Please touch me. I need you to touch me.

But the scars are always there, waiting for something to poke them.

Not. Your. Fault." I nodded again, holding onto his words like they were redemption.

I kept my eyes open on the ride home. Peeking over Lucas's shoulder, i watched the scenery fly by-and it was exhilarating, not frightening. I trusted him. I had since that first night, when i let him drive me home.

Alcohol removes inhibitions. It doesn't trigger criminal violence where there was none before.

Rather than raising his voice like everyone else, he leaned close to my ear and asked, "Dance with me?" I felt his warm breath and inhale the scent of his aftershave -something basic and male.

Erin was right. Apologies could come too late.