CHAPTER 43 MINA

The waiting room at the police station is cold, unfeeling. It’s the polar opposite of what I’m experiencing inside; a flood of emotions ranging from fear to anger to relief. I’m so thankful Alex was there to stop Jason, I’m terrified that he’s going to be locked away from me forever, and I’m angry that it even got to the point it did where Alex needed to intervene. My thoughts swirl relentlessly, and I look up as my mother places her hand on my knee, which I had been bouncing unconsciously.

“It’s going to be ok, baby girl.”

“I hope so,” I reply, biting my lip. “I really hope so.”

The fact that my parents are here is a surprise and a relief. Right after Alex was taken away by the police and I had given my statement, I had called them. Through tears, I told them what had happened, and how he had stepped in to save the day. Without hesitation they came and scooped me up from the party and brought me here. My father was adamant about paying his bail as soon as an amount was announced.

“He saved you, Mina. He put himself in between you and imminent danger, without a thought for himself. He didn’t hesitate. I will do anything to repay him,” he had said. “I see now why you love him. He is so much more than meets the eye. Like a diamond in the rough.”

So now, here we are, waiting for any news. We’ve been here a few hours already, and I can feel the exhaustion flickering behind my eyelids.

My phone rings and I scramble to answer it. It’s Katie.

“Katie, are you ok?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine! Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m with my parents at the police station. We’re waiting for news about Alex. My dad wants to pay his bail.”

“Well hopefully you don’t have to wait too much longer. Jason isn’t pressing charges.”

“What?” I can’t believe it. “What did you say?”

“Apparently he had his lawyer by his side when he talked to the cops. The guy advised him not to press charges, because if this went to court, it would all blow up and he could lose his license because of the video evidence of the sexual assault. The lawyer said at least this way, he might get away with some sort of probationary period, though it’s still a gamble. He might lose everything anyway, but that will depend on the medical board.”

“Holy shit. How did you find all this out so quickly?”

“Bitch, you know me! I’ve got connections, and I’m nosy as fuck. After everything went down, I followed the ambulance to the hospital. Figured someone had to be here picking up the breadcrumbs to give you an update!”

“You’re the best.”

“You know it! But yeah. So the only way he could even try to save what little dignity he has left is to drop this. Plus, apparently he was high as a kite. Man has a whole ass coke addiction.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah. And girl, when I tell you he is fucked up… he’s fucked up. He doesn’t even look recognizable. I heard one of the other doctors saying he ruptured both testicles in the attack, and he’s going to need plastic surgery to fix his face.”

“Serves him right.”

“Hell yeah it does. But the point is, your man is a beast. Takes no prisoners.”

“I know it. I’m so glad he was able to come. I’m thankful for you too.” My eyes mist with tears as I continue, “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if you both hadn’t intervened.”

“Well, don’t think about that. It didn’t happen, let’s not dwell on what-ifs. Unless something crazy happens and we do wind up in court. Then we can throw out all the what-ifs till the jury’s head spins.”’

“I love you, you know that? You’re the best friend a girl could have.”

“I know, and I love you too. You better name your first baby after me!”

“Ha! That’s a long ways away, girl.”

“Still. You better do it.”

I realize my parents are looking at me expectantly, confused by my suddenly happier demeanor. “I’m gonna update my parents. If anything else happens, please let me know!”

“I will. We’ll talk soon regardless. Love you!”

“Love you.”

I hang up and turn to my parents. “So, great news is that Jason isn’t pressing any charges.”

“Really?” My father is incredulous. “From what you described, he could probably get quite the settlement for personal injury.”

“Yeah. Apparently his lawyer had the common sense to remind him that if this goes to court, it’ll blow up and the sexual harassment and assault will become public knowledge, along with the video evidence. It would look bad for the hospital and medical board, so he would most definitely lose his license. If he chooses not to press charges, it stays out of the public eye and he can get some sort of probation from the medical board and maybe start fresh somewhere else.”

