She was still unconscious when they entered her room. The doctor was still with her. Angela's heart broke when she saw her. The injuries weren't that bad, but even in her sleep, she was curled up into a ball. Her hair lying over her face, protecting her from the rest of the world.
"How is she doctor?" Booth asked, worried sick.
"Well, her injuries weren't that serious. Except…"
"Except what?"
"Except one. This rape seems to be targeted against 2 people."
"What do you mean?" Angela had finally found her voice again.
The doctor gave Angela the photo they'd taken from the words carved into her abdomen. She gasped for air when she read them. She started shaking and crying. She turned and leaned against Booth, seeking his support. Realizing that he would need hers, when he read those horrifying words. He's never going to forgive himself for this.
What could he have written to trigger this reaction from her? He hugged her back.
After a couple of minutes Booth loosened the hug. He looked at Angela.
"Angela? Are you okay?"
"Maybe you better sit down, Booth."
When the doctor heard Angela address the other man as Booth. He replied: "Seeley Booth?"
Booth nodded.
"In that case sir, you better sit down. Are you the one who found her?"
Booth nodded again.
"Miss, can I have the photo back?"
Hesitantly she returned it. Why would he want it back? Booth is going to find out sooner or later. The sooner he knews, the sooner he can start dealing with it.
"Sir, can I ask you something?"
Booth nodded once again.
"What is your relation to her?"
Angela answered for him. "They love each other and trust each other with their lives. Although you'd never get them to admit it."
Booth glared at Angela, if looks could kill, she would've died then and there.
The doctor looked at him and asked:
"Is that true, do you really trust each other that much?" He was relieved. This woman wouldn't have to stay in the hospital that long, but her recovery would be far from over when she left the hospital. The visible injuries would still have to heal. And so would the invisible ones.
Booth nodded for the fourth time.
"Yes, we trust each other that much." He could feel the tears sting in his eyes when he thought about the fact that she'd allowed him to retrieve the keys for the handcuffs.
"In that case I'm going to show you witch injury worries me the most."
Realizing what he was about to see, Angela quickly grabbed his hands and gave him a gentle squeeze, while the doctor was removing the blanket on top of Brennan.
"Are you ready, sir? Miss?"
Booth stood up and Angela stepped closer to Booth and put her arms around his waist.
The picture was horrifying enough. I really have no desire to see the actual wounds. But I can't let Booth do this alone. He needs my support. And I need his.
She nodded. The doctor turned to Booth and said: Okay, I guess you're as ready as you'll ever be. And shifted her night gown, revealing the words.
No, no, no!
He gasped when he saw her abdomen and the words carved into her.
This can't be true. I must be dreaming. This is just a horrible nightmare and I'm going to wake up in a few minutes.
Angela gasped aswell.
It was the sound of Angela gasping that brought him back to reality.
I'm not dreaming. The words are actually there. Carved into her flesh and in my memory.
Booth and Angela kept staring at Brennans abdomen.
It's a good thing that they're holding eachother. It's probably the only reason they're still standing.
The doctor approached Brennan and covered her up again.
He closed his eyes, trying to escape those horrible words. But he couldn't. They were now carved into his memory to.
Seeley Booth, Bones is mine.
Angela watched Booth and waited for him to open his eyes again.
This is all my fault!
This happened to her because of me.
Some sick bastard raped her and hurt her just because I work with her.
Because I love her.
How can she ever forgive me?
How can I ever forgive myself?
When Booth didn't open his eyes, Angela realized what he was thinking. She softly spoke:
"Booth, we have to go. She has to rest. Besides we need to go to her place to get her some things. Things she's going to need as long as she's in the hospital. Okay?
I really don't wanna go.
But it's my fault that she was raped, she probably doesn't wanna see me when she wakes up anyway.
But she can't be left alone.
"Angela, we can't leave her alone. You stay. I'll go get her stuff. Do you have a key to her apartment?"
Angela nodded and handed the key. She understood the urge to get out of the room. And the worry to leave Bren behind.
Before Booth left she gave him a hug and whispered: "It's not your fault Booth, she'll get better. I promise."
Booth returned the hug and left, not believing anything Angela just told him.