Chapter 53: Taking Her With Me
When AJ woke up the next morning she noticed the TV was off and someone had covered her up, obviously it was Punk and she was feeling terrible about their argument. Maybe it was selfish of her to make such a rash decision without speaking to him first. She headed up the stairs and saw the bed was unmade but he wasn't there. Once she searched upstairs enough she headed down the stairs into the kitchen and saw a note on the counter.
'Went to Colts, I'll be back probably before you. I know you're going to do what you believe is right but so am I. I hope you understand that. I love you'
AJ frowned at the noted and placed it back on the counter. Last night she was sure she was doing the right thing but without Punk's support she wasn't so sure.
AJ went with her gut instead of her head and heart and headed over to the hospital. Detective Williams told her she'd meet her there and when AJ walked to the entrance of the hospital she was already waiting for her.
"Mrs. Brooks I was surprised to get your message" Claudette admitted as they walked inside together
"I'm surprised too" AJ said to her as she pushed the up button on the elevator
"Your husband isn't joining you?" Claudette asked surprised
"He's not very comfortable with the entire thing" AJ admitted as they stepped onto the elevator
"All the more reason I thought he'd show" Claudette told her simply "You do realize he's right. You don't owe this man a damn thing"
"I know" AJ said to her "But I can't live with myself if he dies. I don't want that on me"
"Christian knows that Mrs. Brooks which is why he asked to see you he knew you wouldn't turn him down" Claudette warned her as they reached the fifth floor and AJ followed her off the elevator "You still don't have to go in there"
"I know I don't have to" AJ said firmly
"Oh look at that" Claudette smirked as they rounded the corner in the hospital
"Phil?" AJ asked herself. She was about ten feet away but she saw him sitting in a chair across from what she presumed to be Christian's room
"I knew he'd show" Claudette smirked to AJ before she walked towards him
"What are you doing here?" AJ asked catching Punk's attention
"I'm trying to be a better person" Punk said to her "Well a better husband at least" he stood up and pulled her to the side so they could have some privacy "I don't agree with this and I hate that you're doing this but this is who you are and I don't want you to change that part of you. And the more I thought about it the more proud I am of you that you didn't let him take this good in you away. You're remarkable and I want you to know that"
"Thank you for coming" AJ said with a sigh of relief "Thank you" she whispered again pulling him into a hug "I love you for doing this for me" he pulled away and looked down at her
"Now you're sure right?" Punk asked her "Like I said no one will blame you for letting him rot"
"I am" AJ said to him "Do you want to come in with me?"
"Well another reason I'm here is because I don't trust one single person right now so yea I think I'll be joining you" he said with a tight smile
"Just don't let him egg you on" AJ encouraged
"Don't worry about me" Punk said to her "This is your moment you say what you have to say and you won't even know I'm there"
Claudette stepped into the room dark room first.
"Allergic to the sunlight?" Claudette asked Christian. Both his wrists were cuffed to the bed and he was looking up at the ceiling
"My mornings have no meaning" Christian told her in a dry voice "Did you speak to April?"
"Yes and she's here" Claudette told him and his eyes immediately connected with hers
"Bring her in here" Christian demanded
"Be on your best behavior" Claudette warned "She doesn't have to be here and if you try anything I have my gun on me and I will shoot you down like a dog"
"Bring her to me" Christian whispered as Claudette just opened the door and AJ and Punk stepped in. "April" he smiled not even caring that Punk was with her, he actually expected it "I knew you'd come"
"Christian" AJ said trying to hide her nervousness
"You look absolutely ravishing" Christian smiled softly "Hawaii certainly agreed with you" the subtle line caused Punk to bite on his tongue 'how did he know that?'
"You wanted to see me so here I am" she said simply
"I just needed to see you with my own eyes, see that you're truly alive" Christian said to her
"No thanks to you" AJ said bitterly
"The only thing I would change is making sure you were truly gone" Christian said to her "You can't live without me"
"I'm doing just fine" AJ remarked feeling her nerve starting to come back
"I'm sure you are but what I meant was that I can't let you" Christian told her "Same as I cant live without you"
"It's over Christian" AJ informed taking a step closer to the bed and Punk held back the urge to tug her back "The games, the violence- you're in prison"
"Steel bars can't keep me from you" Christian said to her simply "Just look where am I now with you"
"This is the last time you are ever going to see me" AJ warned him "Don't ask to see me again either because I won't come"
"Sure you will" he smiled "You don't want me to die"
"You're right" AJ agreed "I want you to rot in a dirty prison cell I want you to live with the guilt"
"I feel a lot of things April, guilt isn't one" Christian informed her "Regret yes but not guilt"
"You are sick" AJ seethed "You didn't kill me and you don't consume me. I haven't given you a second thought in months"
"Every time you look in the mirror or look down at your stomach you'll see me, you'll remember" Christian told her coolly "I left my mark on you and that's just the physical ones. The real deep marks I left on you aren't physical and you know that"
"Look at you" AJ spat looking at him with a disgusted face "You're pathetic. You don't have power, you don't have your money and you don't have freedom"
"I have all I need" Christian countered "I love you April"
"And I hate you" she replied quickly
"That's not true" Christian said to her "You wouldn't be standing here if you did"
"I'm here to prove that I'm better than you, I'm here to show you that I don't need you, I'm here to show you that I'm still standing" AJ said to him proudly "You're going to die alone"
"No we're going to die together" Christian replied
"It's enough" Punk said having heard enough while Claudette observed "You said what you had to say let's go AJ"
"April" Christian said in a smooth mocking voice "He's jealous of me"
"Jealous of you?" Punk asked taking a step forward "I'm disgusted by you and I'm only to tell you try not to fuck up and finish yourself off next time"
"Hostile" Christian smiled "It was shame how that bed sheet couldn't hold my weight, you would have thought that was something I would have considered…"
"I know you only did this because you wanted to see her you're too much of a chicken shit to actually off yourself" Punk spat
"I wasn't too much of a chicken to knife her practically in front of your face" Christian replied and Punk went to lunge at him but AJ stepped in front of him
"Don't" she whispered then looked over to him "He's nothing" she spat at Christian "He's not half of the man you are" she said looking at Punk deeply "He never was and never could be" Christian remained quiet while he watched the newlyweds interact. Punk caught on and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before leaning down and kissing her.
