Fan Fiction / Zoids Fan Fiction ❯ Unforgettable ❯ encounter ( Chapter 21 )

Van woke up later in the day feeling a great deal better than he did earlier that day. He looked towards Fiona and saw that she was still sleeping. He knew she didn't deserve to be in the position that she was in and hoped that Ethan would seriously pay for putting someone as nice as Fiona in the hospital.

 

“So you decided to wake up huh?” Moonbay said from the door as she walked in with an apple in her hand. She walked over and took a seat in the chair on the opposite side of Fiona's bed. “What made you change your mind about coming?” she asked remembering what Irvine told her when he first came in. She was ticked off about it but felt like she could forgive him if he gave a good enough excuse.

 

Van looked towards her and did something that she didn't expect, he grinned. “I just learned that Tiffany was lying. The child wasn't mine and then she had the nerve to get rid of it calling it a miscarriage so that I wouldn't be able to find out that it wasn't mine. I found her diary though and it told me all I needed to know. I'll show you the recording of her confession later,” he said with a grin giving Fiona's hand a small squeeze.

 

“I don't believe her!” Moonbay said in a slightly raised voice but not high enough to wake Fiona. “I feel sorry for the kid. Even I know it did nothing wrong to be killed like that!” she said angrily. She hated abortions which is why she never considered it when she learned she was pregnant.

 

“I know. I managed to get a confession from her without even bringing it up. There's no way she can talk herself out of that. I was a bit cold hearted about it but I don't really care. I only wanted to get out of there and back to Fiona at that point,” he said staring longingly at Fiona's face.

 

“So the divorce case date is still on?” she asked and Van just nodded his head. “Good. That's something that's been a long time in the making. When is it?” she asked taking another bite out of her apple. It was the only thing she would eat here because the hospital food was disgusting.

 

“It's later this week. I have to say I'm looking forward to it,” he said looking back towards Fiona and caressed her face. “I think the evidence of her lying is stacked too much against Tiffany to pull another stunt like she did on TV,” he said while leaning back in his chair.

 

“Good,” was all she said before she too looked towards Fiona. “How did they know who did this to Fiona before she could even say it to anyone?” she asked examining Fiona's battered body.

 

“People saw him leaving the hotel apparently and he was in a huge hurry just as the ambulances pulled up. People thought it was suspicious. Not to mention I finally got to tell the police about the two attacks he made on Fiona before then. She didn't feel it was necessary to tell them even after he attacked her twice. It was too much stacked against him and they went and arrested him. They don't have the exact evidence to hold him until Fiona tells them but they have to keep a close eye on him until she can so that he can't escape,” Van said with a sigh of relief. “He'll be in there for a good long time. All they need now is Fiona's confession to keep him locked up,” he said tightening his hold on Fiona's hand.

 

“Good to hear,” she said with a smile. She then saw that Fiona was waking up and decided to give her and Van some time to talk. “I guess I better go find Irvine,” she said standing up and she threw the apple core in the garbage can before she walked out of the room silently.

 

Fiona's eyes opened and saw that the lights weren't on full blast like last time. “I wasn't dreaming, you're actually here,” she said when she saw Van leaning towards her with her hand firmly clasped in his own.

 

Van chuckled a little as he brought Fiona's hand up to his lips and kissed them. “Of course,” he said as he reached over and moved a few stray hairs out of Fiona's face. “How're you feeling now? Any better than earlier?” he asked looking into her crimson eyes with all the worry he could muster.

 

“Not really, it still hurts just to speak,” she said softly in a raspy voice. “What about Tiffany? What about your child?” she asked but Van just put a finger to her lips to silence her before she could say anything else.

 

“If it hurts to speak then you don't have to. As for Tiffany, she lied in the worst way and I left. It was never mine but she had the gall to get rid of it so I wouldn't find out,” he said hoping that she didn't have anymore questions. He saw that it really did pain her to speak so he didn't want her to talk.

 

Fiona gave off a smile. It was such a huge relief to know that she wasn't going to end up losing Van again. She just hoped that Tiffany would back off after that so that they could finally live in peace together. Things never seemed easy to the two of them but Fiona felt that they could work on that.

