Disclaimer: I am not the owner of the characters in this story. All rights go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any names or locations are simply for storyline purposes.

Chapter 13- Monsters in my Head

Jack pulled back Elizabeth's bedding and helped her off with her robe. She slowly and cautiously sat down in bed as he pulled the covers over her legs. Observing her wince when she moved, he asked, "Would you like something for the pain?"

"Maybe in a while; the pills make me sleepy and I don't want to close my eyes," she stated as she turned away from him to hide her tears.

He sat down on the side of the bed. Holding her hand his thumb brushed across her skin, "You don't have to be scared; he's gone; he won't hurt you."

"I know…" she whispered. "It's just when I close my eyes, I see myself walking out of Tristan's room and I hear her locking the door behind me. Jack, I thought it would be the last time that I would see her."

Jack carefully brushed away several tears that rolled unrestricted down her cheeks, "Talk to me, Elizabeth. Let me help…"

"Jack," she whispered as her eyes scanned the soothing seashell designs on the bedding, "You've already done so much. I don't want to burden you anymore than I already have."

His finger under her chin lifted her head and turned it slightly to face him, "Burden me…? You and Tristan could never be a burden to me. I just want to help…" He placed his arm around her shoulders and held her as her head rested on his chest.

"I'm so thankful to you for saving her. It hurt so bad to leave her behind, but I was so afraid that he was going to kill…" she stopped suddenly when she heard Tristan's voice getting closer.

"Mr. Jack, can we go swimming?" Tristan called out from the hallway.

"Go ahead," Elizabeth mentioned as she carefully laid her head back on the pillow. "I'll rest…oh wait, she doesn't have her bathing suit," she stated as she glanced around and observed a closet full of clothes in her room. "What's that?"

Jack smiled hesitantly, "Well, I wasn't sure if you'd want anything from the house, so I called your mom and got yours and Tristan's sizes…well, I had some things delivered, but if you don't like any of it, we'll send it back."

"Are you even real…?" She cried out as her tears continued. Through her shaky breath, she stated, "I have gone from one man who would just as soon have killed us to you and this…"

Jack experienced his own flashback at possibly having lost them. He swallowed hard as his own tears threatened to spill over, "I just want to show you how much you mean to me; how much both of you mean to me."

"Mr. Jack," Tristan burst into the room. "Can we go swimming?"

Elizabeth smiled; it was the first time in days that she'd seen her baby happy. "Go ahead; you two have fun."

"Okay Pumpkin, let's go swimming…"

Before Jack walked out of the room Elizabeth asked, "May I have a pill before you go, please?"

Jack pulled her prescriptions of Bactrim and Gentamicin from the bag he'd placed on her dresser, "Hey Pumpkin, would you get your mommy a glass of water from the bathroom, please?"

Tristan returned with a glass half full of water and handed it to Jack. "Thank you very much," he stated before handing the pills to Elizabeth.

Putting both pills in her mouth, he steadied the glass in her shaky hand as he made certain that both pills went down. "Okay, now your pain pill."

"Jack, I don't like taking pain medication," she stated.

"Honey, I understand, but you need to take it for a few days at least," he responded as he held the Percocet in his hand.

She took the pill and put it in her mouth followed by a sip of water. Resting her head on the pillow she said, "You two have fun."

"Come on Pumpkin…"

Elizabeth listened as they walked across the hall, "You called me Pumpkin," Tristan stated as she happily held his hand.

"Is that okay?" he asked.

"Mr. Jack, my friend, Stacy's dad calls her Mouse. I like Pumpkin better," she affirmed.

"Well then, Pumpkin it is…" Jack stated as he pulled a new bathing suit from the bag sitting on her bed. It was a one-piece medium blue suit with thin straps that criss-crossed in the back. There were ruffles across the hips in pink, red, orange, yellow and light blue.

"It's beautiful, Mr. Jack. It looks like a rainbow. Thank you," she squealed as her arms wrapped around his neck and she held him close.

"You are very welcome, Pumpkin. I'll go change and meet you in the den. No going outside to the pool until I'm with you, do you understand?"

"Yes sir…"

Jack slipped into his room and pulled a pair of O'Neill men's Lennox board shorts from his already full dresser drawer. They were blue around the hips as the colors changed in stripes to yellow, orange, dark blue and white. On his way past Elizabeth's room, he peeked in and found her sound asleep.

Jack slipped into her room and pulled the covers over her shoulders. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "I love you, Elizabeth. I'm so glad you're here," he whispered.

He walked to the linen closet and pulled two beach towels out before heading to the den where he found Tristan standing at the closed back door staring out at the pool. "Are you ready Pumpkin?"

She gasped before turning around quickly, "You scared me."

"I'm sorry honey; I didn't mean to," he stated as he opened the door and they stepped outside. Jack slipped the swimmies on her arms, "Mr. Jack, I'm big now; I don't need these."

"You have to wear them unless your mommy says you don't. So humor me today, okay?" he asked. Jack had barely put the towels down in the patio chairs before Tristan jumped into the water. "Come on, Mr. Jack; the water feels good."

Jack tossed several floats into the pool along with a noodle before jumping in himself. He helped her up into the "Unicorn" float and then attached the rope across the pool to divide the shallow and deep ends.

"You can't go passed the rope without me, okay?" he asked.

"Okay Mr. Jack; I promise."

Elizabeth slept for a while, thankfully restful and without any horrible visions clouding her mind. Opening her eyes, she felt no pain as she looked out the sliding glass door in her room and observed Jack walking around the pool with Tristan on his shoulders. Although she couldn't hear them, it was evident that they were both having fun in the broad smiles that covered each of their faces.

She closed her eyes and fell back to sleep.

She could only assume that several more hours passed as she opened her eyes again only to find it dark outside. The house was quiet and although she didn't want to, she needed to go to the bathroom, so she called out for Jack.

As if he came out of the woodwork, he was suddenly standing beside the bed, "Are you okay?"

