The Connection

11

It's been hours or maybe minutes I'm not sure. I've been zoned out, I feel Emma hand in mine. It's like my anchor right now. Em brought out a extra shirt I had in my car. She also took me to the bathroom and wiped off the blood. My body was in auto-pilot. "I could've stopped it sooner Em it's all my fault"

She wouldn't have know my words were directed to her if I didn't say her name. I was looking off into space. I just wanted to get enough evidence against him. "Hey look at me, You saved her and so many other girls from going through what she just did. You did the right thing."

I don't say anything and just let her words sink in. She was right but I still feel guilty. Maybe I won't when I find out more about the girl. Emma didn't pressure me to leave which I'm thankful for. She knows my protective nature is in overdrive right now. "I just wanna make sure she's okay and bring this fucker down."

I feel her squeeze my hand in reassurance. I feel her nudge me making me look up. I see two police officers standing in-front of me. They're dressed like The Men in Black. I almost laugh but this isn't the time or place for that. "Hello, my name is Detective James and this is my partner Jessica. We have some questions about the incident that happened at school today."

Well duh why else would you be standing in-font of me I think to myself. I don't say anything I just pull my phone out and show them the video. "His dad seems to have help in higher places hopefully you two can do your job and not be bought. Keep the phone you'll need it."

I don't wait for a response. I pull Emma and we go too the front desk. "Hi my name is Serenity I came in with the rape victim she's my sister is there any update on her?" I can see her typing something on her computer. I turn to look and see if I can spot her parents but I don't. "She is in room 202 go up these elevators make a left when you get off you'll see signs with numbers on them follow it to room 202" I thank her and walk away with Emma.

"I'm so proud of you Rinny you saved that girl and you just saved so many more." I feel her soft lips on my cheek making me turn to her with a small smile. She makes me happy and calm no matter what the situation is. "Thank you love I needed to hear that." I send her a soft smile; while wrapping my arm around her shoulder pulling her closer to me. We finally make it to the room. I just stand at the door too scared to walk in.

"Come on, I'm right here with you."

And it seems that's all I needed. I can hear the beeping of a machine making my heart race. Hospitals have been a weak spot for me since I lost my dad. I see her laying in the bed curled into a ball facing away from her parents. Her parents look disstraught. Her mom is crying while the dad hold her kissing the top of her head. I know it's never easy seeing the one you love hurting.

I clear my throat to make my presence known. "Hi, Im the one who brought your daughter in. My name is Serenity and this here is Emma." Her mom looks up from her husband shoulder, she stand up walking over to us and gives me the tightest hug ever.

"Thank you so much for saving my little girl thank you thank you." I'm not really a hugger but I can make an exception for her. I can feel the lump forming at the base of my throat; I hug her back tighter. "No problem ma'am just doing what anyone would've done." I say while clearing my throat again. She pulls away from me with both her hands resting on either side of my arms.

"No they wouldn't have most people would walk away and mind their business you didn't for that I'm forever grateful for you. Both of us are." She turns to look at her husband and he gives me a tearful smile; to which I return. "I gave the evidence to the detectives. Carl will Pay for what he did to your little girl.

Yeah Bradly name is Carl. Ugly right? Just like him.

"Thank you thank you so much we are forever indebted to you." She hugs me one more time while giving me a motherly kiss on my cheek. "Th-than-thank you." Says a little voice. Her mom gasp and turns around running to her bed. "Oh honey it's so good to hear your voice, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you my baby girl. Mommy's so sorry!"

"It-it's okay mom I'll be okay thanks to you Rin." Tears cloud my eyes as she speaks. I feel relieved she doesn't blame me. "You're welcome I'll be here if you need a friend to talk to I'm glad you're doing okay." I say walking to her bed standing infront of her.

"I'd give you my number but I gave my phone to the police but here is Emma number for now call her and she'll get the phone to me." I look over on the small desk in the hospital room; grabbing the pen and paper and writing down the number. "You're not alone even if it feels like it. Seek help and support you're very loved."

Tears leaves her eyes as she sit up with her arms open. Inviting me in for a hug. I gladly walk into her arms hugging her tight whispering encouraging words to her. She holds me tighter whispering small thank you's. Finally pulling away I wipe her tears "you're going to get through this, again I'm always here for you." I say stepping away from her.

"I have to go now my mom will be worried. Don't be scared to use that number. It was nice meeting you all not under the best circumstances but it was a pleasure."

"Jessica. My name is Jessica."

I smile at that. After all this I still didn't know her name. "Wendy and Tim" she points to her parents I smile nodding my head while grabbing Emma hands. "Nice meeting you Jessica, Wendy and Tim see you soon I hope." And with that we make our way out the hospital.

"I know my mom is worried right now, shit I have to call her." Em hands me her phone and I call my mom who answers franticly. I explain everything that's happened and that gets her to calm down. Pulling the phone down from my ear I ask Em "Can you drive?" She nods her head yes and we enter the car. "Yes mom I know I'm on my way home now. Yup. Okay. Bye love you too.'

I sigh after hanging up. Sitting back I relax against my seat; buckling up my seatbelt. We sit in silence it's not an awkward one. It's one where you finally just enjoy the peacefulness. This was not how today was supposed to go. But in the end it worked out in everyone favor.

"Can you spend the night? I just want you close to me tonight." My voice comes out exhausted. "Of course I'll go home get some clothes for tomorrow and I'll be right over." I can feel calmness enter my body fully now. Knowing she's coming home with me.

"Don't take too long I need my cuddles Emma." I say as we pull into my drive way. I hear her laugh "Mhm I know, I'll be fast see you soon" she leans over kissing my cheek making me blush. "Okay." I say entering into my house. I greet my mom who's in the kitchen cooking dinner. "Hi ma Emma is staying the night tonight. Is that cool?"

"Can I get a how you doing? How was work?" I laugh "yeah sorry mom long day. How was work today?" She sides eye me "Mhm it was good love, are you guys going to school tomorrow?" I take a piece of chicken that was done. Earning myself a slap on my hand making me drop it. I frown at her "Yeah were going." I say while snatching a piece of chicken and running upstairs.

"Thank you mom! Love you!"