A/N: A big thank you to my readers and especially my reviewers! I'm so glad you are continuing to enjoy this tale I am weaving. I am straying from Pride & Prejudice as it's becoming more of my own creation, but I am still following the outline/structure of it while making it into Plum universe. Also for those missing Ranger, he will reappear soon... Again, I do all of my own editing so if there are any mistakes or questions you may have please let me know. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own none of JE's characters nor those in Pride and Prejudice.

Plum & Prejudice

Chapter 18:

"…she felt depressed beyond any thing she had ever known before."

It's so dark out I can hardly see a couple of feet in front of me. I am chilled to the bone and terrified out of my mind. I look back to see if anyone is following me. It's stupid as I can't see anything behind me, but it causes me to stumble and fall. I feel his hot breath on my neck, near my ear. I can feel the tears coming down my face.

"I'm going to take what's mine, Cupcake," his voice hisses menacingly. He ripped off my bra, my entire upper body exposed. I try to cover my breasts, but his weight pins me. His face is disfigured by shadows making him seem even scarier.

"No!" I scream, trying to beat him off. He brings his arm back to hit me, and I close my eyes and scream.

I bolt up, drenched in sweat, heart pounding and tears streaming silently down my face. I take huge gasping breaths of air. The soft bedside light is on, throwing my bedroom into a hazy golden glow. I scan the room. I think about each object by name. Dresser, photo, lamp, jewelry stand, and the naming goes on. It helps ground me and pull me out of the nightmare. Then, finally, I can hear the hum of the heat as the pounding of my heart recedes from my ears.

I glance at the clock and see it's five in the morning. I sigh and lean back on my pillows. I give another heavy sigh before throwing off my covers and padding into the bathroom. I splash my face with some cold water, use the toilet and start brushing my teeth. I used to love sleeping in late. Now I'm lucky if I can sleep until five. The lovely dark circles under my eyes show it as well.

So far, there hasn't been much I can do about it. I've been going to a therapist every other week to help me process the attack. She asked about sleep last week, but I didn't answer quite honestly. I know I should have, but I'm so annoyed that so much in my life has changed from that one evening. My life is not going back to normal any time soon either because a trial date was set yesterday. In four weeks, I will be facing Joseph Morelli in the courtroom. I'm sure the whole 'Burg will be watching.

I yank on some leggings and throw on my sports bra and t-shirt. I head to the kitchen, and I make some tea. I find the tea helps calm me in the mornings after my repetitive nightmare. Coffee makes me jittery and anxious. I munch on a protein bar and a banana for some fuel. Tonight I have dinner with my parents, and I'm not exactly looking forward to it.

Once I finish my tea and meager breakfast, I shrug on my sweatshirt and head out—Mace in one hand, keys in the other as I lock up and walk to my car. My car is in the little gated parking lot behind my building, and the back exit enters directly into it. I immediately see the RangeMan SUV; their spot gives them the entire lot's vantage point, the building exit, and the car entrance. I gave them a visitor pass for the duration of their surveillance. I do an awkward little finger wave-I'm getting better at doing it with both hands full.

I slide into my little Mazda Miata. I bought this car for myself in October as a combined gift...birthday, graduation, and congratulations on my job at E.E. Martin. It's the nicest car I've owned in my life.

I crank the engine and the heat before heading out to the gym for ladies. Marianne is an early bird and is usually there with a handful of other people. The gym is open for long hours, which I appreciate.

The gym is called Double X, which I find kind of clever, and it's only a fifteen-minute drive from my apartment. So I get there quickly, park, and cautiously head inside to work off all my anxious energy created by my dream.

Marianne greets me with a smile as I exit the locker room after dropping off my items. I then spend the next hour and a half getting sweaty.

Exhausted but feeling good, I head back to the locker room to grab my things.

"Yo, white girl!" Lula calls, and I see her lacing up her neon pink laces from a bench, "why you always get here so early? Don't you like sleep?" I give her a small smile as I brush my sweaty hair back.

