Christian (The Mitchell/Healy Family #3)(40)
Author: Jennifer Foor

Then I replied.

Seth,

I’d like to hear your side of the story face to face. Meet me at the library at ten p.m. so we can work this out.

Ethan

There was nothing to discuss. I wanted the fucker to pay for what he’d done, and I’d make sure he got what was coming, even if I had to use my fists to get the job done.

Chapter 25

Christian

The white walls matched the floor. I didn’t know if that bothered me more, or what they had me wearing. Even in the hospital bed I was annoyed by the hospital gown being open in the back.

My parents sat next to each other beside the bed. During the ride they’d asked for details, which I wasn’t willing to pervade them to. Some things were better left unsaid, and in this case my sexual experiences, both good and horrible, were off limits.

I’d suffered enough in the past few days, and I knew I’d have to explain to the slew of doctors who were coming to evaluate me. I’d already been poked by a nurse who drew my blood and did vitals. An officer was on the way, but I wasn’t sure why because I’d washed away any ounce of proof, besides the fact that it could be argued I had consensual sex with him hours before. I suppose they needed my formal statement, which meant this was going to get ugly. Since I’d already been threatened, I didn’t want to think what else would come from this kind of publicity. In true family fashion my brother and Shalan showed up shortly after. I could tell his fiancée was reluctant to speak to me. She seemed uncomfortable, like he’d made her accompany him.

As much as I appreciated the support, I couldn’t help but wonder what they were all thinking. It made me feel weak like they were afraid they couldn’t leave me alone for even a few minutes.

The officer arrived, and much to my surprise it wasn’t a female detective. The man asked my family to leave the room while he took my statement. Since it was so involved I knew it was important to start from the beginning. If my parents were adamant about taking Seth down than I had to make sure they had every single detail.

Starting from the strip club I accounted every single moment I’d spent with Seth. When I struggled with some parts he waited for me to get myself together in order to continue. While he wasn’t a woman, I appreciated how sympathetic he was to my situation. He gave me statistics, and reminded me that it was never the victim’s fault, even if they taunted their attacker, which I hadn’t.

It didn’t stop me from crying halfway through, or feeling like a slut explaining what we’d done and where it happened.

Just when I thought he’d changed his mind about me he smiled and put his pen down then proceeded to assure me that I wasn’t the first person to fool around in a movie theater. It still embarrassed me, but at least made me feel like he was attempting to get me to feel better.

After nearly an hour of questions the officer left, and my family filled in the tiny room. They said their goodbyes, all of them leaving me to get rest. It wasn’t without a fight though. My mom wanted to stay, but I convinced her that I needed to sleep. After making sure the nurse was going to provide me with some kind of medication to help me relax, she followed the rest of my family out.

The moment I knew I was alone I located the phone and dialed Ethan. I didn’t expect him to answer, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to close my eyes and sleep if I didn’t at least leave him a message telling him how sorry I was.

If I’d known he’d react so angrily maybe I wouldn’t have done it. Even though I didn’t understand why it was so important to him, I appreciated that he cared enough to be upset.

Nothing surprised me more than him answering on the first ring. “Chris? Are you alright?”

“Not really.”

“Are your parents still there with you?” He asked.

“No. They all left. Noah and Shalan were also here. I made them all leave so I could rest.”

“You don’t sound like you’re restin’.”

I shrugged even though he couldn’t see me. “Yeah, well I have a lot on my mind.”

“About earlier.”

“I’m so sorry, Ethan. I didn’t mean to hurt you. If I could take back everything I would.”

“I hooked up with someone when I left tonight.” His confession shocked me. “I know I don’t have to tell you what I do, but I felt bad as soon as it started. What you did pissed me off. No, it wasn’t just that. It hurt. I guess after all this time I felt like I’d always be every one of your firsts. It’s stupid now, because we’re both adults, but how many people can look back at their life and say that they shared everything for the first time with only one person? I wanted that with you, because no matter how mad I get at you, you’ll always be my best friend. You’ll always be the person I turn to; the one I can’t live without.”

I started to bawl. As if my life couldn’t get anymore messed up, I felt devastated over hurting Ethan. Nobody meant more to me than he did. “You’re my best friend too. That mistake ruined my life, Ethan. I’d do anything to take it back. I wish it never happened.”

“I think the hardest part was seeing it happen. I’m sure that was the plan though. Don’t cry, I’ve got a feelin’ that Seth is about to get what’s comin’ to him. Don’t you worry your pretty little head. We’ll get through this.”

“Why do you think that? Did you talk to my father? Did he tell you the police were here?”

“Your dad told me where you were. He let me know that I wouldn’t be able to see you until mornin’.”

“Okay. So your just bein’ optimistic?” I knew Ethan well enough to know when he was keeping something from me. I didn’t have to see his face. “Ethan?”

“I emailed him back, tellin’ him to meet me at ten. We’re goin’ to have a face-to-face and get things straight. It’s time that city boy learns what happens when he messes with a sweet country girl.”

“Please don’t, Ethan. The police are involved now. If you put yourself in the scenario it could be trouble for you. I’m beggin’ you to stay out of it. Please. I need you to be there for me, not locked up for avenging. I don’t need a hero.”

“This ain’t just about you, darlin’.”

“You sound like my father.” His sweet talking wasn’t going to make me change my mind. I didn’t want him going anywhere near Seth.

“Would you feel better if I called you once I’m back home?”