I feel something soft on my abdomen, a towel.
“We’re taking you to the hospital. You lost a lot of blood and the cut opened.” Alex said with something in his voice.
“No, I don’t like–”
“You need to go. Don’t argue with me, Emily. We have time for that later.” Alex said cutting me off.
I drifted off.
By the time I woke up again, I was in a hospital bed with Declan and Alex sitting on the left and right of me.
“Declan…” I winced in pain as I tried turning to him.
“Don’t move. You got stitches and you can pull them out.” He said.
“Did you tell anyone what you heard?” I asked scared. Declan shook his head. “Don’t. Please. I didn’t want you to find out this way.” He grabbed my hand and kissed my forehead. Man, how I craved this love from my brother. I really missed him.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Em? You’ve been acting so weird lately. I should have paid more attention to you.” He said.
“That’s why I didn’t tell you. I don’t want anyone feeling sorry for me.” I glanced at Alex for that one. He looked hurt. He should. I can’t believe he did what he did and didn’t tell me. I wouldn’t have let him but still, he got me to open up then he went behind my back.
I listened to both Alex and Declan talk about me like I wasn’t there. Declan’s pissed Alex didn’t mention anything. Alex is pissed Declan even said anything to me and they’re both pissed that I’m pissed. God. And I thought women are annoying.
A doctor with brown hair and green eyes, Dr. Thompson, walked in and explained my blood loss and how to care for my newly stitched wound. Obviously I haven’t been eating right so I was exhausted. She even mentioned a possible pregnancy and I went pale. I’ll have to keep an eye on that because I will not become pregnant. Especially from a rape.
“Can we go now?” I asked when the doctor left. I really hate hospitals and I just want to go. Declan nodded and brought a clipboard over to me.
“You have to sign this and you’re discharged.” We didn’t talk much during the ride but I glanced at Alex whenever I could. I am still mad at him.
“Can you come back to my place? We still have to talk.” I said. Declan raised an eyebrow at me through the rearview mirror.
“Uh, yeah sure. Is that all right?” He asked Declan. He nodded an approval. Big brother approves, I guess.
When we were parked in my driveway, Alex helped me out and let me lean on him. This is how we were at the party, after the attack. I pushed it out of my head. Not now. It was around eleven at night when I got to my room. I guess my mom and sister were sleeping because it was too quiet in here. That’s a good sign. It means Declan didn’t tell them.
“Emily, don’t over do it and keep it down so you don’t wake anyone up.” Declan said as he walked into my room. I nodded and let the both of them lie me down on the bed. Declan left when I gave him the look. The I-need-privacy-so-go look.
Alex sat at the foot of the bed and I made sure my iPod wasn’t playing. I need to talk to Alex in silence.
“Emily, I know you’re mad at me for doing what I did–”
“I know what you did was to help me. I’m not mad…well I am but I’m hurt because you didn’t tell me.” I said cutting him off.
“I was going to. After everything you told me at the pizzeria, I wanted to help you. I know you’d understand why I did it and I also know you wouldn’t have let me do it if I told you.” He’s right. If he told me I wouldn’t want him to do anything. Especially buy the house. This house is massive. You could only imagine how much that cost. He’s crazy.
“I understand you buying the house but why offer my mom money? Do I have no say in what happens in my life anymore? Just because I was…” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “…doesn’t mean I can’t do anything for myself. I can probably find a job. If I do then I will pay you back. Did my mom take the money?” I asked. He held my eyes but didn’t say anything. Come on, I need to know.
“She didn’t. I talked to your brother and he wouldn’t either. Then I told them I don’t have a problem giving it. So I left the check on the kitchen counter and told your mom to use it. I was just looking out for you.” Alex said.
“If you weren’t rich, what would you have done?” I asked.
“That’s why I did it. Everyone I cared about is gone. I couldn’t take you to.” Alex said. Wow. Now, he really knows how to make a girl feel special. The way he said it sounded perfect. Does he like me enough to do this for me?
I smiled at the thought.
“What?” He asked. Damn. I quickly hid the smile.
