x-Emily Tennant-x and Matteic: THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING!! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Midsomer Murders! I only own the characters I made up!

"Blake? Wake up, darling." A silky voice whispered in my ear.

I didn't have much trouble opening my tired eyes; Jerry seemed to have that affect on my body. I smiled as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. "I l-look terrible."

"Shut up." he laughed. "The doctors are allowing my mum and dad to sign you out, since Ben isn't able to. You're free to leave this awful place!" he smiled.

I stared at him in mild shock, and delight. "F-free to go? W-where will I stay?"

"Our place, in the guest bedroom. You're going to live with us for a while."

I looked away from him for a moment. Me...living in the same house...as Jerry? Hmm...I liked that idea! "Okay." I whispered. "I n-need clothing before I l-leave the room."

As odd as it sounds, I wasn't happy with the idea of leaving the hospital in naught but a hospital gown. Just a bit too breezy in the back for my liking.

"It's been taken care of." he smiled as he pointed to a small, neat pile of clothing on the nightstand next to my bed, "April went by your home this morning, and picked some clothing out for you. She couldn't seem to find any clean blue jeans, though, so she brought sweat pants instead."

Ah, that's right. I was going to do laundry the night we were attacked.

"I hope you don't mind?" he asked quietly, breaking me from my grim thoughts.

"No." I smiled. "I'm s-still sore. I p-prefer those, anyway."

"Good." he smiled. "I'll just pop out so you can change. Would you like for me to send mum in to help you?"

I shook my head. "N-no. I've got it."

"Right then." he said as he exited the room.

As soon as he shut the door I tossed the covers from my body, revealing that the hospital gown had traveled to my upper thighs sometime during the night. I eased myself to a sitting position, and swung my legs over the side of the bed in as slow a manner as I could. It shot a sharp pain through my entire body when I did this, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been five days ago when I'd tried to leap for the door when I'd remembered Ben.

Ben.

I would have to request to visit him after I was dressed. I walked slowly to the small pile, and dug through it at a leisurly pace. A plain, black t-shirt sat on the top of the pile. Under it, a fresh pair of underwear, socks, and a bra, followed by my favorite navy-blue sweats. A pair of new, unworn, black tennis shoes sat on the floor near my feat, and a black satchel sat near them.

'New shoes?' I thought in confusion as I picked them up. They were the type that you could just slide your feet into, and pull the end over your heel if it didn't happen when you'd put your foot in. They had that 'new-shoe-smell', even. Had they really gone out and bout me new shoes?

I set them down, and picked up the satchel. After digging around for a few moments, I found a new, light green hair brush, a new package of black, green, and brown pony-tail holders, and a new bottle of deodorant. The satchel even seemed new!

I eased the bag down, and revealed my naked body by removing my hospital gown. Chills traveled my exposed skin, causing me to dress quickly. I felt bad that they had gone out and bought me new things. Before Ben had taken me from my personal hell, no one had been willing to spend money on me; I had to buy my own things. It felt strange that someone had gone out and gotten me these things for no apparent reason.

I set that thought aside, and brushed and fastened my hair at my nape with a green pony-tail holder. How much time had gone by? Jerry was probably getting impatient, if not a bit angry at how long I was taking. With this new thought, I put my things in the satchel, put the strap on my shoulder, and walked out of the room. I found Jerry leaning against the wall when I walked out into the hallway, and he didn't look angry at all. In fact, he looked very calm, collected, and happy when I walked into his line of view.

"Ready?" he smiled.

"A-actually, I was hoping we could v-visit Ben b-before we leave."

He nodded in a seemingly understanding manner. "Okay. He's in this room"

I furrowed my brows. "H-he's been in the r-room next to mine?"

"They just moved him here yesterday."

I sighed softly through my nose. "M-may I go alone?"

He nodded.

I offered a thankful smile, and opened the door slowly. What laid before me took my breath away, and shattered my heart. Ben was laying on the hospital bed, black, blue, and purple, and hooked up to a heart monitor. A thin, clear tube ran across his face, and up his nose, supplying him with oxygen. I somehow found it in me to close the door before I stumbled to his bed side. I put my hands in his right hand, which had a needle stuck in it, which was connected to a tube that led to a bag of clear fluid.

"What have I done?" I whispered as I fell in the chair by his bed.

