Free Chrysalis (Dangerous Secrets) by Rose Francis

of forgiveness? The symbol of discovery? The color of change?”
    Sydney was quiet for a moment.
    “Okay Maria,” she said, switching gears. “I don’t mean to interrupt your project—I just want to know what happened last night.”
    “What about it?”
    “Well I know we went to a party—I remember up until Nicholas and I kind of fought and then...” She tried to stifle a smile at the memory of her kiss with him. “And then I was talking to this guy named Spike or something. And that’s it. I don’t remember anything after that. And how could that be? I have an exceptional memory!”
    “That’s just it—the drug that guy gave you messes with memory. So not only does it make you like, unconscious, but it helps whoever gave it to you get away since you can’t remember anything over that short period of time.” She paused. “So what do you want to do about this? Nicholas beat the shit out of him, and I don’t know if the police were called but when we took you to the doctor we got evidence since the drug was still in your system.”
    Sydney looked lost in thought for a moment.
    “You think I should bring the law into this,” she said.
    “Um, yeah!”
    Sydney shook her head.
    “I don’t stand a chance...”
    “What do you mean? There’s evidence, you have eye witnesses. You just need to file a police report and...”
    “And how seriously do you think my case will be taken? Especially with all the actual serious crimes on the waiting list? Murders, women who were actually raped...”
    “What are you talking about Sydney? Don’t let him get away!”
    “Maria listen: first of all, the rape did not get to happen; the doctors confirmed I was not violated. Second, that guy—he might be well off. You and I both know money talks, and it’s got one heck of a big mouth. And Maria...Maria!” Sydney silenced Maria’s intended protest. “He’s white.”
    Maria was breathing hard, an indignant look on her face. She opened her mouth to protest again but this time, she silenced herself, as if finally absorbing the implications of Sydney’s statement.
    “M, we both know how things are in the world right now. Who’s going to take this case seriously? I mean I’m not even a lawyer yet and I know I don’t have a chance. If he gets a good lawyer, they can put any number of spins on it.”
    “But how...”
    “Trust me, good money can buy good lawyers who can make up good stories. Who says it was him who put the drug in my drink for example? Who says he even knew I was under the influence? Suppose he was under the influence of something himself and therefore his judgment was really off? In any case, I don’t have the time or the strength to deal with a battle like this right now; I can’t deal with people prying, trying to ridicule me, belittle me. I thank my lucky stars, God, and my dead relatives looking out for me that it didn’t go all the way, but I am not going to pursue this.”
    Maria sat silent, looking distraught.
    “But it isn’t fair!” she finally said.
    “I know Maria, but I’m pretty happy that Nicholas kicked his...butt.”
    She smiled and Maria smiled back.
    “Besides, it’s my own fault for going where I don’t belong.”
    “Don’t you dare blame yourself Sydney.”
    “How can I not? I knew it wasn’t my thing, knew I’d hate it, and all for what? Just to get the attention of some guy? I could have tried in the library...anywhere else but no—I had to come out of my own skin. I’m not going to any of those parties again Maria, and don’t try to make me.”
    “Yeah I know Syd, I wouldn’t have tried again—especially after what happened. But besides that, I saw that you really didn’t like it, so I wouldn’t have pushed.”
    “Really? Because I think you’re just saying that because I got drugged this time. What if I didn’t?” She stopped herself from saying next what she was thinking, that Maria would have still tried to take her down with her; it was just the