TW- rape

3 weeks.

It's one length of time I can never quite decide if it's long or not. I mean, it feels like a year away from 2 weeks, and even longer from 1 month.

Oh, yeah. I started school.

It fucking sucks.

First of all, mean girls are a lot worse than I initially thought. I mean, they're stupid as fuck, which is why they're in classes with me, but, god they're so far up their own ass.

And anyway, who doesn't love being made fun of for having a "posh accent"? I cant help being from Cambridge.

I've been struggling my way through picture books, probably aimed at primary school children, which is embarrassing as hell.

And so, the sun creeps up over the horizon. I sit atop the rooftop with Katelyn. It's getting to the warmer section of the year, being mid-March, but they still insist on wrapping a huge blanket around the two of us and sitting like sardines in a tin to retain heat.

Their hair tickles my nose now, their soft hand on the inside of my elbow, their eyes set on the sun and their body on me.

"There she is. Good morning, Bumble."

"Good morning." I reply with a smile. I often forget how good it feels to smile and not have to cling onto the fleeting moment.

Then their arm goes around my waist and it's like the entire moment crashes.

I freeze, my breath pausing. My eyes widen: it's suddenly like the million other pairs of arms are around me. I'm vaguely aware of Katelyn asking me if I'm okay, but all I can do is remove their arm.

"Bee?"

"Don't do that." I manage to mutter, looking down, forcing in deep lungfuls of oxygen.

Calm down, Bee, they'll think you're a freak.

"Bee...? Did something happen to you?"

I bite my lip for a moment.

I could tell them everything. I could tell them about the sleepless nights; the hands; the sweating bodies writhing against my cold one.

I nod.

"You can talk to me if you want. But obviously, you don't have to." Katelyn's smile is comforting and I nod.

"I'll tell you one day. When I'm ready. It's just not today."

"Okay. I'll always ask permission in the future." they promise. "Look, you should head back home and get breakfast."

I nod again. "Bye bye, Kate."

"See ya, Bee."

I get back to the Home, and Lisa is serving up breakfast.

"Beatrice! We have some lovely news! Come into the office."

I follow her to the office.

"There's a gentleman who has a placement for foster. He has a husband who is away a lot, and you can meet up with him to find out if he and his husband are a suitable match."

I blink, and nod. "What's his name?"

"Rey Caddel."

"Caddel?"

I think back to Mrs Caddel, and her mentioning going to her son's wedding. And how her son was marrying a man.

"Yes; Caddel." Lisa confirms.

I nod enthusiastically; the most I've shown in this place.

"Okay! I'll get it sorted for you."