Wilson takes Billy out the next morning to do some errands. After they finish, Billy asks to go to the park. Thinking this would be a perfect opportunity for him to see Mary, Wilson decides to swing by her house and see if she would like to go with them.
He and Billy get out of the car and ring the doorbell. Simon opens the door, and stares blankly at them, not knowing what to say.
"Uh, were you here before?"
"No."
"Did she call you?"
"No, we were on our way to the park and I just figured we'd stop and see if Mary would like to come."
"Oh, well I doubt that. But I think I can speak for all of us when I say we're glad you're here."
"What?"
"I don't know exactly what happened, but Mary went wild and locked herself in the bathroom again. She's crying hysterically and no one can comfort her. Whenever anyone knocks on the door, she asks for them to get you. I swear, she's turning into Lucy."
"Is she OK?"
"I have no idea. My guess is, no."
"Can I give it a shot?"
"Please!"
Wilson laughs.
"Don't get me wrong. I love Mary, she's just been kind of wacky since everything happened." says Simon.
"She's not wacky, she's just adjusting."
"I don't know, she seems pretty wacky to me."
"Which bathroom, hers?"
"Yeah."
"OK. Thanks."
"No, thank you."
Wilson turns to walk up the stairs. "Wait, Wilson. I think she'll need your undivided attention. I'll watch Billy."
"Thanks Simon."
"What about the park?" Billy asks, upset.
"You're going to go play with Simon, and Daddy's going to go get Mary so we can all go to the park."
"Ok."
Wilson runs up the stairs and into the attic. Everyone is crowded around the bathroom door, shouting at Mary to come out. Even over all of their loud voices, you can still here her sobs.
"Oh, Wilson. Thank God you're here." Eric remarks at the sight of him, tiredness showing in his voice.
"Wilson?!" Mary yells from the bathroom.
"Hey Mare. Can I come in?" Wilson yells to the door.
Mary unlocks the door and lets him in, then quickly locks it behind him. She throws her arms around him and buries her face into his shirt.
"What happened? Are you ok?"
"No, I'm not OK."
"Why?"
"I was going to walk up the stairs when the doorbell rang. I opened the door, and no one was there. But I found this taped to the door."
She hands a piece of paper to Wilson and he reads it.
Mary,
I've seen you around- you and your stupid boyfriend. You crying all over him. That should be me. I want you back. I'm going to get you, no matter what it takes. That guy doesn't stand a chance. I punched him out once, I can do it again. Tell him to beware, because I'm coming for him. I'm coming for you, too. If you don't cooperate, I won't be held accountable for my actions. I love you Mary, and I won't stop at anything until you're back with me.
-Robbie
Wilson pulls Mary tightly to him. She can tell that he is scared, but not trying to show it.
"You have to do something about this."
"Like what?"
"Call the police."
"No. That would just make him mad."
"It's going to be OK. He can't do anything to you, I won't let him."
Mary sniffles in response.
"Did you tell your parents about this?"
"No. I don't want them to worry about me."
"They have to know."
"OK. I'm so sorry Wilson."
"What for?"
"I put you in danger. He better not hurt you. How did this happen? Why did it have to turn into this?"
"I don't know Mare. But I do know that it'll be OK."
Mary weeps in Wilson's arms, as he thinks up what he should do to comfort her.
"Look. Billy's downstairs with Simon. I promised him I'd take him to the park. That's why I stopped by, to see if you wanted to go with us. Want to get out of the house?"
"What if he sees us?"
"He won't. And if he does, I'll protect you."
"I don't know. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Nothing will happen Mare. Besides, I think it will be good for you to get some fresh air."
"You're right. But what if-"
"Stop worrying. We'd just be going to the park. There'd be tons of people there. Even if he did see us, he wouldn't do anything to insane."
"I don't know about that, but I guess its okay."
Wilson puts the letter in his pocket as they both stand up. Mary reluctantly opens the door, to find her family still huddled around the door. She pushes through them, and then turns around.
"Wilson and I are taking Billy to the park."
"OK. Is everything okay now?" Eric asks his daughter, growing angrier by the second.
"No."
"Uh, Mary why don't you go get Billy for me." Wilson suggests.
