Chapter 42

A/N: Added 04/16/2023

Amy is pissed, as expected but it's not just because of Aria. It's because she wasn't expecting Petrie to be here either. Now that she knows what got Max killed, she doesn't trust Petrie as much as she did. That makes sense but why wouldn't she be expecting Adalyn? That makes no sense until after getting a explanation of the incident in the hospital from CJ. It's because it was chaotic and in that chaos, Amy wasn't told who was going to cause the distraction. That's because she doesn't need to know so she assumed those people work for Anthony not Adalyn.

The plan was to create distraction by having choppers, cars, people, and ambulances ready outside before setting off the fire alarm so they could get out of there without being noticed since there's no way to know who was outside waiting for them because Doc might not be the only target. Amy said there could be shooters waiting for Blake. The guy who tried to kill Doc could be working for the Russians or anyone who knows about the key. Maybe he was hired by the government. Maybe agents were waiting for her because she's investigating Max's murder. These are all possible but no one expected the explosion. Adalyn's contact too was surprised that the fire alarm went off before he got there. But despite the unexpected, the distraction worked. There's no way keep it from the cops or the media though so hopefully Doc's assistant is smart enough to convince them that it was just another case of a crazy guy with mental illness who had planned on killing everyone in the building including himself.

No one else needs to know what really happened. No one else needs to know who else was there. No one needs to know the target was Doc and Doc alone. It might be just a theory but CJ could be right. That guy came to kill Doc but wasn't expecting Hope to get in his way. That guy could be one of Doc's many patients because his last words were 'You should've let me die.' He would've succeeded if ZJ didn't do the same thing she did to Hope. Unlike Hope, that guy is a man and also had a time bomb strapped to his chest.

CJ's theory makes a lot of sense. Amy's glare of disapproval doesn't since this isn't the time to get upset over Aria's and Adalyn's and Petrie's presence when there are other things to worry about. What she should be worrying about is Doc and her people so why is she so certain this is a safe place to be? And why is CJ being so nosy about Dr. Hazel when there are other important things to do like checking this place out like what Jake is doing now. She might be right about the crazy guy but her theory about the young Doc is sso wrong. It was just a head, face and neck massage yet somehow CJ didn't think that was appropriate for a doctor to do. She probably wouldn't think that if she knows what Adalyn did. There's no need for them to know though. All they need to know is "I wasn't feeling well. She said I need to calm down, get the blood flowing in my head otherwise I'm going to get Bell's palsy" Lucy added the word 'facial paralysis' but noticed that it didn't make any difference since CJ's question(You believe her?) shows that she doesn't. Obviously, Amy doesn't either nor does she want to talk about Dr. Hazel since she's more concerned about Hope. Hope is the reason she came here with Doc even though she doesn't trust her. Hope is the reason Doc is still alive so she knows Doc did everything she could to save Hope. Hope could be the reason people are knocking on the door at this hour!

Two knocks is normal. Banging on the door multiple times could mean there's trouble. Yes there is. Amy quickly stood in front of Brie while extending her hand to prevent her from getting near Lucy. There's no reason to think that Brie is here to taze Lucy again since it was just a misunderstanding earlier. All Lucy was trying to do was give Hope CPR but to Brie, no man should be on top of Hope's body, touching her bare chest, giving her mouth to mouth continuously. If Lucy had stopped, no one would know there is still hope. No one would know all Hope needed was an electrical current from the tazer on her heart to get the brain activity again. So what are they doing here? Is Hope…gone?

"That's close enough. Anything you have to say just say it here." CJ said.

"I just want to know are you Hope's friend?" Brie asked even though she already knew the answer until she got the answer. If he's not Hope's friend, then why was he so worried? Why was he calling for Hope like a lover would do? "Then why?"

Who are they? It's still unclear but Amy did say there's no reason to think they're here to hurt anyone especially this big guy since they were all able to get out of the hospital quickly and safely because of him but now it seems like she changed her mind. CJ obviously did since she has her gun out. Is that necessary? Why are they acting like they're my bodyguards? "Put that down." Lucy said while remaining seated on the couch. CJ doesn't need to be told twice but it seems that Brie does since she just asked another question that's similar to the first. Obviously in her mind, not a friend doesn't mean I'm not her ex. Does she think the answer would be different? If so, then "I don't know who she is. I made a mistake." She should now know I'm not Hope's friend, not Hope's lover or ex and not related to Hope. Any more questions? Amy is looking like she has a lot.

