Mi Salvador

Vulnerable

Ascella's POV
I opened my eyes to find myself in a hospital room.
"Ugh, why do I always end up here?"
I sat up slowly and looked around. I looked to my right and saw Rafael asleep in the chair. I furrowed my brows and scanned the room for anyone else before shaking him gently.
"Hm?" He groaned grumpily, eyes still closed. I laughed and caressed his face, "You stayed?"
His eyes shot open and he sat up, "Ascella!"
"Where's my dad?"
"The precinct. I offered to stay. Nash is outside being questioned."
"Questioned? What?" I stiffened and my eyes widened, "No, no, no, no, please tell me I wasn't-"
"Woah, Hey...you weren't. Someone was trying to poison Nash, but you had the first glass of champagne. He feels really guilty." He got closer, rubbing my arms. I looked at him, my tension depleting...I wanted to kiss him so bad. The door opened gently and I turned quickly to see Nash.
"Hey, I have-oh my god, Ascella! You're awake!" He rushed in, setting the coffee down. I smiled and hugged him, "I'm okay. You couldn't have known..."
He nodded and looked to Barba, "Should've seen this guy. Worried sick. Really looked like he was gonna puke."
I turned to him and Rafael took my hand, placing a kiss on my palm. I pulled away and looked to Nash, who smirked.
"I already know."
"He's...kept a good eye on you."
"You've had people follow me?" I furrowed my brows. Rafael turned my head to him, "I know it sounds horrible...but-"
"No! No you don't get to excuse his actions!" I pushed him away.
"Ascella-"
"If you want me to thank you then it's not happening! I'm in the fucking hospital because of you."
"And Olly died because of you!"

Dead silence...

"Get out. Both of you." I crossed my arms.
"El-"
"I said get out!"
"What's going on?" Dad rushed in.
"It's nothing. They were just leaving..." I looked to Rafael, who stood up and fixed his coat. The two walked out and my dad sat next to me, holding me.
"I'm here..." he murmured. I nodded, sighing and digging my head into him. I don't want to cry over Rafael Barba in front of him.

I had gotten home that day and sat alone as dad went to work. My body was still recovering, so I was stuck. I was able to get another week until going to Massachusetts. This was getting harder than expected. The door started to open and I looked up from my mug to see Dad with Fin and Munch.
"Hello, gorgeous! How you doing?"
I smiled, "I'm alright, how you doing, Fin?"
"Just a case. That's all."
"Hm." My dad kissed my head, "I wanted to talk to you..."
"Yeah?"
"I was wondering if you wanted to...stay here? It's dumb. Maybe stay at Fordham. Makes me a bit uncomfortable now since everything's happened...you d'ont have to say yes. Just an idea."
I looked at him and then back to my mug.
"I..."
"I don't need an answer now. Take your time." He kissed my head before getting up and checking his phone.
"Amanda's coming by with Liv...and Barba."
"Great." Munch huffed.
"He's not that bad, you know?" I smirked.
"He's a bit of a...prick." Fin shrugged.
I gasped and shook my head, "¡Ay! Fin, you're so mean!"

I helped make a meal before the rest got to the house. Once they entered through door, I looked up to see Rafael. He looked tired as ever...a week without me must do that to a person. He looked around before looking at me. He was greeted by dad, Munch, and Fin. Then he went to me as I stood in the kitchen, "Ascella."
"Rafael..." I looked away. He handed me an envelope, "Counsellor, I'm-"
"It's alright. I-"
"Ascella, Barba! Come eat!"
We looked at each other before going to sit and eat. Barba and i sat next to each other since those were the only empty seats left. Everyone talked and l sat awkwardly with Rafael. It became unbearable, so I turned to him as he did the same.
"Look, I-" we started in unison. He cleared his throat and gestured to me, "Go ahead."
"No, you go."
"Ascella, I insist." He said lowly.
"Rafael..."
"Ascella."
I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck, "I...I don't know if I'm going to Harvard anymore?" I whispered to him. His eyes widened and leaned in, "Why?"
"Rafael, I was just poisoned. My dad's on edge...and-" I looked down, mumbling, "I'm scared and lonely...things haven't been the same ever since my sister left and I think that if I stay things would get better."
"And you know it might not. Ascella, think only about you for a second. Do you want to stay?"
I looked away, "I don't know anymore."
He sighed and looked around, "Let's get out of here."
"What?"
"I haven't seen you in a week. Let's do something...I'll even take you up to Mass myself."
I looked to him and laughed quietly, "It's only been a week and you're sounding like me."
"Or do you sound like me?"
"Rafael..."
"I love you, Ascella." He whispered into my ear. I knocked over my glass of water, breaking it.
"Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry." I rushed to the kitchen to get a rag and broom to clean it up. I threw the contents away and sighed, running a hand through my hair. I swear, Rafael Barba will be the death of me.
"I'm gonna go out for a bit." I murmured, grabbing my coat and heading to my car.

I sat in the car, glancing at the building I was parked in front of. Harris Tech. Oh god, what was I doing here? I unbuckled my belt, but before I could get out, I got a text from Rafael.

Rafael: Took a Lyft home.
Please meet me there.

I hesitated before buckling back up and starting the car, heading to Rafael's apartment. I parked my car and rushed to his door, knocking. He answered and let me in. I sat on the couch and he followed suite, setting a mug on the coffee table with some sugar and cream next to it. I fixed my drink and picked it up, looking at him as he fixed his own. It was quiet and comfortable...but there was still an elephant in the room. I set the mug down, sat back against the pillow behind me, and sighed, "I...I'm sorry about the way I reacted, Rafael."
He shook his head and set his mug down, turning towards me, "I shouldn't have-"
"If you hadn't, then I would have probably left without knowing."
"Ascella...that was the first I ever heard you admit that you were scared. I just though, with that sign of vulnerability, you felt that way."
"I didn't leave because I didn't feel the way you do." I leaned closer to him, "I wouldn't have become vulnerable towards you if I didn't love you back...I was just overwhelmed because you said it first..."
"Oh, Ella..."
"I love you too, Rafael...and I'm not mad at you for anything. This past week has been shit and I'm glad I'm here with you...I love you."
He leaned in and kissed me gently, "You have no idea how happy that makes me." I caressed his cheek and he pulled me up to straddle him. I sighed and set my head on his shoulder, taking in his scent. He rubbed my back and spoke.
"So...are you going to Harvard or staying here to go to Fordham?"

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Should she leave or should she go??? Comment what you think!