 

“I have some business to attend to but I promise that I'll come back to see you immediately afterwards,” Van said and Fiona nodded as he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss before he stood up and started walking towards the door. “Be sure to get more rest. You need it after what you went through,” he said kissing her forehead before he quietly left.

 

*****

 

Van made a few arrangements so that he could meet with Ethan and also tell the police what Fiona told him. He was not going to let Ethan get off with putting in that condition without making sure that he paid greatly for it.

 

Van walked into the police station glad that it was only a few blocks away from the hospital. It meant that when he was done that he'd be able to get back to Fiona quickly. He wondered if maybe he'd be able to get her transferred to a hospital closer to home but then found he didn't care because he'd make sure that he was with her whenever possible.

 

Van walked up to a man that was sitting by the desk and pulled out some identification. “My names Van Flyheight and I'm here to speak with the man you're holding for the attack that happened last night Ethan James,” Van said as the man took his identification.

 

The police seemed satisfied with the identification. “Yes, they've been waiting for you. Just go through that door and go all the way down the hall. Turn left and then it's the second door on the left,” the officer said and Van just nodded and walked through the door.

 

Van followed the man's directions and walked down the hall and turned a left. He saw that there was a man waiting outside the door and he just nodded to Van and opened the door as both of them walked in.

 

“I hope you know that unless we actually get some evidence that we can't hold him for very long. Just because he was there isn't enough to hold him prisoner. We've barely been able to keep him very long because of the workings of his lawyer,” the man said coming to a stop in front of a one-way window.

 

“I know. I appreciate what you did though. The woman that was attacked recently woke up and has stated that it was him directly. You may want to talk to her just make sure that you don't ask anything that takes a lot of talking to respond,” Van said and although he hated to have to put Fiona through it. He wanted to make sure that Ethan couldn't hurt her anymore.

 

The man nodded and then went into a door but Van just stood outside it looking at the despicable man that was behind the glass. He then walked into the room behind the man. Ethan didn't even look up at him and Van was sort of glad for it.

 

“Why am I still here?” Ethan asked looking only at the table. “I've done nothing wrong. Just because I have a past with her doesn't mean that I'm responsible. You only have me here because I was walking away from the scene,” he said in a relatively calm voice.

 

“True but we now have some evidence linking you to it,” the detective said as he took a seat on the other side of the table from Ethan. He saw Van just leaning against the wall. “We have to wait till your lawyer gets here before we do anything,” the detective said as he tapped his fingers on the table.

 

“I don't see the point of this. Some girl dies and I'm the immediate suspect just because I used to be her fiancé,” he said as if he didn't even care. He still refused to even look at anyone in the room.

 

“Seriously injured, she isn't dead yet,” Van finally said and he saw Ethan's head shoot up and stare in shock at Van. “In fact, she's already awakened and it's kind of funny but she even stated that you attacked her,” Van said doing his best to keep his anger in check. He was pissed because Ethan clearly just wanted Fiona to die.

 

“Yeah well she's a liar! She lied all the time when I was her fiancé!” he growled out hating the sight of Van. “It seemed fine to me before you came into the picture Flyheight!” he said angrily as his hands clenched into fist on top of the table.

 

“Don't give me that bullshit of Fiona being a liar! You and I both know that she is bad at it!” Van said but was quieted when the detective gave him a warning look. He obviously didn't want a fight to start in there.

 

“You obviously don't know her then,” Ethan muttered before he too quieted down because of the look the detective was giving him. He only had to wait until his lawyer got there and he was sure that he'd be able to get out of here quickly. He felt confident enough that he'd get out.

 

They only waited about ten minutes before another man came into the room. He looked very business like in a business suit and his hair well kept. His face was stern and serious. It wasn't exactly the friendliest looking of people.

 

“Greeting Mr. Anderson. We've just been waiting on you,” the detective said as he stood up and shook the man's hand. “Mr. Flyheight is here on behalf of Miss. Lynette since Mr. Shubaltz is busy at the moment with another case,” the detective said and the man just nodded towards Van.

