Page 64 of More Than a Match

The fact that my parents are here is a surprise and a relief. Right after Alex was taken away by the police and I had given my statement, I had called them. Through tears, I told them what had happened, and how he had stepped in to save the day. Without hesitation they came and scooped me up from the party and brought me here. My father was adamant about paying his bail as soon as an amount was announced.

“He saved you, Mina. He put himself in between you and imminent danger, without a thought for himself. He didn’t hesitate. I will do anything to repay him,” he had said. “I see now why you love him. He is so much more than meets the eye. Like a diamond in the rough.”

So now, here we are, waiting for any news. We’ve been here a few hours already, and I can feel the exhaustion flickering behind my eyelids.

My phone rings and I scramble to answer it. It’s Katie.

“Katie, are you ok?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine! Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m with my parents at the police station. We’re waiting for news about Alex. My dad wants to pay his bail.”

“Well hopefully you don’t have to wait too much longer. Jason isn’t pressing charges.”

“What?” I can’t believe it. “What did you say?”

“Apparently he had his lawyer by his side when he talked to the cops. The guy advised him not to press charges, because if this went to court, it would all blow up and he could lose his license because of the video evidence of the sexual assault. The lawyer said at least this way, he might get away with some sort of probationary period, though it’s still a gamble. He might lose everything anyway, but that will depend on the medical board.”

“Holy shit. How did you find all this out so quickly?”

“Bitch, you know me! I’ve got connections, and I’m nosy as fuck. After everything went down, I followed the ambulance to the hospital. Figured someone had to be here picking up the breadcrumbs to give you an update!”

“You’re the best.”

“You know it! But yeah. So the only way he could even try to save what little dignity he has left is to drop this. Plus, apparently he was high as a kite. Man has a whole ass coke addiction.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah. And girl, when I tell you he is fucked up… he’s fucked up. He doesn’t even look recognizable. I heard one of the other doctors saying he ruptured both testicles in the attack, and he’s going to need plastic surgery to fix his face.”

“Serves him right.”

“Hell yeah it does. But the point is, your man is a beast. Takes no prisoners.”

“I know it. I’m so glad he was able to come. I’m thankful for you too.” My eyes mist with tears as I continue, “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if you both hadn’t intervened.”

“Well, don’t think about that. It didn’t happen, let’s not dwell on what-ifs. Unless something crazy happens and we do wind up in court. Then we can throw out all the what-ifs till the jury’s head spins.”’

“I love you, you know that? You’re the best friend a girl could have.”

“I know, and I love you too. You better name your first baby after me!”

“Ha! That’s a long ways away, girl.”

“Still. You better do it.”

I realize my parents are looking at me expectantly, confused by my suddenly happier demeanor. “I’m gonna update my parents. If anything else happens, please let me know!”

“I will. We’ll talk soon regardless. Love you!”

“Love you.”

I hang up and turn to my parents. “So, great news is that Jason isn’t pressing any charges.”

“Really?” My father is incredulous. “From what you described, he could probably get quite the settlement for personal injury.”

“Yeah. Apparently his lawyer had the common sense to remind him that if this goes to court, it’ll blow up and the sexual harassment and assault will become public knowledge, along with the video evidence. It would look bad for the hospital and medical board, so he would most definitely lose his license. If he chooses not to press charges, it stays out of the public eye and he can get some sort of probation from the medical board and maybe start fresh somewhere else.”

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