25-1

Chapter Twenty Five - Hurting Heart I sigh in relief as the warm water hits my hair and back before trickling down. The large cut on my lower leg is protected from getting wet but the other scrapes and sore spots still ache in protest. All I want to do is clean myself up and get into bed. Understandably Judah wasn't going to wake up until the next morning so Theo insisted we get a hotel and stay there. Realizing that we need showers and new clothes it didn't take long for me to give in. Roman is staying back with Judah so that he has a familiar face to wake up to. I still want to go back to the hospital tomorrow morning though. My eyes flutter shut tiredly and I release a shuddering breath when everything hits me like a ton of bricks. Memories flash through my mind and I can't stop thinking about what could have happened. But then images of Liam shooting Judah resurface, reminding me of what did occur. I don't realize when my tears begin mixing with the water. If I had just injured Liam a little more he wouldn't have caught up to us that quick. Then Aria's frightened face flashes through my mind like a haunting memory. Harsh yet quiet sobs escape me when I realize the damage that's been done. I feel like a failure. Suddenly I register the door of the shower sliding open which makes my muscles tense. Just as quick as panic enters my system relief overtakes it moments later. Theo presses his bare body against mine and wraps his arms around my waist from behind. I relax instantly and cover his hands with my own. He peppers kisses to my warm skin before resting his chin in the crook of my shoulder. "You're safe Char. Aria is fine and Judah is healing." His voice is like a comforting murmur and I lean my head back against his broad shoulder. "I know..." I reply softly but more tears spill out of the corners of my eyes regardless. "But I keep thinking about what I could've done. Judah shouldn't have gotten hurt...it should've been me –" "Charlotte!" His voice is firm and unwavering as his grip tightens on me. I can't keep my emotions at bay anymore and find myself breaking down. "I was s-so stupid. I-I shouldn't have let him near us, should've r-reported him the day he locked me in the c-closet. This a-all happened because I-I was so fucking naïve!" At the sound of my sobs, he whirls me around with wide eyes that quickly become pained. "No, this happened because Liam became obsessive to the point where he couldn't see reason anymore. You did as much as you could to get out of there. You protected Aria and slowed Judah's bleeding. He's stable now because of it." I cry harder over his words and hug him tightly. "B-But –" "Stop thinking about the what-ifs and the should haves. Yes Liam was shady but he put on the act of wanting to be a father to Aria just as easily. Were you with him when he decided to become a raging psycho?" He asks and I shake my head. "Did you go willingly with him?" "No." I murmur and squeeze my eyes shut as I'm reminded of what happened that morning. "Did you tell him to shoot Judah?" He continues and I shake my head again. "Then I don't see why you should be blaming yourself." I remain silent and process his words. The burning ache in my heart and the lingering memories ease a little. I hide my face in the crook of his neck and hug him tightly. It feels like he's the lifeguard yanking me out of the water before I drown. "I understand it was traumatic. I get that it's hard to not overthink and blame yourself." His fingertips trace my spine as he talks softly. "I'm not going to tell you to stop because I know it'll take time. Just know that I'm here for you even if all you need is a hug, a shoulder to cry on or someone to pull you out of those thoughts." "Thank you." I kiss his shoulder before he gently pushes me under the spray of water. I sigh contently and close my eyes when he begins to shampoo my hair. His fingers massage my scalp before rinsing and I almost fall asleep. A small smile graces my lips as he cleans the rest of my body delicately, as if I will break at the slightest bit of harshness. Tears spring to my eyes but this time they're happy ones. He looks up just as I'm about to wipe them away. "Hey, what's wrong sunshine?" The nickname makes me laugh and I suddenly realize how much I've missed it. I pull him closer and wind my arms around his neck. His hands grip my waist as he stares at me with concern. I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with him more. "I missed you." I whisper against his lips while gazing at him through blurry vision. "I love you." "I love you too Char." He smiles handsomely before pecking me softly. "Come on, let's get out of the shower before we look like prunes." "Please, not yet!" I catch his wrist and tug him back to me. "Don't go...just a few more minutes." "I'm not going anywhere." He trails his fingertips up and down my arms lazily. "Trust me, I'd never think about leaving your side." I smile at that and we spend the next moment in each other's arms, stealing kisses. Eventually we get out and he helps me into the new pajamas he had bought for me. I roll my eyes playfully when he picks me up bridal style the second I'm out of the bathroom. He winks in response before laying me down and getting underneath the covers with me. Aria sleeps soundly on the other bed and I feel content knowing she's with me. Theo's arm drapes across my waist and he pulls me tight against him. I cuddle up to him and he leaves a lingering kiss on my forehead. "Goodnight Char." He whispers as his hand slips under my shirt to caress my skin. "Goodnight Theo." "I love you." I barely hear him whisper and it leaves a smile on my lips as I drift off to dreamland. *** We drive back to the hospital the next morning and make our way up to the ward Judah's in. Roman steps outside just as we reach the door and tells us he's awake. My heart starts racing a little due to nervousness. To calm myself I hold onto Aria loosely as he updates us about his health. "They've ran some more tests and bloodwork. He's doing fine so I'm going to go clean up and then check in with the police. I'll text you when I'm back okay?" "Yeah that's fine, no rush. We'll be here." Theo smiles before we go in. Judah lays there with the white blanket up to his chest. He's typing away on his phone with one hand but drops it when he sees us. A huge smile blooms across his lips and he opens his arms for a hug which Theo accepts first. "You're an idiot but thank you." They laugh and hug it out. "I'm glad you're safe." "Eh, just a scratch." Judah winks before his gaze lands on Aria. "Hey Aria, how are you?" "I'm good! Thanks for helping us Judah." She smiles shyly before pushing up on her tip toes to peck his cheek. "Does it hurt?" "Anytime sweetheart! I'm so glad you're safe." He kisses her forehead before shaking his head. "Not at all. I want to get out of here already!" She giggles at that and I smile before he looks at me. He pats the bed softly and I take a seat. "Judah...I...I'm –" "Happy to see me awake? Why thank you Charlie, that's so sweet!" He grins charmingly and I shake my head playfully. "Thank you." I whisper and give his hand a squeeze. "If you weren't there we...just...thank you. I'm so sorry this happened." "I would do it again in a heartbeat." He smiles tenderly and kisses my hand before smirking smugly at Theo. He narrows his eyes in mock warning which makes me laugh. "Don't blame yourself yeah? Shit happens." "Jude!" Theo groans and we look over to see Aria smiling mischievously. "Ten bucks you don't say that until you're much older." Judah bargains and I facepalm.