Derek

* STORY STARTS HERE * I didn’t notice her at first. Too much noise. The guys from the gym packed around the table, replaying rounds, arguing over nothing. I’m half listening, half somewhere else. Then I hear it… A whistle. Low. Ugly. I look up and she’s standing two tables over, tray balanced on her palm. Ponytail loose. Smile tight. I’ve seen her in the halls for years — bright, untouchable. But Never this close. One of the older men reaches for her wrist when she sets down a drink. I see that beautiful smile disappear, replaced with fear. “P-Please don’t.” She whispers, not wanting to make a scene. Something cracks open in my chest– My chair scrapes back. They begin to laugh, and I’m already there. I stop at the edge of the table, hands at my sides. Calm. Controlled. “She said don’t.” The guy looks me over like I’m something stuck to his shoe. I hold his stare. I don’t blink. The room shifts and even my friends go quiet behind me.