"Can you help me get up; I need to go to the bathroom," she asked as he pulled back the covers and put his arm behind her back to help lift her up.

Slowly she walked toward the bathroom with him beside her, "Jack, I can go by myself."

"I don't want you to fall," he replied.

"Please can I have a little bit of dignity here?" she asked as she started to cry.

Jack wrapped her in his arms, "I'm so sorry; I just want to help."

Elizabeth leaned against the bathroom door frame, "I know you do Jack, and I appreciate everything. How about you stand out here? If I have any problem I'll call you, okay?"

"Okay," he held her hand as she walked into the bathroom, only releasing it when she closed the door. Jack walked over and sat on her bed, listening intently in case she needed him.

A few minutes later, he heard the toilet flush and the sink water running shortly before the door opened and she gingerly stepped outside. He jumped up from the bed as his arm swept around her waist and his hand held hers.

He helped her into bed before taking a seat beside her, "What would you like for dinner?"

"I'm not really hungry, but thank you…"

"Honey, you have to eat; how would you like some soup and crackers?" he asked.

"Sure, that would be nice, thank you," she stated, although she wasn't certain how she would stomach food as nothing truly sounded appealing.

On his way to the kitchen, Jack stopped by Tristan's room and advised her to get into bed because it was getting late.

"But Mr. Jack, I'm not tired," Tristan pleaded.

"Well, let me go fix your mommy something to eat and when I'm done, I'll come in and read you a story and tuck you in, okay?"

"Can I pick the book?" she asked.

"Sure, but nothing like War and Peace; we don't have the time for that one."

"Is that a new Fraggle Rock book?" she asked.

Jack laughed softly, "Not hardly, but you pick out a book, and I'll be back in a little while, okay?"

"Yes sir…"

Fifteen minutes later, Jack walked to Elizabeth's room with a tray containing a bowl of soup, crackers, a glass of iced tea, and a bottle of water. Finding her door open he quietly glanced inside and smiled.

For a child who had moments earlier told him that she was not tired, he smiled at the sight of Tristan lying sound asleep beside Elizabeth. He stepped into the room and placed the tray on the dresser as he quietly stood watching Elizabeth, oblivious to his presence as she held her daughter close.

She whispered, "I'm so sorry. I thought all along that I was protecting you, but I wasn't," her tone was soft, as her eyes watered and her voice began to break. "All of this is my fault. I'm just so thankful that you called Jack and he came for you. He's such a good guy…" Elizabeth kissed Tristan's forehead. "Everything could have ended so differently, and I could have lost you. I fought so hard because of you and Jack; I love you both so much."

Jack knelt beside the bed and placed his hand on top of hers, "I love you both, and we're going to get through this."

"Jack, she's just a little girl; how can she get over something like this?" Elizabeth asked as she brushed Tristan's hair away from her face.

"Honey, kids are resilient; she knows how much she's loved, and we'll get her whatever counseling she needs. Actually, you should consider it too," he suggested.

"I'll be fine; I'm just worried about her," Elizabeth adamantly stated.

Knowing that she would need counseling but now was not the time to argue with her, he changed the subject, "Let me put her in bed; I have some soup for you."

Jack walked around and picked up Tristan from Elizabeth's bed. He carried her across the hall, put her in bed and tucked her in. Since she was asleep and Elizabeth hadn't eaten yet, he bypassed the book, turned on her nightlight and walked out into the hallway, pulling the door behind him, but left it slightly ajar.

Jack walked back into Elizabeth's room, picked the tray up from her dresser and carried it to her bed. He sat with her while she picked at her food, thanking him over and over again for everything he had done for both her and Tristan.

Jack handed her several pills (antibiotics and painkillers) and a glass of water as he watched her consume them.

"Her eyes watered as she wiped them before asking, "Jack, can you help me do something?"

"Anything…"

"After I was shot, I don't know where he came from, but some man was beside me and he took off his jacket and used it to apply pressure to the wound," her tears became heavier as Jack removed the tray and sat beside her pulling her close.

"It hurt so bad Jack, and I heard him calling for help because I was fading…"

"Shh, you're going to be okay," he held her as they slowly rocked back and forth.

"I know, Jack, but if it weren't for that man in the bank, the doctor said I wouldn't have made it to the hospital."

"I wouldn't be alive without him either," he whispered before his lips met the soft but bruised and healing skin on her forehead.

Assuming that his statement was in reference to him being unable to live without her she replied, "That's sweet, but you would have gone on; I told you that you needed to in my note. You did get my note, didn't you?"

"I got it, and I thought my heart was being ripped from my chest as I read it…"

"I'm sorry; I just needed to tell you a few things," she added as her look of thankfulness at Matt's interaction at the bank was quickly replaced by a look of terror that seemed to consume her. "Because of me Tristan could have been killed; I handled everything wrong, Jack. I shouldn't have kept things secret," her glance dropped to the shell designs on her bedding.

Jack, with his own eyes pooling placed his finger under her chin and turned her to face him, "Secrets aren't good, I'll admit that, but I don't know that the outcome would be different if you'd told your father what was happening. What I will say is that you are raising a very brave and strong little girl."

As Elizabeth's tears continued, be pulled her into his chest, "You taught her how to use the phone, who to call, and she did it perfectly."

"But Jack, how can a father be so hateful to his own child? I should never have put her in that position; Jack, I could have gotten her killed!"

He leaned her back slightly and looked deep into her eyes, "You saved her life at the expense of possibly your own, and that's what a true parent does. We're not perfect, Elizabeth, none of us are, but what you did at the house separated him from her, and it gave her a chance that she may not have had otherwise."

"But she had to be so scared…"

"She was; but I think she was more afraid for you. She is a brave little girl, and that's because of you."

"I'm sorry; I wanted to ask you to help me with something…"

"Anything honey, what is it?"

