Chapter Thirty

* Back at the hospital they have moved Starlite and Caty to a room on the third floor. After they get both girls settled in the nurses leave so that they can let Scott and Kitty in. Caty is still unconscious but now has a cast on her right arm form just below her fingertips to just below her armpit. She also has a bandage on cheek covering the stitches there. Starlite has a bandage on her chin and they have wrapped her left wrist and put it in a sling. As soon as the nurses leave Starlite gets out of her bed and walks over to the side of Caty. She stands there looking down at Caty and tears slowly start to escape from her eyes. She starts to talk to Caty. *

Caty why did you do it? I mean I was the biggest bitch to you and yet when you might have been able to get away you didn't. You help me to instead. Why? I know that is when you broke your arm in at least one of the places too. I heard it crack but yet you still swung it at Chris and you knocked him down on you. I know that you must hate me and my Dad probably does too but I will show you both how sorry I am. I promise you that I will. Caty I hope you hear me and if you do please open your eyes? Please? My Dad and John both need you. Hell so does Uncle Kevin too. You make my Dad smile just by walking into the room which is what I was so jealous of which I know is really dumb. But then sometimes that's me. Hell he is so going to kill me when he finds out that Shannon and I got married last week. I just really do some dumb things sometimes not that I'm sorry I married Shannon because I'm not. I love him so much that I just didn't want to be away from him any more. I just didn't think about how much it is going to hurt my Dad and Uncle. Caty please be all right so that I can tell you I'm sorry. Please open your eyes just so that I can tell you thank you.

* Starlite reaches out and takes a hold of Caty good hand. She stands there crying and holding Caty hand unaware that Scott and Kitty have been standing behind her. Kitty steps forward and wraps her arms around Starlite's shoulders. Scott comes in from the other side and wraps then both in his arms. They stand there watching Caty and crying. A little while later the door opens and Scott turns to see that Mark, John, Kevin, Glen, and Shannon are standing there. Starlite is still holding tightly to Caty hand. Scott takes a step back so that Mark can reach out and take Starlite into his arms. She is still holding onto Caty hand but is now sobbing hysterical. *

You're ok now little girl no one is going to hurt you. I promise Starlite your safe.

I know Daddy but why did he do it. I mean Chris has always been arrogant but never mean to this point. Is it my fault because I wouldn't sleep with him?

Starlite none of this is your fault little girl. This is all Chris's fault. You didn't do any thing wrong. And Starlite never sleep with anyone you don't want to. Caty didn't do anything wrong either. She had the right to tell him no and to get lost. What Chris did is wrong little one. No man has ever got the right to do this. Do you understand Starlite?

* Glen leans forward and kiss Starlite gently on the head. *

Yes Daddy. But why did she save me? I mean I was such a bitch to her and maybe she could have save herself but instead she saved me. Why?

* Glen reaches out and takes Kitty into his arms. She starts crying so hard that he gently pulls her away for the bed and into the corner. John and Kevin both walk around the bed to the other side to stand and look down at Caty. Scott moves down to stand at the foot of the bed. Shannon moves up and stands next to Starlite. *

I don't know why Starlite you will have to ask her when she wakes up.

Daddy I'm sorry I was so mean to her. Uncle John please forgives me?

Starlite honey I love you and I do forgive you. I'm sure that Caty will too because you're a good kid most of the time. And something tells me that Caty is a good person also.

I know she is Uncle John. Now you and Daddy just have to show her that she is and that she is loved too. And I have to show her how sorry I am.

You will little girl and we all will to. Right John?

Right Mark.

* Both men look at Starlite who sometimes surprises them all with her insight. Starlite goes back to crying on her Dad's chest. He wraps his arms around her tighter. John leans down and after moving a piece of hair out of Caty face gently kisses her on the forehead. He then moves aside so that Kevin can do the same. After a few minutes Mark lets go of Starlite. Everyone just stands there for a few minutes listening to Starlite and Kitty crying. Mark looks at Shannon and gently pushes Starlite into his arms to cry on his shoulder. Shannon wraps his arms around her holding her close to his heart. He has tears in his eyes from the pain of seeing her hurting. She still doesn't let go of Caty's hand. Glen and Kitty join everyone around the bedside. Mark bends down and kisses Caty gently on the lips. He then leans down and whispers into her ear. *

Come on my little one open up those storm clouds of yours so that I can tell you how grateful I am for what you did for Starlite. And so that I can show you how loved you are little girl. Please? Come on little one, I need you and I know for a fact so does your old man. Hell little girl we all need you. And I hope that you need us?

