“How come?”
I rapidly told her a summarized version of my mother’s story. I needed her to understand why I had kept her at a safe distance, even when I knew she had become a vital part of my life.
“That’s so sad…”
“It explains a lot, and I’m happy she finally told me the truth.”
“Will you forgive her?”
I shrugged. “There’s nothing to forgive. She was too young and in a terrible position, with little support to cope with it. Her own father didn’t believe her, so why would the rest of the world?”
“Yes, I guess it’s easy to understand…” she mumbled, squirming in bed.
“You’re in pain,” I stated. “I’ll call the nurse.”
“Not yet,” she stopped me, putting her hand in mine. “Painkillers make me sleepy, and I don’t want to sleep.”
I caressed her hand before I kissed it. “What do you want?” I asked, knowing she had wanted to ask me something ever since she woke up.
***
Ailani
I closed my eyes for a moment before I faced Jayden again. Though I had tried to ignore it, to pretend everything was alright, I was scared to death. The horror and the pain I had gone through had been so much worse than I ever thought it could be. Daniel hadn't restrained himself at all. I had felt every ounce of his rage against me on every inch of my body.
It would kill me to know he was out there, still free, waiting to drag me back to hell. I couldn’t go through it again… not anymore.
“I need to know… where is he?” I asked, in a low tone.
“In jail, waiting for his bail hearing. The police charged him with attempted murder, rape, and aggravated assault,” he answered, kissing my hand once more.
Jayden’s eyes became as dark as the skies right before a storm. He was having a hard time accepting what had happened to me, and I guess it was too much to take.
I wanted to ask him how he felt, but the answer scared me more than anything. I wasn’t prepared to see disgust or repulsion in his eyes. Though I would understand, it would kill me. Whatever we had; I didn’t know if it was strong enough to survive the nightmare my life had been.
“Bail? Is it possible he will be granted bail?” I asked, scared.
“Possible yes… but it shouldn’t happen, not with all the evidence the police and the private investigator I hired dug up on Hudson. But you never know,” he replied.
“When will it be?” I asked, a bit anxious.
I knew he would come for me the minute he was free. He wasn’t thinking straight… his insane obsession was ruling his actions, and nothing good would come of that.
Jayden glanced at the wristwatch. “It should take place in an hour,” he informed me.
“Don’t they need my testimony?” I asked, with a slight frown.
“Are you up to it? The doctors didn’t advise…” he asked, concerned.
“If it will keep him in jail, then yes, I’m up to it,” I assured him.
“A detective is waiting outside. I can call him if you really feel the need,” he said, though it was clear he disapproved. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“I’ll have to, sooner or later…”
He nodded and jumped out of his chair to get the detective. The man, in his mid-forties, immediately arrived, with a small recorder in hand, ready to take my statement.
I considered asking Jayden to leave us alone, but this way, I wouldn’t have to tell my dark story twice.
