---Ericson’s POV---“So Mr. Solace…” Maeva started but stopped when I waved her to stop.“Maeva please call me Eric. I think we can agree that we want the something. And that is what is best for Merida right?” I say as we round the corner from Merida’s room, and I see someone coming toward us. “Theresa are you free?” I ask as we stop her before she steps into a room.“Oh Mr. Solace is Merida in need of something?” she asks stepping up to us.“Well not her, but Crispin is in desperate need of clothes. Anything will do for the moment.” Maeva explains as she gestures for her to lean in close. I don’t move, so as a show that I’ll give them privacy but in truth I can still hear them. “His clothes got damaged in the scuffle with Mr. Cogswell.”“Wait that bastard actually showed up here?” She gasps as she looks around.“I had the security escort him out and I told Dr. Young to move her to another section of the hospital and not let him back in, at all.” I explained stepping close to them.“Th
---Merida’s POV---Theresa stayed for a short while and we chatted. I think it was to distract me as Sarah helped Crispin. She ripped his jeans off which caused him to fall to his butt. It was really funny as she yelled at him, once again calling him numskull or blockhead, as he squeaked at her to stop and just give him the clothes as he ran to the bathroom.“Are they always this crazy?” Theresa sighed as they continued to fight over the clothes only now through the bathroom door. Sarah was trying to keep the door open and Crispin was trying to get it closed and snatch one of the bag of pj’s at the same time.“I really can’t say, I just met them yesterday,” I said without thinking. Her whiplash scared me until I realized my words. “They are friends with Miguel and were just in the area.” I blurted out. I really need to talk with them more and get my answers. I really don’t know how to explain them.“Ok well on that note I have things to do to get you transferred to a new room.” She sa
---Sarah’s POV---“Meri have you ever spoken to a therapist about what happened last year?” I ask her as I push her hair back so I can see her eyes. I see Crispin out of the corner of my eye. I see him tense and shift as he growls. Whatever she thought wasn’t good. “Meri please tell me the truth. Not what you tell everyone else.”“My parents said it would corrupt my testimony and that if I still wanted to, I needed to lie.” She said softly but everyone heard.“Meri no that’s false.” Theresa started to reach for her, but Meri tensed again, so she just smoothed the sheets on her knees.“Sweetie pie Theresa is right.” Mrs. Lopez confirmed and then added, “How are you sleeping?” just as Meri lifted her head she clarified, “Don’t you lie to me.”“I sleep between 4 to maybe 6 hours. But that’s a..after I..I finish m..my” Meri starts’ only for Crispin to wave his hand. Meri stutters and then stops to clear her throat. “I have chores every day; from making breakfast in the early morning, to l
---Merida’s POV---I thought my first room was huge, but no, my new room is twice as big. It even came with guests’ rooms, which Ericson and Mi automatically fought over. Though Mama Lola killed that, after reminding Mi he had to go home at night. Lucy tried to ask if she could stay but Mama Ang just looked to her. It was really funny to watch my friends grumble about how unfair it was. My other friends were in awe of my new room and goofed around.Crispin didn’t like Chad and Steve rough housing but with Peter around today, they only had to be called out twice before he distracted them. I don’t know how he knew but he brought his gaming system. So, they were fighting in Mortal Kombat now, using the other tv in the room. Yep, my room had two tvs, which meant more fun if there was another system. I was itching to join but I had guests, so I held back. Until a controller was dropped in my lap that’s when I noticed the new Nintendo 64 system hooked to the tv near me. I just smiled and c
---Crispin’s POV---To say I was surprised about how much Meri has been through is an understatement. I had to leave many times to get a break, as well as feed. I was lucky Ericson had already set up friendlies for Sarah and me before we came. Though I was worried about my sister staying behind during the day but after Meri fell asleep on Wednesday she went out and on Friday as well. It still didn’t help me worrying about her. For she stayed and dealt with all those annoying people. I mean I am ok with Miguel and Lucy; they are growing on me. She reminds me of another individual in previous life, which one I can’t say. The only thing I can say is that I don’t think that person was a human being, though I just can’t remember what race or time period.Looking to Meri as she and Lucy battle out on Mortal Kombat, I can’t help but smile that she has a good friend. Looking to Miguel who brushes off the advances of that girl Cathy, I wonder how things got here. I know Miguel would never qui
---Merida’s POV---*Monday! It’s Monday… Meaning I get out of here.* I shrieked in my head. I knew Nadia was still resting but every now and then I would feel her reach out to me. Really it was more nudges of encouragement or images of things. Things that I would not like to imagine or even group with Larry. I mean yes, he is good looking but he’s Lucy twin and I don’t want to cross that line. Not that Lucy would mind, I think. Plus Crispin gets weird when these images pop up, yes I know he can see them but they shouldn’t bother him.“Hey Meri, you ready to break free from this place?” Sarah asked as I left the bathroom, finally dressed in actually clothes, not that the hospital pj’s weren’t comfortable. But there was nothing like wearing denim jeans and a polyester cotton shirt. Even the bra I was wearing was a welcome discomfort if it meant I could get out of this place.“I am so ready to feel the sun again, I think I will run to the exit!” I excitedly said as I hopped to her. She w