"I want to find the man at the bank who saved my life," she stated, her voice was broken and trembling.

"That's an easy one."

"Jack, I don't know his name; how can we find him?"

"His name is Matt Springer, and he has a security business out in LA. I brought him out here to help me with security."

"But why was he at the bank?" she asked.

"Elizabeth, I hired him to protect you and Tristan from the paparazzi and Tommy," he admitted.

"How did he know we were in trouble?" she asked.

He had put up some security cameras around your house, and when the one in the backyard wasn't working, he was on his way to check it out and he passed you and Tommy pulling out of the neighborhood, so he followed you."

Elizabeth placed her hand on the cheek Tommy had slapped, "So he was right; I did have security cameras."

"Who was right?"

"Tommy, he was so angry and when I told him that I didn't know what he was talking about he slapped me."

Jack pulled her hand away as his fingers brushed across her cheek before his lips pressed against her soft albeit bruised skin. "I'm so sorry; I didn't know about the cameras until Matt had already installed them, but I would have agreed to them anyway if it meant keeping you safe."

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck, and although painful, she pulled him close to her, "Thank you for going to such trouble to keep us safe; I love you, Jack Thornton."

Elizabeth continued, "Can you have Matt come over so I can personally thank him?" Suddenly she thought about something that Jack had said earlier and moved on to her next question, "You said that you wouldn't be here without Matt. What did you mean?"

"I came across Tommy in the parking lot and I was trying to stall him hoping that an officer would come out and arrest him. He pulled a gun out and aimed it at me…"

"Oh Jack…"

"I heard a shot fire, but then saw Tommy fall. I turned around and Matt was behind me…he shot Tommy."

"I'm so sorry Jack."

"Elizabeth, you aren't responsible for Tommy's actions. The fact is, we aren't responsible for what other people do. We can only be responsible for how we respond as a result."

"Is Matt still in town?" she asked.

"He is…"

"Could you get him to come over so I could thank him properly?" she asked.

"I'm sure it isn't necessary, but…"

"Jack, it is to me…"

"I'll get him over here."

"I can't believe that he had a camera on the back of my place and I didn't know it."

"He had them on the front of your place too."

"Really? Where?"

"He put them in a light by your garage and I think a bird feeder in your front flowerbed. I'm sorry Elizabeth, I gave him permission to do whatever he had to do to keep you two safe."

Her hand rested along his cheek, "You are such a good man, Jack. Tristan and I are very lucky to have you in our lives."

"How much longer is Matt planning to be here?" she asked.

"I don't know; I'd like for him to stay around," he replied.

"Does he have a wife or a girlfriend that he needs to get back to?" she inquired.

"He didn't have anyone special when I was out in LA, but I didn't even ask when I contacted him recently. I just know he's the best in security, and he's who I needed…"

"He sounds like someone my dad needs to have heading his security," she replied.

"Actually, I was thinking about what I want to do with my life, besides being with you, of course," Jack broached the career subject.

"What do you want to do?" she asked.

"Well, I was thinking about opening a security business and encouraging Matt to head it for me," he stated, but the look on her face had him concerned.

"Security…guns, danger…Jack," she gently pushed herself away from him.

"What's wrong?"

"After what we've just been through, and you want to open yourself up to more danger, why Jack?" her breathing became more rapid and it was evident that she was anxious. She turned away and slowly lay back on the pillow, "I'm sorry; it's none of my business; you do what you want."

"Elizabeth, don't shut me out. If we've learned anything through this and what happened ten years ago, we have to talk about things. Besides, you do have a say in what I do, so please don't push me away…"

She slowly turned back to face him, "Okay, here goes…I can't watch you leave and know that you may be in danger; worrying about whether you'll come back or not, I just can't do it, and I won't do it to Tristan."

Before he could respond, she took a breath, holding her abdomen as she inhaled, "I'm sorry; it's your decision, Jack. I certainly wouldn't appreciate you telling me what I could or couldn't do, so it's a choice you need to make."

She turned away from him, "I'm tired…"

"Honey, you have it all wrong…"

"Jack, I'm tired; I just want to sleep. We'll talk later," she closed her eyes and he could easily tell that she had shut down.

Jack hesitantly left the room, closing the door behind him.

Once she was alone in her room, she carefully stood up and walked slowly over to the dresser where she looked inside her bag and retrieved her journal. Elizabeth returned to her bed, pulled her pillows up against the headboard and sat down. She wasn't certain what was going on inside her head, but she knew that she didn't feel like herself.

Opening the leather bound cover; she took a breath, realizing that such a simple object held so many of her secrets. As she closed her eyes, the visual of her horror reappeared. Her heart began to pound; her palms began to sweat, and as she opened her eyes, the words were easily conveyed onto the blank canvas…

"Darkness consumes me; I feel lost, weak, damaged and completely out of control. I breathe; the oxygen enters my body but I feel as though I am strangling, choking on the very air that should be keeping me alive.

I dig my fingers into the dirt, wanting desperately to claw myself out of this hole. At times I feel every emotion, good, bad and everything in between. Other days, I feel completely empty inside, and I have no idea what's worse… feeling consumed by the waves, or parched by the thirst."

Elizabeth wiped her eyes before closing her journal and placing it on her bedside table. She lay back in bed and closed her eyes, only to have Tommy's face appear in her darkness. She refused to open her eyes, doing her best to force her body to shut down. With exhaustion consuming her, she fell asleep, but it was far from restful.

Hearing her cry out an hour later, Jack ran into her room. He found her sitting up in bed with her eyes open, but she seemed to see nothing but the demon in her mind.

"Elizabeth, its okay…"

"It'll never be okay again, Jack. I'm sorry about earlier; you have a right to do whatever you want with your life. I have to be honest with you, I just can't be a part of it," she began to cry again, an emotion that Jack was beginning to see from her all too frequently.

Jack sat on the side of her bed and held her, "Shh, honey no…I don't intend to be a part of the actual security part of the business; Matt is the master at that, but I also have business experience, so I'd be more in the background."

