Damaged (And I will try to fix you)

by MarmOTeen

When ex-soldier John Bates takes the nurse job offered by his old army commander Dr Robert Crawley, he intends to build a fresh start for himself. In time, he will end up helping a young blond-haired and blue-eyed woman get one for herself too. A story of love and rebuilding oneself after domestic abuse. Alternate-Universe, modern era. A fanfic with a soundtrack!

10. Chapter 10: Downton Rescue Squad

Chapter 10: Downton's Rescue Squad

Back at Alex's flat, she put down her bag in the hallway and looked around. The place already didn't feel like home anymore. She knew she had the day ahead of her, before Alex came back from work. She intended to be gone at that moment, but now she badly needed some sleep. Before going to bed though, she called her work to explain her absence and inform them that the hospital had delivered her a three days sick leave. She then called the clinic to cancel the abortion appointment, and texted Gwen to ask her if it was OK if she came to her place that night. Before going in the shower, she opened the "JB" Whatsapp conversation, and wondered for a while how she could phrase her gratitude to John. She thought of their past tradition of sending each other songs, and felt like reviving it. She smiled to herself as she sent a YouTube link:

*Muse - Unintended*

"You could be my unintended choice to live my life extended

You could be the one I'll always love

You could be the one who listens to my deepest inquisitions

You could be the one I'll always love

I'll be there as soon as I can

But I'm busy mending broken pieces of the life I had before

First there was the one who challenged all my dreams and all my balance

He could never be as good as you

You could be my unintended choice to live my life extended

You should be the one I'll always love

I'll be there as soon as I can

But I'm busy mending broken pieces of the life I had before

Before you"

*Thank you so much for being there today

Can't wait to see you again.*

She refrained from typing "I love you", because she didn't want the first time she said it to John to be over Whatsapp. Some things needed to be said face to face (although the song made it quite clear...). She dropped the phone on the bed and went showering. When she came back from the bathroom, an answer was waiting for her.

*Coldplay - Fix You*

*This call was the best thing that

happened to me for a very long time.*

She lay in the bed, nestled her head on the pillow, and clicked to listen to the song. As the soft music started, she felt her eyes well up with tears. As John had suggested earlier that morning, she allowed herself to let out all the grief held inside her since the loss of her pregnancy.

"When you try your best but you don't succeed

When you get what you want but not what you need

When you feel so tired but you can't sleep

Stuck in reverse

When the tears come streaming down your face

When you lose something you can't replace

When you love someone but it goes to waste

Could it be worse

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

But high up above or down below

When you're too in love to let it go

But if you never try you'll never know

Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

Tears streaming down your face, when you lose something you cannot replace

Tears streaming down your face, I promise you I will learn from my mistakes

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you"

When the song was over, she lay the phone on her bedside table, and drifted to sleep.

She woke up in a startle. It took her a few seconds to remember all the events that had taken place in the last 24 hours. She looked at the time, and adrenaline flooded her when she saw it was already 4 pm. Shit, she had overslept. Alex would be home in less than two hours. She frantically got up, grabbed bags and a suitcase and started to gather all her belongings. Clothes, papers, books, shoes were scattered on the bed. She wondered how she would carry all this stuff all the way to Gwen's place. She had no car to fill it in. That was when she realized that her escape plan was no so well-prepared. Maybe she would just take the most important part, and come back later to pick up the rest. What wasn't an option was postponing leaving. Today was the day she would break free, or die trying. She had secured her most precious papers and books in a backpack along with her wallet and phone, and started to fill her suitcase with as much clothes as she could. She froze in her tracks and her heart started pounding hard. She had heard the door's lock working, and that could mean only one thing: today of all days, Alex had come back early from work. "Shit", she muttered under her breath. She had planned to go without facing him, because she knew he would obviously not take the news well. She took a deep breath, and found that she was not afraid anymore, but angry at him for the way he had treated her in the last few days, not to mention the last ten years. She decided that the best defense was attack. She met him in the hall and asked him boldly:

- Hi, Alex. So, did you sleep well last night? Did you have a good day?

- … I guess, he answered, a bit unsettled.

- Thank you by the way, for asking news about my well-being after dropping me like a bag in front of the A&E! Thank you for being at my side while I bled and suffered like hell while losing OUR child. Yes, I miscarried, if that's of any interest to you.

