Secrets

Just a quick TW: this chapter contains SA

Willow

"You're sure it was him?" My heart was pounding, moving towards full on panic mode. I thought if I unblocked him he would calm down.

"It was him. Robin showed up first to drop this off," Olivia held up a black shirt, with two hockey sticks crossed in the front. It was the same shirt in the photo he sent me. The one Robin was wearing.

"Jesus fucking christ. He sent me a photo of her wearing it. Throw that out, I don't want to know what's on it,". I said with disgust. There was no low the two of them wouldn't stoop to apparently so having sec in MY clothes and returning them was a real possibility.

"He drove by at least three times before coming to the door. He said you guys were supposed to meet up to talk. He got pissed off when I told him you weren't home and I didn't know when or if you'd be back tonight,".

"Robin said that Will really wanted you to have the sgirt back. I guess he burned everything else. She didn't bother to stay and visit,".

What the actual fuck. Why would he start acting like this after weeks of being fine? The calling and texting was childish, but this? This was insane. I should have listened to Cass and Olivia. Showing up at my house? Driving by to see if I was there, sending Robin here with the shirt? Then it dawned on me.

Now I was furious. Furious and scared. He wanted me upset that she was wearing my clothes in his bed, but he also wanted me to remember the topic of our conversation. Where he thre it in my face that I wouldn't let him choke me in bed anymore. Because he had gone too far and hurt me. My hand automatically went to the back of my head, right near the base of my skull. My fingers traced the small scar there, that only I could find so easily.

"It's a threat,". I stated, my voice cracked on the last word, threatening to close my throat. " Absolutey disgusting and childish, but a threat"

Their heads snapped to my position on the couch. They had been pacing the livingroom while we discussed things, but they were both at a standstill in front of me.

"It's a threat, " I repeated with a sigh, trying to hide the tremor in my hands "I'm going to tell you something,". I made eye contact with both of them sternly. "and you aren't going to tell anyone. Not Callum, not Owen, not Chase. I will tell him myself,".

Both of them grasped the serious tone in my voice, both of them sitting down on the loveseat silently, only giving me a nod to show they understood.

So I told them. I tried not to cry as I watched their expressions go from pity, to shock, and finally to rage when they heard about the black out, and splitting my head open. I turned on the couch, lifting my hair away from the scar as much as I could. They took turns running their fingers over it. It was about two centimeters long, but easy to hide.

"That piece of shit! You can't keep this to yourself, I'm calling Chase right now," Olivia snarled, reaching for her phone. To my surprise Cass grabbed her hand, shaking her head.

"We can't tell him. It's not our secret to tell. But you will tell him," She levelled me with a gaze so fierce it had me avoiding her eyes.

I nodded, a few tears spilling out.

"Oh, honey," her tone was much softer this time

Cass sat down beside me, wrapping her arms around me. Olivia did the same until I was tangled between them, the three of us crying together. It felt good to get this off my chest, but horrifying that he was using it to hurt me.

"Why didn't you tell me? Tell us?"

"I thought I was past it, but I'm not. I didn't realize it until he sent me that. It's why I can't- I can't have sex with Chase. I ran away from him a few weeks ago. I thought I was just nervous but-"

"but your body remembers, ", Cass finished softly " It always remembers. I get that. You know I have my own history, so don't think you ever have to hide things like this from me,".

"Me either," Olivia sniffled. "I love you Willow. I'll never look down on you for something like that. You did nothing wrong, Will on the other hand is fucking dead. I know Chase will understand,".

I nodded, hoping she was right. I was going to tell him, I had to. But not over the phone. It had to be done in person.

"I'm going to tell him tomorrow. He's picking me up when I'm finished the photo session I have booked,"

"He should drive you, ". Cass stated. "He is or I will. I don't think he's tracking you or anything, but it'll be getting dark by the time youre done, he knows what your car looks like. Just please?"

"Yeah, that's a good idea, I'll talk to him about it,".

When I was finally all cried out, I made my way to my room and flopped down on my bed. Why was this my life? I pulled out my phone, texting chase

Me: Hey handsome, sorry I ditched you tonight. Instead of picking me up for dinner from my house, did you want to drive me down to the trail and hang out until I'm done? I can't have you right there while I'm working, but you could go for a drive or wait further down the trail just while I'm working. It'll be a little dark out lol

Chase: You afraid of the dark? Lol Yes of course I'll come with you. I'll protect you 😉 can't wait baby

Me: Thank you. I'll see you here around 3:30? The client said they would meet me at the bridge by the pavilion. Its about a 20 minute walk from the trail entrance. I'll see you tomorrow <3.

