It Happened to Nancy | Teen Ink

It Happened to Nancy

June 4, 2008
By Anonymous

It Happened to Nancy, edited by Beatrice Sparks, is based on the diary of a 14 year old anonymous teenage girl whose love life, or what she thought was love, was destroyed.

It all began when Nancy was at her all time favorite music artist, Garth Brooks' concert and a fight broke out. She became separated from her crowd. After hyperventilating and freaking out completely, Collin comes to the rescue.
Collin, a handsome, young, 18 year old freshman in college sweeps Nancy off her feet. Weeks go by and Nancy becomes charmed by Collin and eventually falls under his spell.

Just like any other love struck teen, Nancy begins to build her life around Collin. By this point Collin has Nancy wrapped around his little finger and to Nancy, Collin doesn't want anything but good things for the both of them, or so she thinks.
Collin refers to himself as a “white knight” and makes Nancy feel loved and wanted. When Nancy realizes she has her house to herself, Collin is the first person who comes to mind.

She invites him over for a night she knew she would always remember but what she didn't know was it was the night that would change her life. The “dream boy” that Collin is makes dinner for the two of them, but this boy who she thought was the love of her life did the one thing every person dreads.

“I made Collin promise that he would leave at the stroke of midnight. I knew our grandfather clock wouldn't let him forget.”

“Collin mixed a little bottle of something in our wine cooler, and it kind of ruined the taste, but at this point I couldn't say or even think anything negative.”

Collin began to become touchy and less like the normal Collin Nancy was used to. She couldn't decide if she liked it or if it was too much.

“He pulled me down on the floor and explained to me about our relationship, how it had grown from a brother-sister type thing to a loving, respecting girl-boy thing.”
The clock strikes twelve and the night strikes horror.
“Collin dropped me down on my mother's soft flowered comforter and I fought back with all my might. Red neon thoughts flashed through my mind ... committing fornication on my mother's own bed.”
Nancy couldn't get the thought that Collin had raped her out of her mind. It seemed impossible that her “knight in shining amour” could do this to her.
She doesn't tell anyone about the tragic night and holds all her emotions inside spilling them out only in her diary. She begins to put herself down about the whole situation and questions her stupidity, wondering how she will ever overcome this.
Collin's actions make Nancy feel dirty and irresponsible, after, Nancy finds out Collin has lied about everything. She feels completely empty.
“Wednesday, June 13, I must have a bug or something because I'm so tired and worn out all the time. I seem to be always pushing.”
After weeks of on and off again sickness Nancy begins to notice something just isn't right. She goes to the hospital and has blood samples taken. The doctor tells Nancy the absolute one thing she couldn't bear.
“His mouth keeps moving but I can't hear words anymore.”
Nancy's worst nightmare has come to life.
It Happened to Nancy was a page turner throughout the entire book. The book would touch teenager's hearts and help teens who went through the same thing Nancy did. I encourage every teenager to read this book because it teaches a valuable lesson that could change one's life.



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This article has 9 comments.


on Dec. 15 2014 at 11:45 am
many typos and grammar should be checked over.

diosnnnn@ said...
on Dec. 20 2013 at 1:45 pm
is true it can happen but as long as we MOhow to stop it. things wnt go far. i read this story is totally sad, i been telling everyone to read it . is changin LIFE. THE WORLD IS BIG AND THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN, PEOPLE CARE ABOUT LITTLE THINGS BUT THERE MORE TERRIBLE THINGS THEY DNT KNW ABOUT...,,,,

Jay.Janae said...
on Mar. 12 2013 at 12:02 am
I Read this book two times and each time ive read this book it made me cry. this book really opened my eyes to see that rape can happen and you can catch HIV from it. Its showed my not to trust everyone and make sure im really get to know someone before i really start to like them and invite them over.

sweetpepper said...
on Nov. 21 2011 at 7:52 pm
This is one of my favorite books it is a must read

SimoneXD said...
on Nov. 16 2011 at 1:33 pm
I read the book and i coulnt help but crying. I oulnt stop reading. I feel very sorry for her she dint deserve to go trough it and what ever punishment "collin" had he deserves it for using younq girls for sex and making them lose their lifes. The sadest part was knowing she wasnt gonna grown up and live her future like a normal young girl imagines. I am druly sad, this book has made me see things different ways. R.I.P

candy89 said...
on Dec. 21 2010 at 3:38 pm
I read this book in junior High. I even made my book report on this book. Its a wounderful book for every person to read. Its a sad story but its  something that can happen to anyone.

bokworm SILVER said...
on May. 12 2010 at 8:07 pm
bokworm SILVER, Moreno Valley, California
8 articles 0 photos 55 comments

Favorite Quote:
life is gets easier by what you do not by what you don't

your reviw made me speachless it was wonderfull

crazy123 GOLD said...
on Mar. 3 2010 at 7:41 pm
crazy123 GOLD, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
11 articles 0 photos 22 comments

Favorite Quote:
when life gives you lemons.. make applejuice to avoid the situation!

ill read it

icycake15 said...
on Dec. 11 2009 at 8:47 pm
great review. i just might read the book. youre right about how the book would touch the hearts of teenagers who went through what nancy went through. it will teach teens a valuable lesson and how this can change the lives of teens. telling a trusted adult is what would be best for the teen that had to go through what nancy went through.