* Mark kisses Caty on the lips once more and then places his hand over Starlite's who is still holding Caty hand. He along with everyone else in the room has tears going down his face. They all stand like that for awhile. Officer Bankers and Levers peek into the room and sees that Caty still isn't awake. Then look at each other and slowly let the door close. They then go to talk to the doctor. And to find out how Chris's surgery is going. After Starlite is finish crying she looks up at Shannon and leans up to gently kiss him on the cheek. She then turns toward her Dad. He is staring at Caty with sadness written all over his face. She let's go of Shannon and hugs Mark tightly. *

Daddy?

* Mark looks down at her. *

Yeah little girl?

I know this isn't the right place or time but I need to tell you something that I did. I need to tell you right now because I know it's going to hurt you and I can't live with it anymore. I'm sorry.

* Starlite looks over at Glen. *

Uncle Glen I need to tell you too. Please don't hate me but if you and Daddy do I understand.

* Mark looks over at Shannon who looks down at the ground. He can feel Starlite starting to shake. He knows by the look in her eyes that she has to come clean and now. His heart is breaking once more this time for the hurt that he already knows about but doesn't hurt any less. He lets go of his hold over Caty's hand and gently picks Starlite up in his arms. He walks her over to her bed and gently sets her down. Glen lets go of Kitty who walks over and stands between John and Kevin. He walks over and stands next to Mark with his hand on his brother's shoulder. Shannon walks over and takes Starlite's hand holding it gently in his. Starlite looks up and into Shannon's eyes for the strength to do what she has too. Mark and Glen both see the love that they have for each other in their eyes. *

Daddy last week when I got kick out of school I went and stayed for a few days with Shannon. While I was there Shannon asked me if I would marry him. I said yes he then wanted to ask you for the right to do this. I wouldn't let him because I knew that you wouldn't have give your permission. We went and got married because in Tennessee you can get married at the age of sixteen.

* Starlite has tears going down her face. Even though Mark already knew it still hurt. A look of hurt crosses his face and Glens too. *

So then Shannon and I went and seen Aunt Joanie for the rest of the time. I know that you hate me and I'm sorry but I'm not sorry that I love Shannon and got married.

* Mark stands there in silence. *

Please Daddy says something?

So they you have slept with Shannon?

No Daddy. Shannon won't sleep with me till I told you and hopefully to you gave your blessing. I was going to wait till my seventeen birthday to tell you because I know that you asked Mom to marry her when she turned seventeen.

Yeah I did little girl. You know I still want to rip your head off Shannon?

Yes Sir.

Good. The punch you got at breakfast isn't the end of it you know?

Yes Sir.

* Starlite looks over at Shannon and then back at Mark. *

You told him?

Yes and I'm sorry but he had the right to know. I love you Starlite but I never should have promised to keep that a secret.

I know I'm sorry Shannon. You're mad at me aren't you Daddy, Uncle Glen?

Yeah Starlite I am. I mean I had dreams of someday walking you down that aisle and handing you to the man whom would take my place caring for you. Just like I'm sure Uncle Glen wanted to see you married along with everyone else who watched you grow up. I'm pissed at you right now little girl. But more then anything I'm hurt that you didn't think that you could tell me that you love Shannon.

Uncle Glen?

I agree with your Father but I also think what you did was selfish too. And with everything you did I really think it was wrong what you did to Caty and your Father. I mean you already had someone in your life so why didn't you want your Dad too?

Because Uncle Glen I am a spoiled brat.

Maybe. I know that we are the reason you are but it doesn't help the feelings of hurt or betrayal either.

* Starlite is once again crying. She looks up at Glen and Mark. *

What are you going to do?

I don't know Starlite. I have to have time to think this one out. But till I do you won't be seeing Shannon...

Daddy you can't do that. Please.

Wow little girl first of all I can if I want to do that but what I started to say is that you won't be seeing Shannon without someone with you. And Shannon you might be married to my daughter but as of right now you don't have my blessing.

* He looks over at Shannon. *

Sir I do love her.

