New friends

Poor Derek.

No one, literally no one thinks that he too might get hurt by their behaviour.

No one among these guys talk to him like is something or he means something to them.

Now too they are doing the same !

His face is telling everything clearly that, he is hurt.

He isn't liking their behaviour.

He too wants to be treated like the other guys.

I mean yes, they all are very good friends and are together since childhood; still everyone deserves to be treated well.

No matter who he is.

Teasing and insults among friends isn't considered as insult, I know that.

But it doesn't means that, you could treat your friend like he isn't anything to you or he is a piece of shit, like Cole says to him !

This is very wrong.

They shouldn't be doing that.

If they say, they love Derek the most as he is the youngest one, then probably they should show it to him; once in a while.

Doing that won't make them less of a man !

Everyone considers that he is the best Detective and Cole hate him for that.

Now this best Detective have got and idea to protect me !

If I won't file complaint then, department won't provide me with security.

So his suggestion is that, they would stay with me at my Mom's apartment and protect me.

Not a bad idea, but troubling them for my safety ? That's not me !

Now, Jules is asking me what do I think about it ! If I'll say we aren't that good friends then, they would emotionally blackmail me !

" Um...

I think you guys don't need to bother about it.

I mean, you all already have done so much for me. It would be like I am taking favours upon favours from you guys and misusing your hospitality ! "

I said sheepishly.

" What ?

You think we are doing favours to you ?

What we are doing is out of our love for our friend.

And you are saying we are doing favours for you ! Do you even realise that you are hurting our emotions ? "

Derek said making a puppy face.

Oh god this drama queen !

I have already started to think, the guys don't do all wrong with him !

" Yes, Ashley !

Did we do anything that made you feel like, we were doing some favours for you when we were helping you ? "

Lauren said pouting.

And here comes the second drama queen !

Why do they always support eachothers in things like these ?

These two are the best evil pair I've ever seen ! They don't let the other fall.

Now, I don't know if this is to be considered as an insult or compliment ?

" But guys, it would definitely hamper your work schedule.

And above all, after what happened here, I don't think Cole would ever agree to this ! "

I said.

" Am I dead ?

I'd go at his place !

When I am here, you don't have to fear, my dear ! "

Derek said smiling.

" That's so sweet of you, Derek.

But you said you would take Dominic's place and now you are saying that you would take Cole's place too ?

How are you gonna manage that ?

Won't it affect your work ? "

I asked him.

" Don't worry honey.

I mostly work from home.

It won't be a problem.

Anything else ? "

Derek asked smiling.

How should I explain this ?

Why isn't Jules coming for my rescue ?

I guess he won't come this time.

He said that he thought Derek's idea isn't that bad !

I just glanced at him and he was looking at me !

" I can understand, Ashley.

You would be thinking this is a very big and out of the box decision for you to take.

Considering you were attacked, your Mom is missing, you are with strangers and now they are saying that they would share your apartment with you; for your safety I accept but, letting few strangers live in your apartment is a very big and hard decision to make !

But trust me darling, we won't hurt you or won't let anyone else hurt you in any way possible.

And above all, for us your safety is the priority.

Being your Doctor, Dominic can't take his hands off your safety.

Being a Detective, Derek can't let you be unprotected while knowing that your life is in danger.

Being a Lawyer and Judge Lauren and I can't take our hands off the case in which we are involved !

Unless you are safe and out of danger, none of us could sleep peacefully, knowing that you are being alone in your Mom's apartment, without any security and anyone can attak you whenever they want !

Do you want us to be always worried about you when you won't be infront of our eyes ?

If you would be with anyone of us, the others could focus on their respective work rather than be thinking about your safety.

Whether you are safe or not ?

Do you want us not be focused on our work ? I am sure you don't ! "

Jules said hopefully.

Why oh god, why ?

Jules not you too !

Why would you join them ?

I never expected this from at least you !

Now, what do I do ?

But he's got a point.

I couldn't do anything else than sighing and smiling with defeat !

Before I could ask, Derek asked the question which was bouncing in my mind and eager to get answered,

" How did you found the exact points which we didn't even realise ?

I mean how ? "

Derek asked grabbing his hands.

" I am a judge, remember ?

I need to think about everything from all points and from all sides before I conclude anything and give any judgement.

Because, my single wrong statement could destroy an innocent's life and let free the criminal !

I can't afford that.

Nobody should face any injustice whether it's the innocent or even the criminal.

And here, our innocent is pleading to be let alone in danger and as a judge I can't do the injustice with my innocent girl, now can I ? "

Jules said raising his eyebrows.

' His girl ' ?

What did he just said ?

Did I heard something wrong ?

No...

Judging from the faces of Derek, Lauren and Dominic, I don't think I heard wrong.

We all heard the same.

They all are looking at each others with wide eyes and disbelief.

What's a big deal ?

I mean yes, he said it like it was nothing big, but these guys too are behaving like it was something impossible.

They all are elder to me so, I don't think it's a very big deal for them to call me, 'baby', 'dear', 'sweetheart', or 'love' !

'Love' I guess, yes but...

I actually like them calling me that !

What the hell are you thinking, Ashley ?

Have you lost it ?

They are five guys for god's sake and it isn't like I like hearing it from any one; I like it only when anyone of THEM call me that !

Have I started to like these guy ?

'Guys' !

Am I even in my mind ?

What am I thinking about ?

I can't like five guys at the same time.

Actually...

Why not ?

Shut the fuck up, Ashley !

No you can't !

And girl, it's been only a day or two to be with them.

You don't even know who they are ?

Have they told me their real names ?