Chase: See you then baby

I tossed and turned all night. Although I was doing my best not to think about it, the entire situation was just fucked up. I should have left Will a year ago when he started acting crazy. I wouldn't be scared to go do my job by myself, Wyatt wouldn't be treating me like this, Chase wouldn't be caught in the middle, I wouldn't be worried about him jeopardizing his draft chances, and I wouldn't be lying to him. He was going to lose it when I told him. I justhoped he would understand why I did it and he wouldn't take it out on me.

When the sunlight started shining through my curtains, I gave up hop of getting some real sleep, trudging to the shower. I didn't care to straighten my hair, so I used a little bit of product, brushed it through, and gave it a quick scrunch before leaving it to air dry. My hair had a nice natural wave to it when I left it alone. It wasn't my favourite, but Chase has seen me look way worse than this. I did my skin care and put on a little eye liner and mascara before throwing on a pair of black athletic leggings and a grey turtleneck.

The goal was to get some hard work put into my essay, but I spent most of my day alternating between trying to work on it, puttering aimlessly around the house, stress eating, and watching grey's anatomy. I couldn't focus on anything for too long. I almost texted Chase to ask him to come early so I could tell him then, but it wouldn't be fair to him. I would tell him after the photo shoot, but before dinner so he could decide if he still wanted this. Wanted me. I was afraid it would be enough to make him walk away, though I deserved it if he did.

I hid Will's abuse from him, the texts and calls, the way he threw things in my face, I didn't tell him I thought I was being threatened, that he showed up at my house, the drive by. I don't know if I could look past it if the roles were reversed.

Olivia and Cass texted me on and off throughout the day. They offered to call in for the day, but I didn't want them to miss class over me. And I kind of needed to be alone. I ran through the conversation over and over in my head, but there was no way to sugar coat it or make it any better. I was a broken girl with a psycho ex boyfriend. Finally I passed out on the couch for a while, waking up just in time to throw my camera and lenses into my carrying case and fix up my hair before Chase got here.

As soon as I saw his truck pull up, I rushed out the door, locking and double checking it behind me. My stomach was in knots, threatening force up the contents of my stomach, but I plastered on my best fake smile anyway.

"Hey babe," He leaned over the console to kiss me softly. I kissed him back gently before reaching behind me to drop my bag.

"Hey,".

I held on to Chase's hand the entire drive, listening to him talk about training today, how his stats are up. Coach Clark thought he was damn near top of the list for scouts. The drive there felt both too fast and too slow. I tried really hard to participate and sound supportive, but it was hard to focus. In no time, yet all the time in the world, he was pulling into the parkinglot, shifting the truck into park. We were right on time.

"Okay, what's gping on?"  He turned to look at me, giving me his full attention. His dark eyes told me that he wanted a real answer this time. "I know it's not school, or Wyatt. Spill it,"

I took a deep breath, turning in my seat so I could hold his hand with both of mine. "You're right. I wasn't being honest with you. Wyatt messaged me Sunday, not Wednesday,". I wasn't sure how much I should tell him right now. I had to do this session since it was too late to reschedule, and I didn't want him stewing over it the whole time. "and school is awful right now, but not impossible,".

"Then what is it?" He raised a hand to my face, tipping my head back to stare at him instead of our hands. "Are you ending this?"

"What? No, God no. But. . . you might,". The words hurt to say, but he had to know what he was in for.

"What are you talking about Willow? I'm not breaking up with you. Whatever it is, you can tell me,".

"I know, and I want to. I wasn't ready yesterday, but I am now. Later. After this is done, we can talk. Then you can still decide if you want to take me to dinner,".

"Of course I'll still take you out. Willow what is going on?" He demanded. I knew I was worrying him, but I also knew this was not the place or time to be having this conversation.

"I can't tell you right now, right before this-" I felt tears trying to fill my eyes, so I cleared my thoat and blinked quickly trying to fight them off. I really didn't desserve his concern. He was going to be livid later. "I didn't cheat. It's nothin illegal, I'm healthy, and totally fine. I promise I will tell you as soon as we are done here,".

I could see him growing irritated with me with every millimeter he ground his jaw, the veins in his neck becoming slightly more prominent. His eyes were glued to mine, his brows fighting not to glower over them.

"I promise, okay?" I looked him in the eyes, pleading for him to understand. He didn't.

"Fine, I'll be here when you're done." His tone was flat. He pulled his hand from mine and ran it through his hair b efore resting it on the steering wheel.

I let out a breath, putting my hands on his arm "Chase. Please try to hear me out. I will-"

"Tell me later. It's fine. I'll be here, " It was not fine, and I was not sure he would still be here with the way he was acting.