“Nothing. I was just thinking.” I said.
He smiled and bit his lip. Oh, God, that is just mind blowing.
“Thinking about what?” He asked.
“We only talked for about ten minutes that night at the party and then you had to take care of me because I couldn’t do anything. I don’t know why you care about me. I’m just adding more pressure on you. You lost your whole family and now your dealing with me.” I glanced at the clock so I wouldn’t have to look into those hypnotic eyes. It’s going to be midnight soon.
“I’m going to change the subject because it’s bothering me. Everyone at school is talking about you and Zach. When you dated, did he hurt you?” Alex asked. I told him about the accident. “Why did you stay with him?”
Sophie’s innocent face popped into my head. Her shoulder length brunette hair and her innocent blue/green eyes where all I could think about.
“For Sophie, I guess. She had the biggest crush on him.” I held his eyes. “I didn’t know she liked him at that time. When she found out, we stopped talking. All I could think about was her. Would he do this to her if I left him? She was my best friend. What kind of friend would I be if I tossed him to her?” I said. I just couldn’t. I wanted her to be happy.
“The painkillers must be working now.” Alex said when I yawned. “You could have told her, Emily. She might have understood.” Alex got up and told me to go to sleep. He set a bag from the hospital down on the floor to make space for me. Must be my clothes, for the first time I noticed I was wearing hospital pants and a shirt.
Alex brought the comforter up and covered me. Out of nowhere, I grabbed his hand and said, “You don’t have to go.” Where the hell is this coming from? I dropped his hand when I let that sentence hang in the air. “It’s late…and it’s dark out…” I feel embarrassed now.
“Um, I’ll go downstairs then.” He said scratching the back of his head. Way to go for making him feel uncomfortable. He doesn’t even have his car here. It makes sense for him to stay.
“I’m sure you can stay up here.” I said. Ohmygod! It sounds like I’m flirting but I’m really not trying to. Alex walked to the other side of the bed and sat in the chair. “Are we doing this again? Get in the bed. I can’t sleep knowing you’re going to wake up with body pain.” I said. He took off his shoes and hopped in bed. He actually went under the covers this time.
We faced each other and he said, “Goodnight, Emily.”
“Goodnight, Alex.” God, that sounds right coming out of my mouth.
“If you need anything, wake me up and I’ll do it.” He said. Oh, I’ll love if he did. I nodded and closed my eyes. I noticed that the light was off. It’s been a while since I slept like that.
A few seconds later, I drifted off into a deep sleep.
I kept tossing and turning during the night. The hospital shirt is too big and it keeps sticking to the cut. I tried to take it off but it hurt to raise my arm so I glanced at a sleeping Alex and hesitated. I don’t want to wake Alex up…but he insisted.
“Alex…” I whispered. He didn’t answer. I nudged him on the shoulder and called his name again. He stirred in his sleep then opened his eyes. “I need your help.” I said.
He sat up so fast and looked around the room.
“Is someone here?” He asked.
“No.” I smiled. This was
for a complete different reason. “I need to take this shirt off. I tried pulling it off but I can’t.” Alex got off the bed and walked to over to my side. That was easy. He sat on the edge of the bed and brought down the blanket. He looked at me and hesitated.
“I think if I tried I could get it off faster.” I joked. He lifted the shirt and rolled it up to the cut. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying this. He put his hand on my back and lifted me up a little. His hands were nice and warm. God, tingles are shooting throughout my body.
Alex brought the shirt over my breasts and I slid my right arm out. He laid me back down and grabbed a hold of my left arm. He held me like I was a delicate flower and got the shirt off.
“Do you want me to get another one? A tank top?” He asked.
“No. I’m going to just sleep like this. Thanks. You can go back to sleep.” The thought of having Alex sleeping next to me with only pants and a bra on brought a smile to my lips. This is something I will remember for the rest of my life. This will satisfy ever fantasy I have stored in my mind.
He turned to the window and I studied him for a while. He’s got a perfect body. Those arms are just calling my name.
Stop looking at him, stalker. I thought.