Are they really not Michael's guys ?

What if they are being nice to me and get in my Mom's apartment and kill me ?

What the fuck ?

Where is your mind running and at what speed ? You need to sleep.

It's about 9 pm, you must sleep now to calm your running mind !

" We'll talk about it tomorrow.

Dominic, can you please give me some drugs so that I could sleep ?

I need to sleep and the pain won't let me sleep ! "

I asked him.

" But, at least tell yes or no and then he'll give you even the sleeping pill !

You just have to use a single word 'yes' or 'no' ! Come on now please , please, please ? "

Derek said jumping at his place.

" Derek, please... "

I said trying to get him stop.

" Ashley, just give us your word.

Do you agree with us or not ?

It won't take too long. "

Lauren said yet again siding with him.

" If she doesn't want to decide now then, why are you guys pressurising her ? "

Jules finally said taking my side.

" Guys, calm down.

She isn't leaving the hospital.

If she want to sleep now, let her sleep.

Don't forget she needs to rest.

Her wounds are still fresh.

As her Doctor, I deny you more time here with her.

Leave now and come tomorrow if you want to meet my patient.

I am going to give her, her medicines and she would be sleepy now and I won't let anyone disturb her rest.

Ashley, what do you want, pills or syringe ? "

Dominic asked me.

" Pills please ! "

I said impatiently.

" Ha ha !

Are you afraid of syringe, Ash ? "

Derek said laughing at me.

" How could you be afraid of a syringe ? "

Jules said trying to press his laughter.

" What do mean ?

Why can't I be afraid of syringe ? "

I said offended.

" How could you ?

You said you have beared much more pain than this and you are afraid of syringe ?

Come on now ! "

Lauren said laughing in disbelief.

" Ashley baby, If you'd let me use the syringe, the medicine would spread faster and will work earlier than pills.

The needle won't be large.

You won't even feel anything !

So, shall I ? "

Dominic said caressing my head.

" No.

Ofcourse not !

I have beared much more pain than this; but that doesn't mean, I can't be afraid of a syringe !

I'll wait for the pill to work, but don't use syringe, please. "

I said pleading him.

" Ok. Ok.

Guys, talk to her while I get her a pill. "

Dominic said to the guys.

" Ouch !

Dominic, you need to call the pest control services.

Mosquitoes are here.

One of them bit me just now !"

I said rubbing my hand where the mosquito bit me.

And suddenly everyone started laughing.

These guys are super evil.

Especially, Derek and Lauren !

They distracted me with their nonsense and meanwhile Dominic injected me with the drug.

And oh boy, I didn't felt the needle inserte in my skin and pulled out.

It just felt like some mosquito bited me !

" Dominic ! "

I said accusing him.

" Sorry, honey.

But tell me one thing, did you felt any pain of that intensity that, you would die bearing it ?

And wanted to cry ?

No, right ? "

Dominic said laughing now with them.

" Yes, but... "

I tried to protest.

" No if's and no but's.

Now, go to sleep.

You had a long and rough day.

Get some rest, we'll see you tomorrow.

Till then, good night, baby.

Sleep well.

And if you felt anything, just call me.

Here, take my number.

And do call me if you feel something fishy, ok ?

I'll tell the guards to increase your security, still if you felt you need anyone of us, feel free to call. Remember it, ok ? "

Dominic told me.

" Thank you.

Are you guys planning on to make me cry ?

That's so sweet of you, Doc.

I am very touched by your gesture.

Thank you so much. "

I said smiling.

" Shut up.

Don't insult us with such words, love.

May be you don't think of us as your friends, but you are the precious friend of our.

So, just stop over thinking about it ! "

Lauren said patting my shoulder.

" I'll try. "

I said.

" Ok, now we are leaving.

Just remember, we are a call away from you.

Don't hesitate to call even at midnight or late night. "

Jules said patting my head.

" I will remember it. "

I said.

" See you tomorrow, sweetness.

And now, sleep tight don't let the bed bugs bite ! "

Derek said the saying.

" Hey !

We don't have bed bugs here !

Stop defaming our hospital, you fool ! "

Dominic said crossing his arms.

" It's just a saying, dumbass !

I am not doing anything. "

Derek said punching him on the arm.

" Ok guys, lets continue this battle on our way home and let her and all other patients rest. Dominic, you are coming or you have the night shift, tonight ? "

Jules asked him.

" No, I don't have a night shift.

But, if Ashley wants me to stay with her, I definitely will ! "

Dominic said smiling at me.

" No, it's really ok.

I'll be alright.

You don't have to bother about it.

You all had a long and rough day, go and get some sleep.

You all need it for tomorrow.

Especially, Derek and Cole !

You guys will search for my Mom tomorrow, right ?

And oh, that reminds me, please tell Cole I am extremely sorry and embrassed for my behaviour. If possible, please forgive me !

Will you tell him this ? "

I asked sheepishly.

" No, we won't ! "

Lauren said.

" Jules, please ? "

I asked Jules to rescue me.

" This is so not fair !

You can't manipulate him like that ! "

Derek said crossing his arms.

" I am not manipulating him.

I am just asking him to do me a favour.

Won't you do it, Jules ?

For me ?

Please ? "

I said making a puppy face.

" Ofcourse, I will.

Don't worry about him. "

Jules said smiling.

" Traitor ! "

Dominic and Lauren said in unison.

" Don't YOU have to say anything about it, Derek, Huh ? "

I asked him.

" I got used to find out that my friends are traitors !

So, it doesn't bothers me anymore. "

Derek said shrugging.

And with that my eyes started to get heavy and I let the sleep engulf me.