Pieces of You

Chapter Three: Peace

*LUKES POV*

"I-I don't know. Do I have to press charges right now? Is it something I can think about?"

God she sounded so nervous. I could hear the fear in her voice, and more than anything I just wanted her to feel safe again.

"The kit has to be done now, but there's something called a statute of limitations that permits you to take it to trial for certain periods of time. It depends on the state it occurs in, but there's no statute here. That means you can charge him at any time, and the physical evidence will be held for as long as you want."

I could feel her exhale, and the tension released from her just a little bit. She didn't have to choose right now, and I know she didn't want to.

"Let's do it then. I need to think about... what I want to do legally, but I want to have it just in case."

She looked at me, I don't know why, but she did.

"Are you ready to do it now? I'll clear the room, just me and a doctor will be here."

"Can I have someone stay?" She asked, turning her head away and sounding shy. I figure she'll ask Kay to stay since it's her best friend.

"Of course, dear if that makes you more comfortable."

"Luke... would you stay?"

Fuck, I'd do anything for her at this point.

"Yea...if you want me to of course I'll stay."

I squeezed her hand, looking down at her as she smiled softly at me.

"For fucks sake, Eris it's his fault!"I heard Ashton mumble from across the room, and it made the sick pit in my stomach grow bigger.

The look on Kay's face said he was in big trouble though. She was seething next to him after continually having to reel him in.

"Ashton Fletcher I don't ever want to hear you say that again. If you don't calm whatever this bullshit machismo act is down right now you can find another mouth to attend to you. Fucks sake."

My jaw nearly hit the floor as she stormed right out of the hospital room. He followed her like a lost puppy, and I heard his begging voice down the hall as she continued her scolding.

I drowned it out once the doctor returned with a wheeled cart full of tools. I'll admit, some of them look scary as hell. I looked back down at her and saw the terrified look in her eyes, god the poor thing.

"Hey, you're okay. I'm right here." I tried to soothe her, but I'm shit with things like that. I just want her to know she's safe here, I'd never do a single thing to hurt her. I may be an asshole at times, but I'd never lay a hand on a woman in any way she doesn't want.

I'd kill anyone who even looks at her wrong at this point. I wasn't there to protect her, and I never want that to happen again. I'll drop kick anyone who so much as hurts my angels feelings from now on.

She gave me a weak smile, and squeezed my hand even though hers were shaking.

"Your clothing will be kept for evidence, but we have things to send you home in."

The doctor began to explain the exam, and I know it's thorough for her benefit, but I know she doesn't want it. I told myself it was necessary for the evidence, but it seems so cruel.

Watching her clamp her eyes shut as they examined her made me want to scream for them to stop.

Every once and awhile she'd make these horrible little whimpers of pain, and I watched silent tears fall from her closed eyes.