Fractured

“Ha!” I shake my head. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

“You’re such a shit.” I get a slap on the back in camaraderie. “I’m happy for you both. It’s not easy getting through shit like that.”

“She told me she wants me to go along with her to see her therapist. Which I’m definitely going to do.” I can’t help my chest from filling with warmth at the thought of her taking the initiative. I always knew she was more grown-up than most adults, but her maturity in this situation has shone through.

“If she’s ready to take that step, have you in the room with someone she’s spoken to professionally, you shouldn’t worry too much. I’ve seen situations like these, and some girls aren’t as levelheaded. Not that I can blame them, but some take longer than others. Autumn seems to be a girl who’s stronger than most.” The thought of Mark knowing and seeing situations like this makes me sick to my stomach.

“When is my mother’s trial?” I ask, thinking about my mother, who I haven’t seen since I watched her get taken away in cuffs. Her lover, the asshole who stole Autumn, has also been locked away, but I won’t feel settled until I know my mother is also behind bars for life.

“I think Jackson said it’s in a week’s time. We’ll check up on it. I know your dad’s colleague was one of the main witnesses, along with three of the girls who have decided to take the stand. If Autumn wants to, she can still put her name down, and the state will accept.”

“I’ll talk to her, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea. I’ll let my girl decide.” We’re just finishing up our conversation when we’re called into the meeting, and I know it’s going to be a long day when I see two boxes of files waiting for us.

Epilogue

Autumn

Three Years Later…

It’s almost my twenty-second birthday, and I’m about to graduate with my hard-earned degree in musicology. To say I’m nervous would be an understatement, but everyone is here, even JD’s friends from work. After all, we’ve been through together, the guys have been like family to us.

The apartment will soon be filled with gifts, food, and friendly conversation. When we first moved in, we made it our home, and it’s become one of my favorite places to be. With the sun streaming through the windows, it warms the living room and kitchen, and in the evenings, the sun sets right into our bedroom, offering up a seductive, yet sensual glow.

“How’s my amazing girl?” JD whispers as he walks up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist and pulling me close to him. The heat of him makes me smile, and I lean into him, enjoying his touch.

After months of therapy, and JD’s relentlessness at giving me pleasure, allowing me to be in control when we’re intimate, I’ve overcome my fear and the pain that reminded me of what I’d been through.

I’ve fallen deeper in love with him, and I never thought it was possible. I smile as I turn in his arms. “I’m nervous, but I’m excited to get started on this new journey.”

Once I graduate, I’ll be working with young children who want to learn about music, who have dreams of making it big. When I chose my major, I didn’t think about what I’d be doing with it, but after my ordeal, I know I want to give strength to those who don’t have it.

I found my solace in music, and I’d like to give that gift to others. I still sing, but only for JD. His eyes sparkle with mischief as he looks down at me.

“I have a surprise for you,” he tells me before planting a kiss on my lips. We mold together, fitting like puzzle pieces.

“Where is it?” I ask, looking directly at him. He knows how I feel about surprises, but he always loves doing them.

“It’s not time yet. Be patient,” JD teases, kissing me quickly before the kitchen fills with Jackson and Mark who’ve brought me a gift.

“Congratulations, Autumn.” Jackson grins. “Don’t distract my Newb here too much tonight because we need him at work tomorrow.” They all chuckle, which has my cheeks warming.

“It’s not me you have to worry about; it’s him. He tends to keep me up late,” I jest, causing another ruckus of laughs to fill the room. I quickly got used to their teasing, and it made me feel like I had a few older brothers to be there for me.

“We can’t stay long, there’s a job we need to take care of, but JD’s got the day off to spend with you. This is an important day, and we hope you enjoy it to its fullest.”

“Thank you, that means a lot to me,” I tell them both earnestly. Jackson hands me the box, which is heavy. I don’t wait to open it, setting it on the counter and ripping at the paper like I do on Christmas mornings.