A soft knock on her bedroom door is what finally got Dawn out of bed. She really didn't feel like facing the world, yet, but it was obvious she could no longer fight the inevitable. She slipped into a light blue robe, attempting to make herself look decent for her unknown visitor. "Come in," she said, tying the sash around her waist. The door opened and in stepped Karen clothed in jeans and a white blouse.

"Oh, hi," Dawn greeted.

"Hey," the brunette said. "I won't stay long. I just wanted to see how you were doing."

Dawn shrugged. "I'm doing okay, I guess."

Karen tilted her head and asked, "Do you remember anything that happened after you were drugged?"

The blonde girl shook her head, refusing to speak about her hazy memories of the man. "No."

"Dawn, I know it's hard to talk about it," Karen empathized, "but it's just me here, and nothing you say will leave this room. I promise."

Dawn looked at her best friend and then sat back down on her bed. "Did you see what the man did to me?"

Karen gave her head a negative shake. "No. All I know is that I stopped him from raping you—and anyone else for that matter."

Dawn's eyes widened. "Are you saying that you're the one who killed him?" she gasped.

"Yes, and don't think for one second that I regret it, because I don't," Karen firmly stated. "Both he and his brother got what they deserved."

"His brother?" Dawn questioned, confused.

The brunette nodded. "Your assaulter was the twin brother of the man who Michael killed back in August," she explained. "I recognized him right away."

"Oh," was all Dawn could think of to say. She stared at her best friend, now seeing her in a whole new light.

"Dawn, I did what I had to do," Karen flatly told her.

"It's not that," she answered.

"What is it, then?"

"Well, you were acting so despondent yesterday that it made me think you didn't care."

The moment those words passed Dawn's lips, Karen's countenance changed. The look of both shock and hurt that appeared in the brunette's expression was unmistakable. "You're like a sister to me, Dawn. If something happened to you, I don't know what I'd do."

Dawn shifted uncomfortably and said, "But you have Michael now, and you've been spending so much time with him lately that I was beginning to feel replaced."

Karen sighed softly. "Michael could never replace you, Dawn. The last few days have just been so overwhelming for me, and he's the only one who can channel my stress so that it won't consume me."

The blonde teenager snickered. "Through sex?" she guessed.

"Yes, but it's so much more than that between us. It's difficult to describe." Karen pursed her lips together, simply gazing at Dawn. Finally, she said, "Sex with my father never felt like sex with Michael. If Michael had made love to me before my father had, I never would have mistaken my father for Michael. However, at the time, I had nothing to compare it to, and under the influence of the drug, I saw only Michael. In my heart that's who I wanted it to be, but, even then, I thought I was only dreaming of him.

"That's exactly how it felt with my assaulter, too," Dawn proclaimed, "and the worst part is I actually enjoyed it."

"I know," Karen uttered. "That's what angers me the most—the fact that I couldn't wait for my own father to fuck me. God, I hate him."

Dawn slowly nodded. "I get it now," she said. "I don't know why it didn't click with me before. I mean I knew had been sexually abused by your dad, but I really didn't understand your position until now. I'm sorry, truly sorry, for what you went through."

"My father is a sick man, who aligns himself with sick people," Karen stated. "I'm sorry you had to experience it for yourself, but at least now you know what we're dealing with here."

"I do," Dawn confirmed, "and I promise never to run off again."

Karen took a seat on a chair and said, "What I want to know is why you ran off in the first place when you knew there was a man out there who wanted to rape and kill you. What the hell did Markus say to you to make you that upset?"

Dawn drew out a long breath. "He cancelled our date for today, because he didn't want to meet my parents."

Karen blinked. "That's it?" she asked incredulously. "That's the reason why you left?"

Frowning, Dawn said, "No, I left because you were right about him—because everything you said turned out to be true. He doesn't care about me at all."

"Just like I didn't?" the brunette countered. "I was so focused on my anger that you perceived my despondency as uncaring when in reality it was just the opposite. I care about you so much, Dawn, that the thought of someone raping and murdering you drove me to distraction. I wanted to find the man and kill him."

