It's Been A Long Time... [Desperate Measures Sequel]

FortyFive.

Tipping vodka into a glass I stared down at the clear liquid before I raised the glass to my lips, my hands shook at the glass touched my lips and the liquid touched my tongue before I took in a mouthful, the alcohol burning the back of my throat as I swallowed it. I placed the glass back down and closed my eyes, I could do this. 

I didn't need to feel ashamed, I hadn't done anything wrong. I had been running for far too late, I had dealt with worse. The fact that I couldn't remember too much was a plus, there was something that made me feel a little better not knowing. Opening my eyes I took the glass and tipped it down the sink before rinsing out the glass. 

Turning and looking at the mess of a kitchen I smiled as realization dawned on me. James had put me through much worse, he'd done things to me that I didn't even want to think about. In turn that meant I could deal with this with no problems, apart from the fact I didn't have much to go on. 

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I opened my messages and sent a text to the Detective telling her I wanted to come by tomorrow. I put my phone away before I started to fill up the washing up bowl and put some plates in to soak. 

"What are you doing?" I heard a voice as the door creaked open. 

Whipping around I smiled at Punk who entered the kitchen. "I thought I better get started on these dishes, there is so many."

Punk rolled his eyes as he opened a drawer pulling out some cling film, "I suppose I better give you a hand then."

"You don't have to," I told him as I continued to place plates and cutlery in the washing up bowl. 

He nodded, "I guess I kinda do." He started to cover up food that was open so it could be stored better. "You know you shouldn't have to feel like you need to do this now," he told me, "This is your first Thanksgiving."

"Thanksgiving is overrated," I laughed as I chucked my cardigan off and placed it on the side. "Everyone is here and having a good time," I told him as I stuck my hands into the washing up bowl and started to scrub the plates. "But somehow I don't feel like I should be here."

"You're not having fun?" He asked me as he started moving the dishes around to free some space. 

I placed my first plate on the draining board before shrugging, "It's not that-"

The door swung open halting our conversation, my eyes looked towards the door at the person who entered and I swear for a second everything seemed perfect. Removing my hands from the bowl I rushed over and put my arms around the neck of Dean. "Hey," I spoke in a sweet tone. 

"Are you cleaning already?" He asked me as he held me close before he pulled away when he realised my hands were wet. 

Shrugging my shoulders I grinned at him, "Just getting a head start." 

He rolled his eyes before he sent a smile Punk's way, "I think AJ was looking for you." Dean told him before both he and Punk left the room. I shook my head before I returned to my washing up. 

Two minutes later Punk returned to the kitchen. "She's such a wind-up merchant," he told me with a laugh. 

"Sounds about right," I smiled. "Did you see who had just arrived?"

Punk looked up from the plate he was wrapping, "It's just Roman."

I nodded, "I bet they planned it," I placed another plate on the side. "I knew they wouldn't stay away from each other too long."

"So," Punk started to place bowls in the big larder. "What's been going on with you and Dean?"

"What do you mean?" I asked as I looked out the window in front of me.