"Do it again" Christian encouraged when the pulled away "I'd like to imagine myself as you" he said to Punk "I'm getting excited just looking at her. Does she still do that thing with her tongue-"
"Enough" Detective Williams said "Your time is up"
"It was more than I hoped for" Christian smiled towards her "Thank you Detective"
"I hope you die" Punk told him coldly
"I wouldn't wish for that because I'll be taking April with me" Christian replied even starling Punk a bit.
"No you won't" AJ said to him happily "You've thrown your best at me and it still wasn't good enough. You don't want me gone because you love me you want me gone because I've bested you time and time again. You're jealous that I'm smarter than you- you hate losing and you simply were no match for me"
"Sweet April you haven't seen anything yet" Christian said smugly "You either Mr. Brooks. Oh and I do hope you're treating our girl with the outmost respect. She's far more beautiful than Ms. Torres"
"Don't worry I treat AJ real good" he smirked with a wink
"Let's go" AJ said grabbing Punk's hand
Once they got back to the house Punk was bothered by the interaction. He again knew more than an incarcerated man should know.
"I feel better" AJ said to him
"Good" Punk said slowly "I don't" he admitted "How did he know we were in Hawaii? Or about Eve?"
"It was on the internet Phil" AJ reminded him "Anybody could have found that out easily"
"It makes me think he's still having us watched" Punk said to her "I don't like the idea of people watching you at home especially when I'm not around"
"It's fine" AJ assured him
"It's not fine" Punk spat "Look I've been giving this a lot of thought…how do you feel about moving?"
"Out of Chicago?" AJ asked
"No" Punk said to her "Just into a bigger place"
"Bigger than this place?" AJ smirked
"We're going to be starting a family one day and we're going to need more space" Punk said to her "Maybe we should start now and get the ball rolling"
"How big of a place?" AJ asked curiously and he smirked
"Huge" Punk said to her "We'll double the size of the gym"
"Can we have a pool?" AJ asked hopefully
"We can have anything you want" he said seriously
"I defiantly want a pool" AJ said and he nodded
"We'll have a pool, a hot tub, a theatre room-" Punk rambled "Everything you've ever dreamed about. Plus better security."
"Ok" she said with a smile "But don't you think we'd be lonely in a great big house with just the two of us?"
"No I'm sure we'd be fine" Punk smirked "Why?"
"Can we get a dog?" she asked with doe eyes
"A dog?" he asked cringing slightly "They're so messy"
"You have to train them" AJ defended
"When would we even have time? We're always on the road and that's not fair to a dog" Punk pointed out
"The puppy can come with us!" AJ reasoned happily
"We're going to be one of those couples?" Punk asked eyeing her "And I guess this means you want a small dog since it would be traveling with us"
"I mean I'm no opposed to a big dog" AJ said to him "But a small one would be easier for us"
"Or we can get a huge Doberman or German Shepherd which also make great guard dogs" Punk said to her
"Whatever you want the bus is big enough" AJ told him
"I don't know AJ…" Punk said to her but she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and started peppering his face with kisses
"Please, please, please, please?" she begged still kissing all over his face
"Damn it AJ" he said feeling himself give in
"I was never able to really have a dog because you know my family never really had a home" She said knowing that would seal the deal
"Shit" he muttered "Can we move first then get the dog?"
"So we can get the dog?" AJ asked looking for confirmation
"You can have whatever you want" Punk said almost annoyed. He can't believe how she had him wrapped around her little dainty finger.
"Thank you" She said hugging him "I can't wait!"