"Really, are you sure?" she asked.

If he wasn't before, Jack certainly was after she expressed her feelings about it, "I'm sure. You and Tristan mean the world to me, and I would never do anything to jeopardize what we've gained back between us."

Jack lay beside her on the bed. His fingers brushed loose strands of hair behind her ear as his lips softly and gently met hers. As he released her lips, he observed tears slipping from the side of her eye rolling across her temple. Brushing them away with his thumb his arm slid under her back as he pulled her close. "I love you, and I promise that everything is going to be okay."

"Jack, you can't promise that, but I do appreciate everything you're doing and have done for us; I love you too," she whispered as her head snuggled into his chest.

They both lay quietly as his hand ran up and down her arm. A few moments later he whispered, "You need to get some sleep" as he slipped his arm out from under her, and laid her back on the pillow unaware that she already was.

Jack walked across the hall and checked on Tristan. Finding her still asleep and in the same position she was in when he put her to bed, he could only assume that all of the pool time today tired her out. He kissed her forehead before walking out of her room.

Jack changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, walked through the house and made certain that all the doors were locked before checking on Elizabeth one last time for the night.

"No," she frantically called out as she remained asleep but her head and body began to move as her arms flailed. "Please Tommy, leave her alone. She's just a little girl, don't hurt her. Please don't, don't…no, let her go…" she screamed out as she continued to fight the monster in her head.

Jack rushed into her room, calling out to her as he approached the bed. Afraid that she was going to injure herself, he climbed in bed with her, wrapped his arms around her and held her tight as she continued to fight him.

"Elizabeth it's me, Jack… you're safe. Open your eyes…"

It frightened Jack as Elizabeth's body went from thrashing about with her eyes closed to a look of horror when she opened them. Her heart pounded as it took her several moments to realize that she was no longer in that traumatic situation, finally allowing her body to subsequently calm down.

Seeing blood rolling down Jack's arm her eyes widened, "Jack, oh no, what did I do?"

Jack glanced down and observed a scratch across his arm, "It's nothing honey; its okay."

"What's wrong with me, Jack? I know he's gone, but why can't I let it go?" she asked as she cried into his chest.

"Honey, you've been through a trauma and it's normal for you to have nightmares." Jack took a breath, and before thinking through the situation he asked, "Elizabeth, would you please consider counseling? I mean; you could talk with someone about everything and maybe get to the bottom of your nightmares."

Elizabeth gave him a cold stare, "I don't need counseling. I can get through this; I just need some time. If you think we're too much to handle Jack, Tristan and I can go stay with my parents."

"Elizabeth, I didn't say that; you know I want you and Tristan here, but I want what's best for you, both of you…"

"Mommy, are you okay?" Tristan called out as she entered the room.

"Mommy's fine, Pumpkin," Jack stated as he walked over and picked up Tristan, giving Elizabeth a moment to compose herself. He sat her on the side of the bed as she hesitantly reached for Elizabeth.

"Can I hug you?" she asked.

"Maybe later, mommy's sore…" Elizabeth stated as Jack simultaneously responded, "Be careful."

Elizabeth's response surprised him as Tristan backed away from Elizabeth and came closer to Jack.

Jack sat in a chair by the sliding glass door with Tristan in his lap. He held her as they slowly began to rock back and forth. Elizabeth eased back in bed and closed her eyes.

Tristan rested her head on Jack's shoulder, initially keeping her eyes open as she watched Elizabeth. She eventually closed her eyes and Jack watched over both of them while they slept, knowing in his heart that they needed more help than what he or her parents and friends could provide.

Nearly a week had passed since Elizabeth's release from the hospital. Physically she was healing nicely; her forehead wound was practically healed and although her abdominal wound still caused her to move slowly, the threat of infection was minimal, and the pain was subsiding as each day passed.

Unfortunately, emotionally, the monsters contained in her head had her feeling trapped. Elizabeth did her best to show any visitors that she was doing fine, but those who lived with her, Jack and Tristan easily observed a difference, and it wasn't a positive one.

Elizabeth was withdrawing from Jack and Elizabeth. He assumed that it was the lack of sleep brought on by the nightmares she experienced when she did try to rest. No matter the reason, the result was the same, and he felt her drifting away from them.

Whether she realized it or not, she began snapping at them, and choosing to lie in bed instead of joining them for family time or out by the pool on pretty days, and comfortable evenings.

Lee and Rosie stopped by regularly with dinner casseroles, and on each visit, they brought Tristan a new Fraggle Rock stuffed animal. Knowing that Fraggle Rock was her favorite show, they also gifted her with a new coloring book, and a 200 count bucket of Crayola crayons. Tristan was often found alone in her room coloring or chatting with her new doll babies.

Realizing that Elizabeth was tired, Rosie and Lee rarely stayed long. However, while standing at the front door, Rosie observed the bags under Jack's eyes, "You look tired. If you want some time away, just let me know. I'll be glad to come and sit with Elizabeth and Tristan."

"Thank you, but we're fine," he assured her, realizing as he commented that he was covering up the truth as well.

Jack kept her visitors down to a minimum; feeling that what she really needed was rest. However, she slept minimally, afraid that once she closed her eyes that she would again see Tommy, reliving the trauma over and over again. Jack rarely slept either, feeling the need to watch over her especially when she did manage to close her eyes.

Her parents visited every other day, and Elizabeth always seemed to be her best around them, appearing rested and relaxed, even though she wasn't.

On this one occasion, Jack walked her parents to the door, "She looks like she's healing nicely," Mr. Thatcher commented.

"Physically maybe; I'm just worried about her emotionally," Jack responded.

"She seems fine to me, doesn't she, Grace?" Mr. Thatcher responded as he asked his wife to confirm.

