You and Me: The Aviana Series

Traumatized

"Shhh, I've got you, I've got you, baby," soothes Avan to a trembling Ariana. He wraps an arm around her stomach and pulls her into his chest. "He's coming after me Avan please don't let him get me!" She begins to sob into his chest. "Shhh, you were dreaming sweetheart," he says. Avan rests his chin on top of her head, stroking her hair.

Ever since the attack, Ariana has been a mess. She is afraid to be alone, she has bad dreams almost every night, and she is just not herself, to mention a few cases. Instead of her cute, sweet, and funny personality, the petite brunette is timid, nervous, and depressed. The doctors said that the mental healing process will take time, but she will never forget what happened to her. Not the mention the physical injuries: the broken leg, black eye, brusies and cuts on her body. Tears well up in Avan's eyes every time he thinks of how much pain she is constantly in. However, the worst part for both Avan and Ariana is the fact that she will never be able to have children.

He did that to her when he raped her.

Ariana's crying settles down. Her body stops shaking. She sniffles a few times, and looks up at Avan. "I remember more of what he looked like this time," she says innocently, staring, terrified, into space. Avan sits up a bit and lifts her so she is sitting up too. Ari continues to stare. "He had black hair. It looked shiny, like he had grease in it. He had tight shirt on, and jeans with a chain through the belt loop. And a tatoo on his right arm. I'm not sure what it was though." She pauses for a moment, holding back tears. "And then he grabbed my arm and I fell on the ground. That's the end of the dream," she whispers, her head resting on Avan's strong upper arm. Avan's eyes glide to Ariana's left arm, where there is a purple bruise and almost evident hand mark, where she was grabbed and thrown before she was raped.

Avan blinks back a few tears. He puts his hand up Ariana's shirt and rubs her bare back. "I'm sorry," he whispers in her ear, trying not to cry. "I'm so sorry." Ariana's eyes have grown heavy, reaching for sleep. A tear trickles down her face at his words. "I love you, Avan," are her last words before she falls asleep in his arms. He has to lean in to her them, but once he does, Avan lets his tears drop. He places a hand on the side of Ari's head, pushing her into him, holding her there. He kisses her forehead.

He will never forgive himself for letting her go out alone that night. He is her protection, and he let her down. At the very least, he and the police are piecing together the missing information that Ariana is slowly telling them about her memory of that night, one month ago- where she was, and who raped her. And when they find out, Avan will make sure that he is put in jail for life or WORSE.

Ariana means so much more to him now. No one will ever touch her again.

Sorry for the rough topic. I've had it on my mind and figured writing would help. Hope it still tugged at your heartstrings. Let me know what you think! Thanks.

-Jess