When You Least Expect It

24

So, after three hours in the ER and two hours being questioned by the police, we learned that Whitney does not have a broken arm but he did pull it out of the socket. The cops thought I did it, luckily, they believed us in the end. They really wanted her to give him up but she wouldn't. They eventually gave up but left their information in case she changed her mind. Taylor was pissed too, Whitney isn't exactly his favorite person, but I think a sorry-excuse-for-a-man, putting his hands on a female trumps all.

Travis has been texting her all night, her phone finally died around 3:00 this morning and I refused to let her charge it. The look on her face when his name would pop up again just ate me up, I don't understand why she would care what he has to say. But I figured now wasn't the time to fight with her about it so I let it go. Though I did suggest she stay what was left of the night with me. I kind of forgot about Jason's situation but I couldn't let her go home alone.

It's almost 5:00 in the morning when we pull back into the parking lot. Taylor shuts the truck off rubbing his face, we're all exhausted. "So what is your plan? Is she staying here?"

I look down at Whitney who is asleep on my shoulder, "Yeah, I guess. I can't send her home alone after the night she's had. I'd really like to go beat the fuck out of Travis but that really wouldn't solve anything."

"No, not really. What about J?"

"I'm not sure. I guess I need to go up and talk to him, make sure he doesn't mind."

He shakes his head, "Nah, it's so late... early... whatever. Don't wake him up. Ben stayed at some girl's, y'all take my room, I'll sleep in your bed."

"Thanks Taylor. I really appreciate all your help tonight."

He nods and steps out. I open my door, the chilly air causes Whitney to stir. "Sorry babe. We're back at the house, let's get you inside ok?"

She moans and stretches out, her bad arm in a sling. I hop out holding my hand out to assist her. She slides out whimpering as she steadies herself. "Poor baby let's get you into bed."

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It's afternoon when I open my eyes for the first time. Whitney is curled into my side sleeping soundly. Looking at her I really don't know how to feel. I mean I know I feel something for her, I'm just not sure how deep it is. She's been a lot of fun, I have felt some jealousy when she's all over someone else, but I don't know if it'll ever be more or if we should just stay what we are. Whatever that may be.

I don't want to wake her so I stay, just listening to her deep breathing. When she adjusts herself her face scrunches up and I know she's hurting. I figure it's probably best to at least wake her long enough to take a muscle relaxer so she can rest more comfortably. Clearing my throat I turn my face towards hers gently running my fingers down her cheek. "Whitney, I think it's time for you to take some medicine. Wake up babe."

She groans a little before turning onto her back, "Oh Der. I am so sorry about last night. Thanks for taking such good care of me."

"No sweat, let me fix you something to eat so you don't get sick taking this on an empty stomach."

She smiles at me; a genuine smile and it melts me a little. "Derek you are so sweet. I'm not really hungry though, would you stay with me today?"

"I wish I could babe. Today is my first day back at work, I'm going to skip all of my classes but I can't bail on the boss. Taylor will be here though if you need anything. And I can ask Ash to help you if you need her to."

"But the only thing I need is you Der." She juts her bottom lip out at me, pouting. "I just want to stay cuddled up next to you."

Propping myself up on my elbow I smile at her, "Look as tempting as that sounds, I'll only be gone for a few hours and I promise we can curl up and watch a movie when I get back ok?"