"She seems okay…"

As Jack closed the front door, he stopped for a moment to think before heading back down the hall. He recalled many years ago when they started to drift apart, she presented as a woman who had everything together. However, ten years later he realized that both of them led everyone to believe that they were fine; the façade of being happy was presented when in fact neither of them was fine or happy.

Jack walked into Elizabeth's room and took a seat on her bed. Having unsuccessfully broached the subject of counseling to Elizabeth before, he decided to take the chance again.

"Elizabeth, I know that you don't want to hear this, but I think you and Tristan could benefit from counseling."

"Jack, I'm not interested in rehashing my life with someone I don't even know," she was adamant as her anger at his suggestion seemed to grow in intensity.

"I understand, but you aren't sleeping, and…"

"Jack, just stop it. You don't understand; if you did you wouldn't be pushing me."

"Honey, I don't mean to push; you may not see it, but you're snapping at Tristan…and me. You're trying to push us away, and I understand why, but I'm not going to let you do it."

"Jack, it's my devil to deal with. I'll handle it."

"That's where you're wrong, Elizabeth. I'm here too, and if you have a demon, I want to help fight it," Jack watched as she rolled away from him in bed and he could tell that she was again shutting down.

Elizabeth began refusing her pain medication, knowing that sleep was generally the end result. In her mind if her eyes remained open, the horror she had experienced at Tommy's hands would not control her.

Concerned, Jack called Dr. Hardison to discuss his concerns. Although he couldn't speak specifically about Elizabeth's case for confidentiality reasons, he advised Jack that he would talk with her in two days when she came in for her check up.

The following morning, Jack carefully woke Tristan and left her alone to get dressed before breakfast. When she came down the hall, she was surprised and excited to see Nana and Pop-Pop sitting in the den.

"Nana…Pop-Pop," she squealed as she ran and jumped into her grandpa's arms.

Jack plated the bacon, eggs, and toast before scooping fresh fruit into individual bowls. "We have plenty; I hope you two will join us."

"Thank you, Jack, but I'll just take coffee," Mr. Thatcher replied.

"Me too," Mrs. Thatcher agreed.

"Did you come to see me?" Tristan asked as she sat down and Jack helped her scoot her chair toward the table.

"We sure did, but we also came to see your mommy," Mr. Thatcher advised.

Tristan dropped her fork onto her plate making a sharp sound before suddenly becoming quiet.

"What's wrong honey?" Jack asked, wanting to know but not prepared for her response.

"Mommy's mad at me," she blurted out.

"No she's not, honey…" Jack replied.

"Mr. Jack, she doesn't talk to me like she used to and when she does, she yells at me. Did I do something wrong?" Tristan lowered her head as she began to cry.

"You haven't done anything wrong, Pumpkin. Mommy's just…" Jack didn't know how to answer.

Jack looked at Elizabeth's parents before responding, "Tristan, why don't you go back to your room and play for a little while and let me talk to your Nana and Pop-Pop, and then I'll take you swimming."

"Okay," she whispered before leaving the table. She hugged her Nana and Pop-Pop before quietly going back to her room and closing the door behind her.

"Jack, what's going on?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"Elizabeth isn't sleeping; I think she's exhausted…"

"You look exhausted too, Jack," Mrs. Thatcher stated as she got up from the sofa and started down the hall.

"Where are you going?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"I'm going to check on my daughter," she replied as she disappeared down the hall.

"Jack, I asked you to let us know if you needed any help; why didn't you tell me what was happening here."

"Mr. Thatcher, I'm doing the best I can," Jack stated, his voice sounding somewhat defeated.

"I'm not accusing you of anything; I just know that this is a rough situation, and Grace and I want to help, and would have helped if you had told us what was going on," Mr. Thatcher clarified.

Mr. Thatcher took a deep breath before continuing, "So, she isn't sleeping?"

"She's afraid to. On the few occasions where she does drift off to sleep, I sit in there with her. The nightmares are often, and when she has one I…" Jack stopped suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable continuing.

"What do you do when she has one?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"I lay in bed with her and I hold her while she cries. I tell her that she's safe and that I won't let anyone hurt her," he admitted.

"She'll be fine. She needs to come home with us. Being at home is just what she needs to get better," Mr. Thatcher firmly stated.

"Mr. Thatcher, with all due respect, she needs more than either of us can do for her, for Tristan too," Jack admitted.

"I think she and Tristan need to come home with us; I'm not trying to keep you apart, but I think we can take better care of them than you can right now…" Mr. Thatcher argued.

"NO Pop-Pop," Tristan yelled out as she entered the room. "Mommy and me need to stay with Mr. Jack."

"Honey you can still see Mr. Jack, but I think staying with us for a while will be better," Mr. Thatcher attempted to reason with the seven year old.

"No Pop-Pop; I want to stay with Mr. Jack," she rushed over and wrapped her arms around Jack's waist. "He saved me, and he loves mommy and me…I'm not leaving him, and I know mommy won't either," Tristan was emotional as she ran down the hall into her room and loudly closed her door.

"Well that went well," Mr. Thatcher stated through his frustrated breath.

"What do you expect?" Jack questioned. "She's happy here; she feels safe…"

"Is she having nightmares too?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"Not as often as Elizabeth, but when she does, I sit with her and rock her back to sleep." Jack reiterated, "Mr. Thatcher, she feels safe here."

"I'm going back to talk with Elizabeth. If she wants to come with us, I don't want you to interfere," Mr. Thatcher stated sounding rather authoritative.

Jack stood up from the table, "Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth doesn't need us arguing. If she wants to go with you, I won't fight it, but please know that I'm not walking away. I'm here, and I have plans for Elizabeth, Tristan and I to be a family. So please don't try to push me away…I will push back."

Mr. Thatcher walked down the hall with Jack close behind. Across from Elizabeth's room, Jack heard Tristan crying.

"I'll be there in a minute. I want to check in on Tristan," Jack stated he knocked on Tristan's door.

