healing hearts

Chapter 29

Ben's POV

I watch as Alexa hesitantly takes a bite of her toast, struggling to get it down. The minute she swallows, she jumps up and runs to the bathroom. I put my hand up to her parents and Brooke and James to stop them from following her.

I slowly walk to the bathroom and stand outside the door. I hear her, heaving over the toilet. Once it stops, I knock gently.

"Alexa? Can I come in?" I know she won't answer me, but i'm also not going to barge in so I wait. A minute goes by with no answer when my phone goes off with a new message.

Alexa❤️: yeah

I stare at the message and a shadow of a smile crosses my face. It's better than nothing and it shows that she kind of wants to talk and communicate, she just mentally can't get herself to.

I shake my head. God, I want to hear her voice so bad.

I take a breath and open the door slowly, walking inside and closing the door behind me to give her some privacy. She's sitting on the floor, curled up in a ball, leaning against the tub with her hands over her face, hiding herself from me.

I sit down on the floor in front of her and just talk to her, I know she's listening.

"Lex.. I'm here. I know you can't talk right now, whether it's because you don't want to or because you can't.. but all I need you to do is listen to me. I am not going to make you do anything unless you want to. That includes talking, eating and whatever else. I can't imagine what is going on inside your head right now but I'm gonna need you to eat soon.. you haven't eaten since yesterday and it's not healthy. I am going to be here regardless of what happens. But I also need you to help me, I need to know you're still in there. Seeing you like this is killing me, I know there's nothing I can do but I'm going to try everything I can. I need to hear your voice and i'm willing to wait as long as I have to." I pause and swallow the lump in my throat and continue, "please let your parents and I take you to the police station. We need to do something about this, we can't have him walking freely after what he did to you. We'll be there with you every step of the way. Please, baby.."

I run my hand through my hair. I look at her and watch her slowly lift her head and look at me. Her pretty brown eyes lifeless and begging for help. Begging to get out of her own head. It breaks my heart as I watch her slowly nod her head.

I reach out my hand and watch as she takes it. I help her up and open the door and lead her upstairs to her room. She goes to change and even though it's warm outside, she comes out in sweatpants and a sweatshirt with the hood pulled up, hiding her neck.

I take her hand and walk downstairs with her.

Everyone is still there, talking quietly. When we walk into the room, all heads turn our way, her mom and Brooke have tears in their eyes, trying to blink them away now that Alexa's here. I nod in assurance and tilt my head to the door in signal.

"Alexa honey, let Brooke and I get you to the car," her mom says taking my hint and walking towards her, Brooke in tow. She looks at me, fear and panic in her eyes.

I meet her eyes and turn to her as her mom and Brooke wait by the door, I bend down a little, so my eyes are in line with hers.

"Go, I'll be right there. I promise." I tell her, hoping it eases her panic.

Her eyes search mine for a second before she nods and turns to her mom and Brooke, walking out with them.

I watch them walk out and turn back to James and Alexa's dad.

"James, please take Brooke home. Tell her parents what happened and make sure she gets some rest. Stay with her if you have to. I'll get a hold of you later okay?"

James nods and the 3 of us walk outside. James leads Brooke to his car as I get into the back of Alexa's parent's car with her.

The car ride is quiet. I watch Alexa the whole way to the station. She stared out the window, pulling on her sleeves and the collar of the sweatshirt.

After a few minutes we pull up to the police station. I get out and walk around to Alexa's side, help her out of the car and hold onto her as we all walk inside.