"You will help her, won't you?"

Do I look that heartless? Brie doesn't. She doesn't look like Hope's lover either. "What is your relationship with her? How long have you known her?" Lucy had more to say if Brie didn't interrupt but there's no need to ask anymore since Brie isn't here to talk about herself. Brie is here because she was told the key holds the secret to curing Hope's condition. God damn Doc! She does have a motive and it's not saving Hope. Why the hell would she think this would work? "Where's Doc?" Amy did say Doc was injured so she must have gone to bed already like ZJ and Petrie and Dr. Hazel. This can't wait even if she is. She has gone too god damn far.

Lucy got off the couch with the intention to search every room until she got a message from Dr. Hazel. What the hell? There's no time to explain. There's a need to hurry but it might be already too late because the message said "She's injecting something into Hope" which means that witch is using Hope for her experiments. Lucy hurried as fast as her sore body allows her to while knowing that everyone else is following. "What the hell are you doing!" Lucy said after getting down to the room in the basement. Aria is here too?

"I told you he won't." Aria said.

God damn it. Aria knows too. Lucy ignored Aria's comment as well as this strange woman who's holding a tazer but looking like she's afraid to use it. It's too late to stop the injection but not too late to yell at Blake for not doing her job. Did she forget she works for Anthony not Doc?

"It's her only chance." Adalyn said.

"What is it?" Adalyn is again as quiet as before so that means she doesn't know. What's wrong with her? How can she allow this to happen if she doesn't know what it is? Lucy tries to move closer until Adalyn held her back but that's not the only reason. It's because Doc just said something with the word selfish. Is she talking about me?

"No one wants to see her die. No one wants to be blamed. You all know what can save her yet none of you…is willing to sacrifice yourself…for her. So I'm going to make the decision for her. If…she survives this, she will hate me. She will want to kill me. So I hope…if she wakes up, you're all here…to tell her…you all just stood here and did nothing except watch, cry, pray. You tell her I did it. You tell her I made the decision because all of you don't want her to die."

What the ff…Does she think she can just leave like that without explaining what it is? Lucy pulled away from Adalyn's grasp but was unable to reach Doc since this time, Amy got in the way before the big bald guy did. If they did not, others would've. The look on their faces look like they're hypnotized like cult members. They're desperate. That's why they believe everything Doc said. For Amy, it's because she has the heart of gold. That's why she's still not willing to leave this place even though she can't be sure that is Will. For this young lady, it's because of love. That's why she can't wait until tomorrow to apologize for Rocko and herself. That's why she's here to talk about herself and answer the questions that were previously asked. That's why she's willing to put her knees on the floor, begging for the first time in her life. Doc did this to her. Hope did this to her. Does she really think this would work?

"Get up" Lucy said while knowing that she has to say it again since it never works the first time but it seems that this one is different. This one is determined. This one is willing to do anything. This one came prepared. Is she prepared for this? "Show me" She must think she's so hot, no man can resist and she must think I'm stupid. Afterwards? She should know anything can happen afterwards. No one can guarantee, not even Doc. "Come here." There's hesitation, as expected. She will come. She did. There's fear but no one would be able to tell by looking at the one in the mirror. One can easily tell by standing inches behind her. The body movement is small but noticeable, probably because her heart is pounding. Any woman in her situation would be. "I wish...we've met earlier. I would've been able to help you." Growing up in an orphanage does suck. The loss she experienced as a child must have affected her, even today. That's why she's willing to sacrifice herself for a friend, the only one she trusts. That is sad. God can be so unfair. "I promise I'll do everything I can to help her." She can make a promise so can I. She should understand now but it seems she's willing to take a chance. Promise or no promise. She's not moving. All right then. More talking won't change her mind. Maybe asking her to go take a shower will…or maybe not. This one is unpredictable. There are no tears. Those eyes are still looking fixedly into the dresser mirror as if she's thinking…remembering. Well, that explains it. She must have been in this position, this situation before. That's why she's willing. This isn't her first time. It might not be her second time either. But it must have been awhile. This, will be her last. "I'll take care of you. I promise." There's no need to be rough with her. She's not Aria. What she needs is a slow, deep penetration of love so she can feel every touch, every kiss, every move, the difference from her past experiences. This will remind her to never do this again.