 

“Let's just get down to the point. Why is my client still being held? He has his rights and is being held without any evidence against him. All you have are circumstantial evidence,” the man said with a sneer on his face as he looked towards the man in front of him.

 

“We've merely brought him in for questioning because of his link to Miss. Lynette,” the detective said keeping a calm demeanor in front of a rather intimidating man. “It is necessary to question him because of his already known violent past,” the detective said.

 

“My client has no record whatsoever up until this point. He barely even has a misdemeanor. Like I said, you're holding him under circumstantial evidence and it would be wise to let him go,” the man said glaring at the man.

 

Ethan smirked at the man feeling he had a firm grip on the situation. Except for Fiona's word on it, he had ways that he could get around that situation though. “Thank you, that is exactly my point,” he said smugly as he leaned back in his chair and surveyed the scene that was shifting in his favor.

 

“I'm afraid that's not true,” Van said stepping forwards. “This isn't the first time that something like this has happened to Fiona. About a month or two ago, she was attacked while shopping at the mall and people can vouch that he was seen running away from that as well. It was only under the good nature of the victim that she didn't press charges for that. Then even before that, when they were together, he accused her of cheating without evidence and hit her then,” Van stated all the times that he could remember it happening.

 

Ethan smile turned into a scowl at Van's words. “She did have an affair, and it was with you. All I did was break up with her when it happened,” he said with a scowl feeling like he wanted to strangle Van but he kept it in because he knew it wouldn't help him at all if he did.

 

“No. You didn't break up with her. She ran from you after you hit her for not sleeping with you. I saw the marks on her face that night. They were from her being hit. She was fine when she left Moonbay and came home but turned up hurt and scared,” Van said hoping to provoke his tempter enough. That was the best way he could see to show them Ethan's temper.

 

“I did not hit her!” Ethan yelled at the top of his lungs as he stood up and was about to attack Van but was caught by the detective as Van back away. Ethan then realized his mistake and calmed down but glared at Van. He took his seat again but didn't take his angry eyes off the man before him.

 

“Mr. Anderson! You will restrain your client from any further actions. I think this meeting is over. He'll be held here for the time being. I guess it's proven that he has a bit of a temper,” the detective said as he left the room with Van following close behind him. Then two guards came in a few moments later to take Ethan out.

 

“That wasn't very wise to do. But it does give the point across that he's capable of attacking someone,” the detective said as him and Van walked down the halls back towards the entrance.

 

“I'm sorry about that. I was just stating things exactly as they happened. I didn't know he was going to react as badly as he did. Maybe it was because he knows that it was true but didn't want it to get out,” Van said but the detective just shrugged his shoulders.

 

“We've sent people to talk to Miss. Lynette. We'll call Mr. Shubaltz about any set dates,” the detective said as he nodded towards Van and then turned and walked into an office while Van walked out of the police station all together.

 

By the time that Van got back to the hospital, he saw the people that were sent to talk to Fiona were just leaving. They nodded to him as they passed him and he just walked into the room without even looking back at them.

 

“I'm back,” he said seeing Fiona lying down on the bed. He saw her smile at him and that made the whole situation seem at least a little better in his opinion. He loved to see that smile and he was glad that she had enough strength to do so. “How did the interview go?” he asked hoping it wasn't too hard on her.

 

“Fine,” Fiona said in a soft and slightly raspy voice. She didn't try to do anything else because it hurt for her to even move. She apparently had several broken ribs and several cracked bones all over her body. She knew it would take a while for her to heal up but she felt she could handle it.

 

“Ethan's been arrested for sure now and we really just have to wait for the date for going to court. You'll still have to go through that Fiona because you were the victim. I'll be there for you though. You'll have a great lawyer too. Karl Shubaltz. You've already met his brother,” Van said sounding a bit annoyed at the last part.

 

Fiona nodded her head lightly. She didn't really feel like going through it but she also didn't want to go through what she just did again. She just knew that if Ethan went free that she'd have a good chance of getting hurt again. “Ok,” she was barely able to say before she laid down. She felt so tired and only felt like sleeping until the day she had to go to court.