"We have a lot of time" Punk said to her "So take your time picking what kind of dog you want"
"Don't be silly" AJ smiled "You don't pick the dog, the dog picks you"
"Right" Punk smirked "But seriously no dog until we move" he warned "This place isn't big enough-"
"Are you kidding?" AJ mocked "This place could house an entire animal shelter and still have room but I can be patient and wait"
"Good girl" he said with a wink
"So where is Cliff?" AJ asked as her Punk and Colt had lunch together in the kitchen
"He should be over any minute he just had to run an errand" Colt said
"We should have waited for him before we ate" AJ said to them
"No we shouldn't" Punk replied taking a bite out of his food
"So Punk told me you guys are getting a dog" Colt grinned
"I said a house and a dog and you find the dog news to be more exciting?" Punk asked him
"Ignore him AJ he loves dogs" Colt informed her ignoring his friend who rolled his eyes
"Oh I know he's a total marshmallow" AJ giggled
"I am not a marshmallow" Punk defended
"Please he used to sleep with Amy's dog all of the time" Colt told her "And carried him around like a purse"
"I remember that" AJ said to him as they continued to speak as if Punk wasn't even there "He used to show up for shows carrying Kenz. He was selfish too I asked to pet Kenz once and he practically ripped my head off"
"That's not true" Punk remarked
"It is so true" AJ said to him seriously "You just don't remember because you were a huge asshole back than"
"He still is" Colt corrected
"Hey be nice to him" AJ warned Colt with a laugh
"Why would I care if you pet the dog?" Punk asked her
"You were obsessed with Kenz" AJ said and Colt agreed "I said 'oh what a cute dog can I pet him?' and you said 'he is a she and no because I can only imagine where your hand has been'"
"Dude" Colt said insulted for AJ while Punk look mortified
"I didn't say that-" Punk started but AJ just eyed him "Did I?"
"Yup" she confirmed
"I am so sorry" He said to her honestly
"It's fine" AJ smirked "I think I've moved past it"
"Why would you talk to her like that?" Colt asked Punk seriously
"He was a jerk to all of the little people backstage" AJ informed Colt "I was a lonely seamstress he didn't give a crap about me or my feelings"
"That wasn't it" Punk said firmly
"How would you know? You don't even remember insulting her!" Colt pointed out
"I'm sure he only said it because I had mistaken his precious dog for a boy" AJ said grinning at Punk "I think it's sweet how much you loved Kenz"
"You're such a dick" Colt said shaking his in disbelief "Why the hell did you marry him?"
"Shut up" Punk shot at Colt "And I liked Kenz- love is a strong word"
"You loved that dog and when Amy left and took her with her you were heartbroken which is why you don't like dogs now" Colt told him simply
"I don't dislike dogs" Punk said to her "But it's impossible to say 'I like dogs' when all dogs are different. It's like saying 'I like people'. Everyone is different and dogs have their own personalities" he said to them
"I agree" AJ smiled
"Hey guys!" Cliff shouted announcing his presences
"You gave him your key to my place?" Punk asked Colt
"He made a copy without me knowing" Colt defended quickly
"Oh what the fuc-" Punk started as he noticed Cliff walking into the kitchen with a small dog
"Oh my god!" AJ grinned standing up "Is this your dog?"
"No I'm watching this little guy for a friend" Cliff said passing her the small Pekingese dog. "Colt mentioned you were guys were looking into getting one and I know how much you love dogs so I thought I'd bring him by"
"You don't mind me holding him right?" AJ asked Cliff who gave her an odd face
"Why would I mind?" Cliff smiled "You're one of the sweetest people I know!"
"Are you sure you don't want to inspect where her hands been?" Colt asked causing Punk to glare at him "Hey man you suck for that comment" he whispered towards Punk
"I already know where her hands have been and have decided to let her play with the dog anyway" Cliff told him. As Punk was about to respond his attention turned to his very happy wife.
"I love him!" AJ cheered holding him high above her face and kissing the dog "What's his name?"
"Jones" Cliff said to him
"Hi Jones" AJ said cradling the dog as if he was a baby. Punk just tightened his grip on his knife and eyed Cliff
"I thought maybe we could take him for a walk later…together" Cliff grinned waggling his eyebrows
"Can we go right now?" AJ asked anxiously
"Yea!" Cliff cheered as AJ skipped out of the kitchen with the dog "You don't mind right?" he asked with a laugh looking towards Punk
"I hate you" Punk said simply "And you're going to pay"
"I thought she could use some cheering up" Cliff said coolly
"If you're not back with her in ten minutes I'm going to go in search of you and I better not find you" Punk threatened
"You're so mean" Cliff said to him "Can't you just let me have this moment?"
"Can I let you have this moment with my wife?" Punk mocked tapping his finger against his chin searching for the answer
"I get it, I get it" Cliff said to him "We won't be long"
"Seriously keep an eye on her" Punk said "I think we're being watched again"
"Dude come on" Cliff said to him "I've got her back don't worry"
"I know" Punk said seriously as Cliff headed out the kitchen.
"Why do you think that?" Colt asked him
"Oh you won't believe the morning I've had" Punk laughed preparing to tell Colt all about Christian…
