Guy: I want you!

Kerry: Let. Me. GO!

She started wriggling around trying to break free, but his grasp was too strong. They heard the police car sirens down the street getting louder, but he didn’t get spooked and run, he just stood there, like he didn’t care about being caught.

He just stood there, holding Kerry tight and staring directly into her light brown eyes. She’d never seen so much anger and love mixed together before. It was a look that would haunt her forever.

Everything in the background was a blur. The two police officers ran into the house through the open door. His back was to them, and Kerry didn’t even see them come in. His eyes were like a trance, she couldn’t look anywhere else. The officers ran over and one grabbed his arms. As they were pulling him away, Kerry’s eyes went from his eyes to his mouth as he mouthed three words.

                         I-love-you

The second officer slowly walked to Kerry, who was standing there shocked. He lightly took her wrist and led her to a couch to sit down. Kerry couldn’t comprehend anything that was going on. The officer was trying to ask her questions.

Officer: When did he break into the house?

Was the door locked?

Did he hurt you?

Do you know him? Ma’am do you know him?

Kerry was in such a daze. The officer got up and walked outside to the police car. Kerry looked down at her arms and she told her head to tell her hands to roll up her sleeves.

There were red/light purple finger marks imprinted just above her elbows.

“Ouch…” A lady police officer showed up and called Kerry’s parents for her. they explained what they knew happened and handed Kerry the phone.

Kerry *whisper*: Hello?

Ginny: Kerry? Kerry are you okay?

Kerry: I, I think so.

Ginny: We’re coming home right now!

Kerry: No mom, I know your vacation means a lot to you.

Ginny: No sweetie not as much as you mean to me. We’ll find a flight home.

Kerry: Mom don’t rush home tonight.

Just then Kerry thought of Greg. Maybe she could stay at his house tonight?

Kerry: I’ll find somewhere to stay tonight.

Ginny: Are you sure? Oh Kerry I love you so much I’m so thankful you’re okay.

Kerry: Love you too mom.

They hung up and Kerry numbly called Greg. He rushed over to the house right away. Kerry saw him standing outside through the open front door and unaware of the tears streaming down her face, she ran straight into his arms. They didn’t talk, he just held her scared body close to his.

The police needed Kerry to tell them exactly what happened, so Greg sat next to her on the couch holding her hand.

When everything was all said and done, they told her it wouldn’t be in her best interest to stay the night alone.

Kerry: Um, okay I’ll go to a friend’s-

Greg: She’ll stay with me.

Officer (nods): Okay. Here’s my number and we’ll be in contact with you and we can assure you there will be no more problems with him.                                                                                                     

 The officers left and Kerry went up to her room to get a bag of clothes for the night.

They drove to the Raposo house and watched movies until dinner time. Being with his family got her mind off of everything and she was happy.

Around midnight, Greg said goodnight to Kerry, who was sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor in Amanda’s room. When they shut the door and turned off the light, the room got very quiet.

Amanda: Hey Kerry?

Kerry: Yeah?

Amanda: How do you know when you’re in love? I know it’s a majorly stupid question to ask, but I just don’t know.

Kerry: It’s just…it’s a feeling. You just know. When you think about him nonstop and when you’re with him everything is alright and when you aren't its like you’re missing something. Why do you ask?

Amanda: I don’t know, I think I do, but I don’t believe I could be in love in 10^th grade.

Kerry: You could be in love at any age and just not know it. It’s all about how you feel.

Amanda: Do you love my brother?

Kerry paused for a second.

Kerry: Yeah, I do.

Amanda: I can tell when you two are together. It just seems so perfect.

Kerry: Nothing is perfect.

Amanda: I know.

After a little bit, the girls drifted off to sleep. But a few hours later Kerry had a horrible nightmare. She woke up screaming but the dream was a blurry mess. Amanda was a deep sleeper and didn’t hear a thing, but Greg in the next room was startled. Confused, he slowly got out of bed and turned on the hall light. Opening the door to Amanda’s bedroom, a stream of light shined on Kerry’s face on the floor. Greg made his way to where Kerry was laying down. He kneeled next to her and asked if everything was alright. She said yes and he kissed her forehead and stood up.

Kerry: Greg?

Greg: Yeah?

Kerry: Can I lay with you for a little bit?

Greg: Of course.

Kerry stood up and followed him to the other bedroom. Lying next to him in his big bed, Kerry felt protected and comfortable. Greg softly moved his thumb along her upper arm and kissed her neck. In the matter of minutes Kerry was sound asleep.