The rest of the ride, I sit quietly and wondered about that guy. He was huge, I think even bigger than Ericson, but I didn’t fear him. In fact, the look in his eyes scream happiness. Though was it happiness of me finally leaving the hospital or me noticing him. Now why those two options and only those two, I can’t say except that they felt right.*Nadia, I know I’m supposed to wait but you can tell me if my thought process is wrong. Or if I should be weary of that guy we saw? And don’t even say you didn’t see him. I felt you surfaced when I locked eyes with him!**No girl, you are right.* Nadia says and then adds as I look up to see Crispin once again looking back at me. *He’s who we have been waiting for. He’s the person who will tell us everything!**Really!* I exclaim as I once again twist in the seat to look around us. We travelled a few miles from the hospital, but I just knew he was nearby. Where I can’t tell but I just know he can see me. *Ok I’m really going crazy now!**Your
“Mama Lola and Mama Ang why are you here?” I ask as soon as I’m pushed out of the elevator on the third floor. They were in the lobby waiting but as soon as I arrived the receptionist ran to open the door for us to go in the back, most likely for one of the big conference rooms.“Sissy Merry I’m here as well.” Yells little Callie as she runs to me. “Are you better now?” she asks as she tries to climb on my lap.“Callie sweetie no.” Mama Ang says ask she lifts Callie off my lap and then bends over to hug me. “I’m so happy to see outside of that awful place. Now we need to get this over so I can get this little pumpkin home for her nap.”“I’m a big girl now mommy.” Callie squeals as we enter the conference room, “Right big sissy?”“Yes, you are a big girl, but even big girls need their naps. So, listen to your mommy, ok Callie.” I say as I’m parked near the end of the table beside Mama Lola. Ericson pulls up a chair at the end but doesn’t sit there. In fact, he doesn’t sit but walks out
---Merida’s POV--- I really didn’t want to go back to the courthouse or see that Mr. O’Neal again. But given what happened in the courtroom and how it all ended. Plus Mr. Anderson still needed to rest his case and had questions for me. *Man I hate this!* *You’re not the only one Girl! Though I do wonder what happened?* Nadia voices as I watch Amanda scurry around the room. We were once again in the waiting room but this time, there were more people in here. A counselor, a paramedic or nurse, and I think Amanda’s boss, with the way she was acting, was the only reasonable explanation. Plus, this time around there were snacks and drinks, though no one said anything I could see them watching me. I just ignored them and focused on Nadia. *Na I don’t believe you but I know it’s worthless to ask you!* I state as I look to my dad. I lean over to whisper to him but stop at Nadia’s word. *Girl it wasn’t me. I really don’t remember anyt
---Lucy’s POV--- I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard what happened today. But that didn’t even compare to my disbelief when my alpha showed up at the door and asking to speak with Meri. I was happy when my brother showed up and got me to the workout room while RJ dealt with that. Though it was all strange. Miguel was with me on it being the strangest day. For it just didn’t make any sense, but then again did anything make sense. I was happy to see my girl ok but the bandages on her wrists really had me seething. I didn’t care that she somehow opened them from rubbing them, but it was the fact that I was seeing her bandage up again that caused my fears. Last time she had to stay in the hospital for several days and they had worries about her nerves being damaged. Then there was the chaos about getting her to her physical therapy appointments. As Mr. Cogswell’s had all excuses about her not going or doing something to keep her from goi
Jolting awake I feel someone holding my head and rubbing my hair. It’s very comfortable and natural, but before I can place what is happening. a door opens and someone rushes to me. It takes a moment, but I recognize the person. “Thomas!” I squeak out, startled he looks to me and grins widely for once. Then I feel my head being shifted and I find myself staring into the gray eyes from my dreams. *No their the eyes of my father. DAD!* I just about yell in my head. His eyes squint at me and that’s when I notice his whole face. “Dad! Hi.” I whisper but when I go to touch him, he stops me and tells me to stay put. *But did he actually talk. I don’t remember his voice sounding so stereo like as it wraps around me. *No Girl he didn’t speak, you’re finally connecting with our dad. Now please focus on him so the guard can treat your wounds.* at Nadia’s word everything rushes back to me. How I was testifying or trying to ask the slim ball of a man keep tryin
