Bless the Broken Road.

Chapter Twenty Three

*AN: Mature content and this Chapter may be disturbing to younger audiences — feel free to skip until Chapter Twenty Four. L, Hannié.*

That evening; Taylor, Chris, Frances and Emmett were at dinner and at the local Italian. They were enjoying themselves. Laughing, drinking and sharing stories. The food was exquisitely presented and the four were in awe. Emmett had organised the dinner as a way to get to know more about Taylor and learn about she did after she left for California. Emmett spoke of how he and Frances met. Chris spoke about editing after Frances asked. He chuckled along with the others. Taylor was wearing a cute little black lace dress with matching heels, Emmett was wearing a classic suit, Frances was wearing a beautiful emerald green silk three quarter length dress and Chris was matching with Emmett but his was an old one Mr Gilbert owned. As Frances was discussing her dreams for the future, Taylor excused herself. She had a throbbing headache and quickly rose to go to the ladies restroom. "Are you okay?" Emmett asked noticing how Taylor rubbed her temple. Taylor smiled and nodded slightly but still walked away. Chris eyed Taylor as she left but then turned back to Emmett and Frances and asked a few more questions. After about ten minutes, still no Taylor. "Excuse me. I'm gonna go find Taylor and see if she's okay." Chris said quickly and rose to his feet, stumbling a little. Frances merely nodded and continued to talk to Emmett about their wedding. Emmett was only half listening as he, too, was concerned about Taylor.

Chris walked down the corridor towards the restrooms when he saw Taylor resting her head on the wall opposite the ladies restroom's door. He looked about him and then approached Taylor. Taylor didn't notice nor hear Chris approach her until she felt a rough hand go over her mouth. Her screams were muffled and Chris pinned her against the wall. Her wiggled against his bodily pressure and her eyes shone due to the thin layer of tears forming. She whimpered in fear. She could smell alcohol on his breath. He removed his hand and then buried his face into her neck, still pinning her to the wall. His grip on her wrist tightened and she gagged in disgust and horror. He's drunk, he'll stop soon Taylor thought as he ran a hand up and down her thigh. But he didn't stop. All of a sudden, her heard her ears ringing. Then blackness.

What seemed like forever, her eyes opened heavily, she found herself on the floor of the ladies' restroom with Chris turned towards the mirror with a small hand towel. She sat up and found out that one of her sleeves of her lace dress was torn. Then it dawned on her. No, oh dear God! No! a voice screamed inside of her head. Chris came towards her and gave her the hand towel. Dropping her gaze, she took it and threw it to the side, angry and hurt. She got to her feet and went to the door. Chris opened the door and gripped her elbow. She flinched and tried to pull away but Chris's grip only tightened. He then said, through gritted teeth, "If you tell anyone, I'll kill you myself." Taylor held her breath. She felt sick. Physically and mentally. Once back into the main restaurant area, Emmett rose to his feet to greet Taylor. Her expression looked pained and saddened. He had no idea what had just happened. "Are you alright, Taylor?" Frances said concerned. Taylor nodded and sat down. She didn't talk much afterwards. She just stared into space. She closed her eyes in shame. She'd been raped.