Lost Cause by Callie Sparks

Author:Callie Sparks [Sparks, Callie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: male sex abuse, taboo, stepmother, childhood sweethearts, coming of age, new adult, Romance
Publisher: Callie Sparks
Published: 2015-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Sadly, many men who are sexually abused by women are forced to stay silent, consumed by shame and self-loathing. Society tells them that not only were their experiences not abuse, but that such conquests are universally welcome things. Admission of such abuse may be met with a slap on the back, or cheers of, “You lucky dog!” If the victim did not enjoy it, there must be something wrong with him.

Even when their experiences are recognized as abuse, victims may be viewed as “not being man enough” because they were unable to stop it or put it behind them.

Whether Noah Templeton can rise above the abuse he endured remains to be seen.

#

“What are you talking about?” I ask, studying him. God, he’s beautiful. His chest is lean and cut, and while there isn’t a perfect six-pack there, there’s definitely the outline of something. He has just enough dark hair smattered over his pectorals to be manly, but not a Wildman. When did all this happen, I wonder? Did he know while he was living in virtual seclusion at the commune what a gorgeous man he was becoming?

No . . . from the way he’s looking at me, no. He still has that little-kid shyness that I remember. That boy whose clothes never fit quite right and who never quite knew the right way to act or the correct thing to say . . . he’s hiding in there, somewhere.

He’s . . . kind of flustered. Blushing. Despite his tan, Noah has a way of blushing that turns his entire body a pleasant shade of rose.

“What I’m talking about is . . . everyone. I thought going on television would help them understand that I’m not a shell, that a person can have a bad experience and rise above it. That’s what I need to do, right? But it’s like they think I can’t possibly be a contributing member of society yet. They say I need a shitload of therapy first. It doesn’t matter how many times I tell them I’m fine. They don’t believe anyone can possibly go through what I’ve gone through and come out okay.” He exhales. “And the more they tell me that, the more I’m starting to think they’re right.”

I nod. It must be horrible, everyone telling him what he should be feeling and thinking, when none of them can possibly know. I’m embarrassed, because my dad is one of the worst offenders.

“Who cares what they say? You are okay,” I tell him, crossing my arms. “And I don’t believe you’re all about . . . you know. What you said before. You’re so much more than that. I know you, Noah. The real you.”

He stares at me, nodding slowly.

“I know I didn’t watch the show. You’re more the Noah who was my best friend than the Noah everyone saw on television. That’s who you are. They might’ve tried to make you into someone else, but that doesn’t change who you are. You have it more together than I do, that’s for sure.

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