"Come in," Tristan called out, her voice sounding quite broken.

Jack opened the door and stepped into her room. "What's wrong Pumpkin?" he asked.

"I love Pop-Pop, but I want to stay with you, Mr. Jack. Do you not want me to stay?" she asked.

"Of course I want you to stay," he replied as he approached the bed.

Crying, she jumped off of her bed, "I'm afraid if I leave that I'll never see you again."

Jack squatted down and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh honey, you can't get rid of me that easily." With tears in his eyes he whispered, "I love you, and I don't want you or your mom to go anywhere."

"Can I tell you something?" she whispered in his ear.

Jack leaned back slightly, "You can tell me anything," he assured her.

"I wish you were my daddy," she began to cry again as he held her close to his chest.

"Nothing would make me prouder…"

"Don't let Pop-Pop take us, Mr. Jack…"

"Let me go over and see what's going on in mommy's room. I'll be right back," he assured her.

While Jack was in with Tristan, Mr. Thatcher stepped into Elizabeth's room and what he found was his wife sitting on the bed and their daughter crying.

"What's wrong Elizabeth," Mr. Thatcher hastily asked.

"It's nothing; I'm just trying to process everything," she replied.

"I was just talking to Jack and we think you should come back and stay with us for a while," Mr. Thatcher inaccurately professed.

"Jack said that I should go with you?" Elizabeth asked as she wiped her eyes.

"Well, we talked about it…" Mr. Thatcher began to put his spin on the conversation as Jack walked into the room.

"We talked about what?" Jack asked.

"Dad said that you want us to go stay with them. I'm sorry; I knew that taking care of us would be too much of an imposition," she commented.

"No, no I didn't say that and no, I don't want you or Tristan to leave," Jack clarified. "What I said is that you don't need any arguing in your life right now. If you want to go, I won't fight you, but I also won't walk away from you."

Jack turned to Mr. Thatcher, "How dare you leave her with the impression that I want her to leave. I told you I wouldn't fight you if she wanted to go, but please don't put words in my mouth."

"Are you sure, Jack?" Elizabeth asked. "I mean, I know we've been a lot of trouble."

"Honey, you and Tristan are no trouble at all. I love both of you, and I love having you here. I think this is where you should be, but I just want you to be where you feel safe and where you want to be," he assured her. "Besides, I was sure when you came home and I'm even more certain now," he admitted.

Elizabeth held out her hand to Jack which he quickly took, "Mom…dad, Tristan and I are staying with Jack. I appreciate your concern, but I need to stay here, and I hope you can understand."

"Honey, we just want you to get well, and I do think we can accomplish that if you come home with us," Mr. Thatcher stated as he stepped closer to the bed.

"I understand, daddy; but please know that I'm doing what Tristan and I need right now, and that is to be here, with Jack…"

Mr. Thatcher took a deep breath, "Okay, but you have to promise to let us know if that changes."

"I will," Elizabeth stated as she glanced in Jack's direction and squeezed his hand, "But it won't."

"Are you ready to go?" Mr. Thatcher called out to his wife.

"No, you go ahead to the office and I'm going to stay here with Elizabeth for awhile," Mrs. Thatcher responded.

"How are you going to get home?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

Jack interjected, "I'll be glad to bring her home when she's ready."

"Thank you, Jack; I appreciate that," Mrs. Thatcher responded.

Mr. Thatcher headed for the door with Jack close behind. They walked across the hallway and knocked on Tristan's door.

Sniveling, Tristan softly stated, "Come in."

Mr. Thatcher stepped into her room, "Give Pop-Pop a hug; I'm getting ready to leave."

Tristan hugged him as she whispered in his ear, "I do love you Pop-Pop."

"I know you do, baby, and I'm sorry if I upset you," he stated as he walked over and took a seat on the bed. He pulled Tristan up into his lap. "You are very precious to me, but I can see how important Jack is to you. So, as long as you and your mommy are doing okay, I won't push for you to come and stay with Nana and me."

Mr. Thatcher kissed Tristan before he and Jack walked out into the hallway, through the house and to the front door.

"I'm sorry Jack; sometimes I'm bull-headed and it's hard for me to give up if I think I'm right," Mr. Thatcher stated."Especially when I'm dealing with my girls."

"You may not like the fact that I'm back in the picture, and through the eyes of a parent, I can understand why," Jack stated as they stepped out onto the porch. "But please know that I love those two girls; they are my life, and the reason that I came home."

Before Mr. Thatcher could respond, Jack added, "I will do anything in my power to help them both get passed this."

"But Jack, I have resources…"

"Mr. Thatcher, money isn't everything, but rest assured, I have whatever we need to take care of Elizabeth and Tristan."

"I know money isn't everything, and I see how attached my girls are to you, but I have the means to provide for them," Mr. Thatcher remarked.

"I'm sure you do. But sir, please know that I'm in a position to match you dollar for dollar, so if that's the edge you feel you have over me, it really doesn't apply here."

"Jack, I just want them to get the help they need…"

"I know, but Mr. Thatcher, that's what I want too. We need to work together; after all, we're on the same team; we both want to help them, so we can't fight amongst ourselves."

"I know you're right; it's just hard for me to give up sometimes, and especially when I'm talking about any of my girls."

"I actually can understand, but can we agree to put their interests and needs above our own?" Jack asked.

Mr. Thatcher stuck out his arm as both men shook hands, "As long as they are getting the help they need, you won't have any problem from me."

Jack stepped back inside and walked down the hall to Elizabeth's room. Seeing her and Mrs. Thatcher deep in conversation, he tapped on the door.

"Come on in, Jack," Mrs. Thatcher stated as she turned from her seated position on the side of the bed to see him step inside the room.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt you, but I was thinking about taking Tristan out for awhile to give you two a chance to talk. Is that okay?" he asked, directing his question to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth glanced in her mother's direction, "Could you give Jack and me a few minutes, please…?"

