The living room was well-arranged; Cherry had tidied it up. Tina sat on one of the sofa chairs, burying her face in her palms. Her mind raced, recalling all the painful memories from the past. She could never forget what happened on the twentieth of November, several years ago.
Tina was in eighth grade, just thirteen years old. She had come back from school to find that neither her mom nor her younger sister was home. After a shower, she ate and watched TV. A few hours later, her uncle Lee visited. He had just returned from his final-year classes at school.
"I'm coming!" Tina called as soon as she heard the doorbell. She opened the door to find Lee smiling broadly at her.
"Bro Lee!" she exclaimed, jumping into his arms with excitement.
"It's been a long time, little girl. How are you?" he asked as they settled in the living room.
"I'm fine. How's school?"
"School's fine."
"I can't wait to be in university too," she said, giggling.
"There's nothing so cool about it, though. Everything gets rough and complicated."
"But I'll cope, right?"
"Yes, with time," he assured her, his eyes scanning her form. Tina, though only thirteen, looked mature—a beautiful angel on earth. Her fair skin, oval face with lovely features, pretty lips, and captivating eyes made her a vision of beauty. Her hair shone black like coal, and her figure resembled that of some American celebrities. The pink gown she wore accentuated her curves. She looked like a mix of Jennifer Lopez and Princess Grace. God had truly showcased His talent in this young beauty.
"Mom's not home, Bro Lee," she said.
"Yes, she asked me to come over. Your sister's in the hospital, so your mom went with her."
"What's wrong with her? Will she be okay?" Tina asked, a touch of worry in her voice.
"Yeah, she'll be fine," he assured her, though he was lying.
"When are they coming back?"
"Tomorrow," he said, noticing a shift in her mood. "Why don't you dress up, and we can go somewhere?"
"Where?"
"Anywhere. A restaurant for barbecue will do."
"Okay. I'll go get ready." She stood up and went to her room. As she walked away, Lee's eyes followed her, his thoughts darkening.
Tina stood in her room, filled with uncertainty. She had never gone out alone with a boy before. What if he took advantage of her? But he was her uncle, after all, and she thought he would never hurt her. She rummaged through her wardrobe and picked out a top and trousers. She laid them on the bed and began to undress.
Suddenly, the door swung open. She had forgotten to lock it. It was Lee. Panicking, she rushed for her gown to cover herself, but it wasn't enough. She felt his gaze on her. The desire in his eyes made her freeze.
He stepped closer, and she instinctively backed away. But he reached her, gripping her arms fiercely. Her voice finally returned.
"What are you doing, Bro Lee?" she asked, her voice shaking. He ignored her, snatching the gown away and throwing it to the floor.
She begged, "I'm still intact. I can't do this. Please, don't hurt me."
He undressed her quickly, laying her down despite her cries and pleas. She was powerless, reduced to tears. After he finished, she noticed the bed stained with blood—she had been deflowered, but not in the way she had imagined. He threatened her with a gun, warning her never to tell. She kept his secret until she met Cherry, the first person she could confide in.
Remembering that horrific day made Tina break into a sweat. "Damn Lee. I hate you. I... hate... you!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face.
Cherry, in her bedroom, rushed to the living room at the sound of Tina's cries. "Tina? Tina??" she called, running to her side. "Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?"
Tina sat up, sobbing as she stared at Cherry. She hugged her tightly, crying aloud, "I'm so tired, Cherry. I really am."
"It's okay, girl. Tell me what's wrong," Cherry said gently, wiping Tina's tears.
"It almost happened again today, at school."
"What almost happened?"
"The twentieth of November."
"What do you mean?"
"It's Victor. He tried to force himself on me."
"Why would he do that? Aren't you two in a relationship?"
"I refused to let him have me."
"And he tried to rape you? I need to have a word with that boy; some sense needs to be talked into his tiny skull."
"Just let him be for now. I'll handle it."
"What do you mean, handle it? That idiot tried to assault you..."
"It's not the first time," Tina said quietly.
They fell into a heavy silence.
"By the way, there's meatloaf in the dining room."
"Thanks. I'll take a shower first."
"Did you message my course rep for me?"
"Yup. I did," she replied over her shoulder as she walked back toward her bedroom.