Chapter 86:
Julie's Point of View
As soon as I locked the door behind me, the dam I had built in front of Olivia and Sarah collapsed.
I threw myself onto the bed, feeling a lump tearing through my throat, and burst into bitter weeping; my entire body shook violently as if I were trying to expel the humiliation that had permeated my pores.
I placed my hand on my burning cheek; the pulse in it was strong and painful, reminding me every second of my weakness and helplessness.
She had slapped me twice, and I... I had done nothing but flounder like a bird with a broken wing.
I cursed myself with choked words, muttering between my sobs:
"Damn you, Julie... how could you not even stand up to her?"
I pulled my knees to my chest so hard I felt my bones pressing against each other,
and buried my stinging face in them, trying to escape the echo of the insults that still rang in my ears.
I whispered in a broken voice drowned in my tears:
