Category : Stories

Sub Category : Drama

 The heat of his breath lingered on my neck. He smelled of whiskey and cigarettes, which made my stomach turn. With one hand, he pressed the cold blade against my neck, with the other he struggled to undo the belt to my pants. I opened my mouth to scream but nothing came out. I felt the tears burn down my cheek, completely helpless, he slipped his dirty hands into my panties as he made his way passed my belt.




The day started early for me. I jumped up excited that the rains had finally stopped. The sun peering through the few clouds that remained, caused the dew on the trees to sparkle in its light. I slipped on my sweats and tennies, with my hair pulled back in a ponytail, I was out the door.


Avoiding the few puddles left on the ground, I took off on my run. The air was chilly and damp, I could see the clouds of my breath with each exhale. 


The music pumping through my ears kept me motivated to keep going. My mind began to wander. I had been looking forward to this evening for a while now. As I ran, I planned my outfit in my head.


This award was something I had worked so hard for, and I just knew I was going to win. My story was good, and packed an emotional punch. Something that the judges typically loved in past contests, so I knew I had a good chance. 


To be invited as one of the finalists was an honor not given to many. I have been submitting for years hoping to get chosen, I could really use the money to help with my last semester of school. 


I found my passion, to help women who have lived through abuse. I wanted to empower these victims, help them find their strength to move past this and make a better life for themselves. 


Back at home, I peeled off my sweat drenched clothes, and tossed them onto the bathroom floor and stepped into the shower. 


I had a few errands to run before I'd be back home to get ready, so I needed a good early start to get back in time.


As the warm water pounded down on my head, I closed my eyes and imagined myself walking the stage to receive my award. It brought a smile to my face everytime I thought about it. 


I wrote this piece from my heart, and I had my professor read through it several times as I rewrote it to perfect it. The group of beta readers all had great things to say about it as well. However, I would be lying if I wasn't just a little worried about what the judges would say.


Out of the shower, I threw on some clothes and then blow dried my hair. It had grown out this winter and I was in love with my long locks, but it took forever to dry. In the summer, I wouldn't worry about leaving with wet hair, but it was still a bit chilly out, so I took the time to dry it.


Poured myself a cup of coffee and twisted the cap onto my mug and off I went. The day seemed to lag on, just like it did every time I was looking forward to something. 


Finally at my last stop, my hair appointment. Taking my seat in front of the mirror, I felt a rush of butterflies fill my tummy. It was getting closer, and I could hardly contain my excitement. 


After about an hour and a half, I left with fresh hair, done up perfectly. The sun was beginning to set and I had just enough time to go home, grab a bite to eat, and change. 


I unlocked the door to my apartment, and set my bags down on the table. Slipped off my jacket and hung it on the hook. 


Went to the fridge and pulled out eggs, bacon, and peppers. I turned on the stove, and dropped some butter in the pan and watched it sizzle and eventually melt. I added the eggs and made myself an omelet. 


Once I was finished with dinner, I tossed the dishes in the sink as I would tend to them later. It was time to get ready. 


I ran to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, touched up my make up a bit then headed to my closet. Standing there in my white lace panties with my matching bra, I reached in and pulled out my favorite black capris, and a white blouse. For a pop of color I added a floral scarf. I grabbed my thin black satin belt and pulled it through the loops on my pants after I tucked in my shirt. I put on my silver hoop earrings then added a nude color gloss for the final touch. 


Standing in front of the mirror, I took one last look. Putting my hands through my hair I gave it a quick tousle before slipping on my black flats. 


Pulling my charcoal gray peacoat from the hall closet, I slipped it on, and headed out the door. 


The sun had fully set, and the chill in the air startled me a bit once it hit my face. It was quiet out as everyone headed in for the evening. I started my car and turned up the heat waiting for my windows to defog, then I pulled away.


The awards ceremony was being held at the Regency Beverly Wilshire, downtown. I always loved that hotel, and at night with all of the lights, it felt so magical. 


