These stories are inspired by the real experiences of young people shared with us at Rosie’s Place, stories of challenge, courage, and searching for doors that lead away from harm and toward safety and dignity.

These stories contain material that some readers may find confronting and unsettling. Words or images may bring up feelings of sadness or discomfort, especially for people who have been subjected to sexual harm.

If you need support, you can contact: Kids Helpline (24/7) 1800 55 1800 or 1800 RESPECT (24/7) 1800 737 732

Quick exit

Chapter 5

Billy’s Story

Eric had asked me to go to the movies with him and meet his latest “love interest”, Tas.

Eric had met her online and had been chatting to her for a while now. He was forever talking about her to me and the other guys.

I’ve been friends with Eric since primary school.

We always hung out together, after school, and on weekends.

But I feel like I’m moving away from our friendship.

I’m getting sick of Eric’s attitude. He spends a lot of time on chat sites where they talk toxic rubbish. They talk about how to treat girls and get what they want from them.

That’s not what I think, but when I say that to Eric, he calls me a “loser”. He really believes this stuff so treats girls like they are nothing and lies to them all the time.

That is exactly what happened earlier today.

"There is a mad party tonight. I wanna take Tas there, get some “alone time”."

"So, we're not going to the movies?"

"Nah. Look what she sent me! I reckon she is gonna be easy."

"No parents at this party. Love her, use her, leave her!"

"Whose party is it? Text me the address in case we get split up on the train."

After being on the train for a while I knew I didn’t want to be there.

Eric was being his usual nasty self and the guys were following his lead. Jamar, Kyle and Leo had joined us on the train and they were being their loud, obnoxious selves.

But I stayed silent sitting with them, scrolling through my phone and pretending not to notice what was happening.

But I felt that what was happening was not OK.

Tas’s friend sat in the seat behind, and was clearly not OK about being there. I knew of Jamie but I had never met her.

As Eric started to wander his hands over Tas and pull her closer toward him, I knew I had to move and jumped into the seat next to Jamie.

"Hey, Jamie. I'm Billy."

As soon as I sat down Jamie pulled her hoodie over her head, moved to the window seat, and turned up her music. I could see she really wanted to be somewhere else.

Then the guys jumped up and started harassing Jamie.

"Hey Jamie, are you stuck up or something?"

"Move back next to Billy. He will help you find out if you’re male or female!"

"[object Object]"

I saw Jamie send a text and heard the ding on Tas’s phone. Then a ding back to Jamie.

The train was slowing down for the next station and Jamie stood up, pushed herself past me and stood in the aisle. She looked at Tas and then quickly looked back toward the door.

"Oooh hooo... where ya going?!"

"Nahh stay!"

"Sit next to me, I want to ask you something."

I saw the doors slide open and Jamie step off the train. I was so over what was going on and suddenly bolted toward the door just as it started to close.

"[object Object]"

"[object Object]"

"[object Object]"

"[object Object]"

"[object Object]"

"[object Object]"

"Well they do... harm people I mean. Maybe someone needs to tell them, like one of their friends."

"Look, Eric and Tas have been texting for a while."

"Tas sent some things that would give Eric the idea that she was, you know, wanting it."

"How do you know what she has been sending him? OMG, he has been showing you and the others, hasn’t he?"

All I could think of was, what would Eric say to me, or do to me, if he ever found out I told Jamie he had been sharing Tas’s messages and pics.

She started to walk away and I just stood there. I didn’t know what to say back.

A girl with red hair passed by and slowed down, glancing at me then to Jamie.

"Are you OK? Do you need some help?"

"No, it is OK thanks."

"My mum is coming to meet me in the carpark."

The girl then walked on.

Jamie turned around and looked me straight in the eye. Her anger seemed to have changed to sadness and worry.

"Poor Tas, she thought she had finally met this sweet guy who seemed to really like her."

"And just so you know... My mum has already told Tas’s mum that she is on a train with a guy she met online."

"She thought she was going to the movies, but I heard Eric say he is taking her to a party."

"Where is this party?"

"Well, are you going to tell me or not?"

"I have the address."

These narratives remain deliberately open-ended, because life rarely offers neat conclusions. By leaving doors ajar instead of closing them, we invite readers into the ongoing reality confronting young people who are subjected to sexual harassment, exploitation and enforced deprivation of safety and care. In this way, Through Sliding Doors honours the truth of what happens when you step into the lives of others: Strength can be demonstrated, even when struggles are not resolved. The stories purposely do not have a final ending, but depict the unpredictability and continual changes that young people face in their lives.