I shut my eyes and fell asleep around two in the morning.
I was lucky to meet him. Now look at us. We’re in a bed together.
When I thought about me in my bra, I thought about Bryan. I thought about what happened at his house. The feelings I repressed for him are back but they’re not like how I feel for Alex. I don’t even know a lot about Alex but I know he’s something special.
I can’t choose both Alex and Bryan.
And I know they both feel something for me. It’s obvious.
I had a rough night trying to decide what to do.
***
I woke up around ten in the morning and Alex wasn’t in bed. A few seconds later, my bathroom door opened and a hot I-just-woke-up Alex popped out. “Morning. How did you sleep?” He asked. Wonderful. You were in bed with me, hello.
“Good actually, after the shirt was off everything felt better.” I said. I moved the comforter off me and tried sitting up. Alex walked over with my robe in hand. He helped me up and put it on. “Thanks. I guess what I said at the party came to bite me in the ass. I told you not to babysit me and here you are, getting me out of bed and dressed.” I said.
“It’s no problem.” He said, his lips super close to mine.
Think of something else. Think of something else.
Today’s Monday.
“Hey, why didn’t you go to school?” I asked. He smiled.
“And leave you to get up by yourself. I would rather help. I like it here. Your family’s nice…and they seem to like me.” Who doesn’t like you?
Alex helped me to the stairs even though I told him I could walk by myself but he doesn’t want to take any chance of me falling so I leaned on him for support. I feel bad for doing this to him. He’s missing school. He’s playing dad to a girl that has the biggest crush on him and he’s being used as a crutch.
I was surprised to see my family in the kitchen. They were all smiling at me and acting weird. Why are they so happy?
I took a seat and saw blueberry pancakes on the counter. Scarlett tried grabbing one but my mom slapped her hand lightly.
“Those are for Emily.” Mom said.
“Mom, she can have them.” I said. Everyone glanced at me and then noticed Alex. They said hi and told him to sit down and eat breakfast.
“Honey, you look beautiful today. It’s this natural thing you have when you wake up.” Mom said. I furrowed my brow. What’s going on with her? I mean, Mom is nice but she’s not this nice.
“Um… thank you. I guess.” I said. I looked at Declan and Scarlett and they wouldn’t look at me. Declan better not have said anything.
“Alex, thank you for taking care of Emily. She’s been so down and you helped.” Mom said.
I looked at her suspiciously. This is weird.
“What’s going on?” I asked. Nobody answered me. “Mom? Why are acting so nice to me?” She looked shocked.
“Emily, how dare you say that, I am always nice.” True.
“You would never let a guy in my room. And for him to sleep here? You would have run around the house screaming bloody murder. You’re just acting weird.” I looked at Declan. “Dec, why is she acting like this?” I got a gut wrenching feeling. He wouldn’t tell anyone about last night, right? He shrugged his shoulders. I stared at him a few more seconds.
“Gosh Emily, we know.” Scarlett said. My eyes widened.
“Declan! I told you. How could you do that?!” I snapped.
He turned to face me. I can’t believe he told them. My own brother.
“I didn’t say anything.” He said as he looked at Scarlett.
“Then how do they know? What the hell?! Declan, I told you not to say anything.” I looked at my mom. “Is that why you’re acting weird? I didn’t tell you because I thought you’d think I deserved it for getting drunk at parties. I’m not a baby, Mom. Just because I was raped doesn’t mean you can act different around–” I paused. Declan has his hand on his temple as he looked down at the counter. Scarlett looked at me wide-eyed and my mom… well, she just looked at me and Declan.
“What…did you just say?” Mom stared at me. “Honey…” I looked at Declan, he’s shaking his head.
“You didn’t tell her, did you?” I asked. He looked up at me and shook his head. I just dug my own grave. Now I have to lie in it. “What were you guys talking about then?”
Scarlett looked at me. “Mom told us you knew about the party. We were going to throw it over the weekend but now that we’re not moving…” She trailed off.
Mom walked up to me.