I handed my keys to the valet in exchange for my ticket, which I promptly shoved into my pocket.


People were filling the foyer of the hotel already. This was a big event in the writers community. Everyone hoped that their piece was picked to win the grand prize, five thousand dollars. 


I looked over to my left and saw my professor; he was my biggest supporter. It was nice to have someone believe in me. 


"Hi, thanks for coming," I said leaning in for a quick hug. 
"I am so proud of you, Dianna," he said with a sweet smile in his eyes. He had become like a father to me, which I appreciated since I was all alone in a big city. "Did you bring your lanyard," he said looking a bit worried. I reached up to my neck in a panic, "I did, I must have left it in my car, I'll go get it, don't wait for me, find your seat and I'll wave to you when I'm on stage," I said, adding a quick wink. 


We both knew my chances were good, so I was already acting as if that award was mine. He agreed, gave me a quick squeeze and  he headed inside. 


I had about ten minutes before they were to start. Plenty of time as I headed for the door. I didn't bother grabbing my jacket from the coat check, this shouldn't take long. 


I found the nearest valet and told him my dilemma. I just asked for my keys and the location of my car. I felt it would be quicker if I ran and got it, versus waiting for him to bring my car back. 


With my keys in hand, I ran off in the direction he pointed. I found it parked down the quiet side street. It was the 5th car down. I was thankful that I wore flats instead of heels, and pants instead of a dress, it made it easier to run.


I finally reached my car, I pulled out my keys and they slipped out of my hands and landed in the gutter. I looked around for anyone that may have a light, but the street was empty. I squatted down to get a better look when I felt someone put their hand around my mouth and pull me up. 


I kicked at him and tried to wiggle away without any luck...


The heat of his breath lingered on my neck. He smelled of whiskey and cigarettes, which made my stomach turn. With one hand, he pressed the cold blade against my neck, with the other he struggled to undo the belt to my pants. I opened my mouth to scream but nothing came out. I felt the tears burn down my cheek, completely helpless, he slipped his dirty hands into my panties as he made his way passed my belt.


That foul smelling man violated me for what seemed like hours. He left me there, my hair a ratted mess, my nice white blouse, shredded and stained with blood. My pants were ripped off of me and thrown into the gutter. The beautiful scarf I wore around my neck, he used to cut off my air supply, I reached up and ripped it off.


I can still feel him inside me, the throbbing pain, as if he was still here. I lay on the cold wet ground, unable to move or cover myself. I drifted off, momentarily escaping this hell.


The light coming in from the window was so bright, it hurt to open my eyes. 


 "Dianna, are you awake? You have a visitor," the lady in white said as she pulled the curtain open that hung around my bed.


I looked around trying to make sense of where I was. I had an IV in my arm, and the machine monitoring my vitals began to beep as I recalled the events from the night before. My heart was racing and my hands were shaking. 


I felt a tear escape and fall down my face. I looked up and saw my professor looking down at me. 


"Hey sweetheart, I'm here now. I am so sorry that I couldn't protect you," he said as he rubbed his hand on my head the way a father would do. 


I wiped my tear away and gave him a half smile out of the corner of my eye. I reached out to grab his hand and gave it a squeeze. My trachea was damaged and talking was difficult, he understood my silence. 


A year has passed, I took the steps to rebuild myself, and here I am, walking the stage to receive my award. Standing up here, I told my story through my tears...


"Art mimics life," I said as I held up my book. "A year ago I wrote this fictional story about a girl who was raped, and she spent her life helping other victims move on after their attacks. Now, I am here, stronger than I was before. My story has turned into a book. A book that shares my personal struggle and how I overcame the adversity of being a victim, and how I started to live again. So thank you for nominating me for this award."


Up there on stage, looking at the crowd standing and clapping, I made eye contact with my professor, lifting my hands up to my mouth, I blew him a kiss, and walked off the stage.