A Snapchat notification popped up on my phone and when I glanced at it, I saw the time. It was 3:23 AM.
Why am I always up so late?
I was sitting around a table with Sarah and John, shooting the shit and sipping on leftover beer. The parties had ended awhile ago and my tipsiness had gone with them. Oh, well.
There was something about being up at this hour that made me feel energetic. Maybe it was because everyone was so honest and real. The darkness allows people to be who they truly are.
John yawned and stood up lazily. "I've gotta go. I have to write a psych paper tomorrow. I'll see you guys later."
I finished the last sip of my beer and stood up too. "I should probably try and get some sleep. Night, Sarah. Text me tomorrow when you wake up - we can get breakfast."
"Sounds good, will do! I'm exhausted. Night!"
John and I walked out of Sarah's house together. He yawned again. "I love and hate staying up late."
"Tomorrow is going to be rough."
"At least you don't have a paper to write... well, I'm headed this way. I'll see you soon."
"See ya."
We parted ways, walking in opposite directions. I looked up at the stars and let out a sigh. It was cold tonight. I stuffed my hands into my pockets and picked up my pace a little. Campus at this time of night always made me feel a little uneasy. I was jumpy as I walked up the path from the senior houses to the rest of the campus dorms.
I saw someone walking in my direction. Another person up too late. As we walked closer towards each other, I was able to make out some of his face in the dark. I didn't recognize him from around campus. Maybe he was a freshman. I looked up at him and smiled.
He watched me, sneering. "You on a walk of shame?"
Completely taken aback, I gaped at him. "Excuse me? Who do you think you are?"
"Bitches like you are who ruin it for everyone."
"Don't talk to me like that. I don't even know you. Go home or I'll call campus police." I tried to sound forceful, though my voice shook.
He laughed. "Go right ahead. Good luck with that."
I turned and quickly started to walk away. I wouldn't let this asshole ruin my night. I felt a hand grab my arm and all of the sudden, I was being violently ripped backwards.
"Don't walk away from me, slut."
I tried to wiggle out of his grip. Now, I was terrified. What was wrong with this guy?
"Stop!" I pushed at his chest with the arm I had free.
I saw his fist coming at me and seconds later, my face exploded with pain. I screamed. He slapped his hand against my mouth.
"Don't you fucking dare make a noise."
He shoved me back against a car. He was too strong. He hit me again, harder this time.
"Please, stop." I begged. I tried with all my strength to get him off but he was just so much bigger.
He threw his forearm against my neck and my breath hitched in my throat. He tried to unzip my jacket and I attempted to knee him.
He laughed and punched my face again. "You're a stupid bitch, you know that?"
He threw me to the ground by my shoulders and I saw stars as my head smashed against the concrete. I prayed anyone was up at this hour and would find me. Please, let it stop, I thought, as he delivered blows to my ribs.
He pulled me up by the front of my jacket and slapped my face again. I tried to scream but I couldn't. My voice was lost.
Why was he doing this?
He hit me in my face more times than I could count. There was too much blood in my mouth. I needed this to end. I prayed that each time he hit me it would be the last.
I heard a noise coming from behind me... the low hum of a car. The lights lit up the parking lot. When he saw them, he threw me away from him. I watched him sprint away as I landed with a painful thud in a defeated heap.
Two campus officers rushed out of the car. One headed towards me and the other took off running after the guy.
I recognized the officer, she was the one everyone hated but I had never been happier to see her. She gripped my hand.
"It's going to be okay, honey. We've got you."