"Sure honey…" Mrs. Thatcher stood up and walked out into the hallway.

As Jack took a seat on the side of Elizabeth's bed, they could hear Mrs. Thatcher knocking on Tristan's door, "Honey…its Nana. May I come in?"

Jack and Elizabeth both smiled as they heard Tristan respond, "Only if I get to stay here…"

Elizabeth took Jack's hand as he swallowed hard. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Jack, I appreciate everything that you are doing for Tristan and me, but…"

"Eli-za-beth…" he drew out each syllable of her name as she observed his respiration increase and the look of concern that covered his face.

"No Jack, it's not what you think. I appreciate everything, but in talking with my mom, you're right; I need to go to counseling, and I think Tristan should go too."

Jack took a cleansing breath. He brought her hand up to his lips, "I think that would be a good idea. I'm proud of you for realizing the need. Do you want me to schedule an appointment for you?"

"No, I've heard wonderful things from the guidance counselor at school about Fort Lauderdale Therapy Center," she stated, a concept which brought a dimpled smile to his face. "But Jack, when I schedule appointments for Tristan and myself, will you come with us?"

"I'll do anything you need me to do, Elizabeth," he promised.

"Mr. Jack…" Tristan called out as she cautiously stepped into Elizabeth's room.

"Where's Nana…?" he asked.

"She's sitting out by the pool," Tristan advised. "Mr. Jack…" she waved her hand, calling him over to her.

Seeing the sadness in Tristan's face as she practically hid behind the bedroom door, Elizabeth called out to her, "Honey, come here."

Tristan slowly walked toward the bed, only climbing up when Elizabeth patted the mattress.

"I need to talk to you," Elizabeth stated as she sat up in bed, saddened by the fact that Tristan seemed stiff in her body language, almost frightened.

"Are you sending me away?" Tristan asked as her eyes pooled with tears.

"No, you're staying here with us." Although she didn't agree with Jack's prior assessment that she was pushing him and Tristan away, the fear in Tristan's eyes validated his assessment, and she felt as though her heart was being ripped from her chest at her child's look of distrust.

"I'm sorry mommy…"

"Tristan, you have nothing to be sorry about. I'm the one who's sorry."

"You didn't do anything, mommy…"

"I need to explain something to you," Elizabeth began as she appeared to have Tristan's complete attention. "I'm sorry about the way I handled your father. I'm so sorry he scared you," Elizabeth was becoming more emotional with each thought. "I put you in such a dangerous situation, and I don't think I can ever forgive myself for what you went through. I'm so sorry."

Tristan scooted up in the bed and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth. As her tears fell, lips quivered and her respiration became something she could not control, she began, "Mo…mo…mommy, you're my he…roe."

"Shh, honey you don't need to talk about it…" Elizabeth held her close.

"Elizabeth, let her talk if she wants to. Just like you, she's holding things in and she needs to let them out," Jack encouraged her as he sat on Elizabeth's bed alongside Tristan with his hand on her back doing his best to soothe her.

"Go ahead honey; if you want to talk, you talk," Elizabeth offered.

"Mo…mom…mommy, I know I'm just a kid and you do…don't think I kn…knew wha…what was going on, b…but I did," as Jack continued to rub her back, Tristan's voice, though emotional became less restricted.

Tristan took a deep breath before continuing as both Elizabeth and Jack remained quiet. "You might think I'm just a little girl, but I knew what you were doing. When Tommy tried to hurt me, you were right there to get me away from him. He hurt you so bad, mommy. I saw all the blood, and when you said that you'd always watch over me…" her tears fell uncontrolled and flooded her shirt, making her words incoherent.

Elizabeth held her as their bodies rocked back and forth. Tristan pulled back and as she glanced between Jack and Elizabeth, she continued to unburden herself.

"Mommy, before you always said that you'd be back…but you didn't this time. I knew…well, I thought Tommy was going to kill you, and I was so scared. But you got him to leave, knowing that he might kill you. Yo…you m…made me lock the door to keep me safe. You shouldn't feel sa…sad; you protected me. You and Mr. Jack…y…you are my heroes," she stated through her tears as her voice fluctuated up and down in pitch.

Tristan held on to Elizabeth's neck as if she was afraid that the violent storm she was experiencing internally would rip her from her mother's arms. After a few moments, Tristan leaned back, however her tears continued, "But mommy, I'm sorry if I did some…thing to upset you. I didn't mean to…"

Elizabeth pulled Tristan back into her body. With everyone's tears now falling, Elizabeth whispered, "Baby girl, you've done nothing wrong. You and Jack are my heroes and I love you both very much."

"So, you aren't mad at me?" Tristan asked; her tears seemingly relentless.

"Sweetheart, I was never mad at you. I think I hated myself for putting you in danger, and I'm so sorry that I scared you," Elizabeth explained.

Tristan wiped her eyes, hugged her mom and Jack and then asked, "Can I go sit with Nana out by the pool?"

"Are you sure you're okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"I want to go swimming…"

"No swimming until I get out there, okay?" Jack called out as she ran to the bedroom door.

Stopping, Tristan turned around and ran back to Elizabeth. Hugging her, she whispered, "I'm glad you love me again mommy."

"Honey, I've always loved you, and I'm so sorry…"

"I love you too Mr. Jack," Tristan hugged him on her way back toward the door.

"Remember, no swimming until I get out there," Jack called out again.

"Yes sir…but hurry," she responded as she could be heard running across the hall and into her room to change into her bathing suit.

Jack scooted over closer to Elizabeth in bed, "I'm so proud of you."

"For what; I've messed everything up?"

"Honey, don't you see…that little girl knows what you did to protect her and she knows how much you love her. You're a great mother, and I promise you, we'll get passed this," Jack took hold of her hand and smiled.

"Jack, I'm so sorry that I didn't see what I was doing to you and Tristan. I think in my mind I saw myself as damaged, and that you both would be better without me."

