“I’m not supposed to be talking to you,” I mumbled, trying to walk quickly away from AJ. He was the root of all my problems, and I had been too dumb to figure it out before now.
He was the reason for my swift downfall, and I had run blindly into his trap. AJ had cornered me on my first day at school and at the time, I had been grateful to have a friend. I will admit I was terribly lonely after my parents got divorced and I moved to a small, unknown town with only my mom, but nothing could have prepared me for what was to become of my life.
AJ had been so charming and welcoming at first that I didn’t notice all the red flags that quickly started to pop up. My mom was working long days, so I didn’t have anyone to talk to about my new life. By the time I realized the extent of the gaslighting AJ was sending in my direction, it was almost too late. I forced every lesson my narcissistic father ever taught me and turned the tables. And I knew no one would ever catch me. AJ would never be able to gaslight another classmate again. Only I know where the secrets were buried.
Kate Cornwell: Stories of my life 
Leave a comment