Just a short chapter ... my heart goes out to those who found some of the dark moments too painful and decided to stop reading. I often wonder if I should post warnings, state if it will be Babe, MM, HEA or other ... my muse is pondering this and would like to thank everyone who has left a review. I've tried to respond to everyone and my apologies if I have missed you.

SPOV

Laying with my head on the picnic table, my mind was trying to make sense of what I needed to do next, before exhaustion claimed me again. As I was trying to form a coherent plan of action I sensed a figure sit across the table from me. A long suffering moan escaped my lips. It was Jeanne-Ellen again. Why the hell couldn't she just leave me alone?

"Go. Away." I groaned.

"No. Not unless you come with me."

We sat in silence for some minutes, waiting each other out. I think she eventually realised I was too emotionally drained to talk.

"Up at the swings, you doubted my intentions when I offered to help you. You thought I would turn you over to Ranger. I would never do that." She explained, gently, but matter-of-factly.

"Forgive my scepticism, but my level of trust in people is a tad low at the moment." Like rock bottom, six feet under, dead and buried kind of low.

Jeanne-Ellen let out a soft, frustrated sigh. "Look, you're obviously hurting right now …" no shit Sherlock "and I don't understand what's going on. But I want to help you. I gather that like me, and I think most of Rangeman, you didn't know about Ranger and Sophia, but it seems like there is more going on here than just shock at that discovery. Let me help you. ... Please."

She sounded calm and sincere, and my burg upbringing automatically made me feel guilty for my surly, sarcastic attitude, adding to the burden of grief and pain. Jeanne-Ellen was not responsible for tonights events and she didn't have to be here, offering a helping hand. My head was pounding and I tried to process her comments but could only think of one question.

"Why?"

"Because I like you." She paused for a moment, as though considering what to say next, and then continued ... "Hell, I'll spell it out, as I'm beginning to think you've been oblivious to it all this time ….I'm attracted to you, I always have been. But I know you're not gay, and so I will never approach you or ask you on a date. But I had always hoped that we could at least be friends. I thought you avoided me because you knew this and weren't comfortable with it."

What the F*#K…?! I didn't move, or sit up, or say a word…..but I opened my eyes to take in my surroundings. I noted the feel of the cold table top beneath my cheek, the cold night air blowing across the pond, the Trenton lights illuminating the skyline above the trees lining the park. Nope. I was definitely not dead or in an alternative universe. Maybe I misheard what she said. Maybe I'm hallucinating. That has to be it, hallucinations, the stress of the night's events has finally taken it's toll on my sanity.

Jeanne must have noticed a change in my body language…. "You heard me correctly. I'm gay. I've always liked you, but I'm here to help you, not hit on you."

Suddenly I had a million questions running through my brain….but it hurt too much to think let alone form words to ask for answers. Jeanne-Ellen broke the silence again.

"Stephanie you've had a rough night..." you have no idea… "… and the last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable. Please, let me help. I have a spare bedroom, you'll be safe, and you can rest and deal with whatever shit is happening in the morning."

I forced myself to consider my options. I could stay in the park all night….but that wouldn't solve anything. Or go home, or find another place to stay. I wasn't ready to be found by Ranger, Joe, or anyone else for that matter and I needed a safe place to be able to re-assess my wreck of a life and the vague plan that was forming in my mind. I sat up slowly and eyed Jeanne-Ellen as best I could in the darkness, trying to gauge the sincerity of her words. After several minutes I made a decision.

"You won't rat me out?" I croaked.

"Never..." … she replied, then added the clincher "The offer is sincere, and the choice is yours. What have you got to lose?"

Damn if she didn't have a point. What did I have to lose? And Jeanne-Ellen's place was probably the last place on earth that Ranger or Joe would look for me… if they even cared to try.

TBC