The Winner

Aftermath

If arrested for rape you can expect the following.

1. A medical exam to confirm the survivor's statement.

2. Bail. Jeremy's bail was ten thousand dollars because he has no criminal record, but he paid it in full so is now out until number three happens.

3. Arraignment. The first court date.

I am not worried about Jeremy Donovan, though. I filed for a civil protection order right away so he could not come near me.

One full week has passed since room 460 became a crime scene.

The Avalon, for obvious reasons, gave me the week off. They are already dealing with backlash and are under investigation, but the facility will be fine. It's Jeremy who was the problem, not anyone there.

Once again, Nate and I are all over the news. But I'm no longer crying. I did that for six out of the seven days. And everyone let me. I shut down for the week. But today... today I get up, I make our bed, and I take a shower. A normal shower. Not one where I use an entire bar of soap.

"I'm so proud of you, you know that?" Nate wraps his arms around me while we are in the shower and I nod.

"I can't believe it's over."

Aside from a busted lip, the black and blues on my face from Jeremy hitting me are fading to a more greenish color. Everything else on my body has also healed to a greenish tint. Physically, I'm back to myself. Emotionally, I know it will take time. I haven't been able to have sex yet because the scene plays out in my head too much still. It's too soon. Instead, Nate lets me cry. He takes care of me.

"It's over, Darlin. You did it. You're so strong." Nate smiles down at me almost as traumatized as myself from watching the scene play out. Paul, as well, poor guy.

I close my eyes and fall into Nate, resting my forehead on his shoulder. He embraces me and kisses the top of my head over and over again while the steam and water soothe us.

"I love you." I whisper. I'm usually not the first one to say it, but today, I say it. "I fall in love with you over and over again." I lean up and study Nate's face and then kiss his lips softly.

"There you go with your song lyrics. I'm using that one." He smirks. "I love you so much, Jules. This is just the beginning, yeah? You're gonna get healthy now so we can move on with life." He sways me side to side under the water. We finish washing up knowing he has a busy day today, and I have to go help James with breakfast. Casey has been taking good care of him, and he has been fine, but I should take over now.

Once dressed, I head out to see James. Jonah is making pancakes, and Casey walks out with James, who is ready for the day. He sees I'm actually out of bed and smiles. Today really is the first day I'm somewhat feeling myself.

"What do you say, James? Griffith Park today?" I sit down at the dining room table, ready to help him eat. He nods and sits next to me. James puts his hand on my cheek. It's still bruised but not bad. Hearing about all this was hard for him.

"I'm ok." I remind him and cut up his pancakes for him.

"Yeah, doll. Paul is going with you." Nate walks by wearing those damn purple pants for the press conference.

"Really? Even though-"

"Doesn't matter. Your face is all over the news. Jeremy had some pretty loyal patients. And like you, they're all crazy." Nate teases me, and I roll my eyes.

"Guess it's me, you, and Paul."

"Hey. And me. I wanna walk Maggie." Casey chimes in. She loves Maggie and is usually the one to take the dog for long walks during the day.