Eric Van Der Woodsen

One

I knew it was a bad idea staying out late. I just missed the loft so bad and I wanted to revisit my old home.

When I was walking, I was met on the street by a hooded figure. I thought nothing of it and tried to continue on but a dirty hand pressed on my mouth and I was dragged into an alley.

"Such a pretty girl. Such a shame," he spoke to me. I was only wearing a casual dress with some sneakers and he began to lift up the hem. I was pressed up against the wall, his hand clamped over my mouth to silence my screams. I tried to fight back but he was too strong. Warm tears escaped my eyes and soaked my cheeks as the pain shot through me like nothing I've ever felt before. It was over in minutes but it felt like a lifetime.

I collapsed to the ground as he ran away and let the silent tears fall. I wiped my tears before I picked myself up and headed home. I couldn't even run because I felt so sore. I kept my head down to hide my face from anyone else who might see.

I made it back to our building which took a while since I couldn't even find the will power to lift my feet off the ground to walk. I made it up to our apartment where my dad, Rufus, and Lily were joined by Dan, Eric and Vanessa playing scrabble.

"Hey April, you wanna play?" Dan asked me. I didn't reply as I headed for my room. I crawled under my bed and hugged myself while I let more tears fall.