"Which is why you went after me."

"Yes."

"So you think Mark cares for me?" Dawn inquired.

Karen ran a hand through her hair. "I am not going to try to guess Markus' feelings at this point. We'll just have to see what happens once your parents leave." She then rose to her feet and began walking towards the door.

Dawn instantly noticed a slight limp in her friend's step. Concerned, the blonde girl asked, "Karen, did you get hurt yesterday?"

The brunette turned and calmly met the other's gaze. "The man stabbed me while I was trying to save you, Dawn."

"Wait, stabbed?!" she gasped. "Like with a knife?"

"Yes," Karen evenly replied, "but the pain's just a dull ache now, and Michael predicted that the cut will be completely healed by tomorrow. Unfortunately, my wounds still don't mend as quickly as his do."

Dawn promptly jumped to her feet and ran to Karen, dramatically throwing her arms around her best friend. "I'm sorry for ever believing that you didn't care. Will you please forgive me?"

"Dawn, it's all right. Really," Karen responded, returning the hug. "I'm just glad you're okay."

"I love you, Karen," the blonde teenager said. "I hope you know that."

"I love you, too, Dawn."

The girls separated, and the brunette left the bedroom without another word, giving Dawn time to get ready for the day.

Michael greeted his fiancé just outside Dawn's quarters. At her imploring look, he said, "Eleanor's downstairs, waiting to speak with Dawn and her family, so I think you and I should disappear for awhile and let them be."

Karen nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good idea to me, Michael, but where will we go?"

"Well, Eleanor suggested that I take you into Waukegan and treat you to lunch."

Karen's eyes immediately lit up. "Really," she breathed.

The killer nodded.

"Is that why you haven't changed back into your coveralls, yet?" she asked.

"That, and they still aren't completely dry," he answered.

Karen tilted her head at him. "Michael, you do know that the Helms have a laundry room, right?" she jested.

He suddenly reached behind her and pinched her rear.

"Hey!" she harshly scolded, rubbing the affected area. "That hurt."

"Yes, but I also know you enjoyed it," the killer countered. When Karen's cheeks flushed in admittance, he leaned in to kiss her. "I love you," he muttered against her lips.

"You are such an ass," she softly retorted.

He chortled, drawing her even closer to him. Within seconds they were outside, standing next to his car. He helped his lover into her seat and then walked around to his.

Once he started driving, he asked, "So, how's Dawn?"

Karen shrugged. "She said she's okay, but guilt is starting to set in now. Still, it could have been so much worse."

Michael nodded in agreement. "Did you happen to find out what the phone call was about?"

"Yes. Apparently, Markus didn't want to meet Dawn's parents, so he cancelled their date for today. She assumed that meant I was right about him, and it really upset her."

"Clearly," Michael said. He stole a glance at his fiancé whose brow was creased with worry.

"Dawn's been acting so impulsively lately," she added.

He sighed. "It's her age, Karen. She's acting like a typical teenager, who has also been under a lot of stress."

"And I haven't exactly been the best friend to her either over the last few days," his lover openly confessed.

The killer patted her knee. "Don't be too hard on yourself, sweetness. Your body was preparing itself for possible harm. That's why we've been so drawn to each other during this past week."

She suddenly looked at him, her expression inquisitive.

"No, Karen, that's not how it works," he replied, answering her unasked question. "Your physiological makeup is unique from any other female out there, and it makes you receptive to what my seed has to offer. Even if Dawn and I had sex, her body is physically incapable of utilizing my seed the way your body can. Does that make sense to you?"

The teenager nodded. "That's why sex with you feels so different than it did with my father."

"Yes," Michael firmly verified.

"Which means I was born specifically to be your soulmate," she concluded. "He just got in the way."

The killer drew out a long breath, pleased that his fiancé finally understood what he had known all along. "Yes, Karen, that's exactly right," he said. "Your father sensed that you were different and selfishly tried to claim you for himself."

