Accept

Chapter 19- Lexie

The scent of lavender filled the air and warm water rejuvenated my fingers with a tingling sensation. The horrifying events came rushing back as I sat emerged to my shoulders. I recalled the intruder in my home, the struggle as he attacked me, and beating him with a baseball bat.

After that, everything was surreal and I was unsure if it was a dream or reality until Chris popped his head around the corner with some towels.

"I'll just put these here when you're ready to get out. Let me find you something to wear for pajamas," he said walking out of the room.

I remember calling 911 and asking for help, but not sure how Chris knew I was in trouble. I climbed out of the bathtub and glanced into the mirror. My hair was tangled and messy, my mascara smeared down my face, and bruises formed on my forearms and neck.

Wrapping the towel around my body, I cleaned my face and walked into Chris's bedroom. His old jerseys lie on the bed. The last time I had worn it was under different circumstances and wished it could be the same.

"Will that work for pajamas?" He asked stepping out of the closet, shirtless and dressed in flannel pajama bottoms. I had never seen him in pajamas and started to laugh.

He smiled back as if he knew what I was thinking. "Pretty cute, aren't they?  I usually only wear them when I stay with my parents, so I hope you feel special."

I threw the jersey over my head, letting the towel fall to the ground, and climbed into his bed. His sheets were clean and refreshing and I pulled them over my head to hide from the world. The light turned off and I sat up as he walked out of the room.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll just be on the couch out here," he replied.

"Do you mind sleeping in here? I don't want to be alone."

"Sure," he grinned.

"Can you turn the light back on too? "I asked.

"Sorry, of course," he said turning the lamp on.

I stared at the ceiling looking at the gold specks of paint and started to ramble. "I had no idea he was in our house until I heard him on the stairs. When I saw him, I didn't know what to do.  I called 911 and she told me to grab something to defend myself. The bat was the only thing I saw but he grabbed my arm just as I got it. I was so scared." I stopped not sure if I could continue.

Chris rolled over on his side, propping his head on his arm. I continued to stare at the ceiling knowing it was easier to face the ceiling than Chris's face. I knew if I looked at him, I would break down.

"I tried pushing him away and he punched me in the ribs. He laughed and said something about me being feistier than the other girls. Then he pushed me on my back and held my hands above my head. His eyes were black as if he was a demon, they looked so cold." I stopped recalling the coldness in his eyes and shivered.

"He started choking me and I couldn't breathe. I thought I was dying. Then for a second, I had a free hand and grabbed the bat hitting him in the head as hard as I could.  Blood ran down his face and I pushed him backward with the bat. I just kept hitting him until he fell down the stairs."

The tears were streaming down my face and Chris hadn't said a word. He turned my face towards him, pulling me close and he sobbed with me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, letting my tears stream onto his shoulders.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be a burden," I cried pulling away. "You don't need to take care of me."

"Lexie, I would do anything for you," he claimed.