Chapter 4: Trouble Knocking

Sarah 👩🏻‍🦳

Cheer practice had left me exhausted. My muscles ached as I trudged through the gym’s parking lot. The chilly breeze bit into my sweaty skin. All I wanted was to collapse in my dorm and escape into a cheesy romantic comedy. Bella, my roommate and fellow cheerleader, was still gossiping with the squad. I waved her off and headed for her car. My sneakers scuffed against the asphalt.

The lot was eerily quiet except for the low hum of the wind. My nerves were on edge. Vance’s presence had been a constant shadow all day. He was lurking outside my lecture hall or leaning against his truck by the cafeteria. His eyes had been tracking me like a predator all day long. Yesterday’s photoshoot with Jake had only ignited a spark, and now Vanceed to be everywhere. His shadow was almost inescapable.

I had known I liked girls since high school. I still recall my heart stumbling over my best friend’s laugh during late-night sleepovers. But when I told Vance last month, it was like tossing a match into gasoline. He turned my truth into a weapon. He had sneered with a promise that he’d “fix” my “confusion.” He just wanted to get into my pants.

Dating him had been a mistake. I had only agreed as a concession to our families’ intertwined connections. His dad’s real estate empire was tied to my dad’s law firm. I had kept our relationship to chaste kisses only. I was never truly into him. My coming out had bruised his ego. As if my sexual orientation was a benchmark to his manhood.

He was relentless now. His buddies are leaving creepy notes in my locker. He is idling his truck outside my dorm. Jake had become my lifeline. His kindness during the photoshoot, even after I pushed too far with that staged kiss, had floored me. If Vance had even half of Jake’s decency, I wouldn’t be dodging him like a virus.

I hugged my jacket tighter and scanned the parking lot. Bella’s car sat under a flickering lamppost. Suddenly, my stomach dropped. Vance was there, leaning against the light. His football jacket was glowing in the dark. His eyes locked onto mine, cold and unyielding. He pushed off the lamppost and strode toward me. His boots sounded loud on the pavement.

“Sarah,” he called. His voice cut like a sharp blade. “We’re talking. Now.”

My heart pounded against my ribs. I barely forced a shaky smile. “Vance, I’m exhausted,” I said. “Can we talk later?”

He closed the distance between us and grabbed my arm. His grip was bruising me. “You don’t get to ditch me for some junior,” he snapped.

I yanked my arm back as pain flared. “Let go,” I said. “You’re hurting me.”

“Bullshit,” he growled. He pulled me closer. I tried to stand firm, but he was too powerful. My sneakers rubbed against the pavement. “You think you can play me with that photoshoot?”

“Fuck off, Vance!” I shouted. My pulse is roaring. “I’m done with you!”

He loomed closer still. His eyes held a menacing glint. I’m so screwed.

“Hey!” Jake’s voice sliced through the darkness. Sharp and fierce. He must have finished his football practice along with us.

He sprinted from the gym doors and shoved himself between us. forcing Vance to step back. “Back off, man,” Jake said.

Vance stumbled. His face twisted with rage. “Stay out of this, rookie,” he said. “This isn’t your fight.”

“It is now,” Jake shot back. His fists clenched as he stood tall against Vance’s bulk. Relief flooded through me. My sore arm throbbed as Jake became a protective wall between me and Vance. He’s like a knight charging in.

Then Emily appeared. She must have been waiting for Jake. She jogged from the sidewalk towards me. Her glasses reflected the lamplight as she rushed.

“Sarah, are you okay?” she asked. Her voice was sharp with concern. She grabbed my arm to check the red marks Vance had left. Her touch was soft but steady. Her fingers sent an unexpected jolt through me. She made me thump like a circuit sparking to life. What was this feeling? My cheeks warmed as her thumb brushed my knuckles. I wanted to lean closer for a fleeting moment. I wanted to see if her lips were as soft as her hands.

“Yeah,” I mumbled. I was flustered by my reaction.

Bella also jogged up towards us. Her phone was out, filming the scene. Her eyes were fierce with determination and protective spirit.

“Get her out of here,” Jake told Emily. His gaze was still locked on Vance.

Emily’s hand slid to mine. Her grip was gentle but firm, anchoring me. My pulse seemed to sync with hers. I cursed my heart for noticing. Not now, Sarah.