“Honey, talk to me. What happened? Please, talk to me. Was this at Sophie’s party?” She asked. I broke. I can’t lie to her. Not when she has that look in her eyes. It’s the look of a mom feeling defeated.
Mom hugged me and I just fell apart. I can’t hide it anymore. I sat at the table and told her everything. Declan and Scarlett stayed and listened and Alex went into the living room. I don’t know if he’s giving us privacy or he just doesn’t want to hear about it.
“Let me see.” Mom asked after I finished talking.
“What?” I asked surprised.
“The cut. Let me see it.”
I opened my robe a bit.
“Who did that to you? Do you know?” Scar asked.
“No.” I said dropping my eyes to the counter. “It was dark. I don’t think I know him but he heard the rumors from school so he has to be from Wilks.” Its sick thinking someone at school can do this. “I decided to stay to find out.” I said.
“And what did you plan on doing?” Scar asked. “Ask every guy if they raped a girl last Saturday? Don’t be ridiculous, Em.”
“Scarlett. Don’t talk to her like that.” Mom said. They shared a look and I glanced at Declan. “Alex knows?” I nodded. “What about Tiffany and Bryan?”
“No.” I said softly. Then I stood up and walked into the living room. “I’m going upstairs.” I said to Alex. I’m still shocked he’s still in my house. I don’t know why he didn’t leave yet and forget about me.
“You okay?” He asked. I nodded. “Need help?” The sneaky bastard. He’s smiling and I know it’s because he wants to be useful. I think he likes touching me. I know I do. He held me up and brought me to my bed.
I grabbed my phone and texted Bryan and Tiffany because if I want to tell anyone, it’s them. They can help me. I need help…
Me: Have to tell you something.
Me: Can you guys pass by after school?
Nobody texted back. I waited five more minutes.
Me: Please, I will explain everything. :(
I put my phone down and waited. A minute later, they texted back.
Tiffany: Fine but if you don’t tell me everything I’m leaving.
Tiffan
y: P.S. You have been ignoring me for days. >:(
Bryan: Yeah, we need to talk about something else too
I told Alex they’re coming so if he wants to leave, he doesn’t have to feel bad. He just looked at me like I was crazy for even bringing it up.
“You can take a nap.” Alex said. “School isn’t over yet.”
So I got comfortable and laid there. I couldn’t go to sleep though. All I do is sleep. Just yesterday my birthday was in two weeks now it’s in four days. Time flies. And I’m happy my family’s going to be here. I’m happy I’m spending time with Alex. I’m just fucking happy at the moment.
Then I got a text from Bryan.
Bryan: I heard you and Alex have been spending time together.
Me: Don’t worry about that.
Me: Get here quick and pick up Tiff. I want both of you here.
Alex walked over to my bed and sat down. I smiled as he crossed his legs at the ankle and leaned against the headboard. He’s getting comfortable.
“You should be at school.” I said glancing at him.
“What, you don’t like talking to me?” He asked. The look in his eyes told me he’s thinking about the night of the party. He’s mentioning lips locking. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. “You were the one who said talking wouldn’t be involved if we were together. I think you were bullshitting me.”
My mouth opened then closed. He just said that. Holy shit, he did.
Alex’s lips pressed into a line. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t–”
I sat up and ignored the pain as I stared at him. I’m just going to grow a fucking pair. Life is short. Shit happens. I want him to know how I feel before its too late.
“I’ve wanted to kiss you since you stepped into homeroom.” I said. “I’ve wanted to do more. Trust me…I wasn’t bullshitting you.”
His eyes held mine and I thought he was going to lean in and plant one on me but he chewed on his lip and dropped his eyes to his lap instead. Yeah, I wouldn’t kiss the girl who was raped and is still horny either…
Alex leaned into me slowly. Okay…he’s thinking about it. Ah, I smell him. My heart is beating way too fast. I’m excited. Really excited. His eyes found mine then he brushed a stray lock of hair from my face and I lost it. Okay, I didn’t really lose it. He’s right there. He’s practically meeting me halfway.
Enough Page 9
