Chapter 28: Nowhere to Run

"Let me go! Help! He—"

A sudden blow to her stomach cut off Marie's scream. Pain exploded in her core, and she collapsed onto the cold ground. Mr. Seson grunted as he grabbed her, slinging her over his shoulder like a sack of rice.

"You've been a very naughty bitch. Now, I must punish you," he sneered, his breath hot against her skin.

Marie's half-conscious body bobbed as he hurried through the hall, ensuring no one saw him. When they reached his office, he locked the door behind him before dumping her onto the couch. A sharp click echoed as he secured the last lock.

"P-please, help!" Marie screamed, her voice hoarse as she snapped back to reality.

Mr. Seson let out a manic laugh. He towered over her, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. "Shut up, little bitch. No one can hear you. Everyone's at the gym, happy, drinking, enjoying the party." He grinned, tilting his head. "But you? You're all alone. You don't have any friends."

Marie's body trembled, but she spat at him, defiance flashing in her eyes. "You're a monster. And disgustingly ugly! And for the record, I do have a friend. And when she finds out about this, she will destroy you."

His face darkened. A hard slap crashed against her cheek, snapping her head to the side. A pitiful cry escaped her lips.

"Oh, baby," Mr. Seson cooed mockingly, gathering her in his arms. "I'm sorry."

Marie squirmed, trying to push him away.

"You know what happens when you misbehave?" His voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "I'll go after your little friend too. And I'll do exactly what I do to you."

Marie's heart stopped upon hearing the threats. "No! Stay away from Steffy! I won't let you hurt her!"

"Yes, dear," he chuckled darkly. "If you behave tonight, I promise I won't lay a finger on her. Sshh. Be a good girl now."

His hands reached for her underwear. She struggled, twisting and thrashing—but another blow to her face left her reeling. Whimpering, she curled in on herself. Her vision blurred as the fabric was ripped away from her skin.

He tossed it to the floor, forcefully spreading her legs apart. A single sob tore from her throat.

As the principal unbuckled his belt, Marie shut her eyes. 'I can't win this fight. You're wrong, Steffy. I can never win. Where are you, Steffy? Please… I need you now.'

But due to the emotional and physical assault, her strength drained. Fighting was no use. And yet, when everything else was about to snap, a loud crack split the air.

The principal's body jerked violently before he collapsed onto the floor. Marie gasped. Behind him, a man stood gripping a baseball bat.

"Come on," he said.

She opened her mouth but the shock that rippled through her body was overwhelming.

"There's no time, Marie. Let's get out of here."

And there, she allowed the scholar boy to drag her away.

***

Marie was still shaking when she found herself in the passenger seat of Yolo's car. The horror of what had just happened weighed heavily in the air.

Yolo sat beside her, watching as she fumbled with the water bottle he had given her.

"I don't know how to thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse.

Yolo offered a small, boyish grin. "It's nothing, Marie. Anyone would have helped if they saw what was happening."

Marie shook her head. "N-no. No one would have dared. Everyone thinks I'm… the principal's slut."

A heavy silence settled between them.

Yolo exhaled slowly. "Well, I'm just glad I was there."

Marie's brows furrowed. She turned to him, confused. "Wait… why were you there?"

Clearing his throat, Yolo took the bottle from her and took a few gulps before handing it back. "I, uh… fell asleep waiting for the principal," he admitted. "I was curled up behind his desk. Guess he didn't notice me because he was too… busy. Anyway, I woke up at the perfect time. And I had a weapon."

Marie managed a weak chuckle. "Yeah. A baseball bat."

"Yup." Yolo laughed lightly. "Some students got in trouble earlier. Must've left it there."

They paused for a while, feeling the comfortable presence.

"How long have you known Steffy?" she asked, breaking the silence again.

"I met her here. She's also new, right?"

Marie smiled softly. "Yeah. She's like my guardian angel. Since the day she saved me from the principal, she's never left my side." She sighed. "Except for tonight… but we never thought this would happen."

Yolo nodded. "Well, don't worry. You're safe now."

Marie hesitated, then cast him an embarrassed glance. "C-can you take me home? If that's okay. I… still feel shaky."

Yolo smiled. "Of course. Just tell me the way."

As they drove through the quiet streets, Marie gazed out the window. The streetlights flashed across her face, highlighting the exhaustion in her eyes. Yolo noticed. He lightly tapped her shoulder.

"Hey," he said. "Don't worry. The principal's fine. I just knocked him out. He's unconscious, that's all. I even left him on the couch, so it'll just look like he fell asleep."

Marie let out a small, tired smile. For the first time that night, she looked almost… relieved.

"I know," she murmured. "I don't care if he's dead or alive. I just don't know… what happens next after this." She bit her lip. "I-I think I should finally file a case against him."

Yolo's hands tightened on the steering wheel.

"You should have done that the moment he started using you as his sex object."

Marie swallowed hard. "I was scared, Yolo. He threatened me and my whole family. He said he had power. That he belonged to some… secret society." Her voice wavered. "And I know he wasn't lying. Every day, I see prying eyes watching me."

Yolo's jaw clenched. Meanwhile, Marie's hands curled into fists in her lap.

"I'm afraid he'll come after you… and I'm terrified for Steffy."

Yolo smirked. "He'll never know who hit him in the head," he said calmly.

Marie turned to him, brows furrowing. And for the first time, she noticed something different about Yolo. Something dangerous that she could not explain.