"I do, but I'm not getting much of it lately," I reply, "the crazy thing is that if you had asked me a month ago how I felt about exercise, I would have laughed in your face and said exercise is for crazy people. But, now, I can't seem to go a day without it." Lula shakes her head, her neon pink hair following. I have to admire her style. She tends to coordinate her hair with her outfits. Lula looks at me with concerned eyes.

"I know how it goes, Steph," she says, "but sleep is important. Maybe talk to your shrink about it. I know getting on melatonin helped me. It's natural but did the trick." I rub the back of my neck awkwardly...maybe that would help. I nod. Jen told me to rely on friends and family. It just doesn't come very naturally to me. Unfortunately, I think I have my mom to thank for that.

"I'll look into it. We still on for lunch Saturday?" I question as she stands and does a slight stretch. Her shirt is white, and her spandex leggings match her hair and shoes and have an electric purple stripe going down the outside seams.

"Of course we are," she replies with a genuine smile, "you good with iHop around the corner?" I nod and give her a smile.

"Great! Well, enjoy your workout. I need to get ready to head into work," I respond as she pulls her short hair back into a low ponytail.

I spend the rest of my day in a fog as I think about the upcoming dinner with my parents. Val will be there for support. Jen decided it would be best if she did not attend. My mom tends to get overly jealous of my relationship with Aunt Jen. Mom doesn't realize how she treated me is what nurtured my relationship with Jen.

I barely notice Agent Beruman's glances at me. Tina nudges me during the end-of-day meeting, and she jolts me back to reality.

"Girl, are you okay?" she whispers as Michel announces my departure from the company. I only have a week left. I don't feel okay, so I simply shrug.

"Dinner with my parents tonight," I reply in a whisper. I see the understanding cross her face. All of my friends know the tension I have with my mother. So it's really no surprise Ranger mentioned her as a reason not to want to be with me. Heck, it's a valid reason. I sigh. Ranger. A blush fills my cheeks at the thought. The more I think about him, the more I realize that we probably would have gotten along well. Tina gives me a raised eyebrow look. I ignore her as the meeting finishes up.

I fend off my co-workers as I try to be as polite as I can. I really won't miss anyone besides Tina, but hopefully, she'll be joining me in a couple of months. She gives me a thumbs-up as I slip out of the building to make my way to my parents. A pit of dread makes its home in my stomach. I feel nauseous on the drive to their house. I should make it by 5:45 pm so the meal will not be ruined by tardiness on my part. I'm trying to pre-emptively get on my mother's good side. I'm even wearing my red polka dot dress that my mom got me for Christmas. I sort of hate the dress, but I know she'll be happy to see me wearing it. It's reddish-orange with white polka dots and a little white belt around the waist with buttons up the front.

I pull up in front of my parent's dated row house. I see Valerie is already here. Then, as if summoned by some invisible string, my Grandma and Mom appear on the front porch to wait for me to make my way up the steps. I take a deep breath and get out—no need to prolong the inevitable. I leave the mace tucked in my purse—no need to worry them. The black SUV a few blocks down doesn't seem to be in their line of vision.

"Stephanie!" my mother calls as I approach, "you're wearing the dress I got you. I knew it would look lovely on you."

"Chicky, you eating? You're almost as boney as me, but you don't have aging like fine wine as an excuse," Grandma Mazur comments before closing her mouth and moving her dentures around. I was hoping they wouldn't notice. I haven't gotten on a scale in so long that I don't even know how much weight I've lost. I see my mom gasp.

"Mother's right, Stephanie," Mom says, concern showing through the crows' feet around her eyes, "have you been eating?" I give them a wane smile.

"I had a little cold and haven't had much of an appetite," I lie, "I'm sure whatever you've made will be delicious."

"A cold wouldn't do this to you, young lady," Mom says, eyes narrowing, "but come in, let's get some food in you."

"How's Vernon doing, Grandma?" I question as we walk inside the overly warm home. It's probably partially due to the cooking. I see Val on the couch and my dad in his recliner as they watch a college basketball game.