Alex, who had been quite taken by surprise by the fierceness of her attack, soon came back to his senses, and found his fighting spirit back:

- Hey, don't shout at me like that! Is it my fault if you can't even keep a child! You're really useless!

That was a low shot, and Anna felt her eyes prickle at the insult, but she was determined not to offer him her tears. She was done crying for him.

- Yeah, talk all you want to. I'm off, I've had enough.

She turned back to the bedroom to finish her packing. Alex followed her and noticed all her stuff on the bed and the half-filled luggage.

- What are you doing?

- I'm leaving.

- Where?

- Like I would tell you.

She continued quickly filling the suitcase. He seized her wrist, and started twisting her arm until it hurt.

- Alex, get off me! You're hurting me!

- You're not leaving, he said in a calm but frightening voice.

- Yes, I am.

- Is this how you thank me for taking you off the street?

She rolled her eyes.

- Alex, that was ten years ago! I have repaid you a thousand times since then. I have cleaned your flat, washed your clothes, cooked your meals, I have let you bully me, abuse me, hit me, insult me and rape me!

- What?! That's bullshit, I never raped you! I'm your boyfriend, that's only my due!

- Yes, that's what I thought too until recently, but no, it doesn't work that way! I am not your personal belonging!

- Don't you dare calling me a rapist, he shouted, anger twisting his face. He grabbed her shoulders and sent her crashing against the wall where she crumbled on the floor. When she stumbled up on her feet, she shouted back:

- Go on Alex, kill me if you want! But you won't have me anymore! I'm done with being your slave!

She managed to dodge his next attempt at seizing her hair. She grabbed her backpack and ran out of the room, leaving everything else behind her. She threw herself at the entrance door, and started running down the stairs as fast as she could. She continued running in the street until she was too out of breath to go on. She stopped on the pavement, hands on her knees, panting. She looked pitiful, her hair all over the place, her cheeks bright red from the run and all shining with tears. A few people turned to stare at her while she tried to catch her breath. After a while, she wiped her face on her T shirt, straightened her hair and made her way to the nearest bus stop to go to Gwen's place, scanning the street all along to make sure that Alex wasn't following her.

Gwen was not yet back from work when Anna arrived at her flat. Fortunately she had told Anna that her old neighbor had a spare key to her flat. So Anna rang at the old lady's door, and she lent her Gwen's key. Anna entered the flat, locked the door behind her, and walked into her friend's small apartment. Gwen lived in a one-bedroom, so Anna would have to sleep on the couch. She left her backpack near the door, and crumbled on the couch, exhausted from the sleepless night, the row with Alex and the run. Her belly still ached. She rubbed her hands on her face, wondering how and when she would be able to retrieve the rest of her stuff at Alex's. She hoped he would not destroy them out of anger. She looked at her phone, and saw that he had sent her seventeen texts and had left eight voice messages. She had heard the phone ringing during the bus ride, but she had intentionally not looked at it. Now that she felt safe, she read and listened to the messages. It seemed Alex did not know what tone to use to make her come back, so he varied: some messages were pleading, others angry, some threatening. She shrugged and put the phone down. She went to the kitchen and started searching the fridge and drawers, in order to find stuff to cook dinner for Gwen and herself. As she was busy cooking, she heard her phone beep, not in Alex's tune. It was John, inquiring about her situation. She put in her earphones and called him while she kept on supervising the cooking. She told him all about her lucky escape, and he fumed once again at the way Alex had treated her. He offered to go with her when she went to get the rest of her belongings. But she declined, because a meeting between John and Alex was the last thing she wanted. She feared Alex would hurt John. While they were still chatting, Gwen came back from work, so Anna put an end to the conversation, promising to be in touch the next day.

Gwen came to Anna and hugged her close:

- Oh Anna! Girl, I'm so happy to see you! So you've FINALLY done it! How do you feel?

- Tired. Shocked. Relieved. Grateful.

- Grateful? For what?

- To you, for having me here. To John, for coming to pick me up this morning.

- To pick you up? From where? Wait, I sense I'm missing some pieces here. Let me grab a beer, and tell me the whole story.

So while they finished preparing their meal and laying the table, Anna gave Gwen a detailed account of her last twenty-four hours. Gwen sympathized when she learnt about the miscarriage, beamed about John being such a gentleman, and had strong words to qualify Alex's behavior. While they were eating and talking, Anna's phone kept buzzing with some more of Alex's texts and calls. Annoyed, Gwen offered:

- Do you want me to answer and tell him off?