 

*****

 

The day that Van had been waiting for had finally arrived. He would finally be able to get that divorce he been wanting for a long time and then he'd be able to be with Fiona completely. He had a lot of plans that were depending on this being finished. Karl said that they had all they needed and Van felt relieved by that but it didn't help him feel any less nervous.

 

Having it be several days since she woke up, Fiona was already starting to feel a lot better. She was finally able to sit up and also speak without it hurting too much. That alone was great news to help Van feel better.

 

“You've just got to relax a bit Van,” Fiona said holding his hand in a comforting way. “I'm sure that things are going to be just fine. You have all that you need with just using that recording. So just calm down and take a deep breathe,” she said remembering what she heard on the tape a few days before. It only added to her growing dislike of the woman that was once Van's wife.

 

“I know that but I'm just afraid that she's going to try to pull something like she did before,” Van muttered as he leaned back. His head fell back and he stared up at the ceiling as if hoping that it'd have some answers.

 

“Somehow I get the feeling that she'll continue to fight but not in that way. I don't think there's anything she could use that would come close to what she tried,” Fiona said lifting up Van hand and placed it to her cheek. It was a comforting feeling to her.

 

Van smiled at how she was trying to calm him down He pull his hand away but kept a hold of her hand and brought it over to give it a kiss on the back of her hand. “All I can hope for is that this'll be quick. I don't think I can keep up going to several of these with you here in need of me,” he said with a grin giving the back of her hand another kiss.

 

“I think I can manage,” Fiona said giggling slightly. She'd laugh but that still hurt her too much. Fiona then looked up at the clock and saw that it was already almost noon. “You'd better get going Van. Didn't you say that it starts at three?” she asked and he just nodded. “I'll miss you, come back soon,” she said with a broad smile.

 

“Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as it's over,” Van said giving her a passionate kiss on the lips before he backed away as if reluctant to leave. He then just turned and left the room before he had second thoughts of leaving Fiona alone. Moonbay had stuff to do and Irvine had to get back to work.

 

`I've taken a lot of days off since Fiona first came back into my life,' Van mused as he took the elevator to the bottom floor. Crougar's definitely going to get on my case about it. `Lucky I kept up with the work while I was gone so he shouldn't have anything to complain about,' he thought leaving the hospital and headed towards his car.

 

Van got in and did a thorough check that he had everything he needed. “Where's the tape recording?” he asked looking around frantically before he spotted it lying on the back seat. “Oh good. I thought I lost you for a second,” he thought deciding to just stick it in his pocket so he wouldn't lose it.

 

Luckily for Van, Tiffany didn't yet know about it. He used it without her knowing and then shut it off just after the conversation just by making it look like he was putting his hands in his pockets. He was going to make sure that if she tried something like that again, that he'd use it.

 

He felt a bit of a panic when he final reached the place after nearly a two hour long drive. He stared up at the court house as he got out of his car. Van was glad that the front of the courthouse was empty except for the normal people. He didn't feel like having to deal with the media right then. He knew that Tiffany must've said something but he made sure to add precautions to keep them away.

 

Van seemed hesitant. Sure he wanted the divorce more than anything but he also didn't want to have to face Tiffany. He then just sucked it up and walked forwards. It was definitely busy at that time of the day. He had to keep weaving through people just to get in. `Here it goes,' he thought finally entering the large building.

 

*****

 

Fiona was getting more and more bored out of her mind. She looked towards the clock and saw that it was nearly six by then. Six hours since Van left. She'd been all alone in the room for a while now and it was boring not being able to talk to anyone. The doctors were always too busy to talk.

 

Just when Fiona felt like she was about to die of boredom, a head peeked into the room. Moonbay then grinned as she entered the room and took a seat by Fiona's bed. “Thought you might be getting bored all alone in this room for the past few hours,” she said trying to get herself comfortable. “Any news yet?” she asked putting her hands behind her head.

