Vindicated

A New Day

Mariah's POV

I slept so peacefully last night. The medicine must have done miracles for me. I woke in Derek's bed. Stella was asleep on our pillow fort on the floor. I begin hugging Derek's covers. They smell like him.  He smells of Dolce and Gabana. His sheets are embedded with his scent. I cannot get enough of it.  

It's hard to believe a week ago my life was so different. I was living as if I was dying. I was living in fear. Now I'm living in bliss, safety, happiness. I haven't been happy since I lived with my parents. God, I miss them. 

"Mariah?," Stella grumbles

"I'm here Stella."

"That medicine kicked my ass. I was the first one to pass out. Total party pooper." Stella said climbing up on the bed with me.

"I fell asleep right after you did. I have no idea how I ended up in bed."

"Derek probably moved you. He's such a good guy."

"I know. If only I had met him before I met Mitch. Things would be different. I would be capable of loving."

"Listen, you are capable of loving. You are selling yourself short. This is what Mitch wants, for you to feel unlovable. But you are far from. I mean look at us. You saved me. You befriended me. You have a heart of gold Mariah. You deserve Derek. You deserve happiness. You deserve love."

Maybe she was right. I mean she had a point. Mitch's main goal in life was to make my life hell. And up until now he had succeeded. I shouldn't give him the satisfaction of ruining me. I can't let him be the reason I cannot love. I can love I just don't know how. Maybe Derek can show me how to love.  Maybe I should give this a chance. Take it slow, real slow. Love with all I've got. After all I'm not a victim, I'm a f*****g warrior. 

We hear a knock on the door.

"Good morning ladies, breakfast is ready. Derek is waiting for ya'll."

"Thank you Miss Dorthy, we'll be down in a couple minutes."

"I'll let Derek know."

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"Good morning Mariah, Stella," Derek says kissing my hand. Instantly making me melt. What did I do to deserve him? 

"Good morning." 

"I hope you both slept well."

"We did. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I have some packages arriving for you girls today. Two TV's and two matching pairs of slippers. No more injuries on my watch," Derek winked

"EEEKK!! Thank you!"

"Thank you. Although, totally gonna miss your bed. It's so comfy."

"Well, errhmmm. Play your cards right and you can be in my bed every night."

"Derek Michael Sky. That is no way to talk to a lady," Dorthy said smacking him upside the head.

"Sorry. Miss Dorthy, Mariah. I don't have the best filter. But anyways, my bedroom is open to you anytime you need it."

"o-okay. Thanks I guess," I said.

Stella had the shittiest smirk on her face. 

Dorthy brought us eggs, bacon, pancakes, hash browns, grits, and toast.

"Oh my. This is sooo good Miss Dorthy. Thank you for everything. I don't remember the last time I had a nice home cooked breakfast. I immediately frowned. The last time I had breakfast it was in the hospital and it was shitty but dammit I was happy. I was lucky if Mitch let me eat let alone breakfast. 

Stella squeezed my hand, letting me know that it was okay. Thank God I have her. She may not have experienced the extent of what I have but she had a great idea.

"Thank you sweetie. But it's really no bother. I love cooking. Hell, I've been cooking for Derek since he was a little guy."

"Dorthy..don't"

Stella and I giggled. I bet Miss Dorthy has all kinds of stories about Derek when he was little. I couldn't wait to hear them. 

"Fine fine, child. I'll save those stories for another day. Like when you aren't here," Dorthy winked and walked back into the kitchen.

"I'm afraid you ladies will have to occupy yourselves around the house today. I need to head into the office to get some work done. I'll be home around 3."

"Okay thanks for letting us know" I said a little unsure of being alone. I mean I know this sounds crazy but I feel safer when Derek is around.

"You'll be fine here. I have security guards all around. I hired some extra security. I won't let anything happen to either of you again."

"I'm sure we can get Miss Dorthy to tell us all those stories about when Derek was little," Stella laughed

"Yes!!!! We totally should," I said

"Oh God, I'm out of here. I can't stay for this. You two have a great afternoon. Don't be afraid to explore. Mi Casa is tu casa," Derek said kissing my forehead.  I could get used to this. Breakfast and dinner with the man I love. A daily routine. No violence, no fear. A life that I have always dreamed of. A huge house, a handsome husband, and a couple children. 

Mitch never wanted children but I did. I just never told him for obvious reasons of course.  With Derek, I feel like anything is possible in time. I just needed time. Derek just give me time.