- No, answered Anna. If you do, he'll know I am here with you and he might come harass me here. Not that it will be too hard for him to figure it out, since you're my only friend beside Mary.

- Yeah well if he does, I'm calling the cops.

- I hope we won't have to come to that.

- So, continued Gwen, gesturing to Anna's backpack, that's all you took with you? Do you even have some clothes?

- No… I had prepared a suitcase but when I ran out I didn't have time to take it with me…

- OK… Well I'll lend you something for the night and tomorrow. And, I've talked to everyone at Downton today. Tomorrow you're coming there with me, and we'll meet with Mrs Hughes and Mary and see what we can do for you. How we get to retrieve all your things and what you'll do next.

- Oh, alright, thanks. And, by the way, you and Mary are the worst secret keepers ever! John heard you chatting at Downton, and he knew about me being pregnant!

Gwen's face flushed a little, and she managed to look just shameful enough. When they had finished eating and cleaning the table, Gwen asked:

- I guess you must be wasted. Where do you want to sleep? There's the couch, or we can share my bed, it's large enough, I don't mind. I think you'll be more comfortable than on the couch.

- Oh, alright, that's nice of you.

Gwen went to her bedroom, gave Anna a T-shirt for the night, and a clean towel for the bathroom.

- There, make yourself comfortable. I'll be in the living-room.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome. And Anna?

- Yes?

- I'm so HAPPY that you've FINALLY DITCHED the guy! she beamed

Anna chuckled.

- Yeah, I think it was past time.

Gwen nodded knowingly while she turned back to the living-room.

Later, when Anna was comfortably tucked into Gwen's bed, while her friend was still watching TV in the living room, she checked her phone one last time before going to sleep. Besides the dozens texts left by Alex, that she decided not to read, there was a Whatsapp message from John. She opened it:

*Elton John - Your song*

"You can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple but now that it's done

I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world

So excuse forgetting, but these things I do

You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue

Anyway the thing is, what I really mean

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen"

*I have not at all forgotten

how sweetly blue your eyes are

And they are surely the most beautiful eyes

I've ever seen.

Goodnight sweetheart*

Anna smiled, realizing that no one had called her sweetheart since her father last had, which was about twenty years ago. It did feel good.

*Goodnight John.

See you tomorrow*

She put the phone down and fell asleep faster and deeper than she had done in months.

When Anna and Gwen arrived at Downton the next morning, Mrs Hughes welcomed Anna with open arms.

- Anna, my dear girl! You're a sight for sore eyes! I'm so glad to see you again.

- Hi Mrs Hughes, answered Anna, I'm glad to see you too.

- Come to my office. We'll have tea and you will keep me up to date with your news, while those girls make their morning round, she said gesturing to Gwen who was walking towards the nurse's room. When they're done they'll join us to discuss you situation.

- Alright… said Anna, a bit embarrassed that her personal situation was about to become public knowledge among the Downton staff.

Anna spent a good part of the morning telling Mrs Hughes all that had happened to her during the last eighteen months. The older woman's warm presence and guidance helped her feel more steady. In the years Anna had worked at Downton, Mrs Hughes had always felt a bit like a substitute mother, since Anna was no longer in touch with her own. Around the middle of the morning, John arrived and joined them in Mrs Hughes's office. He wasn't working that day, but had come when Gwen had informed him of the gathering they were planning. When he had settled with a cup of tea, Mrs Hughes went on with the conversation.

- So, Anna, I understand that right now you're out of housing?

- Well, yes. I'm living with Gwen for the moment, but I'll have to find myself a flat. And my stuff is still at Alex's…

- You know, in the older wings of Downton Abbey, we have a few studios to accommodate the staff. I could check with M. Carson if one would be available?

- That's very kind Mrs Hughes. I would say yes if I was working here, but the thing is my current job is quite a long ride from here. It'd be more practical for me to live closer.

- I understand. I only wish I could offer you a job here… Unfortunately we have no vacant nurse position at the time being… We'll reconsider the matter as soon as something comes along.

- Thank you.

