E R I C A

I glanced at h only to find him looking in my direction..

Thank God he didn't push further.

"What about you!?", I speak and his trance wavers.

"What about me!?"

"Why you are so rude to them!? What did they do!?", I uttered but I expected the worst.

He will definitely lash out...-i thought but instead he smiled.

"Something that I won't forget in this life.", He repeated my answer.

Even I didn't push further.

It is his personal matter.

We walked back when James called me wanting my presence so he could thank me.

But thankfully he said, 'My kids', and so that included the three of us. Me, Sir and David.

Once the speech was over, the elders left and the party turned to a youngsters mob.
And not only drinking, but people were grinding and doing all the shit of the world.

That's where my introvert side awakens.
Ugh! I hate parties...

Disgusted, I left the place.

But sadly I wasn't having any car.
The car I took from Nonna's place was already returned. So I decided to take a cab.
However, this time of night is very dangerous in Italy.

Keeping all the suspicious and creepy thoughts at bay, I walked along the footpath, so I could spot any taxi or cab, which were nowhere to be seen on this deserted road.

I walked but my steps halted as I spotted a black figure blocking my way.
I saw the shoes, and looked up.

It was a man, looking utterly creepy with a cut mark on his cheek.
He was shaking as if drunk.
He had a bored expression on his face.
Most importantly he looked familiar.

"How much for a night!?", He said and I was taken aback.

God! What does he think I am!?

A wave of fear crawled through my spine.
"You mistook me for someone else. Am sorry I need to leave."

I attempted to walk past him, but his hand went straight to my shoulder and he held the neckline of my dress.

"What are you doing!? Back off!", I was enraged.

"Don't be feisty. One night and you can leave in the morning.", No!

I tried to struggle and pull myself away from him only to have my dress torn from over my breast, completely exposing my chest and innerwear to the man before me.

I fell on the road, attempting to hide my chest with my hands.
But he was way more stronger.

He pulled my hands away and removed the torn piece of my dress exposing me again.

Tears sprung my eyes, as I feel my world shattering apart.
He's going to rape me!
All that is returning!

"Ugh! Your body is so disgusting!", He yells at me probably after seeing the marks on my chest, "You spoiled my day! You whore!"

And then he went away.

I was relieved that he left but I couldn't breath at all. Gasping for air, my lungs refused to work.
And I felt like life is being squeezed out of my body.

I was having a panic attack.

E R I C

"Stay Eric! Just drink and have fun..", David forwarded me a shot of vodka.

"No! Just look at that.", I pointed to the group yelling and dancing on the dance floor, "That's disgusting! I started this new book... And I am quite eager to read further so I am heading back. Bye!", I walked past him when Stephan and Henry blocked my way.

"Sir shall we leave.", Now these guys seem to be enjoying as I see shots in their hands and their dishelved hair.

"No! Give me the car keys. I'll manage. You too are off till later tomorrow."

They were reluctant to let me leave alone but I was the boss here.

I walked out and ran to my car.

I felt like I ate something wrong for my stomach is having some ill feeling for some minutes now.
I feel some anxiety.

I started driving and I would have covered just few yards when a drunk man almost bumped in my car.

Making my way with a jerk, I cursed him loudly and started driving straight again.

I was looking forward and that's when my eyes fell upon a figure collapsed in the middle of the road.

I thought this is another drunkard and that I should leave, but my instinct didn't allow.

So instead of walking away, I parked the car at the roadside and came out.

I opened the flashlight of my phone for it was very dark.

When I checked again, I saw it was a navy blue gown.
And eerily familiar!

I gulped and walked nearer only to drop my phone as I saw the face.

"Erica!!", I panicked.

"Erica!!", I called out but in vain.

I bent down and grabbed her by her shoulders to pick her up, "Erica...", I shook her face to induce some senses but she didn't respond.

Then I looked down at her condition and I gasped at what I saw.
She was completely covered in sweat, and her hair were sticking to her face.
The front of her dress was torn revealing her chest and the blue coloured slip. There were black marks all over her chest and it looked hideous.

What happened with her!?

A chill ran down my spine thinking of all the possibilities.

"Erica let me take you to the car!", I know she couldn't hear me but it told me that she is still alright.

I made her sit on the back seat of the car, and kept her head on my lap.

Removing my blazer, I draped it over her upper body..
There was this water bottle and so taking it, I sprinkled some water on her face.

Thankfully, she stirred.

"Erica!", I called out again.

Her eyes snapped open and it didn't take a second for them to fill with tears.

"Eri....", Her head snapped in my direction and she gasped.

Supporting her to sit up while holding the blazer, I found her staring at me strangely.
But she was scared. I can tell.

"Erica...It's fine. I've got....", I couldn't complete my sentence as she pushed herself in my arms, clutching my shoulders so tightly, it looked like I am her shield.

I felt wetness over my shirt, where her face was.

She was crying.

I was surprised by her hug but then held her, while gently rubbing her back.
"Don't worry Erica. It's fine. You're fine.", I consoled her but she was shaking uncontrollably.
Her silent tears became loud sobs.

I kept on calming her and finally she went still, occasionally sniffing.

"Erica tell me what happened!?", I asked her still holding her in embrace.

She shook her head lightly.

"Okay don't tell me now. But should I take you to a hospital!? Are you hurt!?", She shook her head in reply.

"Okay then. I am taking you to Nonna's. You won't stay alone tonight.", I declared.
But instead she lightly lifted her head, "I..I..Want to be alone."
"But Erica..."
"My clothes are torn.", A fresh tear escaped her eyes as she held my blazer tightly around her.

I understand she doesn't want to be seen in this condition.
"Then we'll go to your place."
She nodded meekly and I wiped her tear with my thumb.

I'll see tomorrow who the hell did this to her.

For now, I feel this overwhelming urge to protect her from the world. And their devious eyes.

I glanced at her.
She looks so vulnerable right now.
Broken.
As if she is ashamed of herself.

I buttoned the blazer she was wearing and made her lie on the seat.
"Lie down. I'll drive."