Colby's POV
I had to admit that I was nervous for Julia to leave the apartment.
I knew I could protect her if she was there, but things got dicey when we left.
She was being so strong though, and I was beyond proud of her.
I couldn't imagine how scary this step was for her but she was trying and that's all I could ask for.
We left extremely early in hopes that nobody would try to follow us.
I didn't know who was watching and that's what stressed me out.
"Did you want to try and eat?" I asked and focused on the road. "No." Julia said quietly.
"How are you feeling?" I asked and glanced over at her. She was chewing on her sleeve, looking out the window.
"Is it too soon?" Julia asked, quietly. "Yeah, it is and I'm sorry. I just need to get you to a doctor." I said then reached over and offered my hand.
I heard her sigh, hesitating for just a second before she took my hand. "I'm proud of you." I hummed, rubbing my thumb along her hand as I focused on the road.
I don't think I could fully express to her how proud I was of her.
She had been through so much and she was handling it the best she possibly could.
We drove for a while before I stopped and got us some food. I knew it was unlikely that Julia would be able to keep it down, but I at least wanted to try.
It was making me really nervous that her health was so damaged after everything that happened, but I couldn't blame her.
This whole situation was dark.
It took us all day and most of the night before we finally made it to LA.
Julia had gotten sick halfway through and had a couple seizures so it took a little longer than usual.
It didn't matter though, because I would stop a hundred times if it helped her get through this a little easier.
"Did you want to swing by the house and say hi to the girls or do you want to go to where we are staying?" I asked and looked over at Julia.
"Where we're staying." She said with a sigh. I knew she would probably say that because she looked exhausted but I knew the girls were excited to see her.
It broke my heart that she was scared to see them but maybe after a couple days she would feel a little better.
We drove until we got to the property Sam owned in the outskirts of LA.
He was letting Julia and I use it since nobody but him knew where it was or that it belonged to him.
I was grateful for Sam because I didn't feel comfortable bringing Julia to the house to stay at sine everyone knew where it was.
Julia's safety and comfortability was my main concern at this point and I would do anything to make sure she felt at least a little safe.
"Where are we?" Julia asked quietly as I pulled up to the house. "Sam owns this place. I thought it would be a little more comfortable for you. Nobody knows we'll be here." I explained as she nodded.
"Thanks." She whispered then brought her sleeve to her mouth again.
I parked the car, then got out to grab our bags. Julia stayed in the car, looking at me was a scared look in her eye.
I frowned then opened her door, reaching my hand out to her. "We're gonna go in together." I said quietly.
"Do you trust it?" She whispered as I nodded. "I do." I said with confidence.
I trusted Sam with my life and I knew he would never put me or Julia in any sort of danger. If he trusted this place, then I did.
When Julia got out of the car I took her hand, holding it tightly as I led the way towards the house. I felt her shaking slightly as we walked which made my heart sink.
I knew this would be hard for her but seeing her physically shaking with fear was sad.
I just wanted her to feel comfortable.
The house we were staying in was nice a comfortable, being only two bedrooms. It wasn't overly fancy but was nice enough for us to stay for a couple days.
"Did you want to stay in the same room as you?" I asked and looked back at Julia. "Yeah." She said quietly causing my heart to skip a beat.
I was expecting her to tell me no, but the fact she wanted me to stay with her was a huge step.
"Okay, darling. Let's get you to bed then." I said then kissed her head before leading the way to the bedroom.
When we got to the room, Julia didn't hesitate to sit on the bed, looking around.
"I need to take a quick shower, but I can leave the door open if it will make you more comfortable." I said as she shook her head.
"No, it's okay." She said with a sigh, laying back. "I'll be fast." I said then turned to go towards the bathroom. "Oh, and Jules?" I asked, turning to face her.
"Yes?" She asked, picking her nails anxiously. "I'm really proud of you." I said as she nodded. "Thanks." She mumbled and looked down.
I could tell she was almost embarrassed about how she was feeling but she didn't have to be. I wasn't ashamed of her and I wasn't judging her for being this way.
I was just so proud of her for taking this step and for being so strong.
I smiled at her then turned to go into the bathroom so I could shower. I wasn't thrilled about leaving Julia alone but I felt disgusting and was going to be quick.
After showering, I made my way back to the bedroom so I could get dressed.
When I got to the bedroom though, I noticed Julia wasn't on the bed or even in the room anymore.
"Julia?" I asked, feeling a bit of panic entering my chest. I quickly put on some clothes then made my way out of the room and towards the living room.
"Jules." I called out, looking around. Surely someone couldn't have come in here and taken her, I was only gone for a couple minutes.
"Fuck." I groaned, looking around everywhere for her. "Julia, baby. Please just answer." I begged, walking into the second bedroom.
Everything in the room looked normal, except for the desk chair that was pulled away from the desk.
I walked over and crouched down to see Julia huddled under the desk, tears in her eyes.
"Hey..." I whispered, reaching my hand out to her. "What's going on?" I asked as she shook her head, tears falling down her cheeks.
"I'm not gonna hurt you, Jules. Come out and we can go to bed." I said and pushed my hand towards her a little more. She looked at me for a second before looking at my hand.
She hesitated for a second before reaching her hand towards mine. "That's my girl. You're okay, I promise I'm not gonna hurt you." I cooed, rubbing my thumb along her hand.
We sat like that for a second before she finally moved and got out from under the desk. "Let's go to bed, we have a busy day tomorrow." I said then helped her stand.
"I'm sorry." She whispered as I shook my head. "It's okay, sweetheart. I know you can't control it." I said then led the way to the bedroom. "Do you hate me?" She asked as I shook my head.
"No, I love you very much and just want to help you." I said as we walked back to the room we were staying.
We got into bed, but I didn't make a move to touch or hold Julia. I didn't want to freak her out but I wanted so badly to comfort her.
It was so hard to gauge what would help her more.
She wouldn't ever initiate anything, and she wouldn't voice what she needed, but I couldn't blame her.
Julia sniffled then turned towards me, scooting over to rest her head on my chest. I gasped slightly, not expecting her to do that.
I grinned then wrapped my arms around her and held her close.
I was exhausted but wanted to make sure she fell asleep before me. While I laid there I couldn't stop thinking about the situation we were in.
I knew tomorrow was going to be hard for Julia but I was trying to be confident that things would be okay.
I didn't know what she going to decide to do, but I knew I was going to support her.
I was just nervous to see what path she would take.