One by one, the people Gwen had informed were filling Mrs Hughes's office. Gwen, William, Thomas were there when Mary entered last. She eyed the assembly and declared:

- So, Downton Rescue Squad is complete. Let's start. Hi Anna, she said while giving her a hug. So, everyone, I guess you all know that Anna has left her partner's flat in a hurry, leaving all her stuff behind, and that he's keeping on harassing her. So, first thing, Anna, here's your new phone, she said, handing her a small package. I filled up all our numbers in it. You can put any more ones you like, except Alex's. That's forbidden.

Gwen continued:

- And I'm keeping your old one, and I'm your secretary. I'm handling Alex.

- … Alright, said Anna, bemused.

- Now, continued Mary, we have to organize a raid to your old flat to retrieve your belongings. We'll have to be a number of people so that we can move all your stuff quickly, and I think it'll be better if we have at least one man, if Alex is there, to dissuade him from being aggressive.

- I'll be there with Richard, said Thomas. We owe you from last time, Anna.

- Thanks Thomas, said Anna with a little smile.

- I can come too, Anna, if you wish, added John.

- Erm, I think it's best we avoid the two of you meeting if that's possible… He knows your face, and I really really don't want to see you both fighting…

- Alright, I understand.

- I can come, said William.

- We'll try and do everything when he's not there, continued Gwen, but that's just for safety in case he comes home early.

- Yes, he does seem to have a sense for coming home early when he's not wanted, said Anna.

- What's the day he's working late again? asked Mary.

- Thursday.

- OK, is everyone alright if we plan it next Thursday? That's in two days time.

- Yeah, OK, fine, answered Gwen, Thomas and William.

- Alright, I'll come with my car, said Mary, who owned an SUV. I think we should be able to put all your stuff in it. You'll take what you need most to Gwen's and I'll keep the rest in my garage until you find yourself a flat. Alright, we meet at 6.30pm in the street down Alex's on Thursday, is that OK for everyone?

All the volunteers nodded.

- Guys, said Anna in a trembling voice, I can't tell you how much that means to me. You're the best, all of you.

- I agree, said Mrs Hughes. I must say, I am proud of my team. Solidarity is one of the core values of Downton, and I'm very glad to see it put into acts. So, is everything settled for now? Maybe everyone could go back to work then.

All those who were working started to move at once. When they had all filled out of the room, Mrs Hughes turned to Anna:

- So, my dear. I wish you the best luck in this important new step in your life. I very much hope we'll be able to have you back here soon.

- Thank you very much, Mrs Hughes, answered Anna, giving her a hug.

Anna and John were left alone in the hallway, as everyone else had gone back to work. John gingerly took Anna's hand, and asked:

- So, Anna, would you like it if we spent the day together? As it is, my next day off is not until next week, so we won't be able to see much of each other for the rest of this week.

- Oh, yes, I'd love it, she answered with a bright smile.

- Maybe we could go eat somewhere first, it's nearly lunch time.

- Alright, yes, let's go.

While they were quietly strolling across Downton's park, John asked:

- So, where would you like to go?

- How about that Italian restaurant down the street? You know, where we did some staff dinners sometimes? I like it.

- Alright, Italian restaurant it is then.

Anna looked at him coyly.

- So, is this our real first date?

John shook his head.

- No, no, this is not a proper date. For our first date, I will come to pick you up at home, you'll have time to prepare, and I'll take you somewhere fancier. You won't be wearing your friend's borrowed clothes. It'll be you in a nice dress, me looking like a fool…

Anna chuckled.

- You don't look like a fool. But alright, I'm looking forward to it.

When they were settled at a table in the Italian restaurant, Anna became quite fidgety, toying with her napkin and sighing. John noticed and worried about her sudden change of mood.

- Anna, darling, what is it? You seem… preoccupied?

Anna blinked a little too hard, and said:

- It's just… you know… for all this talk of solidarity back in Mrs Hughes's office… It's quite embarrassing to be the center of such attentions. I feel quite… unworthy.

- Oh, Anna, what would make you think that?

- I don't know, I feel angry at myself for letting my situation stray to the point where I need a bloody "rescue squad" to get my stuff back… I should have known better, I should have understood a long time ago what Alex really was! Now I do feel like a total fool!