His right cheek was being held together by a string of stitches, and his right eye was black, and swollen shut. His bottom lip had a large split towards the corner, and his left cheek was covered in gauze and bandages. Under all of the stitches and such, his face was a ghastly shade of blue, and purple. Even his hand, of which I held, was bruised and bandaged, and I thought I could feel some broken fingers.

I shakily reached up to stroke his hair back with my ice-cold fingers, and as soon as my fingertips slightly grazed his forehead, a groan passed his lips. I could feel a sob catching in my throat. I'd barely touched him, and it had caused him pain.

A strong hand grasped my shoulder gently, while another, a smaller hand, rubbed my back. From my peripheral vision, I could tell that it was Mike and Cora. Knelt down beside me was Jerry, who was hugging me around the waist. For some reason, I couldn't really see or feel them I could only see my uncle, nearly dead before me. I thought someone was saying something, but I couldn't make sense of it. I couldn't hear anything but my heart pounding in my ears. Something started tugging at me, too, but my legs felt numb, and foreign to me. It felt as though I was completely immobile.

Something lifted my arms, and then something else lifted my body. We were nearly to Mike's police car when I realized that Mike was carrying me, and my arms were around his neck. He felt amazingly strong compared to my weak body, and I wondered if he was Hercules in disguise. The last thing I recall from that day was Mike's sympathetic face as he eased me into the back seat of his patrol car.

The warmth and serenity in the atmosphere of the Williamson home brought feeling back to my numb body, but sadly, not completely to my mind. I watched Mike and Cora work together in the kitchen from my spot on the couch. They were preparing dinner; ham, vegetables, and bread, by the smell of it. They conversed quietly, and even seemed to be flirting lightly with each other as they worked. Mike would try to pinch off a piece of bread, and every time he'd try, Cora would raise her big, metal spoon up in threat and say his name in a laugh or a shriek. Mike would literally leap backwards a few feet, then would go at it again as soon as Cora would lower the spoon.

"Do you feel alright?" April whispered as she sat next to me.

"Yeah." I nodded as I looked back to Mike and Cora. "It's b-beautiful, how in-love they are."

She smiled. "It felt so strange when they married, because Jerry and I were so young, then. I can't imagine them without each other, now. They're wonderful parents, and good spouses. It's like they were created for each other."

Mike made yet another grab for a piece of bread. Cora, having set her spoon down, swatted at him with her bare hands. Mike dodged her hands completely, and got behind her. His long, strong arms wrapped around her, and her pregnant belly, as he placed quick, vigorous kisses on her neck.

"Mike, the children!" she laughed quietly, though her eyes showed no objections to his actions.

"What," (kiss) "About," (kiss) "Them?" Mike replied through his exaggerated kisses.

"Michael, please!" she hissed under her breath...though she was still smiling at him.

"Alright then!" he whispered. "Later."

"Please! There are other people in the room!" April shrieked playfully.

I couldn't help but laugh at the amused expression that Mike sent his daughter. "One of them doesn't seem to mind." he smiled. "Besides, I haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet."

"Please spare us!" Jerry said when he walked into the room.

"It's alright." Cora laughed. "It's time for dinner. Jerry, go get your brother, please."

Dinner was filled with smiles, laughter, and jokes. Despite all of this, though, I still felt numb inside. Not even the constant, charming smiles that Jerry sent my way could make the image of Ben leave my mind even for a second, even though it was two days ago that I'd seen him.

"You've been unusually quiet, Daniel." Mike said from his place at the head of the table. "Do you feel alright?"

"Tired." he mumbled.

I watched quietly as Cora stroked her son's hair affectionately. "You've had a long day, haven't you?"

Daniel closed his eyes as he leaned into his mother's touch. "Hmm."

I couldn't help but notice the soft, loving looks that Daniel got from his mm and dad. That's the way it's supposed to be. Parents are supposed to love their children, to help them along, and watch them grow. Sadly, not all parents feel obliged to do those things.

"Kids, do you mind cleaning up while we put Daniel to bed?" Cora asked quietly when Daniel began drifting to sleep against her.

"Go ahead." April answered for us. "We'll take care of the dishes."

I left the table quietly as Mike scooped his little boy into his arms, and was followed by Cora. I wandered the living room without purpose, and paused in front of the large, glass doors that lead out to the patio and back yard. The sky was pitch black, and filled with glowing stars. The grass even seemed to be a dark color, due to the lack of light, and I could barely make out the silhouettes of a child's toys laying in the yard. It must have been very cold out there, too, for a shiver traveled my spine.

