*TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter may include trigger words related to sexual assault themes.*

An hour later at university clinic...

The three friends plus B5 had left the signing event after they saw Nicole being escorted down the stairs. They had taken her to the clinic for a check-up and Roger was held in custody for rape. The friends were in the waiting room waiting for the doctor to tell them if Nicole was alright.

REESE: "Isn't this crazy? Just think, a week ago we were at the hospital for Raven's arm - now we here for our girl Nicole. And she wasn't even with us last time."

RAVEN: "Yeah... ironic."

REESE: "The fact that she acted like she didn't care about us and now this happens? Ha! Karma is a b****."

GIA: "Reese!"

RAVEN: "No one deserves to be hurt."

CARNELL: (to Reese) "But who was the one acting stupid the last time, going to bars with dudes that don't care a thing about you? Who was partying their butt off, treating their friends like crap not too long ago? And look who's talking..."

Everyone looked at Carnell stunned, being that he has barely said anything today. Everyone knew he was right though.

REESE: "...Let's not talk about this, Carnell."

CARNELL: "Alright. I'll save it for later."

PATRICK: "...Okay then. I hope Nicole's okay."

DUSTIN: "Yeah, we all do, man."

The doctors walk in the room. Raven immediately stands to her feet.

RAVEN: "How is she doctor?"

Doctor: "Well, the results came back from the rape kit... and it shows positive signs of trauma within that area. She's still a little shocked and she has the shakes, but fortunately no permanent damage was done. She should be fine, at least for the time being. Mentally and emotionally, she's going to need love and support from her friends and family... and time to heal.

GIA: "Oh my gosh..."

BRYAN: "No permanent damage? What do you mean by that?"

DOCTOR: "As in she's not pregnant. There was no insemination so, the only quote-unquote damage done is the fact that she'll have to live with this horrific experience."

BRYAN: "Oh..."

KELLY: "That's crazy...."

Everyone looks distraught, holding their heads and wiping any tears that have formed.

REESE: "Can we see her?"

DOCTOR: "Of course. I can actually bring her out to you all."

REESE: "Okay. Thank you, doctor."

A few seconds later, Nicole appears with the doctor. The doctor leaves and everyone gives Nicole a hug and makes sure she's alright.

GIA: "I can't believe this happened to you Nicole."

RAVEN: "Yeah, girl! And the fact that it was Roger?! See! I knew that boy was no good for you!"

REESE: "I guess you can't judge a book by it's cover. People aren't who they say they are these days."

CARNELL: "You got that right..." (looking pissed)

NICOLE: "Guys... I'm... I'm fine. (she sighs) I can't believe I actually loved him. He ain't do nothing but use me for my body... I wanna hurt him so bad!"

RAVEN: "Aww, Nicole... (wraps her arm around Nicole)

KELLY: "Eh, that's exactly how I felt... I'm glad you're okay Nicole... you... said that dudes name was Roger?"

NICOLE: "Yeah..."

KELLY: "That's the same dude I saw kissing on Mikayla at the park the other day. Wow..."

PATRICK: "Dang, really? That's sorry..."

NICOLE: "Are you forreal? Agh... I knew he was cheatin' on me. Son of a b****."

Nicole looks angrily down at the floor, exhaustion in her eyes.

DUSTIN: "That's messed up. I'm sorry..."

KELLY: "Yeah... but good thing they're out of our lives now. Maybe... things will get better."

NICOLE: "I just wanna say... I'm sorry for all the stuff I put y'all through. Like this sh*t really put things in perspective...

RAVEN: "Nicole, you don't need to apologize for anything--"

NICOLE: "No. Let me say this. (sighs) I'd never think I'd meet B5 this year and befriend y'all. I got troubles on my own, but... I shouldn't have taken it out on y'all. I love you guys..."

EVERYONE: "We love you, too."

REESE: "Yeah... we love yo ratchet self. Come here."

REESE wraps her friend in a tight hold.

NICOLE: "I ain't ratchet, boo. But forreal... you think we can have a new start?"

RAVEN: "Of course. You're our sister, babe."

The tension has slower decreased in the waiting area as everyone tries to be supportive and loving. Nicole even shows a small, but tired grin.

BRYAN: "As long as you don't kiss on me again."

GIA: "Yeah, or I might have to beat you down." (winks at Nicole)

NICOLE: "Wait... are y'all...?"

EVERYONE: "Yeah!"

NICOLE: "Aww, how cute. Our baby is growing up." (pinches Gia's cheeks)

GIA: "Whatever..."

DUSTIN: "Y'all feel like going to CPK for some food? Is that aight with you, Nicole? You should probably eat something and then lay down--"

NICOLE: "Yeah, I'm fine. Don't let me ruin the party -- shoot I wanna have fun too!"

PATRICK: "Let's go, then."

Everyone races outside, except the girls who have snuggled Nicole into another hug. Reese lingers behind pulling Carnell with her, leaving them alone to talk.

REESE: "Carnell... I know I got on your nerves a lot these past days that we've known each other. But... I mean, with everything that we've been through in this relationship... you're gonna just quit on me now?"

CARNELL: "..."

REESE: "I haven't been the best amiga to you, but I promise that I will treat you better than I ever have! There's no one else that I like as much as you... Eric was a terrible decision and I made a few mistakes but... don't I get a second chance, too?"

CARNELL: "... I hear you, Reese. (sighs) I really like you, and I want to trust you."

REESE: "Then please Carnell, trust me, and let's just go on this journey of life together. Please."

CARNELL: (clears his throat) "...You've been watching a lot of soap operas haven't you? 'Let's go on this journey of life together' -- haha."

REESE: (chuckles) "Shut up. Come on!"

CARNELL: "Alright. The only one that can judge you is God anyways..."

REESE: "I know."

Reese smiles and kisses Carnell on the cheek. They walk out of the clinic.

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Epilogue...

Carnell and Reese tried to work things out.

Dustin and Raven worked on making their relationship strong.

Bryan and Gia are enjoying the sparks of "new love".

Kelly is again single, and not looking for any other relationships right now. Mikayla hasn't talked to him since.

Roger was sentenced for 5 years in jail for rape and sexual harassments.

Eric was drinking a lot more and was held in jail for one year for DUI.

Nicole decided to calm down and stop looking for dates. Instead she spent more time on weekends with her mother.

THE END!............... OR THE BEGINNING ;)

Hope you all enjoyed this story. I had fun writing it!! I just felt like I should stop for a while, but there will definitely be a sequel called "A New Beginning" in store ;) Comment, Rate, Share, Vote THANK YOU! XOXO ~Janita