The Pact

Chapter Twenty-Three: Being vulnerable isn't the same as being a coward

"Follow my light." Nancy commanded, slowly moving the mini flashlight across my face.

Aaron was standing behind her, his brows furrowed in concern as he stood with his arms crossed over his chest. His hand was bandaged up and he still looked incredibly pissed.

Nancy went on to check my reflexes and after five minutes she cleared her throat. "So we ran some scans, you have a minor concussion. The rest looks way worse than it is. We can give you some painkillers, but that's basically it." Nancy said, cupping my non-bruised cheek.

I nodded my head, numb to what has been going on since Aaron came to my rescue.

"Are you okay?" She finally asked me.

I looked up from the floor to her. "I could be better."

Nancy nodded her head, the same concerned frown that was on her son's face was on her own. "Get some rest sweetheart. I'm sorry."

I nodded my head, not bothering to say anything.

She whispered something to Aaron as she passed by him, pecking his cheek before finally leaving the room.

Aaron slowly moved towards me, squatting down so that he was looking up at me. "How about we get you out of here?"

I nodded my head, remaining quiet again.

Aaron helped me put my jacket and shoes on and he grabbed my hand, pulling me close to his side. As we walked out into the hallway, I knew people would be staring. I also knew people would be wondering if Aaron was the culprit.

I figured Aaron had realized the same thing as his grip around my hand tightened.

We quietly made our way to the front entrance. I kept my head low, not being able to bear everyone's stares.

"Do you want something to eat? Or do you just want to go home?"

"Can you just take me home please? I need a shower, I feel dirty."

"Yeah of course." He said, pecking my hand before trying to hail a cab down.

When I finally got home, the apartment was silent. I told Annie to just go home. There was no point in having both her and Aaron hovering over me at the hospital.

I peered into the room and saw her fast asleep in her bed, her face peaceful as she dreamed.

I quickly stripped off my clothes and wrapped my towel around my body, feeling mentally and physically drained.

Aaron was sitting on the couch, his eyes closed as he breathed evenly. I bumped his knee to make sure he wasn't asleep. When he quickly opened his eyes I motioned for the bathroom.

"Can you join me?"

"You sure?"

I nodded my head and he stood up, taking my hand in his large one. We quietly walked towards the bathroom. I turned the water on as Aaron stripped off his clothes, stepping into the shower behind me once he was done.

I stood under the hot water, feeling as if the water was burning every ounce of dirt off.

I jumped slightly as I felt Aaron clean my back with the sponge. He stopped momentarily but when I relaxed, he continued to clean my body. I closed my eyes, realizing that I was all in with Aaron. I could trust him with everything, and that scared me.

This was the second time someone has tried to sexually abuse me, that hurts a person.

But even though I just went through something horrific, I wasn't scared. I had Aaron, and that's all I needed.