The doctor returned to the room around eight am, when he told them all the tests came back normal. Angie said nothing, just nodded. Dark bag hung under her eyes; evidence of the exhaustion she was feeling.

She held herself tightly as the doctor handed Nell a prescription for an anti-nausea pill and told her to rest up, drink plenty of liquids and she would be fine. He went to leave, but paused at the door, "Oh, and I believed your father has arrived. You're free to go."

A relieved smile spread over the elder girl's features. "Fantastic." It dampened however, when Nell remained somber. "Nell? Sweetie? Aren't you excited about going home?"

She shrugged weakly in reply. "I guess."

Ignoring her lack of enthusiasm, Angie wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulders once again and guided her into a wheel chair. Once Nell was settled, the nurse took over the helm and the four of them made their way down the hall.

The trip was short, and the three of them were thankful. Apparently Mr. Sweetzer had mentioned that Angie was not, in fact, his niece. When the man in question came into view, Nell's hand shot out and gripped Angela's tightly.

When the blonde looked down at her questioningly, the younger girl asked, "You'll stay with me for a while, right Miss Angela?"

"Um, Nell, sweetie, I think you should probably get some rest."

"But, can't you please just come home with me? Just for a little bit?" The farmgirl pressed with pleading brown eyes.

"That's a great idea."

The pair looked up to find Cotton looking at them, a small smile on his face. He and the crew were obviously tense, but Angela didn't comment on it. Instead, she patted Nell's hand and told her they'd ask her father. It took the man a few seconds to finish filling out the forms needed for his daughter to be released, but the moment he did, he rushed over to Nell.

"Oh thank god!" He sighed, holding her close to his chest. If he noticed that Nell's grip on her friend's hand became tighter, he didn't mention it. Louis pulled back to look her over. "You're okay now, ain'tcha? Feeling better, I mean?"

"I'm okay." Nell told him with a weak smile. Her gaze slipped over to the lithe body next to her and in an equally tired voice, she asked, "Can Angie spend the night?"

Louis looked at the blonde like he had never seen her before in his life. His brows shot up, and he frowned at her skimpy attire. That is, until he realized she had probably been rushed out of bed, and spent the night at his daughter's bedside. His gaze lightened and he nodded. "I suppose that'd be fine."

Glad somebody asked my opinion, Angela thought to herself. But when Nell smiled up at her, she forced one back. Maybe now I can get some goddamn sleep. She was just about to follow them out to their truck when Cotton caught her arm.

He smiled at the Sweetzers when they looked at him curiously. "Give me a sec with my camera girl?"

They obliged and continued on their way with Iris in tow. As soon as they were out of sight, Cotton's smile fell. "Angie, I want you to keep an eye on Nell."

"I was planning to." The girl bristled, "I'm not completely worthless ya know."

"I didn't mean it like that," He told her with a frown. "I just think there's something…off about this whole situation. Be careful, okay?"

She nodded. "I will. Bring me some clothes when you swing by later? Oh, and my cell. I gotta call my mom."

"I'll have Iris pick you out something."

Dan, who had been silent during most of the exchange, smirked at them. "Oh," he started, earning a warn glare from the preacher and a puzzled glance from the girl, "I'm sure she'll do just fine with what she's got on."

"What's wrong with what I got on?" She snapped at him. Looking down at her linen pajama shorts, she blushed faintly. "Oh."

"Oh is right, girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" She repeated with wonder, "Who are you Mo'Nique?"

Dan smirked widely. "Yeah, yeah. Let it all out kiddo, you know you're gonna be catchin' all kinda looks from the dashing young Mr. Sweetzer."

Cotton and Angie just stared at him. "How is it you can switch from-" he held up his hand, stopping himself from going on. "Never mind. I don't want to know."

The girl nodded her agreement and turned to leave. Self-consciously pulling her shorts down as she went.

The preacher frowned at his camera man. "Why would you do that?"

"Because they only fun I've been having on this trip is tormenting her?" Dan told him with a smirk. It fell slightly when Cotton pursed his lips. Almost sadly, the taller man promised, "I'll be good."

Outside, Angie had met up with the Sweetzers. Iris had helped Nell into the passenger seat and the pair were now waiting for her. After a quick hug goodbye to the woman, Angie hopped in the truck.

"I'll call your mom for you," Iris offered.

"Why'd ya wanna hurt me like that, Rissy?"

The woman's eyes darkened and she shut the door a touch harder than necessary. The blonde cringed and looked over at the Sweetzers. The smile she attempted looked almost painful.

"Buckle up." The farmer told her with a hint of amusement, and the girl was quick to comply. He licked his lips absently and turned on his radio. Not loudly, but enough so things wouldn't be awkward for the fairly long ride back to the farm.

Nell's hand slipped back into Angela's and her head fell to the older girl's shoulder. Angela, who was still unnerved from what the little redhead had done(and said) the previous night, tried to keep herself from tensing. She knew the girl was harmless. That she was just a little confused and sick…but still. All the talk of Satan and demons…she may have been a nonbeliever now, but when she had been younger her mother had taken her to church every week. Some things were just a little too close to home. I should've never taken this damn job. Angie thought to herself.

Eventually they pulled up to the Sweetzer farm. Louis barely had time to shut the engine off when a familiar ginger boy came barreling out of the house.

"Did ya find 'er?" Caleb shouted as he ran up to his father's door. The fear and hope on his face was almost heartbreaking as his gaze roamed the truck feverishly. When it finally landed on his little sister's pale legs, he sighed with relief. "Jesus Christ."

"Caleb!" Louis snapped, "What'd I tell ya 'bout takin' the Lord's name in vain?"

His son said nothing, just moved over to Angie's side of the truck. He arched a brow at her. "Uh…hi."

"Hello." The blonde didn't move from her spot. Nell was sound asleep on her shoulder, and frankly, Angie was a bit wary of waking her.

"What're you doin' here?" Caleb asked pointedly, a frown lining his lips.

"She asked me to come." A tan finger pointed to his sister. "Never could resist a pretty face."

The Sweetzer girl stirred and Louis got out of the car. "Angie, can I have a word with you?"

The young woman faltered, but nodded. Very slowly, she eased away from his daughter. Nell barely moved, only slumped slightly to the side. Her brother stepped up to catch her, and Angie was impressed when he was able to not only lift, but carry the girl into the house. Her brows were still raised when she finally looked up at Mr. Sweetzer. His features were somber, and she felt her only falling.

"I just wanted ta thank ya for lookin' after my little girl last night." He told her with a nod.

"No biggie." Angie shrugged awkwardly. "She's a good kid."

Louis' eyes glazed over. "Yeah, she sure is."

"Caleb seems like a nice boy too." The blonde awkwardly gave him a punch on the chest. "Good job."

The man just stared at her. She cleared her throat and prayed for death. After what seemed like eternity, he cracked a smile. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

A/N: Not great, but this one got fleshed out a bit more than I expected it to, so...action in the next one.