Chapter 2 - Waking Up

Sasha's P.O.V.

My body is in so much pain that I want to scream, but I don't think I can. Everything is black. Am I dead? No, that can't be right. If I was, I wouldn't be in so much pain. The only thing that doesn't hurt is my right hand. Something warm is holding it and sending little sparks up my arm. Who is that person talking? I can tell it's a man, but I don't know who it is. The voice is deep and soothing; it makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a warm blanket.

Where am I? I try to remember what happened. I was walking home from work, and something happened. Oh, no! The two men. They pulled me into the alley and raped me. When I tried to fight them, they knocked me out. I have to tell someone. The man with me, I know he isn't one of them because the voice of one of my attackers was high and nasally, and the other was soft. I don't think they were more than eighteen or nineteen.

I need to open my eyes. I need to tell the police what happened and find out who this man is beside me. Even after what those idiots did to me, the man holding my hand makes me feel safe. I have no fear of him. Who is he?

"Sasha?" I like the way he says my name. I try to talk, but it comes out as a moan.

"It's okay; take your time, sweetheart." Sweetheart? No one has ever called me sweetheart. Am I dead? Did I go to heaven, and this is an angel to take away my pain? I have to see this man. I open my eyes, but the bright lights blind me, so I close them again. I feel him kiss my hand. Okay, I can do this; come on, eyes open and focus. I open my eyes, and this time, I give them time to adjust. I'm in the hospital; I can tell that right away. I've been here enough to know the look and smell.

I look to my right and almost stop breathing. He's got to be an angel. The man who's giving me so much comfort is huge with blonde hair and the clearest blue eyes I've ever seen. When he smiles, I expect to hear angels singing.

"Hi. I'm sure you're confused about why I'm here and who I am. I want to introduce myself before the nurse comes in and you tell her to get me out of your room. I'm Tatum, and I found you in the alley. I told the staff here I was your boyfriend so they would let me stay with you. If you want me to leave, I will." Who has a voice like that? It's so smooth and deep. I don't want him to leave. He's the only thing that's making me feel safe right now. Tatum, I like that name.

"Don't leave." I sound like a frog with gravel in its throat. Tatum gives me that smile again, and I instantly feel relieved. How can he make me feel so calm after everything I went through?

"I will stay as long as you want me to. I'll call for the nurse." As long as I want him to? How about forever? What am I saying? He's probably just being nice because he found me in the alley. I'm sure he has a wife and kids somewhere. No man who looks like that is single. Only a minute after he calls the nurse, an older woman with curly grey hair walks in.

"She just woke up," Tatum tells her while squeezing my hand. She smiles at me and walks to my other side.

"Hi Sasha, my name is Karla. I'll have the doctor come in to check you out. You're actually in better shape than you look, but I'll let him explain. I'll be right back." I nod slightly, but it makes my head spin. I wince, and Tatum notices. He strokes my head lightly, making the dizziness and pain go away. All I feel are little sparks. What are those?

"Take it easy. I don't know what she means by you're better than you look. You look broken. I was so scared when I found you. I thought I was too late, but you're a fighter. The police are going to want to talk to you, too. If you want, I can stay with you when they do, but I'll leave if you're uncomfortable with me here. You just tell me what you need." Is he for real? My mouth opens, and I speak before thinking.

"You." What the actual fuck? My brain-to-mouth filter must be on the fritz again. I see the shock on his face, but I can't look away. He breaks out into a huge smile. Okay, that went better than expected, even though I wish I could take it back. I don't know him other than he saved me, and he's the only thing that's easing my pain and making me feel safe.

"Well, you can have me as long as you want." Do his words have a double meaning, or is it just me? Before I can say anything else, Karla and an older doctor walk in.

"Please leave so I can examine Sasha," he says, looking at Tatum. No, please don't leave.

"No. Stay." I squeak out. Everyone looks at me, but I hold on to Tatum's hand tightly. I need him here. I can't even explain it to myself, but I know I'll get through this with him here. The doctor doesn't look happy, but he nods.

"Sasha, I'm Dr. Dobbs. I'm going to examine you and tell you about your injuries. We did a rape kit when you came in, and we're able to get samples to send to the police." I try not to take offense to his matter-of-fact attitude. I'm sure it's because he sees many patients like me and he's lost his bedside manner. However, I can almost feel the anger radiating off Tatum. I glance over at him and when our eyes meet, I see him calm down. Maybe I have the same effect on him as he has on me. I just focus on him while Dr. Dobbs and Kala examine me.

"You have a concussion, a sprained wrist, and a broken rib. Other than that, it's mainly bruising. If you have someone to stay with, you can go home. I don't want you to be alone while you have the concussion." I don't have anyone. I'm in this huge city, and I'm all alone. What am I going to do? I don't want to stay in the hospital.