Strength Through Weakness
Eric sat silently in the waiting room. Three days had passed, and he was waiting on the doctor. Calleigh's surgery had been today, but neither had spoken much of it up until then. Finally, a young man stepped over to him. "Eric Delko?" he asked. Eric stood up. "How is she?" "Recovering well. Procedure was quick and accurate. She should be awake rather quickly." "Any idea when she can come home?" "A few days here for safety precautions, then I'm sure she'll be able to go home. Give her a few weeks after that and I'm sure she'll be cleared for work." Eric nodded. "May I go see her?" "Yes, but I don't think she'll be awake quite yet," the doctor said. Eric thanked him kindly, then headed for Calleigh's room.

Her eyes were closed as he entered the room. He sat down in the chair next to her, just watching her. After about ten minutes, her eyes slowly blinked open. She seemed dazed, and a little confused about where she was. "Easy, Calleigh, you're fine," he said. Calleigh turned her head. "Eric? Eric, where's Emily?" she asked. "Alexx is gladly baby-sitting her," Eric said. "Oh." She was quiet. Unlike she'd told Jennifer, she still hadn't talked to him yet. "How are you feeling?" Eric asked her. "Tired, and a little sore, but otherwise alright," she said. "I'm glad you're here though," she said softly. He smiled. "I could never leave you alone during something like this," he said. She sighed. "What's wrong?" he asked her. "Eric..... we need to talk." "About what?" he asked. "Eric......I'm sorry." "Sorry about what?" he asked. "Sorry about all of the fights. Sorry that I can't give you any more children. Sorry that I'm such a wreck." He gave her a small smile and squeezed her hand. "Calleigh, none of this is your fault," he said softly. "I'm sorry I've been so distant with you Cal, but I love you. Nothing can change that," he said. Calleigh sighed again, closing her eyes. "C'mon Cal, let me know what's on your mind," Eric said softly. "Eric, I-I still relive it," she whispered. "I feel so weak, since it's been so long and I still can't get over it. I feel like I'm disappointing you, because of what I can't do for you physically and emotionally. But I don't want to be strong Eric. I want to be express how I feel, and-" she cut herself off, refusing to let herself go that far. She'd said enough as it is. "Calleigh, honey, you don't have to be strong," he said. "I love you because you are you. Not because of what you have, or can do. And I don't want you to suffer alone. I want to still be the one you confess to; the one who you let yourself open up to," he said. "Please Calleigh, let me help," he whispered. Suddenly, she rolled over to face him. As the silent tears began to fall, they held each other close, neither wanting to let go.

The next day, Calleigh was already recovering well. Well enough that the doctors allowed her to briefly visit Jennifer. As she sat in the chair, Jennifer just looked at her. "Something bothering you?" Calleigh asked softly. "No, I just felt sick this morning," Jennifer said softly. "It gets better as you go along," Calleigh said sympathetically. Jennifer sighed. "Did that woman talk to her husband?" Jennifer asked. Calleigh looked at her. "Yeah, they talked." "And?" "I guess they're ok. They're working on it," she said. "They both love each other, and they're working on forgetting the past now." "That's good," Jennifer said softly. "I just wish Jason would treat me the same way." "Jason?" "Oh, umm.... my boyfriend, Jason Whitman," Jennifer said quietly. "He and I saw each other often, even after what happened, but since I told him I was pregnant.... I haven't seen him," she said. She closed her eyes. "Tonight's prom. I bet he's with some other girl." Calleigh looked at her. "How old is he anyway?" "He's nineteen. He's a senior. I guess he doesn't want to raise a kid that isn't his with a sophomore girl," she said quietly. Calleigh gave her hand a small squeeze. "I'll be right back," she said softly. She was sore and slow to get up, but made her way out into the hallway and out of Jennifer's sight before she pulled out her phone. "Nat? Yeah, it's Calleigh. No, I'm fine. But I need you to run a favor for me. Yes, Miami High. Find Jason Whitman. No, I just want to see if he's there and if he's with anyone. I'll explain later. You will? Thanks Nat." She hung up the phone, and went to Jennifer's room and sat back down next to her. The two were soon lost in conversation.

Natalia pulled up in front of the high school. "I remember my high school prom," she said, looking over at Ryan. "I remember parts of mine," he said. A raised eyebrow from Natalia made him look down. "Umm, we should go inside now," he said. She smiled, then followed him in. Natalia showed her badge to one of the adults, and told him who they were looking for. "That's him over there," he said, pointing to a tall, blonde haired boy. Next to him was a slim, brown haired girl. "and the girl?" "Hanna Macklin. Freshman," he said. Natalia thanked him, then she and Ryan headed somewhere where they wouldn't be really obvious. Ryan went to one side of the room, Natalia the other. Ryan watched as Jason leaned in to kiss the girl. The kiss soon deepened, and the two soon headed for the parking lot. Ryan pulled out his cell. "Natalia, looks like our friend Jason is heading for his car with Hanna," he said. "You thinking what I'm thinking?" "I'm afraid so." "Meet you outside in two," she said hanging up.

Ryan followed them outside. He stopped, however, as he saw Hanna push Jason away. "No, I can't," she said. "But you will," he said, leaning her against the hood of his car. "Jason, stop!" she said as he ran his hand down her body. "Hey, stop!" Ryan called. Jason froze, unable to run as Ryan sprinted over. "Jason Whitman, you're under arrest for attempted sexual assault with a minor," he said. Jason was speechless as Ryan took him away, Natalia now standing next to Hanna.

"A freshman?" Jennifer asked softly. "I'm sorry," Calleigh said quietly. Jennifer closed her eyes. "I feel stupid for ever seeing him," she said, her chin high. Calleigh gave her a soft smile. "You are too good for him Jen," she said with a smile. "I have to go home, but I'll be by tomorrow," she said. Jennifer nodded. "Bye Calleigh." "Bye Jen," Calleigh said. She didn't really want to leave, but she also wanted to get to go home.