I walked away from the doors and began making my way to my room for a jacket, when voices caught my attention. I realized I was standing in front of Daniel's bedroom, and I couldn't help but stand near the door frame to see what they were talking about. Daniel was lying in his little bed, the covers pulled under his arms, a teddy bear wrapped in one of his little arms as he placed his thumb in his mouth. Cora sat on the bed near him, and Mike was sitting behind her. Both were smiling lovingly at the child they'd had together.

"Take your thumb out of your mouth, Daniel, so we can understand what you're saying." his mother scolded softly.

Daniel did as he was told. "What if the monsters come for me?" he asked fearfully.

"There aren't any monsters, Daniel." Mike soothed. "You were only dreaming when you thought they came for you that night."

"Just a dream?" he asked in a small voice.

"Yes, darling. Just a bad dream." Cora said, smiling softly.

"What if they come back in my dream?" Daniel asked with tears in his eyes.

"They won't, son. I scared them away. They won't come back if they know what's good for them." Mike smiled, ruffling his son's hair.

"You did?" he asked excitedly.

"Yes, my little angel. They won't bother you anymore. Go to sleep, now." Mike said in a soft voice. He leaned down, and placed a gentle kiss on his boy's forehead. "I love you."

"And I love you, too." Cora told the boy, also placing a kiss on his brow.

I smiled, and decided to go on to my room. I'd seen and heard enough to know that Daniel's parents were as loving as April had said. My bed caught my eye once I entered my room, and I suddenly realized just how tired I really was. I stumbled over, and flopped down on my back on the mattress. I was surprised a few moments later when Mike and Cora entered my bedroom, as well.

"Going to bed already? It's only just now nine. Are you feeling alright?" Cora asked as she took a seat on the edge of my bed.

"I-it's been a long t-two weeks." I murmured.

I thought I could see her nodding slowly from the corner of my eye. "It has." she said quietly as she rubbed the length of my back in a soothing manner.

"How did you kn-know I was in here?" I yawned.

"We heard you flop down on the bed." Mike chuckled.

I chuckled lightly, but said nothing else. I hadn't had anything to say since I'd seen my uncle in such a condition. A sigh passed my lips, and I shivered again.

Cora's gentle hands pulled the covers to the base of my neck, and then stroked my hair. "Sleep tight, love."

"Good night, sweetheart." Mike added.

"Hmm." Was my answer.

Midnight found me awake once again. My knee was still troubling me, but it usually didn't bother me unless it was very late at night. I sighed lightly through my nose, and reached up to trace the healing scar that slashed through my left eyebrow, and eyelid.

'So much madness...' I found myself thinking.

Out of frustration I tossed the covers from my body, and tiptoed down the hallway. I couldn't help but stop in front of Jerry's room, seeing as the door was standing wide open, and there was pale light coming from the doorway. Jerry was lying on his belly on his bed, his eyes drawn to the tv as he played a video game. I found it fitting that the character he was playing as in the game was a knight in shining armor.

'Remember the task at hand, girlie.' I told myself.

I continued through the house quietly, and took the large, sliding glass doors to get to the back yard. The air was crisp, and cold on my face, arms, or any exposed skin. The dew on the grass made my bare toes curl together for warmth. It was absolutely freezing. I swallowed hard as I walked out in the middle of the yard, and sat. It wasn't long before my teeth were clattering together.

"Blake?"

That wasn't part of the plan.

"What are you doing out here, darling?" Jerry asked as he grabbed me beneath the arms. "You'll catch your death out here! You're not even wearing shoes, or a jacket!" he scolded softly.

"H-how did you kn-know I was out here?" I quivered.

"I heard the door open." he answered quietly.

I took a moment to study the person I was certain I was in love with. His hair was a little less kept, like he'd been tossing and turning like me. He was wearing a white undershirt that was wrinkled, and...were those...black boxer shorts? A pair of cloth house shoes protected his feet from the cold dew of the grass.

"Why are you out here, Blake? You realize you could catch your death out here, right?"

I hung my head. "I was trying to." I said in a barely audible whisper.

His warm hands cupped my cheeks, forcing me to look at him. "What?!"

I tore away from him as tears filled my eyes. "D-did you not s-see my uncle, J-Jerry? It's m-my fault he's in th-that awful place!"

