He was angry with me. Maybe he feels like this was my fault somehow. He always finds a way to blame me for things because he likes to punish me. He didn’t want anyone to know about us being together to keep up his image with the group. He doesn’t want them to see him as a pedophile. Meaning he wants to continue to lie to everyone. He’ll be angry with me tonight. I’ll be punished for something out of my control once again.

Later that night everyone came from their rooms and gathered around the campfire. I sat away from James, giving him space like he wanted and I made sure not to make eye contact with him or anyone else. We could get through this with a few bruises. Well, he could. I won’t be so lucky. I looked over to my right to see Jane and then over to my left expecting to see that Amy had taken the seat. Instead of Amy, Astrid was sitting next to me. I scoffed at her and rolled my eyes. Suddenly, out of the blue, I hear someone loudly clearing their throat. Everyone looks in the direction of Marcus, who clearly did it. He firmly and loudly clasps his hands together as he stands from his chair.

“Honestly guys, I don’t know why we’re all acting like we didn’t hear the news! James the pedophile went straight for the youngest! Ain't that right, buddy ol’ pal!?” he says as he slowly paces behind James’ chair.