Lucky Number 11 by Jess Kitching

Author:Jess Kitching [Kitching, Jess]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kingsley Publishers
Published: 2023-08-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-two.

In the taxi, I type a message to Joel to let him know what’s happened, but I don’t send it. I’m not ready to have to explain what I saw or relive the trauma of witnessing Ellen’s pain.

With a sigh, I go to lock my phone, but a message from Stefan that was sent yesterday catches my eye.

Whoever wrote that article should be sued… they practically named Break Time! How many other universities have a lecturer called Roy Peterson and cafés next to them that are famous for their brownies? Anyway, hope you’re okay. Hot chocolate on me next time you’re at work x

I read Stefan’s message twice until the words ignite inside me. He’s right - Raja Kaling told the world where to find me, and the killer listened.

Sparks of rage ping from the flames inside me as I open Raja’s article so I can read every cruel, intrusive word again. They seem to cut deeper today, the thoughtlessness of them so brutal they bring tears to my eyes.

Then I see something I didn’t notice yesterday – the comments underneath.

That poor girl! She went through what no one should have to. Leave her alone!!

Wot hapened 2 her scared me 4 life! I dn’t fink I’d survive it. Bet Hannah wishes she woz ded

I can’t believe this is happening again. It was terrifying enough the first time around

Oh, bore off, Hannah! It’s anything to get into the papers with this generation. Next thing we’ll find out she’s on some crap reality TV show. Attention seeking much?

There it is – the ugliest side of life as ‘Lucky Number 11’.

I lock my phone as if a black screen can erase the last comment from my mind, but it doesn’t. Strangers giving their opinions on me, however cruel or negative, is my reality once more. Raja has made sure of that.

Anger bubbles in the pit of my stomach. I hear the hiss of its fury, feel it rising through me. It’s too hot to ignore, the truth too potent to push away - my life is being ruined by someone else, again. Someone who is forcing me into the role of victim without thinking about how that might make me feel. Someone whose irresponsible writings have caused my workplace to be destroyed, and the lives of all who work there impacted.

And the saddest part is, when Raja finds out about Break Time being attacked, she won’t feel bad. She’ll just write about it. An over-the-top article describing the destruction, the fear, and the horror. She won’t think about the responsibility she bears as she types her clickbait headline, presses publish and moves on to the next scandal.

Nothing about Raja’s role in this is fair. I worked hard to craft myself in a way that was nondescript, plain, and passable. I was the girl who sat next to you on the bus. I let you in front of me in the queue at the supermarket. I was the woman trying on the latest styles in the changing room beside yours.

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