After numerous paperwork and questions, I was finally let out. I didn’t get arrested.
Stepping out of the police stations slide doors, I inhaled a deep breath and sighed with my eyes closed.
The wind blew widely and my hair flew behind me as I exhaled. It felt amazing.
“Ms Strikings,” the lawyer whom I hired said clearing his throat as I slowly opened my eyes.
The man was slighty taller then me and wore a navy coloured suit. He had short cropped hair and wore glasses that rested on the brim of his nose.
“Ah Mr Mert. You did an exceptional job,” I praised and the middle aged man gave me a kind smile.
“Thank you. However even though I did try my best, it was one of the guilty who claimed you didn’t harm Ms Catelyn,” my lawyer slowly explained and I paused, staring at him.
I tilted my head and awkwardly glanced around.
“What? Who? So they think I didn’t even touch Catelyn?” I asked dumbfounded and my lawyer nodded his head in confirmation.
“To be more exact it was a man by the name of Maxwell. He even mumbled something about Ms Catelyn and not wanting her to have the satisfaction of seeing you in prison with her,” Mr Mert said and I quickly leaned in closer.
“No one else heard that right?” I whispered and Mr Mert chuckled quietly.
“Of course not Ms Strikings. Just me,” he smiled and I leaned back with a sigh of relief.
It was good to know I wasn’t going to get charged with anything. Plus orange was definitely not my colour.
“Well? Whats happening with Marcus and the other two?” I asked anxiously and my lawyer softly shrugged.
“Their going up for court tomorrow. I can’t confirm anything. However, I can guarantee you they will be put into prison,” he said and I remained quite, “-I mean, even the police witnessed attempt murder,” he said explaining his point and I gave him a small smile.
“You’re right,” I agreed, “-thank you. A lot. You’re services are great.”
Taking this as a goodbye, my lawyer gave me one last smile and began walking down the steps. However I quickly stopped him.
“But,” I said and Mr Mert turned his head to face me.
“I want details,” I said firmly, “-I want to know everything. What their charges are. Call me tomorrow,” I demanded.
With a nod, he continued his way down the stairs and I simply stood in my spot for a few seconds. My head felt like it was going to explode and my body begged for sleep.
However I still needed to visit one last stop.
The hospital.
Without wasting another second, I jogged down the stairs and went in search of a taxi.
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“Here.”
After handing the taxi driver a few notes, I immediately opened the cars door and jumped out.
In a fast walk, I rushed towards the doors. Pushing it open, I ran inside and immediately headed towards the pearly white desk that was located in the middle of the large area.
A woman with a long side braid glanced up at me and gave me a kind smile as she clicked out of a screen on her desktop. She removed her glasses and and placed them aside.
“Hello ma’am. Anything I can help you with?” the woman asked as she took in my messy appearance. However she didn’t comment on it as she continued to give me a kind look.
“Yes,” I quickly said, “-a man named Quinton was brought in several hours ago by Mr Celeste, may I have the room number?” I asked and tapped my nails onto her desk impatiently, as she glanced back at her desktops screen.
“Yes… I remember, Just a second.”
Allowing her a moment, I glanced around to see several men and woman walking around in white vests and assisting people.
“Mr Quinton. He’s on the third floor. Room two nine three.”
Without bothering to thank her or even respond, I looked around to spot the elevator. Seeing it behind the woman’s desk towards the far corner up against the wall, I lightly jogged towards it and came to a halt as I glanced at the closed doors.
I glanced over at the button that had an arrow facing the ceiling, and began to repeatedly press it.
“Oh come on…” I mumbled, clenching my jaw as the numbers on top of the elevator slowly began to drop.
“That won’t make it go any faster dear,” a sarcastic voice commented from behind me and I turned around to spot a fairly middle aged woman.
She had jet black hair that was starting to fade as hints of grey peeked. Her eyebrows were darkly coloured in and her make up was heavily set.
“I’m aware of that,” I distastefully replied and the woman didn’t reply. She simply eyed me up and down and let out a little snort.
I clenched my jaw once more and spun around to fully face her.
“Is there a problem?” I asked and the woman gave me an overly exaggerated smile.
“Not at all!” she smiled and I looked her up and down.
Suddenly, the elevator doors chimed and slowly slid open. The woman sighed in relief that the wait was over.
As she was about to step in, I stepped in front of her, making her stop.
“Dear,” I mocked, “-do remember you’re at a hospital. Not… should I say, a brothel,” I said with a polite smile.
The woman looked at me-offended. She narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to speak but I took a step backwards and stood inside the elevator.
Seeing this, she rolled her eyes and began to make her way in but I swiftly pressed on the bottom that indicated the doors to close.
As they began to slide close, she quickly moved back before she got caught in between.
She stared right into my eyes as I gave her a grin and mouthed bye meanwhile the doors then successfully closed.
Soon as they closed, I ran a hand through my loose hair and huffed. I slumped against the elevators door as it made its way to the third floor.
People keep stumbling upon my life and seem to dislike me quite frequently.
Moments later, the moving stopped, and the doors slowly opened. I quickly stepped out and without even wasting a second, began my search for the room Quinton was in.