- You're not a fool! Everyone says how difficult it is to get out of an abusive relationship! He had a mental hold on you! It takes time to break away from those chains…

- But I'm not a victim! That's not who I am. The worst part is that you see me as a victim…

- No, darling, I don't see you as a victim. You have been victim of certain deeds. That does not make you "a victim". That doesn't define your whole being. I see you as a bright, beautiful young woman, and I'm so totally in love with you.

Anna couldn't help but smile at this vibrant declaration. John went on:

- If anyone here is unworthy, it's me, of you.

- How do you make that out? How could you be unworthy of me? she exclaimed.

- You're young, I'm old. You're so beautiful, and I'm so… not beautiful. I am an ex-con, ex-addict, ex-alcoholic and permanently impaired. I don't think that is the best match you could have hoped for.

Anna shook her head vigorously.:

- Now stop with the nonsense. You're not so old. I think you are very handsome. You have the most beautiful warm eyes I have ever seen. I don't care about all the "ex" things you are, since they are in the past. As for the impairment, so what? We won't be able to go hiking together, and that's for the best because I hate hiking. You are the very best thing that has ever happened to me John Bates! Without you I would still be a nursing assistant, and probably still with Alex.

She squeezed his hand and they exchanged meaningful looks, as the waiter was bringing them their plates.

They ate in silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company. Then John looked at Anna and asked softly:

- So, how do you feel about… you know, what happened the night before last?

- Slightly better I think. It still hurts but… You gave me a good advice. I have allowed myself to feel sad about it, and it helped. I think I will be alright, with a little time. But… I need to be honest with you. If it hadn't happened, I don't know if I would have had the strength to show up at the abortion clinic the next day. It felt so hard…

- I guess so…

John put his hand on Anna's and gently squeezed it.

- You know, when I heard Mary talking about you at Downton, obviously I was quite shocked at first. But then, I thought over it a lot. I didn't know what you intended to do of course, so I kept asking myself what I would do if you decided to carry on with it.

- Yes?

- It caused me an almost sleepless night you know. But then I only got down to one point: if my choice was to be between having you with that child, or not having you at all, well…

- Well? You would have been willing to take on Alex's child? Anna said with wide eyes.

John looked down and answered in a small voice, almost a whisper.

- The idea of not having you because of that child was unbearable. So yes, I would have. Because I would love you whatever, whenever, wherever.

Anna's eyes were now filled with tears. She took John's hand and nestled her cheek in it, kissing its palm.

- Oh John, you don't know how much that means to me… I kept telling myself that I was doing the right thing for our future. I love you too. So much.

She shot him a watery smile as he gently stroked her cheek.

After lunch, they decided to take a stroll in the nearby park. Quietly walking hand in hand had a soothing effect on both of them. After a while, Anna noticed that John kept grinning somewhat awkwardly.

- What is it? Why are you grinning like that?

- I just can't believe I am walking like this with you beside me, holding your hand… I feel like pinching myself!

- Well believe, she answered, stroking his arm.

She stopped walking, turned to face him, put her hand at the back of his neck and pulled him close to deposit a light kiss on his lips.

- Is that enough, or do you want me to pinch you? she said playfully.

- No, no, I'm OK, he laughed. Although maybe another one of these, he said reaching for her lips again.

The afternoon passed pleasantly and by the end of it, John gave Anna a lift back to Gwen's flat. When they kissed goodbye, Anna gingerly asked:

- So, about this first date?

- Oh, yes, how about next Saturday?

- Alright. Say you'll pick me up at 8 pm?

- 8 pm, I will.

- And, maybe you can join us Thursday evening after, you know, "the raid"? I'll buy everyone a drink in the pub as a thank you.

- I'd love it.

- So, this is goodbye then, said Anna, a bit regretfully.

- I guess so. Until Thursday, answered John, kissing her on her cheek.

When he started pulling away, Anna turned her head to catch his mouth with hers. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and intensified the kiss, her tongue invading his lips. His arms circled her waist, pulling her even closer. When she finally let go of him, he panted, quite dazzled:

- Oh Lord, Anna, how can I leave you behind and go home alone when you do this to me…

She chuckled:

- That was just something to remember me, you know until Thursday…

- Oh I will, don't worry about that.

She gave him a mischievous smile as she ran off to the building's staircase.

