ELEVEN
Nick sat close to Joy and locked his fingers in hers. Some drips were connected to her hands, transmitting medicine into her blood through veins and it was assuring that the heart rate monitor was reading perfectly. She was asleep as the doctor suggested that rest was an essential technique for speedy recovery.
He watched her sleep, admiring her beautiful face. He had missed her terribly and the main reason he returned to the country was to see her face. She was the only girl who didn't criticize his bad behaviors. Most girls would see a player and run but she didn't. She treated him with love even though he knew they could only remain friends, that's what she wanted. He had asked her out once and she laughed it off, thinking he was joking.
He felt her finger rise and a happy smile adorned his face. She was finally awake, her eyes a little bit drowsy.
"You're awake? I should call the doctor," he reasoned.
"No, I'm fine. You don't want him to come in with dos and don'ts, you know," she chuckled slightly, revealing her perfect set of teeth.
Nick chuckled to and helped her seat up, carefully making sure the drip was intact, "Thank goodness you are finally awake. I was really scared."
"It's not like I was going to die," she smiled faintly, "and besides when did the fearless guy start getting scared?" she mocked him playfully.
"I still have fears you know," he winked and stood up to dress the curtains.
"Ahhh," she nodded, "you did say, playboys' have nothing to fear. Dating several girls is bravery..."
"Not now Joy, not in this case." he frowned.
"don't give me that look. You look ugly like that," she laughed.
Nick ruffled his hair shyly. How can one who just underwent surgery be this lively? That's who she is, the Joy who sends shivers down his spine and makes him laugh endlessly, not minding the terrible person he is.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he pinched her palms softly, making her moan.
"I thought I could handle it. I thought it wasn't something big, I thought-" her eyes were getting wet and she bit her lips to swallow her pain.
"It's fine, what is important is that you are safe and sound now. I would always be here for you," he pulled her for a hug, gently stroking her hair.
She sniffed hard and ended up infecting his Jacket with mucus.
"Eww," Nick made a funny face, "you are going to launder this jacket, so get well soon." he chuckled.
Joy smiled, "sure. Where is James?"
Nick olas scratched his head nervously. Should I tell her? No...It would hurt to know James hasn't been here for days now.'
"He came by in the morning. He left after Claire called from the office," he lied.
"Oh, okay." Her eyes roamed around the room, "when am I getting discharged?"
"Tired already?" He chuckled, "After you've recovered, Baby."
Her cheeks heated up. Doesn't he know the effects such sweet words coming from him does to her? But then, he is a player which makes him fluent with them.
"It's Joy, ass hole." she slapped his head slightly trying to hide her inner feelings.
Mere words shouldn't shake her resolve, else she wouldn't be able to stand bigger things.
'A player is a player and would only remain a player,' she reminded herself.
::::::::
James's brows raised and his eyes furrowed in disbelief, "Your uncle?"
'How could he do such a thing? And your parents?' He wanted to pour out lots of questions at her but decided to take things slowly. He did get to know the truth at the end after all.
Merlin nodded slowly, her eyes wet from tears.
James held her hand giving her an assuring look that all was fine and it was okay to cry. "Crying doesn't kill, let out your pain, we can share it."
She raised her head up, trying not to sniff. James wiped her tears - it hurts to see her in pain. He felt like he was meant to protect her. She was his woman, I suppose? Whoever hurt her did get in trouble....
She smiled softly to pretend she was fine, clutching her fingers together, she opened up.
"I was 5 when my parents died in a fatal accident. Uncle Patrick took me in since some of my relatives lived abroad."
She paused. Looked at him and continued.
"It started when I was twelve, he did say nasty things about my body. I was young and didn't understand." Merlin paused and sneezed, tying her hair to a bun.
"Then when I turned 16, he made advances at me. Always touching my breast and saying that he...."
She sobbed as she spoke, heads down. James's eyes were on her all the time. He felt bad for not being there to protect her.
"He made me do things to him - things I hated. He took advantage of my weakness and raped me severally in one day. I became his sex tool and when he got tired from making out, he did ask me to dance around nude in front of him or worst still, suck his dick endlessly. My mouth got sore from sucking and my thighs ached severally. I was in bondage and there was no one to help me..."
She broke down in tears. James clenched his fist in anger. How could someone hurt his girl? He could feel her pain and every tear she shed broke his heart into several uncountable pieces.
He cuddled her and she rested in the comfort of his chest. The little hairs on his naked chest vibrated as she rested her head. She could feel his heart beat faster and an unnoticed smile appeared on her lips. Soft lies - she thought.
He patted her now dry hair slowly as if putting a baby to sleep. She was a part of him now and he would protect her - with everything. Her past was a terrible memory and he hoped to create sweet ones with her. He did keep her away from pain and bring her close to his heart, that was all he thought at that moment. She was his - and he wasn't going to let her go. Then he noticed the story wasn't complete yet.
"Merlin, about your uncle?" He asked, hoping he did be in jail. He deserved worse than that and he was going to make him suffer - just one call and Patrick would be in exile.
"Hmm?" She asked, lifting her eyes.
"Where is the bastard?" He repeated looking into her eyes. Those powerful eyes.
Merlin stared back at him and murmured "I killed him,"
James stared at her not knowing what to say. He did deserve to die though but she killing him was.....he just didn't understand.
"What?" He found his tongue upon realizing what she just said. It sank into his brain.