Jack held her as they both cried, "I have never been better without you, and I know for a fact that Tristan is not better without you. You are an amazing woman…you were amazing ten years ago, and you are even more amazing now."

Elizabeth leaned back slightly, "You said something about taking Tristan somewhere…where were you thinking about going?"

"I wasn't sure, I just wanted to give you some time alone with your mom, but I think she'll be fine with staying here and going swimming," he advised. "Do you need anything before I go out back?" he asked as he stood up, leaned over and pressed his lips to hers.

"No, I'm fine…" she stated as she smiled, the first one he'd seen in a while.

Jack started for the door before stopping and turning back to face her. Seeing some sparkle having returned to her eyes, he walked back to her. "You are so beautiful," he whispered as his lips met the finally healed skin on her forehead. "Thank you," he whispered.

"For what?" she asked.

"For realizing…you know," he sat back down on the bed. He didn't want to leave her although he knew she needed rest.

"Jack, I should have realized it before," Elizabeth took a breath before continuing. "As a teacher, I recommended counseling for a student whose father was killed in Afghanistan and he was acting out. At such a young age, they don't know how to express their emotions, so they act out."

"Sometimes when it's you and your emotions, it's harder to see clearly," he responded as she laid her head back on the pillow.

"You're right, but it doesn't make it okay," she admitted as she held his hand. "Go ahead a sit with Tristan so she can go swimming. She needs something fun to do."

Jack leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. "You were ten years ago; you are today and you will forever be the woman who completes me. I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher," he stated, somehow feeling the clouds in their world scattering as her smile brightened the room.

She held his hand as he started for the door only releasing each other when the distance apart required it. After he closed the door behind him, Elizabeth reached over and grabbed her journal. She flipped to her most recent entry…

"Darkness consumes me; I feel lost, weak, damaged and completely out of control. I breathe; the oxygen enters my body but I feel as though I am strangling, choking on the very air that should be keeping me alive.

I dig my fingers into the dirt, wanting desperately to claw myself out of this hole. At times I feel every emotion, good, bad and everything in between. Other days, I feel completely empty inside, and I have no idea what's worse… feeling consumed by the waves, or parched by the thirst."

Elizabeth felt sad for the woman she'd become. Never having been one to allow the darkness to override the light, she realized the need to dig herself out of the hole she'd found herself in.

She flipped to the next blank page in her journal and attempted to improve the lasting impression that the most recent entry left of her…

"It happened; I can do nothing to change what occurred, but the results of his actions, my actions, left me numb, unmotivated to try. My thoughts were scattered, confused by the fear, the pain, the loss of control, leaving me empty inside. So I withdrew; certain that others would be happier, better off without me.

Sweet Pea, I look into your eyes, such beautiful blue eyes, and I see strength that as a seven year old, you should not have to rely upon. You should depend on me, and sadly I was feeling as though I had nothing to give. No more little one, I'm putting on my big girl panties and I'm going to fight. I'm going to get back what was mine, what was ours…the happiness, the joy, the love and our lives.

My dearest Jack, I am thankful that through everything, time, distance, hurt and anger, that you have reached your hand into my darkness and are promising to walk with me into the light. There could never be a kinder, gentler soul than you and I am beyond blessed to have you in our lives. For I know that loving me isn't easy; my pieces have been scattered many times, and unfortunately or not I am never put back together in the same manner. You have proven that you love me as a gentle breeze or as a summer storm, not simply choosing to love me in pieces; picking those parts you care about while casting the others aside. Because of you I've found parts of myself that I didn't know existed, and in you, I found a love that I believed was gone forever."

Elizabeth closed her journal and sat it back on the bedside table. She slipped into her fluffy aqua colored robe, cinching it closed with the belt at the waist, and put on the matching slippers before heading for her first trip down the hall since she'd arrived home from the hospital.

"Jack, is it okay if I sit out here? I mean, don't get me wrong; I love my room, but I just want to be with you guys," she asked as she opened the door to the patio and pool area.

Jack jumped up and rushed to the door. With a broad, dimpled smile, he was excited to see her joining the land of the living again. "Absolutely; here let me help you."

She took a seat with Jack and her mom as all of them watched Tristan in the pool.

"Watch this mommy…" Tristan called out as she showed how she could float on her back. "Mr. Jack taught me that."

"That's wonderful honey," she stated as she clapped her hands at Tristan's achievement.

"I'm going inside to get some drinks, do you want anything special?" Jack asked Elizabeth and her mother.

"Do we have any iced tea?" Elizabeth asked.

"If we don't, I'll make some," Jack replied.

"Please don't go to any trouble; a bottle of water will be fine…"

Jack stood up and walked over to Elizabeth's chair. He leaned over and as her mother watched, he kissed her, "It's no trouble at all."

Jack walked inside and stood at the door watching Elizabeth, Mrs. Thatcher and Tristan smiling. Although he knew that both Elizabeth and Tristan still needed counseling, he felt that the strong woman and resilient child he knew before this trauma occurred were reemerging; he was certain that with assistance they would come out on the other side much stronger as a result.

"Elizabeth," Mrs. Thatcher called out gaining Elizabeth's attention.

"Yes ma'am…"

"Jack is a good man. I've only seen one man look at a woman the way he looks at you and that was your daddy when he looked at me. Of course we were younger…"

"Mom, don't sell yourself short. Daddy still looks at you like that," Elizabeth assured her.

"Jack loves you; your dad may have had concerns about you two getting back together, but I have none. He was the man for you a long time ago, and I don't believe that will ever change," she stated as she reached over and took Elizabeth's hand.

"I know mom; Tristan and I are very lucky…"

"So I can prepare your dad, when do you think he will propose?"

"MOM…"

To be continued…

NOTE: For those who follow the facebook fan fiction pages, there will be a few pictures posted that go along with this chapter. Also, if you have a special story that you would like updated next, please let me know. I try to work on them as per your requests!