 

“No, Van hasn't even called yet so I'm guessing it's taking longer than he expected,” she said reaching over for a glass of water. “It drives me nuts that I'm stuck here not being able to know what was going on. If only I could leave then I'd want to be there with him,” she said with a pout on her face.

 

“Yeah well you're in no condition to move. Oh! By the way, I brought you something,” she said handing Fiona a box of chocolates that she bought for her. “Thought you'd like something besides that lousy hospital food they've been serving,” she said making a disgusted face.

 

“Thanks,” she said taking the box and opening them, she noticed that a few were missing. “Got hungry?” she asked and Moonbay just shrugged with a casual look on her face which Fiona just laughed at. “They expect to help people get better but they probably just make them even more sick feeding us that stuff,” Fiona said just wanting to have a good laugh at least she would've if it didn't hurt so much. Moonbay always did know how to lighten a situation at least.

 

“When this child comes, then I'm going to bring my own food. Don't want the kid to get sick so soon in it's life because of horrible food,” she said pointing to her stomach which was already starting to show a little.

 

Fiona giggled for a little before she grabbed the remote and turned the TV on. The news loved this story so she figured that they'd try and get something about it. “How do you think it's going?” Fiona asked not taking her eyes off of the TV.

 

“If you're looking to find something on there then you're wasting your time. Van pulled a lot of strings to make sure that they couldn't come near the courthouse,” Moonbay explained as she too looked at the TV. “Probably going ok I guess,” she muttered turning her eyes before to Fiona.

 

“I hope so. He's been looking forward to this for a while. It'll be a shame if it didn't go as he wanted,” Fiona said turning the TV off and ate a bit of the chocolate. “Think she'll give up after it's over?” Fiona asked as she stared at the small box in her lap.

 

“Probably since she signed the documents willingly,” a voice from the door said which caused Fiona's head to turn quickly and a broad smile adorned her face at the sight of Van. “Hey there sorry it took so long,” he said walking over and giving Fiona a hug and kiss.

 

“It's not a problem although you did keep me waiting too long without telling me what was happening,” Fiona said with a pout but all it earned her was another kiss which she was happy to receive. “So… she signed them willingly? How the hell did you get her to do that?” Fiona asked a little stunned. She never thought that Tiffany would give in so easily.

 

“It was more in an effort to save what little dignity she had left. She tried to remain with the story she concocted but it didn't go as easily as she thought when I immediately brought up the recording. She only did it so that she wouldn't be humiliated anymore,” Van said looking really happy that it was all over now.

 

“So she isn't coming back?” Fiona asked and mentally cheered when she saw Van just nod his head. It was finally over. They wouldn't have to deal with all of her crazy stunts to save a marriage that was already dead.

 

“It's just you and me now,” he said sitting on the edge of her bed. Van suddenly had a nice idea. It would be peaceful and get them out of the hospital for more fresh air. “Hey I have an idea. Why don't we go for a walk?” he asked placing a hand on Fiona's shoulder.

 

Fiona looked at him as if he were crazy for a second and then looked down at herself. “Um… I'm kinda not able to be moving around, doctor's orders,” she said although she wished that she could get up and move around, she's been stuck in the bed for the past few days.

 

“No problem. I'll ask him and then see if we can get you a well chair,” Van said with a smile before he left the room. He knew he could take his time because Moonbay would definitely be able to keep Fiona occupied until he was able to locate her doctor. He just hoped that it wouldn't take long.

 

“Congratulations, you finally have a chance to marry him again,” Moonbay said with a grin. She decided to just remain silent for the time Van was there but figured it would be ok to talk again.

 

Fiona blushed a little at the mention of that. “Oh come on Moonbay. He just got out of a marriage. I somehow doubt that he'd want to get into another one so quickly,” she said although she had to admit that the idea of being married to Van was very appealing to her.

 

Moonbay looked at Fiona the same way as she did Van for a second, like she was crazy. “We're talking about Van here Fiona. The guy's head over heals in love with you. If I were in his position, I'd propose as soon as possible,” she said with an amused sort of tone to her voice.

