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.

"Deal!" She laughs and shakes his outstretched hand gently.

"Have you eaten yet? Should we get a nurse?" I ask and he shakes his head.

"I had breakfast so I'm all good." He pats his belly lightly with a smile.

"Did they say when you'll be discharged?" Theo asks as I give Aria my phone to play some games on.

"Not yet no, they probably will when my results come back. I doubt I'll be let go early because of the type of wound." He shrugs only to wince briefly when it hurts. "Please don't tell me mom and dad have lost their minds?"

Just then the door opens and we turn to see Michelle and Evan step inside. I get off the bed to see Judah glare at Theo for a moment before smiling at his parents. Michelle and Evan rush to his side as I take a seat beside Theo.

"Oh my god! Are you okay?!" Michelle rambles in a panicked tone as she fawns over him.

"Does it hurt?! What did the doctors say?!" Evan asks equally concerned.

"I'm fine and no, it doesn't hurt as much." He tries to reassure them with a smile. "I promise, I'm absolutely fine."

Both hover around him for a few more seconds before they turn to me. Michelle's eyes brim with tears as she rushes over to me. I stand just in time for her to pull me in a tight hug and call Aria over. Evan joins our embrace and we stand holding onto each other before pulling away when content.

"I'm so relieved you both are safe and here. We were worried sick!" She kisses my forehead before bending down to do the same to Aria.

"Any injuries? Did the doctors or nurses check you?" Evan asks worriedly and exhales in relief when I nod.

"Just a few scrapes and bruises, we'll be fine." I smile reassuringly as Aria takes her seat again with my phone.

They sit down on the other chairs before Michelle shakes her head in disbelief. "What happened?"

I take a deep breath and glance at Theo. He smiles gently while taking my hand in his with a nod. Turning back to them I tell them everything that happened. Their expressions range from confusion to shock to worry and lastly anger.

"Where is he now?" Evan asks softly after I finish.

"He's in this hospital, has three bullet wounds and other injuries. I think he's woken up but as soon he heals he's being transported to jail." Theo clarifies as he rubs the pad of his thumb against my skin absentmindedly.

"If the police have everything they need you guys should head home. We can stay with Judah and fly out after he's discharged." Michelle murmurs as she casts a worried glance at him.

"A-Are you sure? We can –"

"No, no!" She shakes her head adamantly in refusal. "You both need rest too and I'm sure you'd like to be back home. Theo, see if you can get a flight out for tonight or tomorrow morning?"

"On it." He grins just as Roman comes back.

His eyes widen before they dart to the brown paper bag. Judah's face lights up in excitement whereas their parents' eyes narrow in suspicion. They get up to hug him before Evan grabs the bag from him and looks inside.

"Judah...seriously?!" Evan sighs heavily with a glare. "You can't eat this junk. The hospital will be giving you the food you need. Roman, you know better!"

"Dad come on! You know I don't like hospital food, it's all so bland to me!" He protests but inhales sharply after he accidentally throws up his arms.

"Oh god, are you okay?" Michelle frowns as she places her hand lightly near his wound. "Evan let him have it please? Did you have breakfast today sweetheart?"

"Yeah but I'm hungry again so..." He trails off with big, innocent eyes.

I watch as she melts and immediately grabs the bag from Evan. He sighs before grumbling under his breath about how she can never say no to him. Michelle glares in response which makes us all laugh. Judah takes a bite out of his burger and chips happily before offering everyone some.

"Rome? Are you staying or does Elena need you back home?" Evan asks and Roman nods in response.

"I'll stay just until things are fully cleared with the police here. Elena's got Noah and Mac helping out so she said it's fine." He crosses his arms and leans against the wall before looking at us. "You guys heading home?"

"Yeah, these two need some rest. There's a flight leaving tonight so we'll take that." Theo answers and I nod in agreement. "We'll be filing charges as soon as they've settled back in."

I am starting to feel a little uneasy though over the thought of returning home. Mine and Aria's safety and privacy was violated. I don't think I'll be comfortable staying there and will most likely be paranoid all the time even though there's no threat anymore. Looks like I'll be searching for a new house, I think to myself with a soft sigh.

We stay with Judah for a while longer before the doctors come in. After we're told that he's recovering well and there isn't any signs of irritations they leave. His eyelids start fluttering shut and we get up to hug him goodbye. I step forward after Theo and Aria and smile at him gently.

"Get well soon and I'll see you back in Dallas okay?" I murmur as I hug him while avoiding pressing down on his chest.

"I will. Have a...safe...flight. Bye...guys." He mumbles sleepily before his eyes fully close and he's out like a light.

I chuckle before hugging Michelle, Evan, and Roman goodbye. Theo takes my hand as soon as I step out of the room and intertwines it with his. We make our way out of the hospital and into the rental car waiting for us.

I stare out at the scenery as we drive to our hotel. It's only a ten-minute drive and we ask the driver to wait before we go inside to grab our things. Checking out is easy enough and Theo handles it all before we're back in the car and off towards the airport. I lean my head against his shoulder with a tired sigh before looping my arm through his.

"We'll be home soon." He whispers with a soft kiss to my temple. Aria is cuddled up to him too and already snoring away. "I want you guys to stay with me if you're okay with it?"

At that I pull away and stare at him in surprise. "What?"

"Just for my peace of mind please?" He pleads softly and I find myself melting under those pale green eyes. "I don't want to be far from you two right now."

I hesitate before nodding. "Okay, I'd feel safer with you too."

A gorgeous smile brightens his features. "I love you sunshine."

"I missed hearing that." I laugh and lean against him again. "I love you too Theo."

"My sweet ray of sunshine." He grins with a cheeky wink.

As we take off three hours later I find myself looking down at the lands of Mexico. Sadness creeps within me when I realize I have nothing but bad memories of my time here. But when Theo drapes his arm across my shoulders and pulls me close it eases the heartache a little.

I inhale his cologne discreetly and close my eyes. He feels like a security blanket wrapped around me in a loving embrace. I realize then that no matter where I go I'll only feel like home when I'm with Theo. There's no place I'd rather be.

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