"Aw, Vernon's old news," Grandma replies cheekily, "he couldn't keep it up for more than ten minutes." Yuck.

"Mother!" my mom's voice calls shrilly. I chuckle, and Grandma sashays into the kitchen ahead of me. It's only then I notice the jewels on her black tracksuit. Ruby red beads bedazzle her butt in the words 'Kiss Me.' Yeesh. I hadn't even seen it because the front of the suit is standard sweatsuit material. She's even wearing a matching red camisole that barely peeks over the zipped sweatshirt. When did Grandma learn how to color coordinate so well?

"I'm supposed to meet Desmond at the viewing tonight," Grandma informs us, "say, you wouldn't mind giving me a ride, would ya?" She directs her question at me. I shrug.

"I suppose I could," I reply, "who's Desmond?" I'll ask anything to keep the conversation away from me. Grandma fans herself with her hand.

"He's a handsome piece of dark chocolate I met at the Senior Center," she replies, "he's a few years younger than me, and his wife died three years ago. He's young enough. I bet he don't even need those little blue pills, if ya know what I mean." I chuckle. I see my mom cross herself and take a sip of something that suspiciously looks like liquor. Val wanders in and smiles at me.

"You need any help, Mom?" Val questions like the good daughter she is.

"Yes, if you girls can help me put everything on the table," she replies as she removes her yellow apron, "dinner is ready. I'll get your father." Before she can make her way out of the kitchen, Grandma Mazur yells.

"FRAAAANK! Get your tush in here for dinner," Grandma shouts and then looks over to my mom, "see Helen, that's not so hard." Mom takes another swig from her amber liquid. My dad shuffles into the kitchen, mumbling under his breath as he takes a seat in his usual spot at the head of the table.

We take our seats at the table. We are all silent as plates of food get passed around. Tonight is meatloaf, green beans, and mashed potatoes. I love my mom's meatloaf. I realize my eyes must be bigger than my stomach because I loaded up my plate. Hopefully, I can eat most of this; otherwise, I might get another inquisition. My dad puts his head down and eats quietly at the end of the table.

"So girls, how's work going?" Mom starts before she forks a couple of green beans into her mouth. I've just taken a big bite of meatloaf and potatoes at the same time. I look at Val as I chew.

"Mine has been good. Even one of my kids who was struggling is starting to do much better after the one-on-one tutoring sessions," she says with a smile, "I was worried about having to hold him back, but he might not need it after all."

"That's great, Val," my dad comments in between bites of potato. My mom takes another drink.

"I quit my job," I announce cheerily, and everyone stops eating except Val at my announcement.

"What?!" Mom screeches, "whatever for?" I'm surprised by her outburst, considering she never liked me buying lingerie.

"I was offered a better job," I say calmly, "besides E.E. Martin is likely to go out of business soon. The Feds are finishing up their investigation next week." Dad seems to be mollified by my explanation and goes back to eating normally.

"You think you can hook me up with some cute undies?" Grandma asks, "I could use some stuff to spice up my wardrobe." My dad looks up to glare, and I swear he says, "crazy old bat." Val is trying to stifle her laughter.

"I'll see what I can do, Grandma," I reply, "I'm actually going to be working for an even nicer lingerie company." My mom's jaw drops.

"Stephanie," she whines, "can't you get a more respectable job?"

"Can it, Helen," Grandma mutters, "you wouldn't know respectable if it bit you in the ass."

"Mother!" Mom shrieks, "you can't talk to me that way! It's just what will the neighbors think knowing my daughter works with intimates all day?" Mom swigs some more of her drink.

"Would it be better if I worked with tampons?" I ask sarcastically, "I'd say that's even more intimate than what goes on the body." My mom is silent and gives me a look. She takes another drink. I go back to eating.

"Have you heard from Steven, Valerie?" Mom moves on, asking the next intrusive question. I feel my eye start to twitch. I place a finger on my eyelid as I take another bite of meatloaf. Val flushes red.

"Nope," she says a little bitterly, "I actually have a date with a third-grade teacher tomorrow." I perk up at this. Val never mentioned it.