 

Fiona blushed a little at the thought of it. She just figured that it might still be a little early to think about getting married but she probably wouldn't object if he did ask her. It is what she'd been wanting for years during and after their relationship. Becoming Van's wife would be like a dream come true for her.

 

The two just talked for a few minutes before Van came back into the room and he was pushing a wheelchair in front of him. The doctor was following behind him looking skeptical. He just went over and started checking things. Probably just to make sure that Fiona was well enough to be outside. Especially after all that she'd gone through less than a week ago.

 

The doctor sighed when he saw that Fiona looked good enough to at least go outside in a wheel chair. “You'd best be careful and try not to do anything to reopen some of those wounds. Other than that you look good enough to go out,” he said before he turned and walked out of the room quickly.

 

Van just smirked as he watched the man walk out of the room. “Took a bit of convincing to get him to finally agree but I managed it. I said you could use the fresh air since I always find that it helps me get better. He didn't like the idea but I told him you were good enough to at least get pushed around in a wheel chair. Not much work in that is there?” he said as he pushed it over towards Fiona. “Your throne my queen,” he said happily.

 

Fiona giggled at Van and sighed when she was carefully picked up and placed in the chair. She cringed a bit at the movement because of her broken ribs but she felt much better when she finally got to sit down. “Thanks Van,” she said looking up into his dark eyes.

 

Van just grinned and kissed the top of her head as he started to push her towards the door. He'd been stuck in the hospital most of the time too and only left when he had something too important to miss. This would be good for him and Fiona because they'd both be able to get the fresh air they deserved.

 

There was a comfortable silence between the two of them all the way down to the main lobby of the hospital. There was a special area behind the hospital that was made so that patients who were well enough to be moved around could go out and relax. There were a lot of restrictions to it though, like if you had a contagious disease that you weren't allowed to be out there.

 

“How does this feel Fiona?” Van asked as he pushed the wheelchair out the back doors and into the bright sunlight. The sky was perfectly clear and there was a refreshing breeze blowing softly across the lawn.

 

Fiona's eyes closed as she breathed in the fresh air. The breeze blew lightly across her face and her hair blew along with it. “This feels great,” she said looking perfectly content and relaxed. “It feels so good after being stuck in the hospital bed for the past few days,” she said as Van pulled her next to a bench and took a seat himself.

 

“I know. Being stuck in there with horrible food and not being able to move around is tough,” he said and Fiona just nodded. “At least the company can be good,” he said placing a hand on her shoulder and kissed the top of her head.

 

“Yeah,” she said as she closed her eyes and felt the breeze lightly running across her face. “I don't know what I'd do if you weren't there with me the entire time I've been here. Thank you,” she said holding onto his hand tightly.

 

“There's no need to thank me. I'll always be there for you when you need me,” Van said giving Fiona a weak smile while giving her hand a squeeze. “I should be the one thanking you for taking me back after my stupidity of believe Tiffany,” he said as he closed his eyes and cringed at the memory of what he almost did because of it. He almost had to just forget about Fiona all together.

 

“I don't blame you for that Van. What you did was the right thing to do. It would've been selfish of me to keep you to myself when that happened. I'm actually happy that she lied. It would`ve hurt to lose you again,” she said squeezing Van's hand a little harder than she meant to.

 

“Tiffany's probably given up because she knows that she could lose a lot more if she keeps pulling the stunts that she's been pulling. That only leaves one person to get rid of. Are you up to it Fiona? Do you think you can go and testify against him?” Van asked in a worried tone as he stared into the crimson eyes that he loved so much.

 

Van looked into her eyes and saw the pained look as if she was remembering that night. He really hated to put her in this sort of position but her testimony was needed if they were going to have Ethan put in prison for a long time. “Fiona?” he asked quietly while placing a hand over hers as she clutched the arm rest of the wheelchair so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

 

Fiona turned her eyes towards Van and then looked towards the floor. She didn't know if she'd even be able to face Ethan after that. Even if he was on trial and she had to testify. “I- I don't know,” she stuttered as images of that night came back to her. It wasn't that bad up till now because she didn't have to worry but the thought of facing him in trial seemed too much for her and was overwhelming her all at once.

