Mi Salvador

Concerned

Rafael's POV
I kissed Ascella in the car, murmuring small things in Spanish. She was currently under me in the passengers seat. She laughed as I trailed my hands up her shirt.
"Raffa, I have to go!"
"Just a few more minutes."
"I have 4 missed calls from my dad." She murmured. I sighed and got up and out of the car.
"If you keep doing that we'll get caught by someone." She got into the driver's seat.
"We'll give them quite a show then." I kissed her as she placed a hand on my face.
"You're growing a little stubble."
"Yeah, I should shave it soon."
"No, I like it." She whined.
I laughed, "I have to look nice in court, mamí."
"Hm." She started the car, "I love you."
"I love you too, Ella." I pecked her lips before going back up.

Amanda's POV
I couldn't believe what I saw from my side mirror. As Ascella drive off, I started my car and followed. She arrived back home and I quickly stopped her before she went in.
"What the hell are you doing?!" I scolded her. Ascella furrowed her brows and looked to my car, "Were...were you following me?"
"I was. What were you doing with him?"
"You can't tell him, please don't tell my dad." She said in a hushed tone. I huffed, "He's gotta know soon-"
"What about you and that $5,000 you just lost, huh?"
"Excuse me?"
"You have a gambling problem, Amanda. Don't you? Ever since your sister came into to town, you went to de-stress and you lost $5,000."
"Were you following me?"
"No, one of Nash Kingsley's employees saw you there. Nash told me..."
I gripped her arm, "You can't tell-"
"Then don't tell anyone about me and him."
"That's different."
"Do you want me to tell Cragen, then? Or Liv. You know, Liv-"
"Fine!" I let go of her, "Ascella...what's happening? Why-why are you so upset all the time?"
She went to her door, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Ascella."
"I'm fine."
"You can't keep running from your problems-"
"You're one to talk." She hissed. The door opened and Nick stood there.
"Get inside now." Nick said sharply to Ascella, who complied. He looked to me and nodded, "Thanks, Amanda."
"No problem." I went to my car and drove off.

Nick's POV
I looked to Ascella, who sat on the couch. I kneeled in front of her.
"What's happening?"
"Nothing." She murmured, crossing her arms. I uncrossed her arms and sat next to her.
"Ella...please, you have to tell me."
"Why?"
"What?"
"Why do I have to tell you? You don't tell me anything."
"Ascella. It's not like that."
"Then what is it like, dad? I'm tired of you treating me like a little girl! I just want to know what's happening and since I'm technically working with you now, we shouldn't be keeping secrets from each other..."
"Ascella, we may work together, but you're my daughter first."
"Right...always family first."
"What does that mean?"
"You let your work mind interfere with your marriage! You've seen so many people and couples who were abusive or-or toxic or unfaithful that you convinced yourself that everyone ends up like that! You thought Maria was cheating and instead of confronting her you followed her and pushed yourself away from her!"
I sighed, "Ascella, it's hard for me to trust people with this job-"
"And do you know who went through what puts you to work?! Me! I did! I try not to push you away or blame you for any of it. It's not like I don't trust you! You're the only person I'd rather be with in any given moment, but you're not there! You're never there anymore!"
"That's not true!" I got up.
"Then what is? What is true, dad?! I don't what's true because I never get to see you..."
"Ella-"
She started to cry, "I get it! You have work! You miss Zara, you miss Maria. But what about me?! I miss Zara! I miss Maria! God! I still fucking miss Olly! I miss all of them, and-and I'm trying best. I'm trying so hard not to go over the edge and do stupid shit, but it's so hard. It so hard, dad! And I feel like I have no support. Yes, I go to therapy and I see my friends, but it doesn't always help. And I see you everyday but I still feel so lonely and miserable. I'm so scared I'm going to lose you. Please, please don't let me lose you!"
I shook my head and held her close.
"Ella..."
We stood in the living room for a good 5 minutes or so, holding each other. She pulled away and went into the bathroom. I sighed and sat on the couch, putting my face into my hands.