A/N – Thanks for all of the reviews! Virgy15 begged so I guess you can have another chapter today. Kcke2pen – I know! Lrobinson01 – She is a sick bitch!

Chapter 29 - Aftermath

Jason slowly inched his way closer to her. "Elizabeth, please open your eyes."

She shook her head.

"Remember when I found you in the snow and took care of you in the cabin?"

She slowly nodded.

"Do you remember how I was going to shoot a snake and you killed it with a knife?" Jason asked as his voice broke.

Liz whimpered.

"Do you remember when that crazy cricket attacked you? Baby, it's me. I'm real and I'm right here."

Her cries abated and as her gaze locks on him. She is shaking as she reaches out her hand and Jason took it in his before placing it over his heart.

"Jason?"

"I'm right here."

With a wail, Liz jumped into his arms and clung to him.

"I'm so sorry I didn't get here faster," he said as tears trickled down his face.

It was not physically possible for her to be any closer to him, but she still tried to mold her body against him more. Jason held her until she finally calmed.

"We need to get out of here."

When he tried to let go of her, she gripped him even tighter and started to whimper.

"I need to move the dresser from the door so we can escape. I'll be right back."

She tentatively let go and moved back onto the bed, trying to avoid looking at Tom. Jason quickly moved the furniture and opened the door and then grabbed a blanket. Carefully, he wrapped it around Elizabeth and then picked her up and strode into the hallway where he found Lucky.

"Let's get out of here."

Lucky nodded. "Follow me."

They made their way downstairs and into the yard before climbing onto the launch and once they are a safe distance away, Jason addressed Johnny. "Blow it up."

Johnny made the call.

"Baby you are going to hear an explosion, but we're safe. It won't hurt us."

Liz nodded against his chest.

The explosion was crazy loud. Liz grabbed Jason and gripped him so tightly it hurt. "It's okay."

At one point, her head lifted and her gaze landed on Lucky.

His eyes filled up with tears when he recognizes the look in her eyes. He had always hoped that he would never have to see it again. "I'm so sorry."

She mouthed, "thank you", before nestling against Jason's chest.

They finally made it to the docks.

"Do you want to go to the hospital?"

"No."

Johnny pulled up the car and Jason slid inside. After seeing the look in her eyes, Johnny knows that it must have been bad and it's killing him that they didn't protect her. They finally made it back to the penthouse. Liz had fallen asleep so Jason put her to bed and returned to the living room afterward.

"Did he rape her?" Lucky asked.

Johnny cringed as he waited for Jason to answer.

"I don't think so, but she's still pretty messed up."

Lucky stood. "I'm going to go. You should get back upstairs. She'll need you when she wakes up."

Jason stopped him. "I might not have found her in time if it wasn't for you so, thanks."

"I'm just glad that for once, I didn't let her down."

"Lucky, why don't you go back to the safe house? Max will take you. Helena is still on the loose."

"Okay." He is exhausted and knows that he is no match for Helena.

Carly moved inside. "Is she is okay?"

Jason's eyes filled with tears and Carly held out her arms. "You saved her Jason. Its' going to be okay."

"You didn't see her. She didn't even believe it was me."

The look in Jason's eyes is scaring her. "Did he rape her?"

"I don't think so."

"Can I go see her?"

"I don't know if that is a good idea."

"Trust me, Jason."

He nodded and watched as Carly climbed stairs. She sat on the bed watching Liz sleep as she studied the marks on Liz's face and arms and started to cry. Liz jumped up suddenly gasping for air. "Carly?"

"Hi. I was just checking on you. Jason is downstairs."

She brought her knees into her chest. "I feel so dirty. I can still feel him touching me." She shivered at the thought.

"Do you want to take a shower or bath?"

"Bath."

Carly got up slowly and then went into the bathroom where she turned on the water and found some bubbles under the sink. After several minutes, she returned to the bedroom and held out her hand before leading Liz into the bathroom. "I'll be right out there when you are done."

Liz nodded. "Thank you."

Carly shut the door and went back into the bedroom, deciding to rummage through the drawers to find underwear and pajamas, knowing that Liz will probably want to cover up.

After about twenty minutes, she knocked lightly. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. I'm getting out now."

"Take your time."

Liz eyed the bruises on her arms and softly cried. She wished that she could scrub them off and knows that her face will probably bruise, so she decides she will avoid the mirrors tonight because she couldn't handle thinking about how they got there.

She got out and put the towel around her and dried off before wrapping it around her. "Okay."

Carly opened the door and without looking at Liz, she put the clothes down on the counter and left. When Liz finished getting changed, Carly pulled back the covers and held them up while Liz climbed under them.

"I want you to know that if you need to talk or anything, I'm here for you."

Liz reached out and touched Carly's hand. "Thank you. You've already helped me so much."

Carly tried not to cry and nodded. "Do you want Jason?"

Liz nodded.

"Okay, I'll go get him."

Carly left the room and when she appeared at the bottom of stairs, Jason held his arms open and she fell into them sobbing. She quickly got herself together. "I'm sorry. It's just the look in her eyes is crushing me right now. She took a bath and she's in bed, but wants to see you."

Jason nodded. "Thank you for taking care of her. I was scared she wouldn't want me around her."

"I really wish I didn't have to and that she didn't have to go through any of this."

"Me too."

He led her to the door and then gave her another hug before shutting it behind her.