18

Chapter 23- Six Months

Postcards, letters, and packages gifts were sent back and forth for the last six months. Having known one another for over a year now, Hudson was anxious to have his girl home. Standing at the terminal with a set of twenty-four beautiful white stemmed roses, paying no attention to those who rolled their eyes to him being "whipped". Checking the airline chart over and over until seeing her flight having landed, he quickly prepared himself to see her and found her even more excited to see him.

Racing through the airport, she ran into his arms as he picked her up and spun her away. "I want to know everything." he said as he spoke against her hair-which was now slightly longer and a darker brown. Even the way she carried herself was changed, she didn't appear so shy. Taking her towards his waiting car, he opened the door and drove her towards his apartment as she looked around and was in awe of each detail.

"It looks just like it did in the pictures!" She ceased her steps towards the windows as Hudson came up behind her, trying to kiss her neck until she pulled back. "So you wanted to know about my time?"

"Every detail."

They sat over dinner and discussed each museum she had gone to along with all the painting opportunities that she had gotten. Having been rooming with three other girls, she was forced to share a small apartment that was hardly fit for one and had to pain at least four hours a day to keep her internship-but for her, she enjoyed the hard work.

"How are the kids?"

"Good. Olivia joined cheerleading this last school year and Roderick is becoming serious with gaming; starting a league with friends to play games in real life...costumes and all. They record what they do and post it on this site."

"Wow..." She took a large sip of wine before giving him another glance.

"I missed you so much! You have no idea!" He touched her hand as he felt her slightly tremble. "You don't have to worry about anything anymore..."

"I know...I'm just tired...probably a bit jet legged."

"Why don't you take a shower and then get some sleep? I'll clean up."

"No I can help."

"Go shower. I want you to rest." He kissed the top of her head and she pulled back, not looking to him, and disappearing in the bathroom.

After cleaning up, Hudson tried to join her in the shower, but she then removed herself and went directly to the bedroom-trying to dress quickly. As he pulled her to view, he saw bruises marking all over her body and glared to her.

"What happened?"

"Nothing...I..."

"Did someone do this to you?"

Tears filled her eyes. "Please...Just let it go."

"Did you tell anyone?"

"What was I going to tell? That my boyfriend of nearly ten years followed me to France, forced himself upon me, and I HAD to leave?"

"It was David?"

She slowly nodded while Hudson moved to retrieve his coat.

"Where are you going?"

"To settle with this fu-"

"No. He's not here! He doesn't know I left-"

"So why flinch from me? You know I would never hurt you..."

"I trusted him...for the majority of my life...and he had...he hurt me."

"Did he...rape you?"

"I don't remember. I was out with Elise and Annabelle one night and woke up in my room; no clothes-and found him there. He had this smug look on his face and told me that he would tell you everything. I came back a little early-leaving at three in the morning, to explain it to you. Please believe me."

"Of course I believe you. I am so sorry you had to go through that." He hugged her tight as her slightly damp body pressed against him.

"He told me I was the only girl he couldn't have and that's why he wants me." Tears slid down her cheeks. "All I could think about is you protecting me. And coming back to see you. I just want you to hold me."

"Come here..." He pulled her onto the bed and laid her down, before laying behind her. Placing a blanket over her body, he waited for her to fall asleep before taking his jacket and tracking down David.

When Quinn awoke, she found the spot beside her vacant and moved throughout the apartment to find Hudson. Calling his cell, she could hear it ringing and followed the noise, as it led her to the hall. She found Hudson beaten up and unconscious. Dragging him inside, she shut the door behind her and called out for him, desperate for a response. Eventually, he began to moan just as she was dialing the police. Hanging up, she focused her attention on Hudson before helping him sit up.

"What the hell were you thinking? Why did you go there? I told you not to!"

"What he did to you is NOT alright! I don't care what you say about it." he spoke slightly mumbled-but aggravated.

"I just wanted to handle it on my own."

"I never want you near him again."

"Same to you." As they spoke, he passed out once again and she was able to get him onto the couch to rest.

When he awoke again, she made him some coffee as he began to explain himself.

"I was livid when he did that to you. I went looking for him and found him at the school. I waited until he was off the property line and warned him to stay away from you. He threatened me with the affair scandal but I told him how everyone knew the truth. He took a swing at me and I had him on the ground in seconds-but he had friends. At least six. Three I could have handled-but not six...I was kicked and then wobbled home until passing out where you found me."

"I didn't want you going after him."

"I don't want you to ever see him again. I will do everything I can to protect you-I'm just sorry I couldn't do it then."

"There was no way you could have."

"I should have at least tried to visit."

She shrugged. "We are together now. That is all that matters." She gave him a sweet kiss as he closed his eyes and basked in the familiar feeling. "It will take me some time to be...open again...but I promise that I will try."