 

Van didn't like the look in Fiona's eyes. He knew what she went through would be traumatizing for a while. He just hoped that facing him would be able to help Fiona get over it. “You know I'll be there for you Fiona. You won't have to face him alone,” he said placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

 

Fiona looked into Van's eyes and managed a weak smile. “I know that. I was happy to learn that he was finally in prison. I guess that the thought of having to face him is just scary,” she said and he just nodded his head in agreement. “Do you promise that you'll be there Van?” she asked timidly.

 

“You know I will,” he said giving her his best smile. “I don't think there's anything that they could do to keep me away from there,” he said making her laugh which was much more appealing to Van than the scared voice that she'd been using.

 

“I'm glad,” was all that she said holding out a hand as a bird flew over and perched on one of her fingers. `I know I can do it as long as Van's there,” she thought carefully stroking the bird, which seemed happy with it.

 

Van was amazed. Birds always flew away from him but they seemed to come so easily to her. `She so delicate with everything. Bet she'll be that way with our kids,' he thought finding just the mental image of that to be very appealing.

 

Van stood up and started to push Fiona's wheelchair farther out and towards a small fountain that had placed in the center of the place. “So Fiona. Do you have any idea when they're going to let you out of here?” he asked taking a seat at the edge of the fountain as Fiona stared at her reflection in the water.

 

“The doctor said that depending on how I'm feeling, I'll be able to be out of here by at least Wednesday,” she said in a happier tone than she felt. She was still a bit freaked out by the trial. She knew it was to come but the thought being brought up was still too much.

 

“That's good to hear. I'm going to take you out after that. You name it and we'll do it. How does that sound?” he asked and she just smiled at him which made the whole upcoming situation seem a lot better now.

 

“Sounds like it'll be a nice night,” she said kissing him on the cheek. `Maybe it'll be just what I need to get over this fear I have of having to face Ethan,” she said as her fingers skimmed across the water.

 

She looked at her reflection and all the bandages that still adorned her face. Her hand came up and brushed over the bandaged which were still slightly red from her blood. `I wonder how many scars I'll have to remember this by. What will Van think of them?' she thought to herself. She didn't care if it ruined her looks because she wasn't too concerned about that but scars would mean that she'd have to remember that night over and over again.

 

Van looked over and saw her hand placed over the bandages. He reached over and placed a hand over her own. It was as if he knew what she was thinking to some extent. “I won't love you any less for scars Fiona. You have a great healing system though so I don't think you'll get any,” he said although he knew that the real reason was more of the memories each of them would hold.

 

Van suddenly remembered that there were a few things that he had to do. First off calling his parents because the last one wasn't under the best circumstances. Then there was something more important than that he had to do. Something that actually made him willing to leave Fiona's side for a few hours which was extremely hard to do in times such as these.

 

“Hey listen Fiona, there's a few things I need to do. Do you think you'll be alright for a few hours?” Van asked and saw Fiona pout but knew she was ok with it. “Do you want to stay here while I go get Moonbay or have me take you back to your room?” he asked kneeling down so he was eye level with her.

 

Fiona just smiled and kissed Van on the cheek. “I think I'll just stay out here. I like the fresh air,” she said and Van just nodded. “Just be quick,” she said with a pout and this time it was her that was kissed but on the lips rather than on the cheek.

 

“You bet. I'll be sure to be back later,” he said standing up to full height and slowly started to back away before he turned around and walked into the hospital watching as Moonbay just passed him at the same time.

 

He saw Moonbay just grin at him as he walked past but they didn't say anything to each other. He just continued walking until he was out of the hospital and at his car driving back towards his and Fiona's home. He hated the drive but figured that it wasn't something he could control. He was just glad that it wasn't too far away.

 

*****

 

Van pulled into his driveway nearly and hour later and got out of the car. He was grinning as he walked up and went inside. It was actually the first time that he'd been in the house since he heard that Fiona was in the hospital. `It's good to be home though,' he thought as he set a few things down.

