a life interrupted

Chapter 4

Today was the day Derek was due home. Just a few hours left before Addison would have to look her husband in the face and tell him the truth. She thought all day about how she was going to go about the situation. She decided to just sit him down and try as calmly and easily as possible. 

5 o'clock rolled around, Derek would be coming through the door any minute. Addison sat at the table as she heard the doorknob jiggling. Derek came from the other side of the door, greeting his wife.

"hey babe, how was it?", Addison asked.

"Oh, you know, the usual. Talked to the same surgeons i always do at these types of thing.", Derek added, with a soft grin.

"Do you think you have a minute to talk about something?" asked a visibly exhausted Addison. "its kind of important"

"Sure, sweetie. Is everything okay?", asked Derek as he saw his sister also entering the room. 

Derek knew whatever it is they needed to talk about, was bad. He could see it in their eyes, Addie's especially. When he left, his wife was so bright and happy, doing what she did best. Delivering babies. Now, she just looked dark and dim. Her eyes had dark circles around them, clearly indicating she hadnt been sleeping.

Amelia sat next to Addison at the table, she grabbed her hand to show her support to her sister in law. 

"i was raped", Addison blurted out. It was like a lump in her throat that she just needed to get out.

"Tuesday, in the parking lot, leaving work. im sorry, Derek. Im so sorry.", she added.

Derek just sat, wide eyed, trying to think of the words to say while also still trying to process this new, heart wrenching information. 

"Did you tell anyone else? Have you been to work? Are you okay? Im sorry i wasnt here, Addie.", Derek says as he goes to hug Addison; who cringed while hugging back. She was still afraid of human contact.

"im fine. ive been home since the day after, i cant face any of them just yet. im not ready", Addison said, looking at the ground.

"ill stay with you until you are ready", Derek reassures her. 

Addison looks up at Amelia, who had stayed silent until that point, then looked at her husband. "youre not mad?", she asks.

"of course not, this was in no way youre fault. im here for you, whatever you need. i love you", Derek replies.

He walked upstairs to take a shower. He was still trying to process this whole thing, it was sprung on him so quick. He blames himself, for not being there, for not being able to stop it. He wanted to make sure his wife knew she wasnt going to do this alone. 

After his shower, Derek entered the bedroom of him and his wife. Addison was walking in, about to change. She took her clothes and went into the bathroom. Derek wondered why she didnt feel right about changing in front of him of all people, but he knew to just let her have her space. 

This was a very new feeling for them both. 

They both made their way into their bed. Addison wasnt used to sleeping with anyone after her attack. She scooted close to the edge of the bed, back turned to Derek. 

"we have to talk about this eventually, Addie", Derek said softly.

"not tonight. we will... just not tonight", Addison responded, turning off the bedroom light

"i love you", they both spoke out together. 

Derek was so confused. how could something so life changing happen the week he goes away. he couldve been there, he couldve supported Addison better. He felt somewhat hopeless. he felt crushed.