As I counted the numbers on each door I passed, I slowed down to make a turn. As I turned into a quite hall, I spotted the room a few rows down.
However it wasn’t the only think that caught my attention.
Alexander sat in front of the door on the floor. His back was lent onto the door and so was his head as his eyes remained closed.
I slowly walked over towards him and stood in front of him. Alexander didn’t seem to hear me as I crouched down to his level.
I slowly lifted up my hand and touched his cheek.
Almost immediately, Alexanders eyes snapped open and his eyes found mine.
“Samantha,” he breathed.
He didn’t say anything else. I looked into his eyes and saw the sadness that pooled in them.
Without thinking or saying anything, I threw my hands around Alexanders neck and pulled him towards me in a tight hug.
Alexanders arms slowly circled around me.
I squeezed my eyes shut and couldn’t help but feel his sadness.
“How is he?” I whispered still embracing him.
Alexander breathed out and stayed quite for a few moments, getting me anxious.
“He’s stable.” Was all he said.
I quickly moved back with furrowed eyebrows.
“Stable? Isn’t that a good thing?” I asked in confusion and Alexander let out a small humourless laugh.
“Sure. He skipped the worst part. He survived the bullet. It didn’t hit any vital organs however his in a coma like state. His body went into shock. Its up to him now to respond or not.”
I listened carefully and suddenly felt overly emotional.
“He will,” I stated firmly, “-he will respond,” I tried saying in a strong voice.
Alexander didn’t reply and stared at the ground in our sitting position.
Why didn’t he have faith in Quinton! I thought angrily. Alexander wasn’t reassuring me it was going to be fine and it was what I needed.
I felt guilt. If it wasn’t for me, Quinton would certainly not be shot.
Deep in my thoughts, I didn’t notice the small tear that trailed down my cheek.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
No one but the guilty were supposed to get hurt.
Or perhaps nothing was supposed to happen from the start. It was my fault. For getting involved with Marcus. I should’ve seen it coming…
… maybe then my parents would be alive. Quinton would be fine.
I had gotten everyone in this mess. If I hadn’t, they’d be alive. The two people I loved the most in this world, would be, alive.
And now, a friend was in hospital. In a coma like state.
All because of my stupidity. My stupidity for being gullible Samantha, and my stupidity for being selfish in getting my revenge, Victoria.
It was all to much. The fake identity, the death of my parents, the murders of my parents and now a hurt friend.
And just like that a sob made its way through my chest and out my mouth. A silent sob. Then a louder one.
Then I did something I hadn’t done properly in awhile.
I cried.
I didn’t bother scowling at myself or telling myself to get back into character.
The tears kept coming.
Noticing my distress from beside me, Alexander became alert. Immediately, his arms were re wrapped around me and I was pushed close to him.
“Hey, hey,” Alexander whispered.
He held my chin and I tried to glance away.
“Don’t cry,” he whispered.
Using the pads of his thumb, Alexander wiped away my tears and I glanced at his dark eyes.
“It’s over now,” he said, “-and I promise you Quinton will be fine. This isn’t worth your tears. Marcus is not worth your tears,” Alexander told me and I took in a shaky breath.
“Chin up,” he ordered, “-we stay positive and wait for Quinton to wake up.”
Leaning into Alexander, I did exactly as he said.
It had been fourteen hours.
It was once again night time and both Alexander and I didn’t dare leave the hospital.
I was a mess. I still had on my blood stained clothes and dry tears were evident on my cheeks.
My hair was a different story. It was beyond rescuing and I didn’t have the strength to try and look presentable.
Hearing footsteps approaching towards my seat outside of Quinton’s room, I glanced up to see Alexander holding out a plastic cup towards me with steam coming out from the small opening on the lid.
“Six sugars,” he smiled and I couldn’t help but grin.
I reached out and grabbed the plastic cup, resting my palms on each side. Bringing it towards my mouth, I took a small sip of the coffee and closed my eyes for a second as the heat of the liquid lightly stung my tongue.
“Samantha,” Alexander softly said as he took a seat beside me. I didn’t fail to notice how he now referred to me as Samantha rather Victoria.
“Yes?” I replied and glanced over at him through the strands of hair that covered the side of my face.
Alexander held his cup in his right hand, and used the other to lean forward and push my hair behind my ear.
His hand lingered on my cheek as he glanced down at my dirty top.
“You must be uncomfortable,” he grimaced, “-go home. Get changed, have a shower,” he softly said and I began to move away, ready to refuse but Alexander moved my head to stay focused on him.
I looked him over and considered what he said. Meanwhile my questioning and before I arrived to the hospital, Alexander had already had his trip home and gotten cleaned up.
“-most importantly,” Alexander said firmly, “-get some sleep.”
“What about you? Aren’t you tired?” I tried to reason and Alexander grinned, holding up his coffee.
“I’m wide awake. Now go. If he wakes up I’ll let you know immediately,” he said and I sighed, standing up.
“Fine,” I stated, “-but I’ll be back.”
“I know,” Alexander smiled.