He was in front of me in an instant. "Sweetheart, that's not your fault!"

"G-give me one reason w-why I deserve to l-live!" I cried.

He looked away for a moment. "I love you."

If it was a normal day, those words would have caused my heart to do cartwheels. But, I'd never had a normal day in my life. I've gotten close, but I've never gotten there. But now...this is the farthest I've gotten from almost there. For some reason, his answer wasn't getting to me. "Why?" I asked bluntly.

He moved his jaw, but couldn't seem to make anything come out.

"Why d-do you love me, J-Jerry? I'm nowhere near p-pretty, I'm s-several pounds overweight, and...I've been r-r-raped. S-spoiled goods. I'm not good enough f-for you." I whispered.

Several pounds overweight. I've always been slim, with just a little flab. It's not as bad as I made it sound. But really, what sort of a guy like Jerry, who is absolutely gorgeous, would want someone like me...out of shape?

"You're very wrong about yourself." he said with hurt in his silky voice. "You're beautiful...and I don't care that you're not a virgin anymore. There was nothing you could do when the bastard decided to do that to you."

I stared at him as he took my hand. "What a-about my body? I'm n-not..."

"You look fine." he interrupted.

"You deserve better..."

I wasn't able to finish my sentence due to his lips crashing on mine. I resisted, at first. I squirmed, and struggled, but his arms were like iron around me. That didn't slow me down, however. I continued trying to push away from him, which caused him to draw back, though he kept his arms around my waist.

"Why are you pushing me away?" he whispered.

"I'm a-afraid of you..." I choked.

"Why? What have I done to scare you?" he asked as though he was in pain.

"It's n-nothing you've done. Other boys h-have taught me I c-can't trust people w-with my heart." I whispered shamefully.

His warm fingers tilted my chin up, again, forcing me to look him in the eyes. "I'm not like other people, you've learned that!" he cried softly. "Give me a chance."

I studied him with reluctance. His hair had fallen down in his eyes, which were glassed over with tears. With a closer look, I realized there was nothing but complete honesty, and love there, too. His lips were slightly parted, and were trying to form more words. "Please!" he managed to squeeze out.

My hands rested lightly on his shoulders, though I don't know how they got there. Our bodies were suddenly closer, like some sort of invisible force had gently pushed us nearer. Against my better judgment, I nodded my head slowly.

I suddenly found my body being lifted. He was carrying me bridal-style from the bitter cold of the night, and back into the warmth of his home. He managed to close the door with me still in his arms, and then eased himself on the couch, and me sideways between his sprawled legs.

"What..."

"Shh," he interrupted. "Trust me. That's all I ask."

I closed my mouth, and waited to see what he would do next while we sat in the darkness of the living room. He tilted my head back gently, and caressed my throat with the tip of his nose before lightly nipping at my skin. I closed my eyes as shivers traveled my spine. What feelings was he sending through my body? They felt so new...so foreign.

"Jerry..." I murmured.

"Shh..." he whispered against my jaw.

My lips were claimed by his again, in a much gentler manner this time. I allowed him complete access to my mouth without hesitation, and explored his as my fingers tangled themselves in his hair. Again, he made my body react in ways and places that made me blush, but I didn't pull away this time...I didn't want to pull away. In fact, I drew closer. His tongue dove in without mercy, and, to my surprise, my tongue did the same in his mouth. I started wondering when I had become so bold, but was soon distracted by one of his hands rubbing slow soothing circles on my back. His other hand rested near my good knee, and was rubbing and applying slight pressure.

"I love you." he murmured against the pulse in my throat, before nipping at my skin again.

It scared me how much I believed him. Where had this trust come from? Why did I feel so safe, so secure? I decided to put those thoughts away as his teeth nipped slightly harder. It felt reat, and I couldn't help but arch my throat to give him better access.

"Rest now." he whispered, lifting me from his lap onto the couch.

"But..." I began protesting, wanting him to continue.

"You need rest, darling." he said quietly. "You're very tired; I can feel it in your actions." he dashed out of the room for a minute, and came back only a moment later with a blanket and a pillow. He spread the blanket over my body, stopping it at the base of my throat. He then seated himself on the couch with the pillow pressed against his leg, and propped my head on the pillow. "Go to sleep." he murmured. "I'll be here."

Well...I guess this chapter pretty much speaks for itself. Please review, it motivates me! Thanks!