Donna's POV
I woke up this morning very cold. That's what I get for sleeping on the floor of my kitchen though. I must have cried myself to sleep after I sent Josh home, because I don't remember much after that.
So to make up for it I am lying in a hot, bubbly bath listening to my favourite Yo Yo Ma CD. It's so peaceful and everything is fine while I lie here, but I know that when I step out life will return to normal. Ainsley is coming over this morning to escort me to the police station. I have to identify Eric as my rapist. It's horrible. I can't believe that I am going through all of this. I thought it was all behind me, especially after the miscarriage but it wasn't to be.
Wrapping myself in my robe I answer the door to Ainsley. She looks as fresh as ever. How does she do it? People say we are alike and in a way I see it but she is a lot shorter than me. But she has become a friend since she began working in the White House. I consider her a close friend, if only I could tell her about Josh and I.
"Hey honey, how are you this morning?" She asks in her bubbly southern accent. She hands me a coffee before situating herself on my sofa.
"Okay, I think. Thanks for doing this for me Ains, I didn't know who else to call." My voice has already started to quiver. God, how am I going to get through this day?
"Donna, you know that everyone is here for you. No one can believe what has happened to you. We all wish you had told us when it had happened."
"I know I was stupid. At the time I shrugged it off and now it's like a lead weight around my neck, thanks to Josh."
"He cares about you Donna, don't forget that."
Like I could. He confessed the other night to loving me and I reciprocated that. I love him with all my heart but right now I could strangle him. He is the one that I am going through this for. I know that I could not have pressed charges but I don't think Josh would ever have forgiven me on that front.
A few Hours Later
Walking into that little room, I suddenly felt claustrophobic. I was standing in front of the mirror looking at a row of men, one of whom was Eric. He was standing trying hard not to look at the mirror and had this guilty look on his face. I haven't seen him since that night so to see him now is hard. Ainsley is holding my arm and I am so grateful that she is, for I fear I may collapse.
Ainsley's POV
Donna is being so brave. I couldn't be the one standing here in front of these people pointing out the man who raped me. She has her head held high but I can see her bottom lip quivering. She is trying so hard to keep it together but she doesn't have to. No one expects her to be invincible.
"Number four." I hear her say. Looking at her, I watch as one tear slowly descends down her cheek before dripping off her chin.
"Are you sure?" Detective Silver asks.
"Yes. That man is Eric Black. He is the man that raped me." Donna speaks before running from the room. I choose to follow, the detective telling me that she will speak to us before we leave. Unfortunately I have no clue as to where Donna has gone.
"Excuse, if you are looking for the pretty blonde lady, she went outside." I turn to see a young boy sitting on the chair.
"Thank you." I tell him. I follow the exit signs and find Donna sitting on the kerb with her head between her knees. I crouch beside her and rub her back. "You all right?"
"I am now. It was just so hot in there and I couldn't breath." Her voice was getting higher as she spoke. Her eyes filled with tears again. I wrapped my arm around her and lay her head on my shoulder.
"It's all right, I'm going to speak to Detective Silver and then get you home." I told her before walking back into the police station.
Josh's POV
I have been on edge all day. Ainsley was taking Donna to the police station for the line up. I wish it could be me. Then again I don't even know if she is talking to me. I wouldn't blame her after all that I have put her through in the last few days. It's because of me that she is there at the police station. If I hadn't got so hot headed about it all, she would be talking to me.
I watch as Ainsley walks back into the White House. I presume she has dropped Donna home and has come back to work. "Josh." Her southern drawl breaks my concentration. "I just dropped Donna home, but I think she could use a friend tonight."
"Thanks for the heads up Ainsley. How did she do?" I enquire.
"She held up really well until after she had identified him, she is such a strong woman. I don't think I could be in that situation."
"That's Donna for you." I say as I go back to thinking of Donna, hoping that there is someway I can make it up to her.
I manage to make it out of work by 7.30pm that evening which is unusual, but much needed. I head straight for Donna's apartment hoping with all my heart she will let me in. Parking the car I look up and see that her apartment is in darkness. Still I climb the stairs and use my key to open the door. "Donna." I call out but all that greets me is silence. I check her bedroom but no still no Donna. Now I begin to worry. Where would she be? That's when it hits me.
Heading out down her street I take a right turn and walk towards the small children's play park situated just a few blocks down. The sky is black and the street lamps illuminate only small patches of the ground around them. I look towards the play park and see her sitting on one of the swings. She once told me that the swings were always her favourite thing to do in a park. "Hey you." I quietly say, not wanting to startle her.
"Hi." She replies looking up. She looks so pale in this light. She looks so young and lost. I walk across to her and wrap my arm around her shoulder. She slowly stands and pulls me closer to her. "Take me home Josh."
I pull her even closer as I hear the tears in her voice. "It's all right Donna, I'm here. I know I am the one that is the cause of this but I want you to know, I am so sorry. And I don't think that I will ever be able to apologise enough."
"I know you're sorry Josh. I know that and I do forgive you. I see why you did it; I was just really hurt at the time. He has to be stopped Josh. What if the next girl he does it too isn't so lucky."
I'm confused. "What do you mean next girl?"
"Detective Silver told Ainsley that another girl had come forward saying Eric raped her. SO they have an even bigger case against him now." We've reached her apartment and she pulls me inside. "Will you stay tonight?"
"Anything for you baby. Anything." I tell her as we head towards the bedroom.
A.N – Here's another chapter. Sorry it's taking longer to get them up but I have been without my internet connection and computer for a while. Thanks again for the reviews and thanks to Jackie for all her help and info.