“I was just trying to be what you wanted,” I said. “That’s why you actually liked me back then. Because I didn’t say anything, or do anything, that could potentially piss you off. I’ve stopped walking on eggshells around you, so now you realize that you have no control over me.”

I stepped forwards. “I was scared. I’m not scared anymore. I will tell the entire world what he did to me because I didn’t deserve it. I never did. So you can either stand behind me, or you can fall in front of me. I can’t make that choice for you. I’m done lying just to protect his name and your name.”

Blake stared at me, apparently rendered speechless. I looked over at Ani, who was wearing a proud smile.

“And that,” she said, shifting sassily on her hip. “Is on period. All she spoke were facts.”

I looked back to Blake, who seemed to have finally regained his voice.

“Castleton,” he said, his voice tired. “I didn’t have proof.”

“But you knew.” I cut him off. “You knew what he did to me.”

“I had an idea-“

“And you chose to protect his name instead of being there for me. I was fourteen years old! That’s fucked up.”

I looked at Ani again. She jutted her chin up.

“So everyone will know his name,” she said, anger lacing her voice. “I could’ve easily been protected from him if he was locked up, rotting away in a jail cell. But instead I suffered. Your sister suffered. And who knows how many other girls suffered because of him.”

“Girls-“

“I don’t give a shit about your reputation, Blake,” I snapped. “I don’t give a shit about OUR reputation. He’s turned his eyes onto Nathaniel and I will be DAMNED if he even lays one fucking finger on him.”

I leaned in, placing my hands firmly on the desk as I stared my brother in the eyes. “I didn’t have anyone to protect me. But I will protect Nathan. Because I know you won’t.”

I stood up, and Ani looped her arm in mine as we turned away, walking towards the door. I heard Blake call my name behind me, but I kept walking. I had a mission. And I was going to take down the motherfucker who took my innocence at 14. I was going to make sure the world knew his name. And I was going to make sure that Hell had a VIP spot reserved for him when he got there.

And I was going to make sure my baby brother didn’t feel the pain that I did.

Ani had a little skip to her step as we headed to her car. I felt a smile tug at my face.

“You ready?” She asked, looking at me.

I couldn’t stop the grin this time. “Fuck yeah. I’ve been ready.”