The One She Needed

FIFTEEN

ALEX

The sight of her lying on the ground sent flashes through my mind—scenes of my mother crying, curled against the walls for comfort. Back then, fear had consumed me, made me run instead of fight. I had been too small to push him off, too fragile to scream loud enough for someone to help. And now, seeing Raquel in that same position, I saw red.

Torment me, and I turn the other cheek.

Touch my heart, and a devil to you I shall be.

Walking out of the police station with my little brother in tow, I couldn't care less about the consequences of my actions. No doubt I was out of a job, but to a degree, I felt free. The chains were gone. I'd make it through somehow; my priority now was finding Raquel, making sure she was okay. My anxiety spiked as I hurried to the car, Sam keeping pace, rambling about me getting myself into trouble.

"As much as I appreciate the lecture, little bro, it's completely unnecessary," I mumbled, pressing the gas pedal as we sped down the deserted road.

"At the rate you and Becca are going, I already see myself as the oldest in this special little family of ours."

I scoffed. "I'll admit we haven't been setting the best example. But my actions were justified. He put his hands on her. What did you expect me to do? Walk away and smile as if nothing happened? I let Dad get away with the same kind of shit. I won't let Derek treat her like that, boss or not."

Sam fell silent. So did I. I hadn't expected my day to end with me behind bars, being treated like a common criminal.

"So... what now?" he asked as we pulled into my apartment complex.

"I-I don't know. All I do know is that I need to see her." I exhaled, still trying to think straight. Since getting out of jail, my adrenaline hadn't settled long enough for me to figure out my next move. But holding Raquel in my arms felt like the only thing that made sense.

"Well, as much as I love watching this drama unfold, need I remind you—you're jobless?"

I chuckled. "Yeah... but I still have my job at the garage. It's not all bad. If Mr. Hughes is cool with it, I'll work there full time." I looked up to see Sam watching me closely, concern clear in his eyes.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be okay." I reassured him as I stepped out of the car.

He shook his head, then smirked. "Whatever you say. But next time you decide to beat someone up, please... try not to get caught."

Always the best at giving advice.

***

The call went straight to voicemail. Again.

I threw my phone onto the counter, frustration simmering inside me. She wouldn't answer, wouldn't text back. I could only imagine what she must be going through. I knew from experience that abuse wasn't something you just recovered from overnight. But every time my call went unanswered, my worry grew. If she didn't want to talk to me, fine—but I needed to know she was okay.

I texted her every day. Nothing. At this point, I was ready to send a damn smoke signal if it meant I'd get some kind of response.

Meanwhile, my mother had been on my case after hearing about my arrest. That was the last thing I needed. The only silver lining in all this was that I still had a paycheck coming in. Sure, it wasn't close to what I made working for Derek, but it was something.

And yet, no matter how much I tried to distract myself, Raquel consumed my thoughts. Tonight, the silence in my apartment gnawed at my resolve. I couldn't take it anymore.

Before hesitation could creep in, I grabbed my jacket and car keys and left.

The drive to her place was filled with restless energy—my knee bouncing, my grip on the steering wheel tight. But when I pulled up to her house, uncertainty took hold. Several cars were parked outside. A party? Should I turn back?

Too late. My hand was already ringing the doorbell.

What I wasn't prepared for was Raquel opening the door in a form-fitting dress, makeup flawless, a dazzling smile on her lips that faded the moment she saw me.

"Alex?" she breathed, eyes scanning me as I did the same. For a moment, I questioned everything. Had I imagined the blood, the bruises? Because right now, she looked perfect—untouched, unharmed.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, stepping outside and shutting the door behind her, blocking my view inside.

I hadn't expected her to throw herself into my arms, but damn, a smile wouldn't have hurt. Now, standing here felt like a mistake.

Scratching the back of my neck, I forced myself to be honest. "Given our last encounter, I wanted to make sure you were in one piece."

She forced a smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "As you can see, I'm fine. Alive and breathing."

"Did you see my calls? My texts?" I asked, hating how hopeful I sounded.

"I got them." She shifted on her heels. "Look, Alex, I'm in the middle of something. I think it's best if you—"

"Wait, wait, wait. I came all this way after you disappeared for days, and you're just brushing me off?"

"Why are you making this a big deal? And keep your voice down! I have company." She glanced over her shoulder, as if afraid someone would catch us.

That stung.

"Raquel, when it comes to abuse, it's already a big deal!" My anger flared, remembering the last time I saw her bruised.

"It was an accident. If anything, he apologized."

Accident, my ass.

"For someone so damn smart, I can't believe you're falling for his lies! You sound just like my sister!" My voice rose, frustration spilling over.

"Shh, Ale—"

"I don't care who hears! Unlike you, I'm not ashamed to show that I care! Maybe I hid it for too long, but I tried, Raquel." My chest tightened, my heartbeat hammering as I looked into her eyes, baring everything. "I tried convincing myself he was what's best for you. That he fits your world better. But I can't walk away knowing that I am what's best for you. Get mad, push me away—but for the first time in my life, I'm fighting for something."

I stepped closer. She didn't back away.

Wrapping my arms around her, I inhaled her scent— warm and familiar. I hadn't realized how much I missed something as simple as this.

And then, without a second thought, I kissed her.

She responded immediately—until she didn't.

A sharp slap across my face snapped me back to reality.

"You need to go," she whispered harshly.

Before I could react, the door swung open.

A woman stood there, eyes cold, expression rigid. She scanned me from head to toe with a clear message:

She did not like me.

"So, you're the classless imbecile trying to ruin my daughter's life."

"Excuse me?" I blinked, thrown off by the sudden insult.

"Mother, please. Go back inside. I've got this handled," Raquel pleaded.

"You've been out here for ten minutes—far too much time wasted on the likes of him. Your fiancé is waiting. I suggest you go back inside where you belong."

Fiancé.

The word hit like a punch to the gut.

I turned to Raquel. "You're still getting married?"

She crossed her arms, gaze dropping to the ground. Silent.

And that silence told me everything.