"Let's get you a bath and in some clean clothes. How does that sound?" Roman asked after a little while.
"I'd like that," she answered.
They helped her upstairs to the bathroom. He started filling up the tub.
"You want Seth to stay in here and help you?" He asked.
She looked at Seth. Although he had seen her naked many times, it had been five years and she was aware she didn't look as he remembered. Still she wanted to be close to him.
"I guess," she said.
"Alright, I'll leave you to it. I'll find some clothes for you in your room. Mom hasn't touched anything in there," he said.
"Roman?" She said as he was about to leave.
"Yeah?" He stopped and looked at her.
"Don't be mad at mom. She didn't know I was down there. Dad only came down at night with food and water. That's why I kept banging on those pipes. I kept hoping one day she would figure out I was down there," she said.
He tried to smile but it was hard.
"You're out of that hellhole now. That's what matters," he said and walked out, closing the door behind him.
Seth walked over to her.
"I'm not sure how to do this," he admitted.
"Me neither," she said and smiled at him. "Maybe help me out of my clothes?"
He pulled the dress over her head. She was only wearing panties underneath. He tried his best not to stare at her body as he pulled them down. Now was not the time or place. Once she was naked, he helped her down in the tub.
"You have no idea how good it feels," she said and closed her eyes.
He let her lie like that for a little while before finally breaking the silence. He helped her wash her hair and body. There was a knock on the door. He walked over and opened it a bit. Roman handed him some clothes. He took it and closed the door again. He put the clothes down and grabbed a towel.
"Ready to get up?" He asked.
She smiled and nodded.
He helped her out of the tub and dried her. She kept her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. Afterwards he helped her get dressed. She turned and looked at herself in the mirror.
"That's not the face I remember," she said as she saw herself.
He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, put his head on her shoulder and caught her eyes in the mirror.
"I never forgot about you," he said.
"The thought of you was what helped me stay strong down there," she said.
He kissed her cheek and she blushed.
"I know it's been five years and you need time and I'm gonna give it to you. Just know I'm here. Whatever you need, whenever you need it," he said.
She turned around and placed her hands on his shoulders.
"I just need you to be close," she said.
"I won't go anywhere," he said.
He leaned down and placed a little kiss on her lips.
He helped her downstairs where Roman and Dean were waiting. She sat down again.
"Okay, I'm ready. Call the cops," she said.
Roman nodded and went to call. Seth sat down beside her and took her hand.
"When all this is done, I'd like to take you home with me. I'll take care of you. I'll help you in any way that I can," he said.
"I'd like that," she said and smiled.
"I know nothing will ever be like before but I'm ready for that. I'm not leaving," he said and squeezed her hand.
"I'm coming too," Roman said.
They looked up at him. He still had his phone in his hands.
"The cops are on their way. I'm coming too, Seth," he said.
"That's alright. You can stay in the guestroom," Seth said.
Roman sat down on her other side and grabbed her other hand.
"You're not going through this alone and I promise you, he'll never hurt you again," he said.
Shortly after the house was overrun by cops. They were looking through the little room in the basement, taking pictures, asking her questions. It was all so overwhelming. They took her to the station for more questioning and Roman and Seth went with her. Dean stayed behind and packed the twins' clothes and drove it to Seth's place. While they were at the station, cops tracked down their parents and arrested their father. Their mother was driven to the station. She was in shock by the sight of her daughter.
They weren't done till the early morning hours. She was worn out and half asleep. Seth helped her to the car and sat with her in the backseat. Once they reached his house, she had fallen asleep. He carried her inside his house and put her down on his bed. He got her out of her clothes, tucked her in and went into the livingroom where Roman and Dean were sitting.
"She's sleeping," he said.
"Good," Roman said.
Seth walked to a dresser, opened one of the drawers and took out a ring box.
"I want you to see it," he said and handed it to Roman.
He opened it and looked at the ring. He smiled as he saw it was shaped like branches going around. Simple, silver, no stones.
"This proves to me that you're the right man for her. It's perfect," he said and handed it back.
"Thanks," Seth said and put it back in the drawer. "Of course I'm not gonna give it to her now. It's been five years and maybe we won't be able to be around each other like we used to."
"I have a feeling you will. Nothing could come between you back then, not even my father's anger towards you, so in time you'll be back to normal. As normal as you can be given this fucked up situation," Roman said.
"You really think so?" Seth asked.
"Yeah, I do. You're perfect for each other. Besides, do I really need to start telling you about all the late night conversations me and her used to have about you?" Roman said and chuckled.
Seth smiled.
"I never stopped loving her," he said honestly.
"She probably never stopped loving you either," Roman said.
"Yeah, you're probably right," Seth said.
"So why are you in here with us? It's been five year, man. Don't waste another day away from her," Dean said.
Seth looked at Roman for approval. Roman just nodded and smiled. Seth smiled back and walked into the bedroom. He undressed and crawled under the cover. She had her back against him. He laid up against her and put his arm around her waist.
"Seth?" She asked half asleep.
"Yeah, it's me. Go back to sleep," he said and kissed her neck.
"Are you really here?" She asked, still half asleep.
"I'm here. Don't worry. I'll still be here when you wake up," he answered.
