Burnt (Station 19)

(3). Setback Number 3 Billion

Lara's POV:

It was the next shift and I pulled into the car park, meeting Vic and Travis at the beanery and sat in between the both of them. Today I had to tell everyone about my experiences, the abuse, the fear, my mental health, well not the last part. Nobody can find out about my mental health, they'll think I'm a crazy person, I wish I could tell them, just tell somebody, but I can't risk it. 

Today was the day I have to come clean about Cameron, I need to know I can trust them, they need to know they can trust me. Travis and Vic said they'll be there for me, forever and always, but what if I scare them away with my crazy. What if he finds me and tries to kill them, what if they don't want me anymore, what if I lose everyone again? 

We walked into the beanery, I sat in my normal seat between Vic and Travis, not eating anything, just sitting there. "I.. um.. I need to tell you something, I'm ready now." I stuttered and Travis nodded and Vic squeezed my hand in support. "I left Texas to get away from my abusive husband he found me in Chicago and almost beat me to death."  

"It's okay, you can do this." Vic whispered in my ear when I stopped talking and took a deep breath. "Nobody believed me when I finally spoke out, he used to be my old stations captain, but he left to become a police officer. I lost our son and he blamed it on me. I can't file for divorce because he'll track me down and kill me for leaving." I whispered, not looking up.

Miller stood up looking furious and walked out, everyone else looked at me, I stood up and ran out sobbing. Past Miller, Past Maya who had followed Miller, past the bunk room, out the station. I wasn't even paying attention anymore, I heard Travis and Vic calling my name, ignoring them, I continued running. I don't know where to, just away from my problems, just running further.

"Lara!" I heard Jack scream, I looked towards him and saw the whole station standing there, terrified, "MOVE!" Maya had yelled, I looked to see what they were looking at and saw a drunk speed driver coming for me. I ran but it was too late, I felt a pressure on my side as I fell on the ground and the car drove off.

I could hear everyone's pounding footsteps, Vic, Travis, Jack and Ben were the first ones here, helping me and keeping me awake. "Stay with us okay, we're gonna help you." Ben told me sliding a neck brace on me and a backboard underneath. "It hurts." I had gotten out gasping for air, I was in shock. I had gotten hit by a car again. "No.. stay with me" Vic cried as I flew out of my body into the light.

 .Then I woke up from the dream.

I woke up gasping for air again, tears forming in my eyes, it was probably just my anxiety playing up. I'll be okay. I had to come clean to everyone, but I was terrified for their reactions, what if they got angry, or sad, or worried or violent. I can't answer a million questions. Deep breathes. I slowly pulled myself out of bed, getting ready for work.

I was terrified, I felt as if I was dying inside, my chest burned, my head hurt, my body felt weak and tired, but I knew I had to go in. Had to come clean, be calm, be strong, be truthful. Travis and Vic picked me up from home and drove me to work, I don't know why they just turned up on my door and dragged me into the car.

"Umm.. Hello?" I nervously laughed confused as to why I was kidnapped from my doorstep, "Hey..." Vic smiled turning to face towards me, "Why am I here?" I questioned again, Travis laughed "Wouldn't you like to know?" He stated winking. "We have to go to work, why are you dragging me to god knows where?" My anxiety built up again. "I want to go to work please"

I begged, Vic looked at me concerned, "Just please." I stated and they sighed nodding. I practically bolted out of the car, and ran to the bunk rooms, I heard Travis's footsteps and Vic's calls. "In here." I heard Jack's voice, great I was crying again, it's always this room and the same people. Jack had to rat me out to them.