further questions. I noticed Asher looking at me periodically throughout class, but he never said anything.

When the bell rang, the room erupted into chaos, students laughing and talking about plans for the upcoming weekend. My head started to throb because of the sudden noise. I slowly packed up my bag then stood up to leave.

I weaved my way through the crowded halls, avoiding as many human interactions as possible. I just wanted to get my next class so that I could be that much closer to finishing this day and I could go home and sleep.

By the time lunch rolled around, I felt sick to my stomach. I made my way to the cafeteria, and sat down at the table I shared with the guys. I pulled out my lasagna just as the guys approached.

"Hey, where were you this morning?" Devon asked as he sat down in front of me. I looked at my lasagna, which I had been quite excited about this morning, but now I couldn't even take a bite.

"I had a couple questions about an English assignment to go over with Mrs. Kreed," I lied, trying to avoid the main issue.

"No you didn't," Bailey piped up from the end of the table. "I was there early, so I know you weren't there."

Damn it. I forgot that Bailey had Kreed for first period.

"What's up? You've been acting weird all day," Devon said, before taking a bite of pizza.
"I'm fine guys," I said frustratedly as I packed up my lasagna and stuffed it back in my lunch bag, and laid my head on my arms.

Silence.

"You're obviously not fine," Devon said softly, laying his hand on my arm. "Just tell us what's going on, and we can try to help you."

No, you can't help me with this problem, if it was even a problem at all. At this point, I was like eighty percent sure I was pregnant, but I didn't want to believe it. I wasn't supposed to be pregnant.

"Brooklynn? Talk to us," Bailey said.

I finally looked up to see the guys looking at me intently. My heart broke with the thought of what I was holding back from them.

"I think I'm pregnant," I whispered, looking down to avoid their eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you. Say that again?" Devon said.

"I think I'm pregnant," I said again, this time a little louder.

There was a collective gasp from the guys. I squeezed my eyes shut tighter, trying to keep the tears from flowing.

"How? Who? When?" Ruben said in shock.

I shook my head. "It was a random guy, about a couple weeks back."

"You hooked up with a stranger and ended up getting pregnant?" Oliver asked. "Wait, a couple weeks ago... Was that when you were walking home from my house that night?"

I nodded, too ashamed to say anything.

"So you did hook up with a random stranger." Ruben said, confusion lacing his voice.

"No, I didn't. I..." I couldn't bring myself to say what happened that night.

I looked up at the guys, and my voice caught in my throat. They all had concern written on their faces. I gulped, not wanting to answer, but at the same time, knowing that I had to.

"I was raped." I said softly, hanging my head in shame. I wasn't sure if they heard me or not, but at that point I didn't care.

"Oh my god, Brook." Asher spoke for the first time. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close, as if to shield me from the terrors of the world. His embrace made me feel safe, like nothing could hurt me.

"Damn, I had no clue. How do you deal with it? Bailey said, obviously stunned.

I didn't say anything, not trusting my voice to not fail me. I just let Asher hold me.

"Wait, what are you gonna do when your dad finds out? Devon says.

Dread settled over me. I didn't want to think about it. I knew I had to hide it for as long as possible, but how long would that be?

"I don't know. I'll just have to wait and see." I said, pulling away from Asher. I was acutely aware of the absence of his arms.

The bell rang, signalling the end of lunch. I sat there for a moment, not wanting to move. Now that I had told my friends, I felt like my secret was on the verge of being spilled to the whole school. Just thinking about it was enough to make my gut clench.

"Guys!" I blurted out, a sudden thought occurring. They all paused what they were doing and looked at me.

"Please don't tell anyone. I don't want someone alerting my dad before I'm ready," I said, my eyes pleading with them to not say anything.

They all nodded, then left to go to their classes. I grabbed my backpack and followed them, not wanting to leave the safety of our group.

The rest of the day flew by, and by the time I realized it, school was over, and we were walking to the parking lot to leave.

Oliver and Bailey were arguing about which was better, Marvel or D.C. Ollie supported Marvel, and Bailey was a diehard fan of D.C. Ruben and Devon were discussing a project they had for A&P as they walked to Devon's car. That left me with Asher.

"So, what now?" He asked, turning to me.

I shrugged. I didn't really know.

"I guess just keep going, trying to live normal for as long as possible. I don't really want to think about what my dad will do when he finds out."

Asher nodded, like he understood what I was saying. And for some reason, I believed him. LIke, you know that feeling that people are just saying that they understand, but they really don't? I wasn't getting that from him.

We continued walking toward my Jeep in silence. When I reached the car, Asher turned to me.

"Can I get a ride? My mom is working late at the clinic, and I don't have my own car." He asked sheepishly.

I nodded with a smile. "That's no problem. I have work at the coffee shop, though. Do you mind waiting for a couple hours?"

He shook his head. "Perfect. I can work on homework there, and then I don't have to worry about it when I get home."

"Sweet! Let's get this show on the road then, shall we?" I said, opening the back door and tossing my bag in before jumping in the driver's seat. Asher grinned and did the same, then he hopped into the passenger seat.

I started the Jeep, then pulled out of the parking lot, and out onto the road.

"Put on some music," I said, opening my phone and handing it to Asher. I could see him scrolling through my Spotify out of the corner of my eye, then a grin spread across his face.

He pressed on a song, and the familiar notes of On top of the World by Imagine Dragons filled the car.

"You like Imagine Dragons too?" I cried in excitement, looking at Asher for a second before returning my eyes to the road.

"Yeah! They've been one of my favorite bands for years now!" He yelled with just as much excitement.

We started singing along to the song, just enjoying the moment. I felt invincible, like nothing could bring me down. The guys always thought that I was crazy for liking Imagine Dragons, but I always knew that they were wrong. Imagine Dragons were always, and will always be, the greatest band ever.

"I'm on top of the world, hey,"

"I'm on top of the world, hey"

"Been waiting on this for a while now,"

"Paying my dues to the dirt,"

"I've been waiting to smile, hey"

"Been holding on for a while, hey"

"Take you with me if I can,"

"Been dreaming of this since a child,"

"I'm on top of the world."

I watched as Asher danced in his seat, his clear blue eyes gleaming, and I knew in my heart that I had just found a new friend, one who would not abandon me.

•+•+•+•+•+•+•+•+•+•+•+•+•+•+

Hey everyone!! It's me, ItsMyKale!

Sorry it took so long to upload this chapter, I was dealing with a really bad writer's block, and then I started in person school (I'm a high school senior), assignments, and getting used to the new schedule, but I'm back now!

I'm going to try and update once a week, although which day specifically is yet to be determined.

BIG NEWS!! I now have an Instagram dedicated to my writing! You can find it at @itsmykale_writer, I'll be posting updates on chapters, character profiles, and whatnot. Check it out, and support me! I'd really appreciate it!

Also, don't y'all love Asher? I sure do. I'm trying something new, seemingly uncommon among the Wattpad community, so I hope y'all like it!

Anywho, that's enough of me!

Vote! Comment! Share! But most importantly, see y'all in the next chapter!