Message received. Without another word I grabbed my bag and hopped out, slamming the door behind me. I was aware he would think I was over reacting but he didn't need to be so lifeless with me. I understand him being angry, but to be so standoffish was hurting me. I guess we wouldn't be going to dinner tonight. Or any other night.

Twenty minutes later, I was standing on the bridge, enjoying the view. It was an uphill trail, so even after such a short walk, I could see over the tops of the low trees to the lake. On the other side of the bridge there was a small pavilion with a few picnic tables and a similar view.

I checked my phone to see I was right on time. I liked to be early, but today wasn't necessarily a good day for things I wanted. I opened my phone to email the client I was booked to see to tell them I had arrived with a reminder that if they were more than twenty minutes late the session would ba cancelled, costing them their deposit.

I texted Chase too

Chase, I'm sorry okay? I wanted to tell you but I was afraid of being embarrassed. Then it just got worse and it's really hard for me to talk about. If you don't want to see me afterwards it's fine. I can call a cab.

Chase: I said I would be here so I will be here. I'm not going to leave you here.

The words would have been comforting if I couldn't see the look he was currently sporting in my head., He wasn't staying herebecause he wanted to. He was staying here because he saud he would and he doesn't lie. I was so hung up on my conversation with Chase I didn't even notice the person behind me until they cleared their throat.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry, I'm a little distracted, " I slipped my phone into my bag, finally turning with my hand extended like I'd done a million times. "Hi, I'm"

"Hello Willow, Tyler banks,".

Except that wasn't tyler banks. It was Tyler banks who booked the shoot. I was now praying for the mystery person to show up  stupidly, knowing there is no way he would know this information if he didn't book the shoot.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Will?"

He smiled at me curiously as I took a step back, bumping into the railing. "I'm here for a photoshoot. Since it was the only way to get you to talk to me. Miss me?"

I took another step back. The last time he gave me this feeling in my chest, he slammed my head into a coat hook. "Kind of hard to miss you when you drve past my house and send me pictures of your new girlfriend,".

I took another step back, suddenly realizing what a mistake I made pissing Chase off. He didn't walk up here with me. He was a twenty minute walk away from me right now. He wouldn't hear me if I yelled for him. I tried to move casually while I reached for my phone. There would be nobody out here this close to dark

"No need for that, " He said nodding to my hand. When I didn't listen, he grabbed my wrist firmly.This close to him, I could tell that he was drunk. He smelled like a brewery with his dishevelled hair and blood shot eyes. He was absolutely trashed, and angry. He never drank too much when I was with him, that's when he became volatile. I released my phone but he didn't release my wrist.

I yanked my arm back but he held strong "Let go of me," I snarled, thrashing again. He grabbed my other arm, holding them up between us.

"I miss you, " He slurred. "I know you miss me too sweetheart,". He leaned towards me, but I jerked my knee into his groin before he could kiss me. He groaned, dropping his hold.

I ducked away from him and turned tail, pushing my legs as fast as they would go while holding my bag to stop it from hitting me and tripping me up. "Help me!" I screamed, my throat stinging from the force. I didn't know how far Will would go, but I didn't want to find out. The way he was looking at me had me convinced he wasn't leaving until he got what he wanted.

Unfortunately I didn't get far. I was yanked backwards, pulling the next scream from my lungs before it could be released. Tears fell without permission, my heart pounding like a jackhammer in my chest. I felt hands on my shoulder shoving me roughly. My back slammed against something hard and I gasped. Will face swam into my field of vision and I imediatelt struck out, tryin to hit any part of him I possibly could.

"Get off me you fucking psycho!"

I didn't recognize my own voice. The hysteria was clear as day. I knew what he was going to do to me but I also knew with his years of training I couldn't fight him off. I wouldn't even be able to out run him. I screamed, thrashing against the body forcing up against me. A harsh slap was delivered to my face, but I barely felt the sting even as my head jerked to the side. A hand wrapped around my throat, cutting off my air way. I clawed at the hand, not even b teaking the skin with my bitten off nails. His other hanbd secured my wrist to hold them over my head. My eyes felt like they wanted to pop out of my head.

"Listen here, " He snapped, coming close enough to my face tht he was the only thing I couldb see "Stop screaming and I'll let you stay awake long enough to enjoy it,".

I stopped thtrashing my legs, trying my best to look at him with my vision blurring. "That's my sunshine girl,". I'd hated that name since he gave it to me, and I knew as of right now I would hate it for the rest of my life. He released my throat, and I started hyperventilating, trying to catch my breath. The tears came in a steady stream of dread. I would never get away from him unless someone walking around heard us. Nobody used these trails this close to winter. Even though he removed his hand, I felt like it was still there, closing off my airway. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't move, I couldn't think.

