You guys are lucky I'm in a good mood, or else I could've just posted one chapter and then you would've hated me if I disappeared for another 2 weeks...but I'll try not to I promise...you guys get a peek at a lil bit of Ray's past in this chapter...not much, but a few...in my previous publication of this story I got complaints about not having enough of Rays past...I tried to put some bits in that wouldnt affect my plans for future chapters..and i managed to create some new chapters to go between with some of his past...so there will be surprises for the "veterans" of this fic...keep an eye out!

Disclaimer: All characters in this story have no existence outside the imagination of this author (and the creators of ER) and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention unless otherwise noted. I do not own any of the characters except those who are noted in this and future chapters...

Chapter 12: Battle Scars

Late Tuesday Morning

Abby's POV

Soon Ray stepped out of the room and called me over.

"Abby, come here. I want you to meet Madison."

I followed him into the room, staying close, not knowing what to expect.

"Madi, I want you to meet my good friend Abby, she was with me when Chris called, and basically kept me from punching a hole in the lounge wall."

"Can't say as much for the phone though." I added, grinning up at him.

I looked over to the bed, and a look of disbelief crossed my face. I knew this girl.

"Um, don't I know you?" Madi asked.

Ray looked over at me quizzically.

I just shrugged, not meeting her eyes. She closed her eyes and thought for a minute.

"Wait a minute; you're that chick from the fair, like 2 years ago. You tripped or something and my friend caught you before you fell. Then some bigass dude came over and decked Nick, before he all but dragged you off. You remember it too, I can tell."

Ray just watched, me, one eyebrow raised, waiting for my response. He looked me in the eyes, and I know he saw the surprise, fear, and disbelief in them. I watched as realization dawned in his eyes.

"Richard?" he mouthed.

I just looked away, knowing he would know that the answer was yes. I looked back at Madi, who was still waiting for an answer, and nodded.

I started to get up to go take a walk and try to clear my head, but Ray shook his head and laid his hand gently on my arm.

"Abby I want you to stay and hear this too."

I sat back down, and waited for him to talk. He moved over and sat down on the edge of Madison's bed. He slowly ran his finger down a small scar on the side of her face, over a large bruise on her upper right arm where it looked like someone had grabbed her arm and twisted, before pointing to a small burn mark just above her collar bone.

"All these, they're from Chris aren't they?"

She didn't say anything.

"I bet these aren't even half the marks. You know it's not your fault right? He did that to Mom too." He paused, then added, "And to me."

She scoffed, and rolled her eyes as if she thought he was just saying that.

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I heard you on the phone with Nick. What, you'll tell Nick that, but you won't even tell me?" Not even attempting to hide the hurt in his voice.

She stiffened, and her eyes were wide.

"You don't believe me do you?"

He turned and lifted his shirt up and over his head. Both Madi's and my eyes widened as we saw the scar that must have been at least 8 inches long that ran across his back, and numerous smaller scars across his shoulders.

"Holy shit." Madi and I said in unison, than looked at each other, noticing the almost identical expressions of horror on our faces.

I went over and ran my hand down the length of the scar, and as I touched him, I felt him tense up, and was surprised at how hurt I felt.

"What the hell happened?" I asked, the same time another voice asked,

"What the hell is going on here?!"

Alright guys, make my mood even better and review...you might even get another chapter if you're reallly nice! Love ya!

X0X

Katy