"But in his mind, I do belong to him," she stated.

"Therein lies the problem, sweetness. He will never be able to accept the fact that you were born to him, not for him."

"I know," she softly replied.

"Speaking of sex," Michael said, purposely altering the conversation away from Karen's father, "I have a proposition for you, one of which you may or may not like."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh, and what might that be?" she asked.

"Well, because our relationship has been so focused on the physical side as of late, I was thinking you and I could practice celibacy until our wedding night."

Karen instantly sniggered. "Are you serious? Us?"

The killer stoically nodded.

"Michael, we haven't gone one day, yet, without sex."

"It won't be easy," he concurred, "but I truly believe abstaining from sex for a short time will bring us closer together in the long run."

Karen looked at him. "Does that mean you'd move out of our room?"

"It would only be a temporary arrangement, sweetness," Michael assured her, "and I would be staying in the bedroom right across the hall."

"It sounds like you've already discussed this with someone," she retorted.

"Just with Eleanor," he said, "and she agreed that living apart right now would be beneficial for yours and mine relationship."

"I'm not against it, Michael," Karen stated, "but if we're going to do this, then we definitely need to set some boundaries."

He nodded. "Considering the strength of our physical attraction, I don't think we should go beyond hand holding."

"That's a rather strict boundary," his fiancé complained.

"Yes, but think of it this way, Karen; the next kiss we share will be the one binding us together as husband and wife."

"That's not fair, Michael," she lightly chided. "You're exploiting another one of my weaknesses."

He offered her a small grin as he pulled into a parking lot behind a local bar and grill. "It's not my fault that you're a hopeless romantic, sweetness."

She sighed and shook her head in exasperation. "You know, my former sentiment about you still stands."

"Good," he firmly answered while parking his car. When she caught his gaze, he said, "It's an accurate assessment, Karen."

"Yeah, tell me about it."

The couple stared at each other for a long moment. Finally, Michael opened his door and stepped out of the Buick. Karen quickly followed suit. When they met up at the rear of the car, he instinctively reached for her hand. Together, they walked towards the restaurant's front doors.

"Are you sure you're comfortable with doing this?" Karen softly asked as Michael grabbed the wooden door handle.

He bowed his head and grazed his lips against her temple. "It will be fine, sweetness."

She simply nodded, striding passed him. The greeter, a college-age male, instantly gave her a warm smile.

"Welcome to Big Ed's Bar and Grill," he said. "Will it be just the two of you today?"

"Yes, thank you," Karen responded.

He picked up two menus and then led the couple to a secluded booth in the back. "Courtney will be your server this afternoon. She'll be right with you."

"Thank you," Karen said. When the young man left, her eyes strayed to a television overhead that was playing a football game.

Michael followed her gaze and asked, "Are you a fan?"

She shrugged. "Sort of. Derek is a big Hoosier's fan, being from Indiana and all."

"It doesn't appear that they are doing too well," Michael noted, reading the Indiana/Michigan score.

A hint of a smile played on his partner's lips. "No, they're not."

He studied her as she continued to watch the game. "Am I missing something?"

Karen turned her attention onto him. "My mom grew up in a foster home in Ann Arbor where she was introduced to Michigan football. She once told me that watching the games was a way for her to connect with her foster family, and she quickly fell in love with it. When I was little, she and I would often watch games together while my father was at work. It was our special time to bond with each other." Karen's gaze dropped down to her menu just as their waitress approached them. Michael's eyes, though, lingered on his lover. That was the most she had ever spoken about her relationship with her mother. He was glad that she was finally opening up and sharing fond memories of her childhood with him.

"Hi, my name is Courtney," the young woman stated, addressing the couple. "May I start you off with beverages and an appetizer, perhaps?"

Karen glanced up from the menu. Michael remained silent, and she took that as a cue to order for him. "We would both like an iced tea, please," she said, "and an order of mozzarella sticks."

"Very good," the waitress replied. "I'll be right back with your beverages."

"Thank you."

