Secrets

Chapter 9

Miranda's POV

“It all started a few weeks before my 21st birthday. I had downloaded an app that let post anonymously.” I took in a deep breath before continuing. “I had only posted one thing before I had a message from someone. I thought it was pretty cool. Everything seemed pretty innocent. We exchanged some messages, just small talk. I never really thought anything about it.”

I looked around the room. Everyone had their eyes on me, and everyone was silent. You could hear a pin drop. My heart beat started to accelerate. I could hear it pounding in my ears. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes to try and calm myself down a little. I felt someone grab my hand and give it an encouraging squeeze. I looked up and saw Leena sitting beside me. She gave me a smile.

“Take your time, Randa.” She squeezed my hand again.

“One night, my date canceled on me. I was kind of bummed and decided that I was going to enjoy the night to myself. I ran a bubble bath and did case masks. Well, he had messaged me, and I told him about my date canceling. He was so nice. He asked for a photo of me, which I sent. I didn’t think anything of it. We’d been talking for a couple days at the point and I felt like I trusted him.” I paused. I looked around the room. Feeling ashamed, I hung my head from my shoulders. “I’m so stupid.”

“You’re not stupid, Miranda. This guy is manipulative. He gained your trust and then he took advantage of you.” He looked at me with compassion in his eyes. I knew that he was right. “Please continue when you’re ready, Miranda.”

2 Years Ago

It was a Friday night. It was my birthday! Leena thought that it would be more fun to out instead of staying in. So, as part of my present and bribe, she took me shopping. We headed to the mall. On the way out of the apartment, we ran into George.

“Where are you girls headed to?” He smiled but looked kind of nervous.

“We’re on our way to the mall. It’s Miranda’s birthday and I’m taking her shopping. Then we’re going out for the night.” Leena was so confident. I smiled.

“Well happy birthday young lady!” He turned to me and smiled. I felt like his eyes lingered on a little too long, but I didn’t say anything. “You two ladies run along and enjoy your night.” He said, with an undertone of anger in his voice. He stormed into the apartment building. Leena looked at me and shrugged her shoulders.

When we got to the mall, Leena led me into a few different stores before we found anything that I liked, and Leena approved of. I found a little black dress. It was covered in sequence, it had like a halter neck top and tied behind my neck. It wasn’t extremely short, it came about an inch above my knee. It was gorgeous. I decided to buy myself a pair of new black boots. Leena found a hot pink dress that was short and tight. She looked gorgeous in it.

When we got home, we both got ready. She went to her room and I went to mine. Luckily, we both had our own bathrooms. I quickly hopped into the shower and got dressed. I had plenty of time to do my hair and make up before she wanted to leave. I grabbed my phone and shot Noah a text.

Miranda: Hey! Getting ready to head out. You still coming tonight? :)

Noah: I am. Will see you there. Can I get a sneak peek? ;)

I felt my cheeks get warm. I smiled and shook my head. He always knew how to make me smile. I walked over to my full length mirror and took a picture. I sent it to him and set my phone down and inspected myself in the mirror. I smiled at myself, impressed by how good I looked. My phone buzzed and I grabbed my phone.

Noah: Looking good. Can’t wait for tonight.

I walked out of my bedroom and Leena was standing there. Her jaw dropped to the ground. I did a little spin so that she could get the whole picture. She smiled and nodded in approval as I walked over to her.

“Dam Randa, you need to dress like this more. You’re going to be turning heads tonight.” She smirked.

“I just hope I turn the head of the right guy tonight.” I smiled and winked at her.

“Ohhhh! Randa gonna get some!?” She shouted, teasing me. She walked over to me and place a plastic tiara on my head that had the number 21 in pink. “You look darling.” She giggled.

“Let’s go before I change my mind.” I smiled at her. I grabbed her hand and headed out the door. I didn’t want her to see me blushing.

I’ve told Leena about Noah. She’s encouraging me to go and meet him, so I thought that this would be a perfect opportunity. I knew I was going to be safe with Leena. We got to her car and headed out to the bar. It was a small town place. I refused to go downtown to go out. We walked into the bar, our arms were linked, and a bunch of guys turned their heads. I looked around the bar, trying to see if anyone stood out to me.

Leena and I headed to the bar to order a drink. I saw a table in the corner of the room and told Leena I was going to go and grab it. I headed over to the table. I thought maybe Noah would be here already. I couldn’t hide my disappointment. I grabbed my phone out of my purse in hopes that there would be a message from him. Nothing. I decided to text him instead.

Miranda: Hey. Are you here yet?

Leena came back over to the table holding our drinks. I smiled and accepted the drink she handed to me. I had no idea what was in it, and I didn’t want to ask. We sat talking a little bit before she went to order us another round. This time she came back with some shots. I’ve never done one before, so I was a little nervous. We did them together. I could feel whatever it was she gave me burn the entire way down my throat. I scrunched my face and shook my head.

Once we had finished our shots, some guy came up to the table and introduced himself. He said that his name was Jason. I looked over at Leena and I could tell that she had her flirty face on. I rolled my eyes but plastered a smile on my face. He offered to buy us a few drinks, which Leena accepted before I could say anything or object. I just smiled as the two of them talked. I checked my phone and I still hadn’t heard anything from Noah.

“Hey Lee, I’m going to run outside and make a phone call. I’ll be right back.”

Leena shooed me away and I rolled my eyes. She was lost in her flirty phase. I headed outside the bar with my phone in hand. I dialed Noah’s number and it went to voice mail. I was going to leave him a nasty voice mail about blowing me off. Before I could, I felt someone cover my mouth. They pulled me close to them. I could feel their warm breath on my neck, it was disgusting. That was the last thing I remember.