Dear Ava

by Ilsa Madden-Mills

The teacher puts her elbows on the podium and leans in until our faces are close and there’s no chance anyone will hear. “I’m good with whatever you want. I can put you in the back, but honestly, it’s only going to isolate you from everyone. I don’t want that, and in the end, you may miss some things if you can’t see the overhead. You could take the seat up front with Knox, and if you have any issues at any time, come to me and I’ll take care of it.” Her voice is soft, pity dripping like acid. Pity. Please. I want justice. Not likely. They have money. They own this town. Miss Harris, is it possible you consented to sex? Your behavior at the party was, well… She spreads her hands. “It’s up to you though, Ava. Whichever you want.” Sit in the back or sit next to the head Shark? My throat tightens as I ponder my options, but I already know what I need to do: establish myself as fearless, just like inmates do when they walk into a prison. Swallowing hard, I give her a tight nod, pivot, and walk to Knox’s desk. Someone lets out a gasp—Jolena. Good. Take that. I am stronger than BTN. Knox’s eyes are narrowed as he sits back in his chair, never shifting his gaze as I slide into the seat next to his. He takes me in, cocking an eyebrow as if he’s surprised. He’s a foot away from me, but I swear I can feel the heat from his body looming close. I scoot my chair a few inches farther from his, making a horrid scraping noise on the tile. He huffs out a laugh and slides his away from me u...