"Really?" Mom asks skeptically, "you know teachers don't make very much."

"Jesus, Helen, can you put a sock in it long enough to be happy for your daughters?" Dad asks angrily. We all stop to stare. He has never spoken to our mother that way before. Grandma's so shocked that her dentures plop right into her mashed potatoes and some splatters on her black tracksuit. Mom's so stunned herself she doesn't comment. Instead, her face goes deathly pale, and she turns her eyes to the plate.

"Dang gumit," Grandma toothlessly mumbles, "about damn time, Frank." Grandma picks up her dentures and licks the potatoes off. I can see Mom stopping herself from commenting. Instead, she drains the rest of her glass. Dad is back to head down while shoveling food into his mouth. Val and I exchange a glance. This is quite an unusual dinner.

"Help me clear this so I can get ready for dessert," Mom says, giving me a pointed look. I look at my half-finished plate. I'm already full, so it's no problem for me. I help clear the table and bring it into the kitchen.

"I don't understand why I can't ask you all personal questions," Mom says with a sigh, and I see her refill her glass with some Jim Beam. I press my lips together in a thin line, but I don't say anything.

"It's because you're just judging us instead of supporting us," I finally say after a moment of silence. Mom opens her mouth to speak but just makes a fish impression. So I leave her to think about it as I go collect more of the dishes.

Once the table is cleared, Mom comes out with a pineapple upside-down cake. My favorite. My mouth starts watering instantly.

"Val, Steph, did you hear about that editorial in the paper?" Grandma asks as she tucks into a piece of cake. My dad's head perked up.

"The guys at the lodge were talking about it too," he comments, and I see my mother pressing her lips into a thin line.

"No, I don't usually read the paper," I say, instantly curious. Val looks interested as well.

"Well, you know how Joseph Morelli was arrested for sexual assault?" Grandma questions. I feel my face fall, my throat becomes parched, and the piece of cake I was eating doesn't want to go down. I grab my water quickly and take a big gulp which causes a coughing fit. Val pats my back gently.

"Yeah, we heard about that," Val says quietly, "what does that have to do with the editorial?" Dad grabs something from the end table behind him. He hands the newspaper to Grandma.

"Well, a whole bunch of women came out anonymously with stories about how Joe either assaulted or raped them," Grandma comments, showing us the editorial in Trenton Times that goes on for three pages, "over 25 women wrote in." I feel my cheeks heat as my appetite disappears. Mom crosses herself.

"Please tell us you're not seeing him anymore, Stephanie," Mom says, "I can't believe this considering how polite he was. He sure fooled me." Dad grumbles.

"Apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Dad comments, digging into his cake. I know he's referencing the fact that Morelli's dad was known around the 'Burg as an abusive drunk. I feel the tears burning behind my eyelids. I clear my throat and take a deep breath. I guess there's no better time than now.

"I stopped seeing him. He wasn't happy about it, and he assaulted me outside of Pino's a few weeks ago," I let out in a rush, "I'm the reason he was arrested for sexual assault." My eyes stay trained on the partially eaten piece of pineapple upside-down cake on the plate. Everyone is so silent I can hear my heart beating.

"That no-good bastard," my dad utters, "are you okay, Pumpkin?" I swallow the lump in my throat and look up to see my dad's light blue eyes looking at me with love and concern. I give a slight nod even though I'm really not okay. I haven't been the same since the attack. I look over at my mom, who just pounds back her glass of Jim Beam. I expect my mother to make some snide comment or ask, 'why me?' but she's silent.

"All Morelli's will be considered persona non grata," Grandma Mazur declares, pinning my mother with a stare. Mom takes a moment but then also nods. Val squeezes my hand. I guess this went a lot better than I expected. I can't believe twenty-five women wrote in...and none of them previously filed charges? I can't help but wonder if just one of them had filed charges, then maybe I wouldn't have to, or perhaps other women would have been safe.

It's an utterly depressing thought. Finally, the conversation around me returns to normal as I sit picking at my cake, waiting to take Grandma to the viewing.