Page 64 of Justice

"I love you, Christopher," I murmur, my words slurred with impending sleep. "Thank you for giving me this life, this family."

He presses a kiss to the top of my head, his arms tightening around me. "I love you too, Elle. More than anything.

Derek

Ilay awake, staring at the ceiling, my mind churning with thoughts and emotions. The joy and wonder of holding my newborn granddaughter mingle with the lingering pain and anger over what Elle had endured.

I think back to the day she told me about the assault, the way her voice trembled, the haunted look in her eyes. It was a moment that shattered my world, the realization that I had failed to protect my little girl from the worst kind of harm.

But then I think of Christopher, the way he stood by her side, the unwavering love and support he offered. As much as it pains me to admit, he has been the rock Elle needed, the one to help her heal and find happiness again.

I glance over at their sleeping forms, Elle nestled safely in Christopher's arms. A sense of peace settles over me, knowing that she has found a partner who will love and cherish her the way she deserves.

My gaze drifts to the bassinet, where Miracle sleeps soundly. A fierce protectiveness surges through me, a vow forming in my heart. I will do everything in my power to ensure that this innocent child never knows the pain and trauma her mother endured. She will grow up surrounded by love and safety, with a family that will move heaven and earth to keep her from harm.

Elle

It’s now later in the afternoon and Meadow said I could go home if I wanted. She is going to be staying with me anyway, so there’s really no point in me being here.

I have Miracle on the bed in front of me. My dad left to go get things ready at home and to pick up my prescription.Christopher is in the bathroom. He has the door cracked so he can still see me. I’m getting her dressed to go, her car seat on the floor next to us.

As I finish packing up my belongings, a soft knock at the door draws my attention. I look up to see a familiar face peeking into the room—my old science teacher, Mr. Evans. He smiles warmly as he steps inside, a small gift bag in his hand.

"Elle, congratulations!" he exclaims, his eyes twinkling with genuine happiness. "I heard about your beautiful baby girl and I just had to come by and see you."

I'm surprised and touched by his visit, having not seen him since that day at school when I picked up my schoolwork. "Mr. Evans, thank you so much for coming," I say, motioning for him to come closer. "It's so good to see you."

He approaches the bed, setting the gift bag down on the nearby table. "I couldn't miss the chance to congratulate one of my brightest students," he says, pride evident in his voice. "I always knew you'd go on to do great things, Elle."

I blush at his praise. "I had a pretty great teacher to inspire me," I reply, smiling up at him.

Mr. Evans chuckles, waving off the compliment. "You had the drive and determination all on your own, my dear. I just provided a little guidance along the way."

He reaches for the gift bag, handing it to me with a flourish. "A little something for the new mama and her little one," he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

I take the bag, carefully removing the tissue paper to reveal a beautiful, hand-knitted baby blanket in soft shades of pink and cream. Nestled beside it is a small, plush teddy bear with a satin bow around its neck.

"Oh, Mr. Evans, these are lovely," I breathe, running my fingers over the intricate stitching of the blanket. "Did you make this yourself?"

He nods, a hint of pride in his smile. "A little hobby I picked up," he explains. "It keeps my hands busy and my mind sharp."

Christopher comes out of the bathroom, taking in the scene, and moves to stand next to me with my teacher at the end of the bed.

I feel uneasy under Mr. Evans's intense gaze, his smile now seeming more unsettling than friendly. Christopher must sense my discomfort, as he places a protective hand on my shoulder, his posture subtly shifting to a more guarded stance.

"Thank you for the gifts, Mr. Evans," Christopher says, his tone polite but firm. "We appreciate you taking the time to visit, but Elle needs her rest before we head home."

Mr. Evans's eyes flicker to Christopher, something dark and unreadable passing over his features for a brief moment before his smile returns.

He doesn’t take the hint that Christopher was offering but turns his eyes to my daughter. My nightgown is pushed down, showing my boobs, and I pull the neckline to cover them.

Mr. Evans's eyes linger on Miracle, a strange intensity in his gaze that sends a shiver down my spine. He reaches out, his fingers brushing the edge of the blanket she's swaddled in. "May I hold her?" he asks, his voice soft but insistent.

I hesitate, an inexplicable sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach. I look at Christopher, hating to tell someone no, but I’m not comfortable with the idea.

“I don't think that's a good idea," Christopher says, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of warning. He moves to stand beside the bed, placing himself between Mr. Evans and Miracle. "Elle needs to rest, and we're about to head home."

Mr. Evans's smile falters, a flicker of irritation crossing his features before he quickly masks it. "Oh, come now," he insists, his tone cajoling. "It will only take a moment. I just want to holdthe little angel and offer my blessings. After all, Elle was one of my favorite students. It would mean the world to me."

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