Taking a few steps forward, I paused. Glancing at Quinton’s closed door, I let out another sigh and continued walking.
“Samantha,” Alexander called out and I turned around, raising an eyebrow.
He pulled out something from his pocket and threw it in the air.
Catching it, I glanced down at Alexander’s car keys. Giving him a smile, I continued walking.
I used the elevator to get back down to the first floor as I yawned numerous times. I was glad I didn’t have to wait around for a taxi.
After wandering around outside, and finally spotting Alexanders car, I rushed in and began the short drive to my apartment.
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I didn’t take too long. It had simply been an hour or two, and I was out of the shower with damp hair and fresh clothes. I wore on a pair of leather jeans that was surprisingly comfortable, with a black tight skivvy, tucked into it.
Putting on my long grey coat, I ran a hand through my damp hair and grabbed my bag.
Sleep could wait.
Right now I had to be at the hospital.
Just as I was preparing to leave, my phone began ringing, making me pause and then hurriedly searching through my bag.
Pulling my phone out, I swiped the screen to answer, and held the phone to my ear.
“Yes?” I rushed out.
“I didn’t wake you, did I?” Alexander’s voice asked and I slowly walked towards the door, ready to leave.
“Ah,” I began, “-well yes. I was sleeping like you said. But go on,” I said dismissively, “-what is it?”
“It’s Quinton,” Alexander slowly drawled out and I opened the door, and started heading towards Alexander’s car.
“Quinton? What about him? is he awake?” I asked a series of questions as I urgently hopped into the car and put the phone on speaker, placing it on my lap.
I began to drive and started my route towards the hospital.
“He just woke up. The doctors are allowing visitors in to see him. I’m going in now. So just come in when you’re here,” Alexander stated and I nodded my head, even though he couldn’t see me.
“Of course,” I said turning a corner.
“Wait, does Quinton have nay family? Do they know what happened?” I asked with furrowed eyebrows and Alexander sighed.
“He lost his parents in college, only child, and just distant family,” Alexander summed up in one word and I frowned.
“I see,” I said quietly, “-I’ll be there as soon as I get ready,” I said and hung up.
I wasn’t exactly lying. I simply didn’t want Alexander worring about nor did I want his pressuring me to go home and sleep meanwhile Quinton was in hospital.
After a few long minutes, I made out the entrance to the hospital down the road. Even though it was dark out, numerous cars still managed to fill the roads.
Turning into the hospital on signal, I was lucky enough to spot an empty parking space. Tapping my fingers onto the steering wheel, I swiftly turned into the parking space and cut of the engine.
I didn’t hesistate to jump out of the car and rush towards the double doors in which I exited from not to long ago.
Making my way towards the elevator, I spotted the same girl behind the help desk. We shared eye contact and she gave me a warm smile as she glanced over at my now clean state.
Returning her smile, I made my way towards the elevator and pressed the button to go up-once.
Once I was in, I was thankful I didn’t confront anybody else whom wanted to stir up a fight.
In the short time I was in the elevator, I leaned against its wall and closed my eyes for second. However I quick;y opened them a second later as my eyes began to droop.
I was beyond tired. In exhaustion, I walked out of the now open doors and headed down the hall passing various doors. Spotting Quinton’s one, I couldn’t find Alexander outside, so I assumed he was already inside.
Rushing towards the door, I didn’t as so much as knock as I pushed it open and pushed myself inside.
Immediately Alexander’s head turned to face the source of the noise.
Spotting me, he gave me a confused look.
“Samantha?” he asked in confusion, “-I thought you hadn’t gotten ready yet?” he asked and I didn’t look at him.
Trying to avoid his question, my eyes found Quinton who was tucked under the sheets. Putting on a bright smile, I rushed to stand beside Alexander as I looked down at Quinton who gave me a soft smile.
“Quinton! You’re awake!” I gushed as I felt a sense of relief wash over me.
“I am,” Quinton confirmed in a hoarse voice and I frowned.
“Are you feeling alright? Should I call a nurse?” I asked not giving him time to speak, “-I am so sorry Quinton, forgive me,” I said feeling the guilt rush back to me, seeing him in his current state.
“I’m fine,” he said firmly, “-and Victoria, I assure you it was not your fault. It was Marcus’ fault,” he said distastefully.
He then suddenly frowned.
“Do I call you Victoria or Samantha now?” he asked in confusion and I looked at him blankly.
Who was I now?
“I…” I trailed off, “-I’ll get back to you on that.”
Alexander carefully watched me. He noticed my discomfort and cleared his voice.
“Now that we know Quinton’s going to be okay, tell us, what did the lawyer say?” Alexander asked.
“Well,” I said in a more lighter tone, “-he can guarantee the three will have time in jail, especially Marcus. How long? I have no clue. However I’ll have all the details soon,” I said in a small smile and Quinton sighed in relief.
“Good thing I didn’t get shot for nothing,” Quinton chuckled and so did Alexander.
I also couldn’t help but grin at his dark humour.
“You see,” Quinton then suddenly said, peering at me, “-we did it.”
I looked at him with a small smile and then I glanced at Alexander.
“You’re right,” I slowly said.
“We did it.”