Help Me Through This

The Case

Chloe's POV

As I slowly stood up from my bed, I tried to rub the tiredness out of my eyes. I didn't sleep at all last night. By the time I finally convinced Tyler to go to his room and sleep, I was so exhausted I thought sleep would take over. It didn't.

Instead all I could think about was the case.

I know I have to testify but I just don't know what to say. He was loving. Before the accident. Ever since the accident he's looked at me like garbage. Like I'm the worst person in the world. That is, if he ever looked at me. He left me at the hospital. Didn't even come to visit. Not once. As soon as I was released I was sent to this center. I've been here over two years and the first time he sees me, his hands are around my neck.

I jumped as there was a knock at the door. I slowly made my way to the door. "Hey Chloe." Smiled Jeff.

"Hi." My voice mostly returned. Not fully but it definitely is better than it was yesterday.

"How are you feeling?"

"Okay," I shrugged.

"That's good. So the plan for today is simple. We're gonna have you get dressed, then you and me will take a taxi to the court house. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to, Chloe. I hope you understand that."

"I do." I whispered.

"Chloe? What's wrong? Talk to me." He came over and pulled me to the couch.

"I just..... I've dreamed about the day he would come back for me. I never in a million years thought he would do....that. I just...." I put my face in my hands defeated.

"Chloe," he sighed pulling me in for a hug. "Everything is going to be okay. I promise."

After we sat like that for a while, he finally kissed me on the forehead and left. As I got in the shower I took a look at my bruised reflection. With tears threatening to fall, I stepped into the shower and started the washing process.

I stepped out, wrapped myself in my towel and walked to my closet. I took out a knee length light blue sundress with small white clouds. 

I slipped it over my cold body and walked back to the bathroom. As much as I was tempted, I decided not to wear any make up. I pulled my hair up into a messy side bun and took one last look in the mirror when there was a knock at the door.

I opened the door to reveal Tyler in a suit and tie. I couldn't help but check him out. When my eyes landed back on his face I smiled as I saw he was doing the same thing to me.

"You clean up nice," I giggled.

"You..... I.... Uh... It's unfair how amazing you look." He then pushed me against the wall and placed his lips on mine. I smiled as our lips moved in sync. I snaked my arms around his neck as his tongue slipped through my lips.

We pulled away breathless. He put his forehead to mine as we caught our breathes. "You okay?"

"Are you talking about what just happened or the court case?" I smirked.

"Both," he said putting one of his hands on my cheek.

We stood there looking into each other's eyes. "Thank you." I whispered.

"For what?" He laughed.

"For everything. For being by my side when I clearly didn't want it. For being there for me when I had no one. For being a friend when I needed one most. For not running when you heard the truth." I said truthfully.

He didn't say anything for awhile. Right before it got awkward he smiled, "That's what you do, when you love someone."

Love?