Once the young woman scurried off, Michael asked, "So, what happened to your mother's parents?"

"Nothing happened to them as far as I know. One day they simply moved out of their house and left their three kids behind. My mom never talked about it much, but she wanted to make sure that I would never feel neglected by her, which is why I have such a hard time believing she would just up and leave without saying good-bye to me."

The killer mutely nodded, letting the subject drop for the time being.

Courtney returned with their drinks and set them on the table. "You're appetizers will be ready in a few minutes. Do you two know what you want to order, yet?"

"Yes, I think so," Karen answered. "I would like a full rack of ribs with a baked potato, and my fiancé would like a twelve ounce Filet Mignon rare also with a baked potato."

"Rare?" the waitress repeated.

"Yes."

"All right, I'll put this in for you," Courtney said, taking the menus.

"Thanks." Karen took a sip of her iced tea, her eyes never leaving Michael's.

"What is it, sweetness?" he inquired.

She lowered her glass, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Do you want kids someday?"

He blinked, caught off-guard by her question.

"I'm sorry," the teenager hastily apologized. "I shouldn't have asked."

"Karen, you of all people have the right to ask such a question," Michael told her, "and to answer it, yes, I would at least like to conceive one child with you."

"So would I," she confessed, "but would he or she be like us?"

"I would assume so, sweetness, which is why I'm uncertain about having more than one." His eyes suddenly narrowed when her expression remained pensive. "Karen, please tell me you're not considering going off the Pill," he said.

"No!" she gasped. "Absolutely not! I was just asking for curiosity's sake."

The killer exhaled a sigh of relief. "Good, because I don't think now would be the best time for you to get pregnant."

"Definitely not," his soulmate agreed.

Courtney brought them their appetizer, inadvertently interrupting their conversation. "Careful, they're really hot," she said while putting the plate of mozzarella sticks between their place settings.

Just then, a small group of high school students walked into the restaurant. Courtney glowered at her coworker as he led them into her section. He met her stare and shrugged apologetically. Still scowling, she left to take care of them.

"I feel for her; I really do," Michael emphasized.

Karen reached for a mozzarella stick and dipped it into the cup of marinara sauce. "You really dislike teenagers, don't you?"

"I loathe them," he corrected.

"And yet Dawn and I are both teenagers," Karen evenly noted. "Ironic, huh?"

"Very," he concurred.

Karen fell quiet as she continued to eat.

After studying her for a few minutes, Michael got the distinct impression that she was eavesdropping on the group's conversation. He heard the students talking about upcoming SATs, prom, and college applications. He suddenly realized that his fiancé would have been partaking in the same experiences had she been able to stay in high school. "Karen—"

She looked at him expectantly.

"I'm sorry," he sincerely apologized.

She shrugged and said, "It's fine, Michael."

"No, it's not fine," he disputed. "You had goals and aspirations set for yourself that despite everything you've held on to, and you cannot keep ignoring their existence. Whether you like it or not, they're a part of who you are."

Michael let his partner mull over his words as Courtney served them their meals. After the waitress left, he asked, "What do you want out of life, Karen?"

She held his gaze, her dark eyes searching his. Finally, she said. "I want to finish high school and go to college. I also want to be a mom and live happily ever after with you."

He nodded, understanding that it was now his responsibility to make those dreams come true for his future wife. "All right, sweetness. I can't give you an exact time frame, but I promise you will achieve all of your goals."

She gaped at him. "Even college?"

"Yes, of course," the killer affirmed. "Unlike your father, I have no reason to hinder you from furthering your education."

Karen instantly graced him with a broad smile. "You're wonderful, Michael."

He scoffed in response. "I think I like your previous assessment of me better."

"Fine," the teenager relented. "You're a wonderful ass."

Michael felt the corners of his mouth lift, despite his best efforts to keep a straight face. "Sweetness, let's just eat before our food gets cold."

Still grinning, Karen picked up her fork and obediently followed his command.

Michael merely shook his head, hoping that all the days leading up to their wedding would be just like this one.