"You want this, yeah? I knew you were mine. Always mine,".

With one hand holding up my wrists, he grabbed my face, forcefully kissing me. When he pulled back, I spit in his face.

"Some body help me! Please!"

He put his hand back to my throat and I stared thrashing again, trying gto force his grip to loosen, choked screams coming out in spurts.  He slammed my head back into the tree, making me dizzy instantly. His hand dropped from my throat, unfastening the top button of my jeans.

"Willow?" I wasn't sure if I was actually hearing things or if I was imagining them, but I prayed to god this was real.

"Chase! Help me!"

"Nobody is going to hear you out here, " Wil growled, holding me by the throat.

Suddenly the pressure was gone, and there was nothing left to hold me up. I dropped down to the ground, not even registering the damp earth beneathe me. I was gasping for air, struggling to adjust to what was happening. I felt like I was moving in slow motion.

Looking up, I saw Will on the ground, a dark figure straddling him, flailing. No. not flailing, punching.

Chase

I struggled to my feet, refastening my jeans as I approached the figure. Will was groaining under him, trying his best to protect his face against Chase's assault. It was no use, Chase swung fast and hard, and didn't seem to plan on stopping.

"I will fucking kill you! You fucking prick!" He accentuayed the words with punches, and I was sure he could actually kill himifhe wanted to.

I ran forward, screaming for him to stop. I got to him, grabbing his arm and briefly registering Will's face. His nose looked broken, his cheek and eyebrow split open. The rest of his upper body had to be pretty battered too.

"Chase, stop! Stop! Please!"

He registered what was happening and paused before letting me pull him back wards. As soon as Will saw an out he was gone, running back across the bridge, most likely to a separate trail entrance. As soon as he was on his feet I was in his arms.

"Willow, are you okay? I'm so sorry baby, so sorry, " I meant to reply, but all I could get out was a sob. I threw myself into his chest, sobbing harder than I ever have before. My knees gave out and we both crumpled to the ground. He pulled me into his lap, running his hands all over any part of me he could reach. I clung to him, struggling to breathe.

"I need an ambulance, now. There's been an assault. He tried to ra-"

I covered my ears, not wanting to hear the rest of it. He hung up the phone and ducked his head. "It's okay Wilow. You're okay. Theyre sending an ambulance and officers, We need to go back to the truck, baby. Whem you're ready."

It took a few minutes for me to calm down enough to stand, but when I did, Chase pulled me close with my head in his hands. His eyes scanned over my face, checking out the damage. When his eyes got to my throat, his own eyes welled with tears, and he swallowed woodenly.

"Do you want to wait here? We can do that. I'll call back and tell them where we are,".

I shook my head, finally starting to feel the extent of the damage. I ignored the pain, swallowing and clearing my throat. "I'm okay. WE can- we can go to the truck. I- I'm sorry,"

"No. You don't get to apologize. I let you go up here alone. It's okay. Don't be sorry for anything. I've got you" He hugged me tightly, letting me pull back when I was ready.

I refused Chase's offer to cary me several times, I felt like I was floating. It felt stupid, but I planned on using it to my advantage. Instead of seeing everything in slow motion this round, I felt like I was on fast forward. Words bounced around inside my head as they checked me out

Facial bruising. Swollen vocal chords, bruises, light concussion. Burst blood vessels, headache, nausea. Hospital?

"No, no hospital,"

"Okay, we might not need to take you in. Do you require a rape kit Ma'am?"

"No. He didn't get that far," I said hoarsely.

"Okay, she's good to go. Tylenol and advil alternating every four to six hours. Make sure to tell the boyfriend if she gets any worse to take her to the hospital,"

The officers talked to me next. I told them the events of tonight woodenly. I had no more tears to cry right now. I gave them the same play by play running through my head since the moment it stopped. They checked out my fingernails, telling me without proof of a struggle, the most they could do was talk to him right now. Advised me to get a restraining order. They would have to find him and get his side of the story. This isn't how this is supposed to work. They were supposed to help me, fin him and arrest him. They were supposed to help me.

They walked away, waving Chase over to tell him he could talk to me now. They made us stay away from eachother so they could question us separately. He hugged me tightly, kissing the top of my head.

" I called Callum. The girls are coming to our place for at least the night, just in case. I didn't tell them why. Do you want to call Cass? Or Olivia? Reid might be there too, she might be able to-"

" I just want you," I whispered. He dropped his hands down to my thighs, hoisting me up so he could carry me. He got me into the passenger seat, still holding on to me.

"I'm right here, not going anywhere. Let's go home,".