Mary glares at him, trying to get him to stop whatever he is planning on doing. He smiles at her, signaling that it is ok. She walks downstairs, frustrated.
"Reverend Camden, I know what's bothering Mary. But, do you have a copier by any chance?"
"Uh, yes, I do, in my office."
"Could I make a copy of something? If you come with me, I'll tell you what's going on."
They walk downstairs and avoid all contact with Mary. Once they sneak into the office, Wilson pulls out the note. As he is making the copy, he explains everything to Reverend Camden.
"Mary said that she found this note taped to the door this morning. It's form Robbie. It really got her scared." Wilson takes the copy and puts it in his pocket. "Now, I'm going to take Mary out for about an hour, hour and a half. Please make sure you do something about this, call Sergeant Michaels if you have to. She doesn't want to take action over this herself, so maybe you could help."
"Sure Wilson. Thank you, I don't know what we'd do without you."
"Your welcome, sir. Bye."
Wilson walks out to his car and hops in.
"You two ready to go?"
"What did you say to them?"
"You have nothing to worry about. Trust me."
"What if I don't trust you?"
"Well you'll just have to this time."
"Fine." Mary says with an attitude.
Wilson takes her hand. "Everything is all right. So Robbie's a little nuts. Big deal."
"It is a big deal. I think your taking this too lightly."
"And I think your overreacting, so we're even."
"I am not overreacting!"
"Yes you are. You're getting yourself too worked up about all of this."
Mary tries to calm down. "Don't argue with me. I need you."
"Ok, I'm sorry. And believe it or not, I need you too."
"What would you need me for?"
"To add excitement into my life. Who else would bring all of this drama with them?"
"Drama?" Mary says hurt.
"Sorry. Can I drive now?"
"In one second. Are we fighting?"
"No. We just disagreed, its different."
"How?"
"Because it was a civil disagreement."
Mary laughs. "OK. Now you can drive."
They get to the park and Billy runs over to the jungle gym. This leaves Mary and Wilson alone to talk. Mary leans against Wilson and kisses his cheek. He puts his arm around her, feeling her smooth skin of her arm under his bare hands.
"I have something I have to tell you."
"Okay…"
"Before we left your house, I gave your dad the letter. I told him to do something about it while we were gone."
Mary sits up fully and stares into Wilson eyes with hurt in her own. "You what?! I told you not to do anything."
"I know, but you can't just do nothing. What if he is serious and something happens to you when I'm not around that could have been prevented. I would never forgive myself."
"I guess your right. I just don't want to make this a bigger deal than it has to be."
"It is a big deal, though. You were threatened and probably stalked by a man who has a history of being violent and raping you."
Mary winces at the words. Rape. She shudders when she thinks back to that awful February night. Sometimes it is vague what had happened, but right now it seemed to be crystal clear. Wilson realizes what Mary is doing, and tries to snap her out of it. He waves his hand in front of Mary's face, until she blinks again.
"Mary, don't do that to yourself. It was a long time ago. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it."
"How do you know? You weren't there."
"You're a strong person. If there were something you could have done you would have. You should be thankful that you got back safely."
"I know. Its just hard."
Wilson softly kisses Mary's natural colored lips. "You have to stop thinking about it. Let it go."
"But how can I let it go if he won't."
"Its not that he's not letting go of that, he's not letting go of you. And who could blame him? You're smart, gorgeous, kind, loving, sweet…"
Mary kisses him. "Stop, you're going to make me cry."
"OK. So, let's change the subject. Are you ready to start school in a couple of weeks?"
"No. He'll find me there and hurt me."
"No he won't. Matt will be there to protect you, right?"
"I guess, but I haven't really talked to him much. The last time we had a conversation like the way we used to be was when I got home from the hospital- the first time, and it wasn't a real conversation. It was more like an argument."
"Well, now you'll share something together. It'll bring you closer."
"Frankly, I don't really care. Nothing has been the same between me and my family since all of this, and it doesn't bother me in the least. I realized that I don't need them like I used to. I don't even think I really need them at all. I only need two people to get through life, myself and you Wilson. Everyone else doesn't matter to me anymore. I don't even need my parents that much. I haven't come to them with any problems, or had a civil conversation with them, or anything like that in 6 months and 2 days. I don't need them anymore, I need you."
