My eyes shot open and I flew up, gasping for breath. I was drenched in sweat, my pajamas sticking to me uncomfortably. A shaky breath escaped my lips as I rested my head in my hands, closing my eyes again.

Yet another nightmare. About Jack.

I gulped, feeling my eye's water at the thought of Jack. It's been five months since he was in that car chase with the F.B.I and the crash that ended his life. My chest tightened and I felt a lump in my throat. Though I hadn't seen Jack in five years, I would miss him forever.

One thing I would always regret was never getting back in contact with him. Sure, I didn't have his phone number or any address after we broke up, but I should have searched and tried to find him. Though I'm not sure he would have actually spoken to me. Our breakup wasn't pretty. We'd gotten into a huge fight and it ended with me storming out after he told me he never wanted to see me again.

Sighing, I pulled off my covers and kicked my legs over the side of the bed, planting my feet on the ground. I braced my hands on either side of me on the bed, sitting there for a moment, before pushing myself up and stretching. I slowly made my way to my bathroom, flipping the light on and looking at myself in the mirror.

I looked horrible. My hair was sticking to me from the sweat and my eyes were red from crying in my sleep.

Shaking my head, I turned away and quickly peeled my plaid pajama pants and tank top off, throwing them in a pile on the floor. I took a long shower, just standing there and letting the warm water sooth me for a while before washing my body and hair. Once I was done, I stepped out and secured a towel around myself, wandering back into my bedroom.

I put on my bra and underwear before grabbed a plain white t-shirt and my old jeans from my closet and slipping them on. Walking back into the bathroom, I hung the towel up to dry and blow dried my hair, pulling it back into a ponytail. After brushing my teeth, I grabbed my makeup and applied it.

Once I was finally ready, I flipped the bathroom light back off and headed down the hall to Tony's room. Opening the door, I peeked my head inside and smiled at the sight of my son. He was laying the opposite way on his bed, one arm dangling over the side of the bed and his legs sticking out from under the covers.

"Tony," I called out lightly as I made my way over to him, brushing some hair out of his face. "Time to wake up."

He stirred a bit before coming to, his eyes slipping open as he slowly pushed himself up on the bed.

"G'morning mom." He yawned, rubbing his eyes with his fist's.

"Good morning baby." I smiled, brushing the hair out of his eyes. God, he was a miniature version of Jack. Same dark brown hair, same breathtaking brown eyes, and the same heartbreaking smile. "Time to get up and get dressed, I'm afraid."

He nodded, pushing off the bed and wandering over to his dresser. I helped him get his clothes out and watched as he got dressed, waiting patiently until he was done so I could tie his shoes for him.

"Is Maria coming over today?" Tony asked as he headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

"Yep, she should be here in a little bit." I said, following after him. He grinned as he hopped up onto the stool so that he could reach the sink. I stood behind him while he did his teeth, fixing his messy hair.

Once he was all ready to go, we headed to the kitchen where I started on breakfast. My five year old bolted for the living room and I heard the t.v. click on as I cooked. I chuckled to myself as Spongebob was heard, followed by Tony's giggles.

After I got Tony fed and Maria, his babysitter, arrived, I kissed Tony goodbye and headed out the door to my black S.U.V.. I drove down the streets of Brooklyn, New York towards the photography studio I worked at, making it there earlier than I expected.

"Valerie babe! You're here early." Noah, my boss, greeted as I entered the studio.

"Hey Noah. I'm just as surprised as you are." I laughed. "I guess I kicked it in the ass this morning."

"I guess so, but I'm glad you're here! I have and emergency and need your help."

"With what?" I asked, heading into the back and getting some of the equipment ready.

"Well I'm going out with Marcus again tonight..."

"Ohhhh!" I teased as I came back to the front.

"Hush up you." He shoved my arm lightly. "Back to what I was saying, we're going out tonight and I cannot choose between these two ties."

"Let me see 'em." I laughed. Of course this was his idea of an emergency. He pulled two different neck ties out of his bag and held them up for me to see. One was a dark blue and the other was a lighter blue.

"Which one?" He asked.

I "hmmed" and tapped my chin. "Where are you guys going?"

"To that new restaurant down a few blocks."

"Oh? That place is fancy." I smirked, winking at him. "I'd go with the darker blue, especially if you're wearing my favorite black jacket of your's tonight."

He sighed in relief and placed the ties back in his bag, then kissed my cheek. "You're a life saver babe, don't know what I'd do without ya."

I just laughed and got to work setting up all the equipment.

Today was like any other for me. Photographing new born puppies or bratty children, an occasional newlywed couple. I'd help Noah out with small details for his date when we got a break in customers, then jump right back in, camera ready when the door dinged.

I finally finished with the last customer of the day and got to work putting all of the equipment away. After that was all done, I walked over to the counter just as the customer left and leaned against it.

"Hey Noah, I'm gonna take off now." I informed him. He was going over something on the computer. "Have fun on your date tonight." I winked, heading towards the door.

"Oh shut up." He rolled his eyes, but winked back at me.

I laughed and waved over my shoulder, before exciting the studio and heading for my car.

I never noticed the man following me, or how he pulled a knife from his pocket until I was grabbed from behind. My eyes widened and I immediately started to scream, but a hand clamping down over my mouth cut all noise off. I struggled against the man as he pulled me into a nearby alleyway, clawing at his hand.

"I'd stop that if I were you." His voice was deep and threatening, sending uncomfortable shivers down my spine. I gasped under his hand as he brought the knife to my throat, the cold blade brushing against my skin. My breathing sped up as terror coursed through my veins, my chest starting to heave from the fear.

The man chuckled darkly, obviously noticing my fear, and then suddenly placed a cloth over my face. I screamed and thrashed around as I smelled the chloroform, though it was useless. This man was far too strong for me.

My eyes started to droop against my will as the chloroform entered my system, and within seconds I was out cold.