Thursday 6.30 pm found the whole of "Downton Rescue Squad" meeting down Alex's building. Fortunately Anna had kept her keys in her flight. Mary took charge of the operation:

- So, everyone, we aim to be done in an hour max. Anna, when we're in, you tell us everything we need to pack. When it's done, we take it downstairs and stuff it all in my car. You tell me what's going to Gwen's and what's going to my place. Who's staying in the street to keep watch and send the alarm if Alex's coming?

- I will, said Gwen. I know how he looks like, the boys don't.

- Oh Lord, what if he changed the locks? feared suddenly Anna

- That wouldn't make much sense, since all the texts he's still sending you to try and make you come back, said Gwen flatly.

- Yeah, you're right. Anyway, we'll know soon enough.

- So, shall we start? asked Mary. I brought some plastic boxes to put your stuff in, they're in my trunk.

- We'll get those, said Thomas.

The team started to make their way to the third floor. Anna's key worked normally and they soon started working, collecting all her stuff and packing it into bags and boxes. Anna felt eerie walking around the place where she'd spent so many desperate nights, and telling herself that it was the last time. That all the hurt was over, and she was never coming back. They had taken everything, and were back downstairs, finishing to arrange all the boxes into Mary's car, when Gwen spotted Alex parking his motorbike.

- Shit, he's coming, she warned the group.

Anna suddenly tensed and mumbled:

- Oh crap…

She tried to hide among her friends, but Alex had spotted her, and started approaching her, holding his motorbike helmet.

- Anna? What the hell are you doing?

She braced herself to keep calm, and answered in a cold voice:

- Well you see. I've picked up all my stuff, and I'm leaving.

- But… baby can't we at least talk it over face to face? Why are you doing this to me?

- Oh no. Seeing what YOU do to me when we are face to face, we're not discussing anything without witnesses. It's over. I'm off.

- But darling come on! You know I love you…

At that point, Mary stepped in, looking pissed:

- Now Alex, stop the bullshit. Cut it out. You don't love her, you abuse her. Now you leave her alone. Stop harassing her or we're reporting you to the police.

She turned to Anna and instructed firmly:

- Anna, give me your keys, and get into the car.

Anna obliged, shooting Alex one last reproachful look. Mary dropped the keys in Alex's helmet and said:

- There you are. Now she's out of your life, you're out of hers. Forget her.

Alex's face started burning red with anger.

- It's this John guy, he brainwashed her!

Mary faced him calmly, while all the others circled around her, so that Alex wouldn't feel safe enough to try and get violent.

- He did none of that. If he did anything, it was opening her eyes. Now back off.

- ANNA! I'll kill myself, he bellowed, trying to reach her in the car through the wall of her friends.

- Now don't start with the emotional blackmail! That's none of her business what you choose to do with your life from now on.

- Good riddance I would say… whispered Gwen under her breath.

With that, they all started to fill their cars, and left Alex alone on the pavement.

As they were driving away, Mary noticed that Anna was silently crying in the passenger's seat. She squeezed her hand and said softly:

- Anna, sweetie, are you OK?

Anna sniffed and answered shakily:

- Yeah, yeah, I will be soon. It's just… seeing him again... hearing him say this stuff.. that he loves me, that he'll kill himself. It's kind of overwhelming.

- I guess. But you do know it's not true, do you?

- Yes. I do, she said confidently, smiling to Mary through her tears. I just need a moment to, you know, get over it. Do you think he's going to leave me alone now?

- Well, he'd better. Otherwise you'll file a complaint for harassment. Hey, cheer up! Is John meeting us tonight?

Anna's smile grew wider.

- Yes, he is.

- So, where are you with him?

- He's taking me on our first date on Saturday.

- Niiice, nodded Mary knowingly.

Anna chuckled, and dried her tears.

When Anna had put her stuff in Gwen's flat, the whole team gathered in a pub nearby. John joined them, sitting next to Anna and circling her shoulders with his arm.

- Are you alright darling? he whispered in her ear.

She smiled at him and softly kissed his cheek.

- More than alright, she answered.

When the waiter had brought all the drinks, Thomas help up his beer and started:

- So, let me propose a toast: to Anna, and her new life, and to Downton's Army!

Every one lifted their glass, chanting:

- To Anna! And Downton's Army!

Thomas, who happened to be a big Harry Potter fan, continued:

- Downton's Army… The DA… You know it reminds me of Dumbledore's Army in the Order of the Phoenix!