"I'm flattered, but you do need your family. You're just growing up. Your not relying on them as much anymore, it happens."
"Speaking of which, I was thinking of getting my own place. And I, um, was thinking of getting a job."
"Well, that's great, Mare."
"And I was wondering if you and Billy would want to move in with me whenever I find something. I don't want to live with them anymore, but I don't want to be alone. I never want to be alone again, or be with anyone I don't trust. That's part of the reason I want out. I'm sick of having to look over my shoulder all of the time. I trust you completely, and I want to be with you."
"How can I put this lightly? No."
Mary laughs. "I figured you'd say that. I wasn't really all that serious about it."
Wilson lets out a sigh of relief. "Good. Its not that I wouldn't love to live with you, but-"
"I know, I know. It wouldn't be good for Billy, anyways."
"You're right. Besides, I don't think us living together would be such a good idea. We'd have to much free time on our hands."
Mary looks confused. Wilson tries to clarify. "I don't want to beyond kissing with you right now."
"Okay."
"That's it? No fight?"
"I respect you, I respect your wishes, and I agree with you."
"Wow. You really are growing up."
Mary punches Wilson's arm playfully, then leans against him.
"Calm down. Think happy thoughts. Relax."
"You know, you're not helping."
"Sorry."
Mary looks Wilson's eyes. He can see the unshed tears lurking in hers. They don't say anything; they only stare at one another. Wilson can see all of Mary's pain, and he slightly trembles as he senses it. He brushes her face softly with the back of his hand.
"I love you," he whispers before capturing her in his sweet embrace. They kiss for a while and comfort each other. Neither of them has any words to describe their emotions. Suddenly, Mary mumbles something.
"What?"
"I want to go home. Please, can you take me home?"
"Sure. Are you ok though? Did I do something wrong?"
"No. You did everything right. I don't know. Something is just telling me to go home. If you could sit with me, though, I'd greatly appreciate it."
"OK. You go sit in the car. Let me go get Billy."
Mary goes over to the car and sits there until Wilson returns with his son.
"I'll drop Billy back off home they I'll take you to your house and sit with you."
"Thank you."
They return to the Camden house, and you can sense that something is up. Mary could just tell that they did something drastic. It is all too overwhelming for her, and she told Wilson she would be right back. After she leaves, Eric approaches Wilson.
"You weren't gone very long."
"She told me she wanted to go home."
"Why?"
"I don't know."
"Is she acting funny to you?"
"A little. She's been a little distant, and then she was herself again, then out of the clear blue she wanted to go home. Something's definitely bothering her, I just haven't figured out what yet."
"You'll let me know if she's not OK, won't you?"
"Yes, definitely. I have her best interests at heart, and I know you do, too. I think her problem is that she hasn't figured that out yet, and it's a real shame that she hasn't."
"I agree. Will you do me a favor Wilson?"
"Sure."
"I called Sergeant Michaels, and the last I heard they were getting a warrant out for Robbie's arrest. I don't know how she'd take it if I was the one who told her. Would you do that for me?"
"No problem." Wilson breaks his pattern of speech. He finds the right words to express what he wants to say best. "Do you think he was serious?"
"I don't know. I never liked Robbie, though. Something just didn't seem right with him from the beginning."
"Is she safe? Is there anything we can do to protect her?"
"There probably isn't much we can do to protect her physically. Mentally, I think we've lost her."
"No you haven't. She's just still confused."
"She's not in any immediate danger, anyways. You aren't either, Wilson."
"I'm not concerned for me, I'm concerned about Mary."
"Its all right to be scared. Somebody threatened you, being frightened is a natural reflex."
"I know, but I'm not scared. I can't be scared, even if I wanted to be, because I think she'd loose it if she was."
Eric laughs, then it hits him what Wilson is saying.
"She's fine. Really. One thing I've learned form spending so much time with her is that if you make something even a little bit of a bigger deal than it actually is, she'll make it into a huge thing. I know you want to help, so just stay calm and don't treat her any differently. That's all that she's looking for."
"Thanks Wilson."
