Fight For It

Chapter 18.Confessions

When the officer came in with Danielle I got nervous, but his warm smile as he greeted me made my nervousness dissipate. He said he had news about my case against CJ and Jane...but I didn't remember making a case against them. I guess I could add that to the list of things I couldn't remember from the night; right next to almost getting raped. That was what terrified me the most. I feel like that should be such a substantial memory that it would last even through the haze of roofies. Thank goodness I had Asher there to fill in the puzzle pieces of the evening. 

"I'm sorry it's so late, but the moment I heard word of the progress with your case I wanted to personally keep you as informed as possible," the officer stood at the foot of the bed speaking to me. "You look confused," he noticed.

"The drugs have caused some amnesia," Asher filled him in. We heard Danielle quietly gasp from her chair.

"Do you remember anything, darling?" she asked me. I shook my head no.

"Then I guess I questioned you at the right time," the officer said. "Well, they sent some officers over to the party you two were at to find CJ and Jane. They found CJ and took him into the station for questioning, but Jane had left the party already and wasn't at her house when they went to find her. But CJ admitted to all of it; he's not very good under any sort of pressure and he confessed to putting the drugs in your drink as well as attempting to take advantage of you. He's currently out on bail until his court date and although you can't remember anything from the night right now, if any of your memories wander back it would be very helpful for the case to have you there to speak in front of the judge when CJ's court date comes around. He can't bother you anymore, Scarlett; we'll make sure of it.

"As for Jane, we'll work on tracking her down, but since she was only holding a camera and CJ didn't admit she was any sort of accomplice, she's not our top priority." I gulped knowing that Jane was still out there, probably waiting outside the hospital to strangle me once I fell asleep. "Since you did specifically name her as an accomplice, and CJ is out on bail, we will make sure to have an officer posted outside your room to ensure your safety as a witness and victim to the crime." I began tearing up fully realizing the intensity of the situation. Asher noticed right away and wrapped his arms around me. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this, Scarlett. I know as a police officer I'm supposed to remain unbiased in the situation, but after seeing the evidence and the victim before my own eyes I can't help but lean towards your view on the whole night."

I chuckled, "If only I knew my view on the whole night."

"Oh Scar," Asher sighed. He was very clearly drained by the situation as well.

The officer finished talking to us and left after letting us know another officer would be arriving soon on a protection detail for me. Asher got cozy with me on my bigger bed and switched on Friends so that it didn't seem so much that we were in the hospital. His mom went home to get me a couple jackets and the incredibly soft blanket off my bed. The hospital-hotel room was rather cold, but I preferred a cold room so I wasn't complaining. Unfortunately, with the thin hospital gown and the lack of substantial blankets on the bed, I couldn't fully enjoy the cool temperature of the room. Luckily I had Asher keeping me warmer with his body heat.

"I'm so sorry this happened to you, Scar. You deserve so much better than this. I cannot believe those two orchestrated this thing and actually carried it out." He sounded like he blamed himself for what happened and that was the last thing I wanted.

"It's not your fault," I reassured him, "I should have seen something like this coming after all that went down with her and Dylan last year."

"I can't believe she took it as far as she did!"

"I can. She has this intense, burning hatred for me and for anything that may make me happy. I shudder at the thought of what she could have done with that video had CJ gotten further than he did." I thought for a moment. Maybe this was what my subconscious was warning me about. In my nightmare CJ was the faceless attacker and Asher was saving me from him. That makes so much sense! I'm no psychic but my woman's intuition must be kicked into full gear with all that's been happening lately and somehow it warned me in some twisted way about tonight.

"Well it's just the two of us tonight. So let's just pretend it's a night at home in our bed watching Friends like usual."

"But it's not like usual, Asher. I still feel weirdly drunk and I can't remember the night and this isn't our bed!" I became hysterical in an instant but Asher didn't seem surprised at all. He calmly wrapped his arms around me as he stroked my hair, allowing me to cry into his chest. When he pulled away he looked me in the eyes and had the slightest grin on his face. "Why are you smiling while I blubber like an idiot?!"

"You're finally reacting exactly how you should be. I was more afraid that you were being so calm through all of this, but now that you've let your emotions surface I'm content."

"Glad my breakdown could bring you relaxation," I huffed and laid back in the bed.

"The Scarlett I know is definitely coming back," he chuckled and kissed my cheek, "So stubborn and defensive." I was struggling to keep my scowl on my face. "I lo- uh, I really care about you Scarlett. Are you cold baby? You must be cold! I'll go get us some more blankets." As quickly as he could say my name he was out of the room on a mission to retrieve more blankets.

That was the second time he sounded like he was close to saying "I love you" and stopped himself, quickly changing what he was about to say. Did he want to tell me he loved me? Did he actually love me? Did I love him? No...well maybe. But what would I say if he told me he loved me? Would I say it back? Or would I just stare blankly at him until he got so uncomfortable that he just spontaneously turned to a pile of ash. No pun intended.

The one question I couldn't shake: Do I love him?

"The hospital blankets aren't nearly as soft as the ones on our bed but we'll have to make do until my mom brings our blankets tomorrow...What's the matter? You look like I startled you." He did startle me, I wasn't prepared for him to walk back in while I was so deep in thought about my feelings for him.

"I just, yeah I guess you startled me."

"What's on your mind babe? What's got you so stressed-"

"I love you," I interrupted him.

"You...You love me?"

"I love you," I repeated. He tossed the blanket at the foot of the bed and crawled over the bed to me practically attacking my lips with his. He laid me back on the pillows and continued kissing me passionately. "Asher," I mumbled against his lips. He didn't reply nor show any signs of stopping. "Asher," I turned my face away from his, "I'm still having trouble breathing babe," I laughed. He laughed with me and rested his forehead on mine.

"I love you Scarlett."

A/N: Sorry it's a short chapter! I wanted to post before I fall asleep and at this rate I am dangerously close to falling asleep with my fingers on my keyboard...But I hope you all like it(: How crazy is it that Scarlett ended up being the one to say "I love you" first?! Tell me what you guys think! Thank you for your continued support! Much love...XOXO - Sam