Gwen answered:

- Well I don't know if we are Aurors, but Alex sure is a Death Eater! He was slowly sucking out Anna's soul…

- Yeah, he was, added Anna, smiling sadly at the accuracy of the image.

After enjoying two hours chatting with her friends, Anna looked at her watch and said:

- Alright guys, I think I'll call it a night, I have to get up at 5.30 tomorrow for work… I can never thank you all enough for what you did. Goodnight, you all. See you.

She got up, and waved at the assembly.

- I'll walk you home, said John.

- I'll come too, said Gwen.

But the non-verbal plea that Anna sent her made her change her mind:

- Oh, right, I'll stay a little while longer, she chuckled as Anna flushed and sent her a thankful smile.

They walked quietly hand in hand towards Gwen's building. As they came nearer the building's entrance, Anna suddenly froze in her tracks, having noticed Alex's figure standing in the doorway. She squeezed hard on John's hand:

- Shit, John! There's Alex standing there! Oh God he's waiting for me…

- Keep calm darling, we'll handle him. Don't worry.

Alex had seen them approaching and started walking towards them.

- Anna, why won't you talk to me?

- What are you doing here Alex! she said looking at him with as much contempt she could muster. Do you really want me to call the police for your harassment?!

Alex was eyeing John from the top down, lingering on the crutch, with a look of pure loathing.

- You're not telling me that this sad old crippled keeps you happy…

John did not respond to the insult, but protectively wrapped his arm around Anna's shoulders. Anna shot Alex a dark look and answered coldly:

- If you must know, yes, he keeps me very happy. Which is more than I can say you ever did.

Anger rose again on Alex's features.

- You really are a little slut! he fumed.

- Now listen to me sir! snapped John suddenly. He could cope with himself being insulted, that didn't mean anything to him, but he was not going to let that prick get away with insulting Anna.

- I might be a sad old crippled, as you kindly worded, but I am also an ex-military, and believe me, my bad leg would not hinder me in the least if I decided to kick your ass. So I kindly advise you to tone down, and leave her alone.

He and Alex engaged into an eyeing match, while Anna held her breath. After a very tense moment, Alex, being wide-mouthed but not very courageous, decided that the risk was not worth taking, and turned back to his motorcycle, mumbling to himself. Anna slowly breathed out as she saw him riding away, and looked at John:

- Thank you for that. Man, how am I ever going to feel safe to go out on my own knowing he's still out there? I hope he won't keep on following me everywhere…

Gwen appeared behind them at that point.

- Was that Alex leaving just now? she asked.

- I'm afraid it was, sighed Anna.

- OK, you're really going to have to report him Anna. He can't get away with that Scott's free!

- Yeah, we'll see.

- Alright, I'm going up, said Gwen, winking at her.

- OK, I'm following, answered Anna before turning back to John.

He was fondly smiling at her, and asked gingerly:

- So, is it true that I'm keeping you very happy?

- But of course it is, you silly beggar, she answered against his lips before softly kissing him. See you Saturday?

- Sure. Goodnight Anna.

Later, in Gwen's bed, as she was settling to sleep, Anna grabbed her phone and opened Whatsapp to send John a message:

*Ben E. King - Stand by me*

"When the night has come, and the land is dark

And the moon is the only light we'll see

No I won't be afraid, I won't be afraid

Just as long, as you stand, stand by me

So darling darling stand by me

Oh stand by me

If the sky we look upon, should tumble and fall

Or the mountains should crumble to the sea

I won't cry, I won't cry, I won't shed a tear

Just as long as you stand, stand by me"

When her alarm went off at 5.30 the next morning, she quickly turned it off not to wake Gwen, and checked if there was an answer from John. Of course there was:

*The Pretenders - I'll stand by you*

"Oh, why you look so sad, tears are in your eyes

Come on and come to me now

Don't be ashamed to cry, let me see you through

Cause I've seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you, you don't know what to do

Nothing you confess, can make me love you less

I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you, won't let nobody hurt you, I'll stand by you

When you're standing at the crossroads, don't know which path to chose

Let me come along, cause even if you're wrong

I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you, won't let nobody hurt you, I'll stand by you

Take me in into your darkest hour, and I'll never desert you

I'll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you baby,

You're feeling all alone, you won't be on your own

I'll stand by you"

She smiled to herself, and quietly got up and started her morning routine.