Always by Sharon
Chapter One
Cristian and Jen's wedding had just broken up and he is on his way to find Natalie. When he is cutting through the park, he gets the shock of his life instead. He would recognize that voice anywhere.
Cris: Jess? Jess, I know your there. Its okay.
She climbed out behind the bushes, dazed and confused. He took her hand wiped her tears.
Jessica: (barely coherent) CRIS. (She starts crying.)
Cristian: Its okay, sweetheart. I won't hurt you.
He wraps his jacket around her as he notices blood.
Cris: You really should get to a doctor you know.
She stares off into space with a blank look on her face.
Cris: Alright, never mind. I think I need to get you home. Its late, your family is probably worried sick.
Jess: No! Please don't make me face them yet.
Cris: Who?
Jess: My mom and my sister. They'll look at me, Cristian. Look at me like i'm a victim. I don't want to be a victim.
Cris: Who did this to you? Do you know?
Jess: I didn't see his face. (pauses) Why did I have to go through this park tonight? Why could I just go another way just once? (she starts crying again) He was so strong, Cristian. And I didn't even see him coming.
Cris: What happened.
Jess: (crying) He grabed me from behind and I couldn't breathe. Then he stuffed something in my mouth so I couldn't scream.
Cris: You don't have to continue, honey. I know this is hard for you.
Jess: Thats ok. I'm stronger than that. I won't let him win. (pauses) Cristian, He draged me into the bushes and then he hit me. He hit my dress and then he raped me. I thought it would never end. I just kept looking at the trees and that smell. Oh that god awful smell. I'll never forget it. He smelled like whiskey.
He pulls her into his arms.
Cristian: Its okay now. Your safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. I promise.
She cries harder and he runs his fingers through her hair.
Cris:Its okay. You cry now. Just cry. I'll take care of you now. I will.
After she finally stops crying he carries her the rest of the way. She never let go of him the whole way. He put her on the couch and got her a blanket. She was freezing so he lit a fire and got her some tea. He pulled out a box from the closet and joined her on the couch.
Jess: Whats in the box?
Cris: All of our dreams, Jess. We wrote them down and we buried them. We never looked at them, did we?
Jess: They wouldn't have come true if we did.
Cris: Well then we'll look at them now. You just reach into this box and pull one out.
Jess: Why?
Cris: Because whatever it is, i'm going to make it true. Whatever it is.
Jess: You'd do that for me?
Cris: Of course I would. Your my best friend. Besides, I hate what your doing to yourself. You've got to know what a beautiful person you are.
She picks from the box without looking and begins to read
.
Jess: Marry Cristian.
Jess and Cris look at each other in shock.
Jess: Don't worry, Cris. I'm not going to hold you to it.
Cris: Why don't we save this for later.... If I brought back a doctor, would you see her?
Jess: Would you be here with me?
Cris: Of course. Your not going through this alone.
Jess: Then I guess I'll see her. Shes not going to hurt me too much, is she?
Cris: I won't let her.Try to get some sleep Jess. And don't open the door to anyone unless you know who they are.
Jess: I won't, I promise... Thanks for being the best friend I've ever had. (she hugs him)
Cristian is driving in his car with his anger fuming.
Cris: Why would anyone hurt Jess? She'd never hurt a fly. Shes the sweetest person I've ever known. He gets out of his car and rings the doorbell but doesn't know what to say.
Natalie: Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?
Cristian: I should, but I'm not.
Nat: Why?
Cris: Because I couldn't go through with it.
Natalie throws her arms around him and starts kissing him.
Nat: Oh, Cristian. I love you so much.
This was the part he hated, breaking her heart again by lying.
Cris: Stop. Stop it Natalie. Thats not why I'm here.
Nat: Okay. Then why are you here?
Cris: To say goodbye.
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