I all ready knew who it was before she entered the door. But it was still nice seeing Sasha walk into the room. She was silent and had her head down.
'Sasha.'
Her eyes were glued to the floor. It was like she didn't want to see the damage I was in. Like she felt guilty or blamed herself for it.
'Sasha, it's okay to look.' I reassured her.
'I-I can't-' 'You can.'
A heard the intake and release of her breath. From this distance I saw her head raise in steps. Her brown eyes looked at me up and down. I gave her a small smile and she gave me a quick half-smile in return. Ever caring Carla had her hand gently on her back, rubbing it.
Mikasa stood up from my side and looked at Sasha, then at me. 'This room is getting crowded, we'll give you two space.'
With that she took Eren by the hand and pulled him to his feet. Just as he was about to protest, Mikasa gave him her the familiar cold stare. 'Our five minutes are up anyway.'
Annoyed with his step-sister, he turned to me, trying to hold back his frustration. 'We'll be downstairs, if you need anything.'
I gave him a nod in gratitude. Eren then followed Mikasa out of the room, not even making eye contact with their mother or Sasha. Carla just smiled at them and turned to me. 'Soup will be ready soon, Armin. What about you, Sasha?'
'I'm...not hungry, thank you.'
'That's not like you, Sasha.' Carla said in surprise.
'I SAID-' She put her hand on her mouth to stop herself. 'I'm sorry, Mrs. Yeager! I-I didn't mean to-'
Carla put her hands on Sasha's shoulders. 'It's okay, Sasha.' She moved one of Sasha's bangs out of her face. 'You've been through a lot today. Both of you have.'
Sasha turned her head to have quick glance at me before turning back to Carla. 'I-I...' She struggled to find the words. 'I'll leave you two alone now. I'm sure you have a lot to talk about. Besides I have some soup to prepare.'
Sasha was about to say something before Carla straightened herself up. 'It's best if you go to his left side, Sasha. He can't see very well from where your standing.' She gently coaxed her to go forward to the chair at my bedside.
As she came forward to my side, I could finally see the girl I saved face to face. I see the large bruise on her check. I heard the door closing and saw Carla smiling, as always, at the two of us. 'I won't be long.' She closed the door behind herself.
It was silent for moment. Sasha was biting her lip as she settled onto the chair. She was nervous and had her attention to the door. She wants out. I don't want her to leave.
'How's your cheek?' I ask her.
She placed a hand on the bruise gently and rubbed it. 'It's sore, but better.' She replied quietly.
'It's healed quite a bit.' I added.
She put her hand down to her lap. 'So have you.'
'Thanks.' I chuckled a bit. I don't know if it's her attempt to lighten the mood with sarcasm or she really thinks I'm healing much better than I see myself. I take what she gives me anyway.
It's silent again. This time she closes her eyes and turns her head away from me. She begins to hyperventilate, as if she is holding back on having a full breakdown. 'Why did you do it Armin?' She begs to know while still holding it together under the surface.
'I had to. I had no other choice.' Was the only thing I could say back.
Her eyes opened immediately and her head swung back into my direction. It wasn't the answer she was wanting to hear. 'No you didn't have to Armin! Everyone has a choice.' She started to shake and wipe her eyes. 'You know that as well as I do.'
I honestly felt a little angry towards her in that moment. How could she not see what I did for her? That I SAVED her?
'What would you have me do? Leave you?!' I jabbed back at her. She turned away again in response with her head in her hands.
'What if I ignored your pleas?' I continued. 'What if I turned around and walk away while they would beat you, like they did me? What would happen then?!'
She began to rock back and forth on the chair she sat on, releasing gasps of air in short spaces.
'I'll tell you! You will be the one lying in this bed, and I would be sitting here feeling guilty and ashamed of myself for not doing anything.'
The last part made her shoot up and rush to the door. I don't want her to leave, not like this. I have to mend things before she goes. I say the first thing that comes to my mind.
'Don't leave.'
Upon hearing those words she paused and stood frozen on the spot. She had her hand on the door knob, but it remained unturned. Instead she dropped her hand to her side and stands there quietly.
'I'm sorry. I was being harsh on you. You don't deserve that.' I feel the guilt take hold on me as I form my words in my mind and mouth. 'Please. Stay with me.'
