About Time

                                    

                                          
Rachel was seriously awesome.
She not only summoned the FBI to help us, she also called over several news channels that were now currently standing outside the house, all cameras aimed at the front door where the gang was yet to emerge following the FBI's investigation.
The door opened, and all the members came out, each one handcuffed and being led by a policeman. Luke's scowling face aired live on CNN, NBC, FOX news, ABC, and several more. His eyes searched around until they landed on me, and the glare he gave me, full of contempt and utter hate, made me shrink back a little. Percy grabbed my hand and soothingly rubbed circles on the back of my palm while looking at Luke with anger-filled eyes. I relaxed, knowing he wouldn't let any harm come to me.
Michael was standing behind us, looking relieved yet guilty at the same time, as many emotions flickered in his eyes. As per a sworn contract between the members, they could not rat each other out to any legal forces, but we weren't sure yet if a piece of paper would stop Luke from exposing him. Michael, on the other hand, hadn't technically ratted Luke out to anyone, as me, Katie and Rachel were the ones who got the authorities involved. Michael was using an old floorboard as a crutch- his right ankle had been severely sprained during the scuffle with the gang members. Paramedics rushed him into the ambulance, despite him insisting that he was fine and wanted to stay to watch.
Later that night, I was called in for an interview about my story as one of Luke's victims- it turned out that he had also abused many other students before, particularly young girls, and had manipulated them all into being quiet and not giving anything away.
I took a deep breath, nervous. I wasn't sure if I was ready to talk about it. No matter how much time passed, those scars would always remain with me, a dark fragment of my past. I wasn't ready to relive the whole experience again. But I had to, to remind all the other victims that they weren't alone. That help could always be found.
The interviewer flashed me a bright smile, before turning to the camera. "Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we have an exclusive interview live on the story of Annabeth Chase, one of the many victims of Luke Castellan, who was arrested yesterday with 6 charges of domestic violence and several other cases of physical abuse over classmates and coworkers. Luke, 17, was arrested by the FBI this morning at 10:10 am. Anonymous sources had contacted the police and given them information surrounding Castellan's gang known as The Bombers, and a total of 8 young men charged with gang activities were arrested as well. 
"So, Annabeth... I understand that you are 17 as well, and Luke had been abusing you for the past 2 years. How did you manage to overcome those times despite being threatened consistently and not being able to tell anyone around you?
"Umm..." I searched for words to describe how I had felt. I mean, what was I supposed to say? I just had. I didn't have another choice. I couldn't just shrivel up and die. What kind of question was this?
"I mean... I don't really know what to say," I answered honestly. "I just... did. I didn't really have any other options. I didn't have a secret formula, or someone telling me it was all going to be okay. No one else really noticed. So... I mean, I went to school, dealt with him kind of, and then came back home... I guess," I replied awkwardly.
The interviewer nodded, flashing her brilliant teeth at the camera once again before saying, "How do you feel now that he is arrested and out of your life?"
"Relieved," I said. "I feel.. free. Like I'm finally my own person again."
"How touching," she replied, with a genuine smile this time. My heart warmed up suddenly as I instantly found the courage to go on, pouring my heart out into my answers and sharing my experience with the world. I felt like I was making an impact, and bringing great awareness to the issue, while sending a message: Don't ignore them. You might be saving a life.
The interview continued for the next hour or so. As soon as the cameras flashed off and the crew started packing their equipment, the interviewer came up to me and gave me a quick, tight hug. She then left the studio, leaving me with my overwhelming thoughts as I exited the studio myself.
I saw my stepmom and dad standing there, and without hesitating for an instant, I rushed into their arms. "You're so, so brave honey," my dad whispered to me, squeezing me tightly. They weren't happy about me not sharing anything, but for my sake they were choosing to be only supportive and understanding, which I truly appreciated.
My life was taking a turn for the better. There were people that had my back and would always catch me if I fell. I had freedom. I had a voice. And, most of all, I had something to live for. 
It's about time.
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Hey everyone <33
Sorry for the late update, I've been really busy since school's started now... it's only been 3 days and I already have 3 projects due next week, plus 5 extracurriculars and a new job as a debate teacher so that gives you an idea of how busy I am right now 😅
The book, I'm sad to say, is almost finished anyway... just a few more chapters and we'll be done!
Love you guys!
-that_kitkat_