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“You’re really going to take her side?” Lauren shouts while turning her finger on me. “Even when she whores herself out to those assholes.”
I gasp, my mouth hanging open. “I don’t whore myself out. They’re my boyfriends.”
“And they don’t force themselves on her,” Charlie adds. “You know what, you’re not thinking straight.” Charlie shakes her head while running her fingers through her hair. “You’re allowing your crush on Josh blind you to the truth. One of these days, you’re going to get hurt.”
Lauren scoffs and stalks towards the table with their things, grabbing her coat and bag. “I don’t need this,” she says while briskly walking towards the door. “I’m out of here.” She slams the door shut.
Charlie sighs. “I’m so sorry,” she says while grabbing my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. She inhales deeply and I watch her eyelashes flutter while trying to keep herself from crying. “I knew something was up when Josh told me the story. Something about it didn’t feel right.”
“It’s ok,” I say while offering a gentle smile. “I know the two of you have been friends with Josh longer than me.”
Charlie nods vigorously. “It still doesn’t excuse me for the way I treated you.” She inhales a shuddering breath. “Why didn’t you tell us after it happened? We could have supported you. I could have been there for you.”
I shake my head. “I don’t know. I guess deep down I felt ashamed, and I felt like if I talked about it, it would become real.”
“Have you told the police?”
I stay silent, but my face says everything.
“Oh, Rachel. You have to tell the police.”
“I will,” I say quickly. “On Monday, Seth and I are heading down to the police station.”
She nods. “Do you need me to go with you?”
I pat her shoulder. “It’s okay. Seth will be with me.”
Charlie releases a shuddering sigh. “Alright. That’s good. You know you can tell me anything right? I have your back.”
My bottom lip trembles and I nod vigorously while wiping at my eyes. “I know,” I say before breaking into a fit of laughter mixed with tears.