“He should lose his license anyway!” my mother snaps. “He’s a monster!”

“And he still might,” I say. “This way though, he can hold on to the shred of hope that he gets to keep it. Pressing charges just leads to him losing everything, including his reputation. He’s too egotistical to let that happen.”

“Well, that’s good news for Alex then,” my father says, “as long as the DA doesn’t pick up the case and press charges themselves.”

“Wait, that can happen?”

“Oh yes. If they deem the crime horrific enough, they can still pick up the case and pursue it anyway.”

My elation turns to dread. “Do you think that will happen?”

“Honestly, no. I don’t. Given the state of crime in the city, and the fact that this was a crime of passion that followed a documented trail of harassment and sexual assault, I think they would consider this one a wash. Not worth the time to prosecute, since Alex was severely provoked.”

“Oh, I hope that’s the case.” I wring my hands nervously. “I just want this to be over.”

A deputy pokes his head out of the door. “You are the family of Alex Guirero, right?”

“Yes, that’s us,” my father stands and walks toward the door. “I’m his father-in-law. Do you have an update?”

My stomach flutters at the sound of my dad calling Alex his son-in-law. Family. This is what I had only dreamed of. Shame it took a damn assault to make it happen, but it seems like in my father’s eyes, at least for now, all is forgiven between us.

“Great news, then! We will be releasing him shortly. He’s just gotta go through some paperwork and stuff first, but it won’t be much longer. Then you can take him home.”

“Oh, thank god,” I exhale.

“Thank you, officer,” my father says, extending his hand for a firm handshake. “Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” He looks past my father to address me and my mom. “Hang tight, ladies. He’s almost done.”

A little while later the door opens again, and Alex emerges. I fly across the room and bury my face in his chest, holding him close. After all the drama of the night, the only thing I want is to be safe in his arms, and for him to be secure in mine.

“I thought they were going to take you from me,” I whisper, breathing in his scent. “I thought I lost you.”

“No, Princess. As long as I’m breathing, you’ll never lose me. I’ll always find my way back to you.” He holds me tightly and presses a kiss to the top of my head.

My father clears his throat, causing Alex to release the embrace.

“Sir, I—” his words trail off as my father practically tackles him in a hug.

“Thank you. Thank you for stepping in to save my daughter. We are all indebted to you.”

“Oh, sir, you don’t need to thank me. I was doing what any man would do in my position. I love your daughter, and I’d do anything for her.”

“We see that,” my mother said softly, approaching him. “I’m so sorry that we passed judgement on you. You are marvelous. It’s no wonder our Mina chose you. We were… I was wrong.”

My father steps aside so my mother can embrace him. My eyes well with tears again, but this time they are tears of joy and relief. Everything is going to be ok.

It has been three weeks since the Halloween incident, as we’ve all taken to calling it. Jason was fired, of course, given the circumstances surrounding everything. Between the harassment and assault, and the drug problem, it was a no-brainer for the board to revoke his license. He’s still here in the hospital but should be discharged later this week. If he wants to get his license back, he’s going to have to go to rehab and therapy, and his best bet is to try to apply for it in another state. Finally, I’m free. I won’t have to worry about him anymore.

I flit around the apartment, lighting candles and scattering rose petals on the floor as I ponder this past week, and what comes next.

Part of me worries about potential victims in his future, but I think he learned his lesson. Alex all but castrated him, so sex will probably be the last thing on his mind for a long time. Alex has been so patient with me in the aftermath of my traumatic experience, giving me whatever I need and being respectful of any physical contact. I’ve seen a therapist, and she’s helping me work through everything. Everyone has a different timeline for healing, and how they handle the trauma, but I think I’m ready. Alex doesn’t know it, but tonight, I’m planning to jump his bones. My monster rested for a little while, but she’s awake again, and she’s hungry.

If ads affect your reading experience, click here to remove ads on this page.