 

Van walked over and grabbed the phone and dialed in a number hoping they were home. His mom was definitely mad about his decision before but he was sure that this was going to cheer her up.

 

The phone rang three times before it was picked up by someone he didn't expect to pick it up. Usually it was his parents or Maria but this time it was Mike. “Hello?” he asked as if unsure if that was the right thing to say. It was pretty obvious that he hadn't picked up the phone much before.

 

Van chuckled and finally spoke. “Hey kid. How're things going down there?” Van asked with a nice smile and he could almost see the smile that flashed across the kids face and then he also heard a groan from the other end of the line and knew exactly what was coming next.

 

“Please don't tell me it's true!” He said sounding a bit frantic. Van couldn't help but wince at the tone of his voice. “Grandma's saying you together with dragon lady again!” he said and Van could almost hear his sobs.

 

Van knew the kid could put up quite a show and make Van feel really bad about his decision. Van wouldn't put it past his mother to put her grandson up to this for just that reason. “Um… yeah, about that. Can I talk to your grandma?” Van asked trying to hold in his laugh.

 

He could hear Mike grumble for a few seconds before his mother picked up the phone and said her hello. “Nice try putting him up to that mom. Won't work this time,” Van said first thing but he was laughing at the same time.

 

“Well I had to do something to make you change your mind. I wasn't going to let you ruin your life again by going back to her,” Karin said with a hint of sadness to her voice. She had such high hopes for Van and Fiona this time around but they were being dashed before he eyes again.

 

Van agreed with her there. Now that he really thought about it. Marrying Tiffany was probably the worst thing that ever happened to him even though he thought it second best when it first happened. The best being meeting and falling in love with Fiona. “I know mom,” he said in a quiet tone.

 

Karin obviously was a bit shocked to hear her son admit it and remained quiet for a good amount of time. “So… what is it that you called for? Don't you have a wife and baby to take care of?” she asked a bit bitterly.

 

“Nope,” he said brightly and could almost see his mother's confusion over the phone. “I'm divorced now. She had the gall to lie about it being mine and then got an abortion so that I'd never be able to find out. Thought that I would still feel bad and stay with her,” Van said still growing angry at the mere mention of it.

 

“Really?” his mom asked clearly not trying to hold in her excitement. “I mean I'm happy for you. You could be with Fiona now just like you always wanted to. Where is she? I want to talk to her?” she said excitedly but also trying to hold back a little.

 

Van scowled a bit at the thought but then calmed down. It would do him no good to talk angrily when he was talking to his mother. He took a deep breath before he decided to start talking again. “She's in the hospital,” he said quietly.

 

Karin gasped immediately. “Is she ok?! What happened?! Why is she in the hospital?!” she spit out so many questions in her panic. Fiona was basically another daughter to her and would really be if she could get Van to propose. So naturally she was really worried to hear this.

 

“Her old boyfriend came back to her while Moonbay and Fiona were out of town. He was angry and beat her up pretty badly. No one could stop it because no one was around that time,” Van said taking a seat and clutching the couch. He wished he could've hit Ethan when they met just to let off his anger but he knew that wouldn't look good on his part so he was forced to hold himself back.

 

Karin sighed sadly on the other side of the line. “How is she? What is the extent of her injuries?” she asked in a worried tone and Van could basically hear her pacing back and forth all over the place.

 

“There are multiple cuts and bruises not to mention a very bad sprained ankle and wrist. Nothing's broken but she's a bit jumpy at the mention of having to go to court to testify against him. Don't blame her after what she went through,” he said running his hand through his hair. It was all getting very frustrating to him.

 

“The poor darling. Tell her I send my regards… unless,” she said but Van knew what was about to come. “We'll be down there in a few weeks to see her ourselves, Bye!” she said before the phone was hung up before Van could even have a word about it.

 

Van just hung up the phone but grinned. Sometimes he thought that his mom was just a bit too predictable. In this case, it was a good thing. “Perfect,” he muttered to himself as he walked towards their room. He had some things to do and not a lot of time to do it.