A/N: First of all I wanted to thank you all who actually took the time to read my story. You guys just don't know what it means to me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. But before you continue here I updated Chapter 8. If you already read the updated version go right ahead.

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Upon entering the infirmary Dirk saw Commander Taylor and he quickly Saluted. " Spc. Gorman. What brings you here?" Feeling heat rising in his face Dirk knew he was blushing. "Er..I'm here to see how Ms. Bell is doing. Lt. Washington asked me to find out."

" Same here" Taylor said smirking and Dirk's Discomfort. "I'm just waiting for Dr. Shannon. "

As if on cue Dr. Shannon approached both men. "Commander Taylor. You asked to see me?"

Nodding over to Gorman he said " Yes Dr. Shannon. Spc Gorman and I would like to inquire on how Miss Bell is doing. "

Knowing what her husband told her about Dirk having an interest in Jasmine she smiled at him. "Of course. Let's just go somewhere more private. " Leading the way they went into a small office area where she closed the curtain to have more privacy. Gesturing the men to sit down, she sat down across the table. "Physically Jasmine is doing good. Her fractures are healing nicely and the concussion wasn't as bad as we thought. I actually just talked to her, that's where my concerns come in. "You mean mentally and emotionally." Taylor concluded. Elizabeth nodded. " Correct. We cannot know what had happened or for how long this has been going on. " Opening a screen over the table she pointed at Jasmine's Medical file. " There is Physical proof she has been through a lot as you have seen on my report. Also going through her file there where a lot of information missing, which was updated on her first Scan that was performed on her arrival." Dirk felt very awkward seeing Jasmine's file but he couldn't help leaning closer to see. " Do you think someone tempered with her file?" Elizabeth shook her head. " I can't tell if it was, but seeing like her scars. It tells me most of them weren't done professionally." Seeing Dirks confused look Taylor stepped in. " As if she nursed her wounds herself. "

"Exactly. I think she tried to avoid going to a doctor or even hospital by patching herself up. "

Dirk started thinking out loud. " So to avoid any questions. Keeping it a secret. "

"Most likely. But by looking at her file it is updated enough for me to know about when it might all started. Which is good and proves an abuse over several years. "

"Which will be hard for Jasmine's Father to explain in simple clumsiness as he tried to tell your Husband. ""Well for me that is more than enough evidence to keep Mr. Bell where he is and it leaves Jasmine enough time to heal and hopefully be honest about her Treatment. "

Dr. Shannon nodded. " I actually just talked to her and i think she is trying to hide the truth. She asked for her dad and I told her he is with my husband. Upon my question about what happened she took awhile to answer, which are questionable. "

Commander Taylor sat back in his chair nodding approvingly. " I think that was a good point having her think he is with your husband. Trying to force her out of the situation with a lot of accusation now just would upset her more and even make her shut down. " The later was more addressed to Gorman as Taylor noticed his jaws tightening and his hands in fists. Putting his hand on Dirk's shoulder to make him look at him. "Trust me Soldier. I would love nothing more to get her out and put a good one at Bell, but we have to approach her with some patience and understanding instead of what we think is right. " Dirk knew he was right, but his emotions were all over the place at the moment. " I ...I just ...want to ... help her. It's just not right. It just feels like he is in jail but still has his hands on her. Like a damn puppet. Yeah who knows what happened, but we see the facts. He put his hands on her who knows how many times and always got away with it. How can someone even do that. His own blood and flesh. " Dirk's anger got the best of him. He jumped up from the chair, gesturing angry with his hands, blowing of the steam inside of him trying to choke him down. Understanding his anger Commander Taylor got up. He had to calm him down and the best way to get him to stop was military talk. "Soldier. I need you to stop right now and calm down. " Dirk got stopped into his tracks. Straightening himself up, putting his hand behind his back he inhaled deeply. "Yes Sir." Squeezing his own hands, he tried to calm himself. Commander Taylor kept staring at him until he was sure he got his full attention. " A direct approach will only hinder the situation and it's best dealt with a slow and strategic Maneuver. " Trying to digest the open ruffle he simply nodded. "understood sir." Pleased with that Taylor gestured him to sit back down. Taking his own seat he addressed the Dr. " Now Dr. Shannon. You're the professional here. What's the best measurement taken here?"

Taking by Gorman's affection she simply said. " By compassion and friendship. It's not going to be easy for her but she needs someone she can trust. " Dirk swallowed hard before quietly asking. " Can I visit her?" Dr. Shannon and Commander Taylor looked at each other in silent agreement. " I don't see a problem with that, but would like to ask Jasmine first if she is up for visitors. " Dirk nodded, while Elizabeth got up. "I'll be right back" Watching her walk behind the curtain, he looked at Taylor. "Permission to speak. " Taylor gestured him to go ahead. " I'm sorry about my behavior i just displayed. I just..." not finding the words to finish he just sighed.

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Slowly lifting the curtain around Jasmine's bed Elizabeth walked in. "Hello Jasmine, there is someone who would like to visit you if that's ok. ""My dad?" Jasmine asked quietly. Smiling warmly Dr. Shannon shook her head. " A young soldier." Seeing a quick spark in her eye whispering " Dirk?" The disbelief in Jasmine eyes tugged at Elizabeth's heart. Noticing the fight that was going on inside the young girl she gently touched her shoulder. "You don't have to. Only if you feel up to it. " "b...but my dad?" Hearing the fear in her voice Elizabeth needed to secure her. "He is still with my husband and will be for awhile. I won't tell him." Feeling like taking a step in the right direction Elizabeth was pleased when Jasmine slowly nodded. "Yes. I guess I'm up for it." Her shy smile warmed Elizabeth heart.

Helping her sit up and moving the top of the bed up for Jasmine to sit comfortable. Waiving Dirk in Dr. Shannon closed the curtain behind him giving them more privacy.

"Hi " Smiling at her Dirk slowly got closer. "How you feeling?" Biting her lip looking around nervously she finally answered. "I'm ok...considering" pointing at her cast. Dirk snickered at her little joke. "That's good. I think you feel a lot better soon and don't have to stay here for long." With a shy smile she brushed some hair out of her face. " I do too. It's kind of boring. " "Oh I bet... I can bring you my small data flex if you want. It got a ton of music and some movies on it." Surprised by the offer she blushed a little. "Music? I really love music. But I can't ..." slightly shaking her head trying to figure out how to put it . " I just can't accept it. " Thinking of how her Dad would react if he found out, hell even finding out she actually talked to him could get her into big trouble. Looking into Dirks eyes seeing his sincere interest in her, feeling happy to see him, to talk to him. She could feel she could trust him, to confine in him, but would it be wise. Knowing what her dad is capable of scares jasmine to her core. 'I don't want this anymore. I don't want to be afraid every second of my life. Like walking on eggshells.' Noticing the inner fight going on, dirk gently touched jasmine's hand. " Jasmine, you ok?" Looking up he could tears building up. She looked so sad and scared. " I can't do this anymore" she whispered. Trying to choke back her tears she started to shake. Troubled Dirk took her hand into his and gently stroking with his thumb. "Do you want me to leave?" He asked unsure about what she said. squeezing his hands crying shaking her head "No please. Don't go. I...I...my dad... he is...I can't .." Pulling Dirk closer, holding on to him crying, letting go of all the heaviness. Embracing Jasmine and rubbing her back trying to soothe her. "It's gonna be alright" he whispered.

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A/N: So? What you think? If you have any suggestion, please feel free to comment or just PM me. I welcome any input. Negative or positive.