Apple Tree - S.M + C.C

I need help

TW" Mention of rape, sexual abuse

"Shawn I can't do this." Camila said.
"He is a surgeon Shawn, he has money for court. I'll lose. What if he finds me again I-I-"

"No one will hurt you ever again. You hear me? You have enough money for a good lawyer, you're victim you are brave and strong. He is not getting away with this."

"I'm sorry. I'm not ready."

...

Today was Shawn's first day at work but he was terrified to go. Her words echoed to his head, she said that she'll kill herself.

He can't just leave her alone. So he called her friend, Taylor. He told her how something bad happened and that he wants her to me by Camila's side while he is at work.

She stood at the door, she already heard conversation.

"What do you think of me? That I need babysitter?" She asked.

"Camila it's for your good please stop. You and Taylor are good friends."

"I don't need you or Taylor! For fuck sake Shawn! You don't want to help me, you want to be a hero! You're going around telling everyone! I heard what you told your mom too! I don't need your fucking help!"

"Camila! Stop!" He grabbed her by wrist, Camila felt shivers run down her spine. She flinched and pulled her hand away.

"I'm sorry." He said when he saw what he done. "Go away Shawn, please. You deserve better. I'm sorry for yelling."

"Camila? I'm not going anywhere. I already told you." He said desperately. "Go away Shawn!"

Shawn furrowed his eyebrows. He looked down at her, trying not to cry. "I'll go to work now. Taylor is coming soon." He said.

...

Shawn finished his first day at office, he packed his stuff knowing that he'll have to pick up Camila and drive her to therapist.

He unlocked his phone and saw missed calls from Taylor, then he read message. She is not home.

He immamdietly got in car and started it. Where could she be? He drove around blocks but stopped at one bar.

It's a bar they met in. He stopped car in front and got inside, there she is. Taking shot of tequila.

He approached her. "Camila, let's go. I'll drive you home." He said.

Camila refused to sit up, grabbing new shot. Shawn took it away and spilled it. Finally getting her attention.

"Do you feel accomplished now?" She stood up, nearly falling. "Let's go." He said. "I will drive you home. You can't drive like this."

"No I can drive on my own!" She told him. "Camila, do you hear yourself? No you can't drive."

Camila took keys from him and threw them down small fountain in bar, it went down in vent.

"Are you happy? Now nobody is driving." She left bar, nearly tripping over herself.

He stood in front of her outside. It was dark and rainy weather.

"You know what you sound like Camila?"

"You sound like my ex. Drunk and angry at me for something I didn't even do. You sound just like her. I don't see Camila anymore!" Shawn's voice broke and shook, raising up by every word he said.

"Come on Camila. Now hit me! Let's finish this play you started. Act completely like my ex!"

Camila looked up at him, her eyes full of tears. "Shawn, I-I-I am sorry."

His face softened, "Give me keys of your car." He said. She did so,
"Good, let's go."

...

Shawn took of her shoes and jeans, leaving her in shirt and underwear. He put a blanket over her.

She shivered under it, "Please lay down with me." She said.

Shawn took of his jeans and shirt before getting in bed. "I'm sorry for what I did." She said in his chest.

"Promise me that you won't go drinking anymore. That we will go to therapist tommorow."

"I promise."

...

Shawn looked at her as she peacefully slept in his arms. He rubbed her back, feeling like he holds world in his hands.

It's true, she is his world. He needs to protect her. He is mad at himself that he couldn't protect her from him.

That this happened.

Now she is broken, he is broken with her. He didn't saw her smile for long time. He just wants her to be happy again. Because he loves her more then anything.

...

"Shawn you're right. I do need help." She finally admitted. He took her hand, "You do need help."

"And it's going to be hard Camila. Therapy is going to be hard. You'll have days when you will have darkest thoughts. When you'll question if you should give up. You will question if it's even working. There will be nights when you will wake up in cold sweat. There will be nights when you'll cry yourself to sleep. But I promise you that every second, I'll be there. If you need someone to hold you I'm here. If you have dark thoughts I will stand next to you in dark. I never committed to any girl except for you.
I love you Camila. I want to be by your side this whole time."

...

After couple therapies Camila was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Shawn was always there in waiting room. Sitting and reading about how could he help her feel more secured after what happened.

Thinking about how should he act around her so he doesn't hurt her by accident.

He is ready to give up every physical connection between them so she can feel safer. He doesn't care about sex, he just wants to be by her side. To have her alive.

After two months Camila was ready to file report. Most hard thing she had to do is see him at court.

But Shawn was there, he was holding her hand. Camila had hard time talking about it. But judge was a kind woman, she gave Camila all time she needed.

They won at the end. He was arrested and will be in jail for ten years.

Camila is just getting better. And they are falling in love more and more. Every single step they took together made them stronger. Shawn feels like he knows her for years not months.

...