Mary walks back down the stairs and stands next to Wilson.
"Hello Mary."
"Hi Dad."
"I'll leave you two alone."
"You don't have to leave. I wanted to go outside with Wilson, anyways."
She takes Wilson's arm and drags him out the back door. She sits down at the picnic table, and puts her head in her hands.
"What did they do about Robbie?"
"They have a warrant out for his arrest."
Mary puts her head down in despair and Wilson sits down next to her. He puts his arm around her, but she moves it. She takes his hand and merely holds it in hers unaffectionately.
"Please, just don't. I'm not in the mood."
"Ok. I understand this is hard for you Mare-"
"No, you don't. You wouldn't understand. You haven't been in trouble before."
"Well, you're right, I haven't. But trouble stems from bad decisions, and I'm the poster kid for bad decisions."
"When were thrown into the back of a cop car and locked in a cell for 2 hours?!"
"I wasn't. I'm only trying to help though."
"Well, you can't. Not this time."
"Do you want me to go then?"
"Do you really want to stay with me?" She says being snippy.
"Not if you're going to be like this. You're better than this Mary, I'm only trying to help."
He drops Mary's hand and gets up. He walks over to the gate, but then stops. He turns back around and walks towards Mary.
"I'm sorry. If I really wanted to help you, I wouldn't leave you here by yourself. I love you."
"I love you."
"But promise me you'll stop thinking about all of this?"
"I'll try, but it won't be easy."
"I know, but it will happen eventually."
"I guess so."
"Look, I, I'm getting a little frustrated here. What do you want from me?"
"I don't know. I've got all this different stuff running through my head. I don't know what I want from anything- from you, from life. And honestly, I feel like you're pressuring me. Pressuring me into what I don't know, but I feel pressured. I have to sort some stuff out, and I can't do it with you asking me a thousand questions. I know you just want to make sure I'm OK, and that's sweet of you, but I'm not OK and there isn't anything for you to do about it. When I need your help, you know I won't hesitate to ask you for it. I need time to think, but I don't want you to leave. But, you know, maybe you should go, because I feel like I'm taking advantage of you. I don't want to have them ask me questions, I'd much rather have you interrogate me. You can tell when I'm angry, or sad, and they can't. They always have to ask me about it. You ask because you want to fix it. They ask because they're nosy. I haven't talked to Ruthie in a long time because I don't want her to find anything out. I don't want any of them to find anything out."
"Find what out?"
"Find out about my life."
"There's nothing wrong with your life."
"How can you say that?"
"Because it's true. You have nothing to hide from them."
"I'm just so depressed. Whatever happened to the happy-go-lucky Mary that I used to be?"
"A lot of stuff. I think the main thing is that you lost yourself."
"What do you mean?"
"You lost touch with everything that makes you, you. Look at yourself. You're not like this. This is not Mary Camden."
Mary starts to lighten up. "OK, so who is Mary Camden?"
Wilson leans over and kisses Mary passionately. She kisses him back, and slips her tongue between his lips. They pause to breath and Mary leans back into Wilson. He stops her and grabs her hand.
"C'mon I have to show you something."
"Okay."
Wilson drags Mary upstairs and into the bathroom. He places her in front of the mirror, and then kisses her again softly. After the one kiss, he gently turns Mary's face toward the mirror.
"This is Mary Camden." He says to her as he places his arms around her waist.
"Let's go into my bedroom."
"What do you have in mind?" he asks, apprehensively.
"Nothing, just come with me."
"Why?"
"Trust me."
"I don't know if I should."
"What are you so worried about? I just want to take a nap."
"You sure that's OK?"
"Positive. Let's go."
"Okay."
Wilson reluctantly follows Mary up the stairs to her bedroom in the attic. It is empty, so Mary closes the door and sits down on the bed.
"Sit." She commands seductively.
"I don't know Mare."
"Please!"
"Fine."
He lies down on the bed, and Mary curls up next to him.
"Don't blame me if you fall off the bed."
"If I do I'm taking you down with me." Mary says, teasing Wilson.
"You better not."
Mary does not respond. She has already fallen asleep. Wilson follows her into a deep slumber after about 5 minutes. Taking care of Mary really tires him out.
