Chapter 3: Saturday

Waking up the next morning, I couldn’t stop thinking about how Kaleth and I had spent that quiet hour in each other’s arms. The memory was comforting, but one thing bugged me. When we finally said goodbye, Kaleth held me tightly and whispered, “Never forget how much I love you.” His voice carried an undertone of something deeper—an emotion I couldn’t quite name. Just as I was about to ask him what he meant, his sister called out, breaking the moment.

“Celine, are you awake?” My mom’s voice came from behind my bedroom door.

“Yes, Mom. I’m up. What’s the matter?”

“Cleo’s here to see you.”

“I’ll be down in a minute.”

As I made my way downstairs, something caught my eye. A minivan was parked next door in front of the house with the “For Sale” sign. It looked like the new neighbors were moving in. For a moment, I wondered what their story might be, but Cleo’s loud greeting quickly brought me back.

“Hey, lazy lover nerd!” Cleo grinned, leaning casually against the kitchen counter.

“Hey, miss lazy lover nerd’s best friend,” I replied, laughing as I grabbed her arm and pulled her outside before my mom could comment on our banter.

“Celine, can you believe it’s Saturday already?” Cleo asked as we pedaled our bikes down Elm Street, heading toward the small bookshop next to Mr. & Mrs. Jackson’s Bakery.

“Yes, I can,” I said absentmindedly, my thoughts drifting to Kaleth.

“So, how’s Kaleth? Still dreamy?” Cleo’s voice was teasing, but I could hear the concern underneath.

I hesitated. “I don’t know, Cleo. He’s been acting really weird lately. It’s like something’s bothering him, but he won’t tell me what. It’s... unsettling.”

Cleo slowed her bike, pulling up beside me. “Then talk to him. Ask him directly what’s wrong. Sometimes people just need someone to listen, you know?”

“You think that would work?”

“Of course. Just trust me. You care about him, and he cares about you. That’s what matters.”

“Thanks, Cleo. I’ll try.” I smiled at her, feeling a flicker of determination as we parked our bikes in front of the bookshop.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of books and conversation. But as I pedaled home alone around 7:15 pm, Cleo’s words echoed in my mind. Should I go see Kaleth again? Maybe tomorrow, I thought. Tonight, I’d just focus on getting home.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

Just as I turned onto the street leading home, my bike’s tire gave out with a loud hiss. “Great,” I muttered, dismounting and starting the walk home. I was only a block away—it wouldn’t take long.

Or so I thought.

“Hey, pretty lady,” a voice called out from behind me, smooth but laced with malice. “Do you know it’s dangerous to walk alone at night?”

My heart jumped. I didn’t turn around; instead, I quickened my pace.

“Where you going in such a hurry?” another voice sneered as a man stepped into my path, blocking my way.

Panic set in as I realized I was surrounded. Three, no, four men had appeared, their expressions predatory. My mind raced, but my feet felt rooted to the ground.

I tried to scream, but before I could, one of them grabbed me, his grip like a vice. The others closed in, their laughter chilling.

Then it began.

The cold blade of a knife pressed against my thigh, making me flinch. “Don’t fight,” one of them growled. But I did. I thrashed, kicked, anything to get away. It didn’t matter.

Another man ripped my shirt, leaving me exposed. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to cover myself, but they yanked my arms away.

They forced me to the ground. I screamed again, but the street was eerily empty—no one was coming to help.

I tried to close my legs, but they pinned me down, driving their knives into my thighs. The pain was blinding, and blood soaked my jeans. My body betrayed me, going limp as I lost strength.

Through my tears, I stared up at the night sky, feeling a cold emptiness seep into my soul. This wasn’t warmth. This wasn’t the kind of closeness I’d shared with Kaleth. This was something else entirely—a violation, a nightmare.

As they continued, my mind drifted, trying to escape the horror. I thought of Kaleth’s arms around me, his whispered words. I clung to the memory like a lifeline.

“Never forget how much I love you.”

Eventually, the men left, their laughter fading into the darkness. I lay there for what felt like an eternity, broken and bleeding, until a faint voice called out.

“Celine? Is that you?”

It was Mr. Jackson, my history teacher, walking his dog. His face turned pale as he rushed toward me, pulling out his phone to call for help.