The Stoic And The Beast

The Healing Begins

Alicia's POV

My parents are dead. My three best friends are all I have left now. Everything was such a blur. I had completely locked myself within the perimeters of my own thoughts. I shut the world out. The last thing I could remember was seeing the lights flashing on the tops of the police cars and the white panel van with blacked-out windows parked in front of my house. I saw the look on Tyler's face as he stared at my house in dismay. That's when it all hit me. I vaguely remember hearing voices around me saying things to keep me from completely losing my mind. The world revolved around me in slow motion.

When I finally came back into reality was when I was at the hospital and I heard Luke's voice. I ran to him and held on for dear life. I remember making them tell me what happened and why my parents were gone forever. Luke admitted to seeing their bodies himself. He had to go identify them. For that, I was eternally grateful. I would never have been able to do it myself. He was right about that. The next thing I wanted to know was how they died. Tyler was there so I asked him. He said they had been murdered. Which opened up a lot more questions for me but Luke calmly told me details to ease my mind. He also asked me questions that I knew he needed answers to as well. He spoke softly as he held me and rocked me lovingly on the floor of the hospital room.

"Alicia, do you have any other family?" I nodded no.

"Did they have a will?"

"Yes."

"Do you need my help preparing for the funeral?"

"Yes."

"Just so you know the person who did this is in jail. You're safe." I nodded okay.

"They didn't suffer. You should know that." I nodded again.

"Is there anyone you want me to call or contact?"

"No, not really. I'll do it."

"I gave the detective my number so he can call me when we can go back to the house. We will have it cleaned beforehand."

"Okay."

"Is there anything else you want to know right now sweetheart? Anything you need?"

"Just you. Don't leave me." I gripped my arms tighter around his neck.

"You have to take care of yourself, for the baby Alicia. You need to eat and drink something. Okay?" I nodded in agreement.

"If you show signs of improvement we can all go home." He coaxed.

"I don't have a home," I mumbled.

"Your home is with me now Alicia. Me and Jake. Were your family now. And the baby too."

"Okay."

"I love you, Alicia. We all do. Me, Jake, Tyler."

"I know. Luke, but I miss my mom and dad."

"I know love. I'm so sorry."

"We never made up. We were still fighting." I felt hot tears wanting to well up but I had none left.

"Alicia, I'm sure they wouldn't want you to think like that. I'm sure they were glad you weren't home too." He whispered. I decided he was probably right. If they had never kicked me out I could be dead as well.

"I know. Your right Luke." I nodded.

"Someone is going to be here soon to give you some medicine. But I want you to try to eat something. Can you do that baby?"

"Yes. I can try."

"We're gonna get through this together okay?" I nodded.

He lifted me off the floor and carried me to the bed. As he pulled away I gripped his neck and refused to let him leave me. So he climbed in and lay beside me. I finally looked at his face. His skin was stained with tears. His eyes were puffy and bloodshot. His lips were red and raw from biting them too much. I love this man. I love him because he has been with me every step of the way since the day I met him. I love him because he would stop at nothing to give me the world. He has been my rock. My knight in shining armor. I lost my parents but he still provided me with a new family. He puts aside his own fears just to protect me and fill my life with love. He's understanding and tentative yet strong all at the same time.