---Merida’s POV--- *I really don’t like this guy. Will he ever ask us a question about what Tim did?* I think and though I shouldn’t I look to my dad. Clutching his handkerchief in my hand in the pocket to get some of his strength. *Girl the guy is trying to rattle us, just hold and wait for the right questions.* Nadia says as she huffs in annoyance. At that I release the handkerchief and clasp my hands in my lap. Hearing the Judge reprimand Mr. O’Neal gives me hope. Then seeing my dad look to my right, I turned my head to find the Judge looking to me. Though it’s his words that give me pause. “Ms. Cogswell are you ok?” “Yesss, Yes. Judge but I’m confused… what I’m supposed to do?” I am confused as I really don’t know what else to say. “Those last questions please ignore, though if you need a minute, please tell me now.” Judge Mathews tells me as he offers me a small smile and the box of tissues. I don’t take the b
---Ericson’s POV--- After securing the King and Merida in the waiting room, I followed Mr. Anderson into the courtroom. I waved two of the Armed Guards to stay at the back of the room and had Thomas follow me up to the front row right behind Mr. Anderson. Who was already at the prosecution table. Sitting down next to the walkway I had Thomas sit down but give enough room for when the King comes in. Scanning the room, I took notice of the reporters and the spectators. Though I was surprised to see Alpha David of the Moonlight River pack here. He should have nothing to do with the case. Besides Merida, all of the other victims of Tom were human. I am sure of it. I had investigated them and confirmed all their connections myself. Looking to Thomas I discreetly pointed out the alpha but was surprised when I found Thomas staring at the back of the room. More precisely to the doors. Turning around I’m shocked to see the werewolf Alpha of Cresent Luna Pack
“So, when do you think his plane will get here?” I ask for maybe the 20th time since arriving at the airport. I’m in a better mood, especially after talking with the Judge. Though it got better when we got my dad’s call saying he was getting on the plane. That was several hours ago and now it’s almost evening and here I’m with Mi, Ericson, Crispin, and Jenn waiting for his plane. Which will be landing any minute at this private airport. I know for my dad, it’s been over 13 hours as it was still morning when he left while, it was close to lunch time here when he called. *I still can’t believe all the craziness of today but then again I am learning!* I thought as I watched the skies for any trace of my dad’s plane. *I will never get used to this. A private plane!* *Girl this is nothing. Wait till you see our new home!* Nadia said, then she pulled my head and I could see a dot. *There’s our dad!* “I can see it. Ericson is that h
---Merida’s POV--- It was nerve wracking to sit in the room and wait. Yes, I had an Armed Guard and a lovely female court official with me, but I really didn’t know them. Then again, they weren’t really here for me, it was just their job to be here. Though Thomas the Armed Guard was taking this seriously even as he offered me a gentle smile right after Ericson left. Then focused on watching the unknown woman in the room and the door. Though I almost jumped out of my seat when the door opened, and Ericson was standing there. I saw Thomas shifting right before but I wished he had signaled to me what was happening. Seeing my startled face, Thomas winced but moved swiftly out of the room, as Ericson headed to me. “I’m sorry Meri I should have knocked on the door, but I was in a rush to see you.” Ericson exclaimed as he took my hands and rubbed them. “Ms. Cogswell is perfectly fine here Mr. Solace.” The lady who I have completely
---Ericson’s POV--- “Ok Merida I will be right beside you or on the other side of the door when you meet with the judge. So please just relax and answer the questions simply. If you get flustered or it gets too much just call me. I’ll be right there and will handle everything.” I said as we pulled into a parking lot at the courthouse. I had asked Mr. Anderson if we could enter through the back doors but he said no. Will it was more his boss that said no. I’m not happy about any of this, not that the king was any more pleased. He’s flying out soon, hopefully within the next hour. He really tried to leave last night but those blasted council members had questions. I know that he won’t let that happen again, he will be getting on the plane and heading here soon. It just won’t be in time for this, but he will be here tonight and tomorrow. Though I am not looking to tomorrow as that’s the day of the moron getting his eyes on my poor Merida. I
---Miguel’s POV--- I felt so bad for Merida. She was still dealing with the fact that Nadia was keeping a secret and all the new information she got over the weekend. As well that Nadia blocked her when she was chatting with the king. I wish had be privy to that chat, but we needed to keep the information to a few people. The less who know what’s the plan, the more chance of success. Though to say she wasn’t happy wasn’t a good way of describing her this weekend. As she cried a lot. She couldn’t believe that someone was out using her as an excuse to hurt people and now someone died because of it. Then again, the fact that Nadia was keeping her in the dark or helping on some trap, really hurt her. I don’t think she and Nadia have kept secrets from each other, not that she could kept hers from Nadia. But she seemed to really trust Nadia. It really took all weekend to get her to calm down and understand we will get those responsible for it