Lucy placed her hand gently on Brie's shoulder, then let it slid down, inch by inch.

Meanwhile

Blake might not have gone to the dark side but she's obviously not the same person she used to be. It was her job to look after Doc yet she didn't think she needed to tell anyone what Doc was doing with Hope. Maybe CJ's right, Blake can't be trusted anymore. But how is leaving here going to help? "She's sleeping." Yes. That is a stupid reason. ZJ would be frustrated but she would agree since she didn't want to be here either but leaving here doesn't resolve the problems.

"She's not going to hurt her."

It does seem that way but Doc is using Hope for testing like a lab rat. Would death be better? "Let's just wait until tomorrow." CJ obviously doesn't like the idea again since she thinks she's right the first time. She's not wrong. ZJ would not have been injured if we didn't go the hospital. But who's to say it wouldn't be worse? Did she forget why Petrie came here or does she think Petrie is lying? Regardless, she should know Hope would've been dead if we didn't go to the hospital and we wouldn't know who killed Max. So why is she so certain that's not Will? Now it's obvious she had a talk with Lucy and not just about Will because why else would she just ask if I'm sleeping here when she already knows how I feel.

"So that's it? You've decided?"

Why is she talking about this now? "Have you decided?" Amy said, expecting CJ to know it's not that simple since she didn't break it off with Bryan either even with all the issues they're having. So why can't she understand-

"I have."

"You have?" Amy said, surprised that she did since it was just this morning she said she's going to have a serious talk with Bryan. She didn't say she was going to leave him. Using instant messaging to break up? Wow. That must have been one short chat session. It must have been satisfying too. She seems more relaxed, more enlightened, more…open? Since when did she realize she doesn't need a man? We are all indoctrinated by men from the moment we were born? Did she get that from Lucy? "Where're you going?" It's late. It would be a good time to check out this whole place but it would be dangerous to do so alone.

"Bed isn't going to fit 3, unless you want to sleep on the floor." CJ said before opening the door, then immediately felt more and more that staying here is a very bad idea since she wouldn't have been able to avoid the attack if Aria had wanted to hurt her.

"Sorry, wrong room."

"What?" CJ asked but didn't get an answer. CJ heard but didn't understand until she saw whose room Aria is heading to. "umm, I think" CJ saw no need to continue since the one who hasn't decided has just decided to check out why Aria is looking for her lover at this time of the night when she should be sleeping in her own room.

"What do you want?" Amy asked before Aria could knock on Lucy's door while knowing what CJ must be thinking right now since she has the same look as before. Yes, that is another stupid question. She obviously wants Lucy. That smile of hers is so damn…ughh. She must be thinking she's succeeded and now…what the. Aria didn't knock on the door but the door just opened and Lucy is looking very surprised. Anyone would be when they're not expecting to see anyone behind the door but Lucy wouldn't be speechless when she's just surprised. A few seconds of silence is too long. That's a look of not knowing what to do because...she has a woman in her room! What are you doing? Amy didn't ask but is expecting an explanation so why isn't she explaining why Brie is sitting on the bed, wiping her tears and now putting on her shoes. Why is her shirt un-tucked? Why is there a belt on the floor? Is that a condom?

Ohh…crap. It's too late to close the door. This isn't the time to explain. It's none of CJ's business, none of Aria's too. No one needs to know what happened. That includes Amy. Will she believe Brie is just here to talk? Just wait. Amy always has alot of patience. Amy will wait for Brie to leave first. Amy will...oww. It's too late to block it. There's no way to block the slap on her face. That's because she wasn't expecting it from Brie but now she realized why Brie came after seeing Aria's smirk.