The One He Wanted

Freedom

A/N: Okay so wow... this is it. I'm ending this book here, but I will create a sequel. I haven't decided a name yet, but there will be one. Thanks for reading and I hope this ending is fulfilling enough and now... OFF TO THE final CHAPTER!

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One week. That's how long it took for Xavier to completely destroy my life. Another week and anxiety and depression ruled my life. It was time for me to go back to school. I was numb as Mom dropped me off at the front entrance. 

"You'll be okay. If you want to leave, just call me and I'll be here as soon as I can." Mom said reassuringly. But it didn't help.

"Okay," I answered quietly.

"I love you. I'll see you later." I knew she was worried and that it would make her feel better about leaving me here if I pepped up, but I just couldn't. I got out of the car without answering and slowly made my way to the doors. I gulped heavily as I opened them and stepped through the threshold. Immediately, people stopped and stared. Whispers flared up from the students that were there. I dropped my head and made my way through the crowd. They parted easily for me, and all of them seemed nervous to be anywhere near where I was.

"I heard she's lying about the whole thing and just needed a cover story for almost killing Xavier."

"I heard Xavier beat her."

"Did you hear that Asher raped her too?" 

I closed my eyes as the whispers and rumors continued around me. I should've known the story would have blown up and been exaggerated during the week of my absence. I refused to acknowledge anyone until someone's arm casually slung around my shoulders. I jumped and my head snapped up to see Landon staring down at me with a smirk. I felt sick to my stomach and I quickly backed away. I looked around to see I was surrounded by a group of guys, and few of which were friends with Xavier. 

"Look who's back guys. Little miss snitch." Landon announced loudly. The guys all jeered at me and Landon leaned down to whisper in my ear. "You're lucky I have strict directions to leave you alone, otherwise..." he paused and looked me up and down, "you'd be mine." My anger at everything and everyone flared and I glared back at him.

"Where's Aliana?" I asked sarcastically. Landon didn't even look fazed.

"Exactly where you'd be if I had any say in the matter. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do is make sure you never forget him until he comes back for you." I gritted my teeth and walked away from them. They all laughed loudly but I refused to let them know they had gotten to me. Ash had woken up late yesterday evening, but they still refused to let me go see him. I'd heard that Xavier was also still in the hospital, telling anyone and everyone that would listen that I belonged to him. 

It happened in third period. Everyone's phones went off simultaneously, even mine. The teacher was out of the room at the moment, so everyone checked their phone. Immediately gasps were heard and people began looking at me. I reluctantly pulled out my phone to see that I had two messages from Xavier. How? He didn't have access to a phone, how could he have sent me a text? My mouth went dry as I opened the message. And then my world shattered around me, once more. 

The first one read, "I told you not to tell..."

The second was a photo of me, asleep, handcuffed to his bed with only one word, "Mine." The only thing I was relieved about was that I was fully clothed. After that, everything was a blur. The police were notified, but I didn't leave. I knew he was trying to hurt me in any way that he could, but I would be strong. I refused to succumb to his games again. The whispers were even louder and more outlandish, and more than once Landon would touch me inappropriately. But I didn't leave. 

The weeks passed and most of my time was spent at Asher's side. He had fianlly been allowed to come back to school and I stuck to him like glue. He didn't mind, and he was the main reason the bullying had died down. What he had started as him just being nice by helping me had turned into something else. It made me nervous, but I knew that he would never hurt me like Xavier had. Landon had tried many times to separate Ash and me, but every time, he failed. Ash had helped me prepare for Xavier's trial, but no matter how many times he told me I'd be alright, I just couldn't believe him. I would have to tell people exactly what he'd done to me, right in front of him. I couldn't do it, but I had to. If I wanted him away from me, at least temporarily, I had to testify. 

The court date loomed over my head, causing many sleepless nights leading up to it. Finally, it was time. I was seated between Officer Mark and my lawyer, both of whom had promised me I'd win. There was too much evidence against him. Xavier was called up to the stand and I nervously fidgeted as the first question was asked. He answered every question bluntly, not affected in the slightest. He lied about everything, saying that I was obsessed with him, and honestly, it hurt. He made it obvious that he was lying though, and switched up events and acted like he didn't mean to, but I knew he did. It was just one more thing to hurt me. He stared at me the majority of the time, right up until it was my turn. I answered everything honestly while Xavier glared at me. I ignored him, for the most part, and tried to show that he didn't affect me. When I was done, they dismissed to discuss among themselves. I stared at the wall, waiting numbly for them to give us the final verdict. What if they said I was lying and released him? After 30 minutes, they finally came back. The entire crowd was silent as they revealed that the evidence against Xavier was too strong and that he would be jailed for a long period of time. It felt like a weight had lifted from my heart. Finally, I was free from him, even if it was just a few years. Xavier went crazy. He attacked the nearby police officers and rushed towards me with determination filling his eyes. I froze in fear. It felt like only one second from when he was across the room to when he was standing in front of me, his hand roughly gripping my arm. 

"You'll regret this. I'll find you, I don't care how long it takes, you will be mine." He said angrily.

"No. I told you, I belong to no one." Rage filled his eyes milliseconds before he was jerked back and away from me. The next thing I knew, Ash was by my side, holding my hand and talking to me calmly. Xavier saw this as well and I could visibly see his rage growing. I gripped Ash's hand even tighter as Xavier was led out of the room. I was free. It would be many years before I'd see him again, but until then, I was safe. Or so I thought.