A/N: I can't believe it's taken me so long to update this! *hangs her head in shame* I'm hoping the writers' block has lifted and, slowly but surely, I'm determined to finish this - with any luck updates will not take so long, but I'm not gonna make any promises I can't keep! Thanks for reading. O:-)

Ch. 27.

Knowing that Chris was gone, Shannon headed slowly and reluctantly into her bedroom. Trying to avoid glancing around the room, she kept her eyes focused on the bed as she tried to change into her pyjamas. Only by causing herself a great deal of pain did she manage to struggle out of her sweat pants and t-shirt and by the time she was ready for bed, her whole body ached. Pulling back the covers, she eased herself down onto the bed and reached to turn off the bedside lamp. Even when the normally welcoming darkness enveloped her, she could not relax; every little sound seeming out of place and somehow threatening. Silently telling herself not to be so ridiculous, she closed her eyes and hoped that sleep would come quickly.

It was only after two long hours of staring up at the ceiling and trying to remain as still as possible that exhaustion finally overtook her, her eyes becoming heavy with sleep - too heavy to keep open. However, with sleep came dreams; dreams which became nightmares, replaying in her head, not the actual events of the recent past, but a version which had been created, twisted and convoluted, by her subconscious. These nightmares plagued her in a seemingly endless and all too realistic assault of images and sounds - even in the depths of sleep, Billy forced his way into her room; his hands outstretched to capture her, his words taunting her.....

Tossing and turning in spite of her injuries, Shannon whimpered fearfully in her sleep and a single teardrop glistened beneath her still closed lashes. Just as her dream reached its terrifying climax, as she realised she had no means of escape from her supposed boyfriend's rough and unwanted touch, she woke with a jump at the sound of a scream. A scream which issued forth from her own lips. Pain pulsed through her body, a lingering effect of her fitful sleep, and she was trembling uncontrollably. Too afraid to move and unwilling to even turn on the light, she sat bolt upright in bed, clutching at the covers. Breathing deeply in an attempt to regain control of her emotions, she stretched out a shaky hand - reminded for an instant of an old childhood fear of what she might touch if she did just that - and at the touch of a switch, the room was flooded with soft light. Nervous eyes flitted round the room, ascertaining that all was as it should be, and then darted suspiciously to her now permenantly open doorway and the shadows to which it led.

Sliding out of bed, one arm wrapped around her injured ribs, she tiptoed to the doorway and listened. Almost too scared to breathe, she gazed into the shadowy living room of her apartment and then hit the light switches, bathing the room in colour. Without pausing for long, she made her way into the small kitchen and turned on the lights immediately. It was only then that she could take time to think clearly and when she realised just how paranoid her actions were, she had to fight to keep back tears as she sank onto a stool at the breakfast bar and buried her face in her hands. When dawn broke and sunlight mingled with the artificial lights which were all still burning, Shannon was still in the same position. Looking around cautiously, she forsook all hope of sleep and returned to her bedroom to struggle into some clothes. It was a slow task and when she finally accomplished it, she merely perched on the edge of her bed feeling almost numb. A lack of sleep clouded her perception and as a result, the shrill ring of the telephone caused her to have to bite down on her lip in an attempt to stifle the little cry which nonetheless escaped.

Lifting the receiver, she was reluctant to even speak until she heard a familiar, inquiring voice.

"Shan? You there?"

"Y-Yes." she managed, trying hard to stop her voice shaking. "Chris?"

"Yeah, it's me. I know it's a bit early to be calling, but I'll admit it - I wanted to check up on you. Didn't wake you, did I?"

Considering the night she had been subjected to, Shannon almost laughed at the idea. "No, you didn't do that."

"Didn't sleep, huh?" he said sympathetically, "Ribs or head?"

"Neither. Both. I ....." she trailed off weakly, not wanting to admit what was really wrong.

"Shannon? Are you okay?"

"I ..... I'll survive." she said, before making her reluctant confession, dismayed to hear tears creep into her voice. "I had a ..... bad dream. I can't stop thinking about ..... HIM ....."

"I KNEW I shouldn't have left you over there on your own." he chastised himself, having heard the blatant fear in her voice, "Don't worry, I'm gonna just jump in the car and I'll be there in no time. Okay?"

"'If you're sure. I'm sorry ....."

"Enough with the apologising! What are friends for?" he said, trying to reassure her the she was not being an inconvenience, realising that was what she was thinking.

"T-Thank you."

"Like I said before - you're welcome. See you soon."

*****

Chris was as good as his word and it was not long before Shannon heard a loud knocking at the door. She hurried to open it and was about to unlock it when she suddenly pulled back - what if it wasn't Chris?

"Shan? It's me - it's Chris."

Almost overwhelmed by her feelings of relief, she opened the door and Chris stepped inside quickly, obviously anxious to make sure she was okay. However, as soon as he saw her, he knew that she must have had a pretty rough night - she was much too pale and there were dark shadows beneath her tear-filled eyes. From the way she was holding her ribs, he could tell she must also be in a great deal of pain and she was biting her lip to keep back tears. Hating to see her like this, he held his arms out to her and with a little sob, she practically fell into his embrace. Rocking her gently, he smoothed a soothing hand over her hair and tried his best to comfort his stricken friend.

"Shhh, darlin', don't cry - it's okay."

But she merely buried her face against his shoulder and cried bitterly, finally allowing all of her pent-up tension to escape.

*****

As her storm of tears subsided, Shannon actually gave a little wry laugh and wiped at her eyes with her sleeve.

"You must think the only thing I do is cry." she said, her shoulders still hitching occasionally.

"You've had a bad experience - you're allowed to be upset." he said, drawing back a little to look at her, but still keeping his arms around her.

"But to be this freaked out by a dream - silly, huh?"

"You're not silly." he disagreed, "I think all things considered, it's understandable."

"It's this place; it's a constant reminder. I HATE this - I'm scared to stay in my own home because of ... HIM." she confessed, her voice filled with loathing at the thought of Billy.

"Hey, don't think about him - he's not worth it. And you don't have to stay here ....."

"I shouldn't have to leave my own HOME ....." she stressed.

"That's right, but you have to admit, you need a break from the place."

Thinking about it, Shannon nodded reluctantly. "True, but where am I going to go? The only person who knows about ..... what happened ..... is Paige and I don't want to impose on her."

"I'm pretty sure she wouldn't mind." smiled Chris, "But what about the hotel? You could get a room there for a couple of days?"

"I suppose, but there's something else I'm gonna do as well." she said, a sudden spark of determination lighting her eyes.

"What's that?"

"Go to the police. I can't go around being scared all the time and I think I will be unless I know he's got what he deserves."

With a supportive smile, Chris leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. "You're doing the right thing."

"I sure hope so." she sighed, "God, I bet you didn't think your trip to Edmunton would be anything like this!"

"It's been a little more eventful than I expected." he agreed with a laugh.

"I'm sorry you had to get involved in this mess, but ..... well, I'm glad you're here." she said, wrapping her arms around his neck to hug him tightly.

Although Chris returned her hug warmly, he did not trust himself to speak as a wistful look crossed his face, unseen by Shannon.

*****