Silas looks at me in the hallway.

I walk without making eye contact, and I push my hair to ensure it covers the bruises.

I don’t want him to know.

I don’t want anyone to know.

The noise of conversations bring me at ease.

I am okay.

I am okay.

I am-

Not okay.

I feel Silas’ molten stare burn into me.

Do I risk a glance? Yes. I look over and sure enough he’s staring.

But not out of worry, no, he hasn’t noticed.

He is staring at me with his stupid arrogant smile.

Great. Another game.

Silas strides over to my locker and leans against it.

“What do you want?” I ask annoyed.

I am not in the mood to play his stupid games.

“What makes you think I want something?” He says with a smirk.

I glare at him and grab my books. The first bell just rung.

“I’m not in the mood.” I say while walking away.

He trails me.

“You’re never in the ‘mood’”

I take a deep breath. I can get through this.

“Bye, Silas.” I walk into my classroom.

“I’ll see you later, Willow.”

I hope he forgets.

I manage to get through the school day, both avoiding Silas and my feelings.

No one has noticed. Good.

Though some part of me wanted someone to notice. I want help, but I’m scared.

What if it’ll happen again.

As I’m walking out of school, it all comes back.

I’m taking out the trash. It’s night and my parents are gone on a work trip.

I’m alone and clueless.

A man, large and middle-aged, walks towards me, calling me names.

I freeze in fear and before I can run for help, he has me.

I thrash and scream, but he kicks me and kicks me and kicks me.

I beg for him to stop.

The pain is too much.

Black spots dot my vision.

I can’t pass out. He’ll take me.

I can’t pass out.

“Stop! Please stop!” I repeat over and over.

Finally the man halts when headlights shine in the distance.

He runs, and I am left broken.

“Willow? Willllllow? Willow! Hello, anyone home?”

I jump back to reality.

Silas is beside me, and his gaze darkens when he sees my bruises.

“What the- Willow, who did this?” His deep voice says.

No. No. No. please spare me. Please I cannot handle anymore humiliation.

“Nothing.” I say keeping the tears at bay.

Silas clenches his jaw.

“That doesn’t look like nothing.”

“Just leave me alone.”

Oh no, don’t start crying Willow. Don’t start crying.

“Willow-“

“I’m not up for one of your stupid pathetic games Silas! Just leave me alone!” I shout, tears betraying me and flowing down my cheeks.

Silas immediately softens.

“Willow.” He pleads.

“I don’t know, Silas. I didn’t see him. He attacked me in the dark, and kicked me until I was screaming my lungs out. Silas—Silas” sobs break from my voice.

Oh gosh, I’m crying in front of Silas.

I shake and shake with the repeating memory.

I feel warm hands pull my head up.

Silas wipes my tears.

“Every tear you shed sparks a fire in my chest. I can’t handle seeing you in pain.

I will find him, Willow, and I promise, no mercy will be shown.”

I lean into his warm embrace, I’m safe.

I’m safe.

I’m safe.

I am safe.

“I’ll never hear the end of this.” I laugh.

“I promise, no more games, Willow. I’m here.” His voice brushes against my hair.

“I am here, Willow.”

He walks me home and offers to stay the night, in case the man comes again.

And this time I follow my heart.

“Yes, but you’re sleeping on the couch. No funny business. My parents will kill me if they find out.”

He smiles.

“Ok Willow.”

I think I might be alright.

And I think I am falling for Silas.

Shoot.