Yeah Shannon I see that but till you show me that you both are mature enough to handle being adults I will not give you my blessing. I love you Starlite and I know that I will forgive you for this with time but it going to take just that. Time.

We are both sorry Sir.

Yeah well if you are then I'm going to ask you to do something?

What is it sir?

I'm going to ask you to wait before you consummate your wedding vows.

Daddy!

Starlite please let your Dad talk.

* Starlite looks over at Shannon but doesn't say anything. Glen and Mark both glance over at each other and then back at Shannon. Maybe this boy might just be the one to control Starlite. *

For how long Sir?

Six months. Till Starlite is seventeen and a half. In that time show me that you are both mature and handling being adults and at that time I will give you my blessing. And that means that Starlite finishes school in those on line classes and graduates along with being in the apprentice program. And you Shannon show me that you can take care of her both financially and emotionally.

No Daddy six months that's not fair.

* Mark goes to say something but before he can Shannon talks. *

Yes Starlite we will honor your Fathers request and if at that time he doesn't think we have met what he has asked us too we will sit down and talk again.

But what if I say no.

If you say no Starlite then I will get it annulled till you are eighteen. I love you Starlite but what we did was wrong. And Sir I'm sorry that you and Glen got hurt. I'm sorry I didn't do what I knew was the right way to do it.

* Mark looks at Shannon for a second. *

Shannon my first impression was that I liked you and that you were a stand up guy. Then even though I am pissed off that you married Starlite maybe you still are that guy who I thought was a stand up guy. We will see.

* Mark puts out a hand to Shannon who nervously shakes it. Mark pulls him a little closer. *

But if I catch you where you aren't supposed to be then I will still make you famous. Oh and don't ever hurt her. I don't mean that she has to get her way just don't hurt her.

I won't sir.

* Mark lets go of his hand and he then shakes hands with Glen. Mark and Glen both kiss Starlite on the head. *

Now Starlite it is time for you to lay down and get some rest.

But Shannon..

No Starlite as your husband I'm telling you that you are going to lie down. Oh and later I'm sure that officer is going to want to know if you want to press charges against them.

* Mark and Glen both walk away and back over to were the others are still standing around Caty bed. They are smiling at the way that Shannon is handling Starlite. *

I wanted to talk to my Daddy about that.

You can talk to him after you rest.

But..

No Starlite you are going to sleep and that is final. Do you understand me?

* Starlite looks up at Shannon with love in her eyes. *

Yes dear.

Good.

* Shannon picks her up and places her back into the bed and covers her up. He then sits on the edge of it holding her hand why she drifts off to sleep. *

Well I'll be damned she can listen to someone.

Yeah Glen but he is still going to be a deadman around that little girl.

Yep Mark but who knows maybe he can control her too.

I hope so for his sake.

* They all laugh. Scott walks over to the window and gets the chairs that are sitting there. He gives one to John and another to Glen who makes Kitty sit down on his leg. He gives another to Kevin and Mark sits down on the edge of Cary bed picking up her hand. He then walks out of the room to return a little while later with some coffee, pops and sandwiches. He puts them on the windowsill. *

I want to see that you guys have eaten them when I return. I have got to run because I have a match tonight and Linda couldn't pull me but she did make it later. A bunch of us will be back later on after the show. Mark, John if you need anything in the mean time just calls us.

Thanks Scott for everything.

You're welcome John.

I really appreciate that you watched over the two of them and Kitty.

Hell what are Uncles for and friends?

* Mark gets up and shakes hands with Scott. He walks over and hugs and kisses Kitty and then goes and kisses Starlite on the head after shaking hand with Shannon. He then smacks Glen and Kevin on the back. He walks over to John and looks at him. *

John she is going to be ok. It will work out.

I hope so.

I know so. I'll be back but eat something.

I will and thanks again Scott.

* Scott reaches out and hugs John. He then heads out of the room. Mark sits back down and goes back to holding Caty hand. He looks over at John who has leaned forward and is gently stroking Caty's cheek. They all sit there in silence watching. *

Author Notes: Please Read and Review and if anyone knows of an antidotes for pixies sticks please let me know because my Muses are eating way to many and are taking over.

Thanks,

Cat Lea & Muses (See what I mean they now what credited) LOL

Takersdarkone@msn.com