" Alright class I know due to the many disruptions that we haven't been able to have a class discussion on the book

' Speak ' so that is what we will be doing today. "

I sigh inwardly as Mr.Edwards says this. I really wanted to avoid the rape subject today and the books plot is a girl who goes to a party and gets raped and calls the cops, then her friends turn against her because she called the cops on their party. The book is about her trying to gain enough courage to speak up and tell someone about the guy raping her.

" Anyone volunteer to go first or do I need to pick someone? "

Mr. Edwards ask. Suddenly a girl raises her hand and he points to her .

" Honestly I think the whole book is stupid. I mean this whole thing could have been over quickly if she just told the cops. Instead she decided to use this as a reason to feel sorry for herself instead of taking action. "

As if my arm has a mind of its own I raise my hand. Mr.Edwards looks at me surprised and I'm sure that my expression mirrors his.

" I don't think she didn't tell because she wanted to pity herself, I think she was scared of what he would do to her and she already felt ashamed and dirty she just wanted it to be over. I think more then anything she was wanting to brush it off and move on with her life but once she realized just how much it effected her she finally decided to tell. "

I say looking at my lap the whole time.

Mr.Edwards looks at me with sad eyes but then brings his attention back to the whole class.

" I have made up a project for all of you. "

The whole class whines.

" Don't worry it's as fun as a project can be. "

No one says anything but I know we're all thinking that all teachers say that.

" In this book art is a big part of Melinda's life, it's the way she expresses herself when she can't say it out loud. So I'm giving all of you a week to do some kind of artwork expressing how you feel or expressing a traumatic experience you have been through and before anyone ask even if you are no artist just try your best. I grade off of effort. "

The bell rings to go to the next class.

" Tomorrow we will meet in the spare art room to woo on these projects. "

Mr.Edwards tells us. Everyone quickly rushes out of the room but Mr.Edwards stops me in my tracks.

" How are you holding up? "

He ask me giving me a small smile.

" I guess I'm doing ok......its just I thought that some how everything would end up okay and that it would happen like on the movies everyone lives happily ever after and the villain goes to jail but I guess life isn't some fairy tale. "

I say looking at the ground.

" I'm sorry that he didn't get what he deserved but I'm here for you if you ever need to talk. "

He tells me placing a hand on my shoulder. I give him a small smile.

" Thanks Mr.Edwards I think you're the only one left that still is there for me. "

I give him a side hug and then hurry to my next class.

Mr.Edwards is so nice, he's like the father I never had.