Title: Back to You- chapter 4
Disclaimer: Just to be completely clear, I don't own any of the characters
from Third Watch. I think you're all smart enough to figure that out
though.=)
Two days had passed and Kim was recovering nicely. The pregnancy test had come back negative, and she was being released today. Jimmy, of course was there, waiting to take her home. Joey was waiting at the apartment with Katherine. She had been so happy to actually see with her own eyes that her son was o.k. Now she was looking forward to going home and being his mom again. Most of the pain was gone. It still hurt to walk because he had been very rough when he raped her. She hated the constant reminder when she walked around. Most of the bruising was gone, though she had a little left on her face. There was an ugly scar from the knife wound though. She would have to see a doctor about getting that fixed. For now though, she wanted to go home.
She was fine the whole way home, until she actually got home. When Jimmy pulled up to the curb, she felt a huge sense of fear. It was day now, but what if the guy came back at night? Bosco and Faith had been by a lot to see if she could remember the guy's face, but she always came up blank. She just couldn't remember. That meant he was still out there. What if he came back?
Jimmy noticed that Kim had become silent and wasn't moving from the car. He got out and went to her side to open the door, and still she didn't move. He knelt down and put his hand on her knee, which caused her to jump. "Hey, you o.k.?"
Kim plastered a smile on her face, she didn't want Jimmy to see she was completely terrified. "Yeah, I'm just really tired all of a sudden."
Jimmy knew better, but he wasn't going to argue. "Alright. How about we go upstairs and see that son of ours?" he smiled.
Kim smiled back, "Absolutely."
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Joey had been overly excited that Kim was home and he was going to get to stay with his mom tonight. Jimmy had stayed and cooked dinner for the three of them. Katherine had made some excuse to leave. It was like she was afraid to be around Kim now. Jimmy had just tucked Joey into bed and he went to join Kim on the couch. "He really tired himself out tonight. I think he had an overload," he laughed.
Kim smiled, "I think I'm having one too. I'm so happy to be home though." Kim paused for a second, then looked at Jimmy, "You know, you've been really great to me the last week. Thank you for taking care of me."
Jimmy smiled, "You were there for me. I wanted to be there for you too."
Kim had a feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach. He was going to have to leave now. He had pretty much stayed with her the whole time at the hospital, and she was afraid to have him leave now. She couldn't stall anymore though, she had to get on with her life. It wasn't his job to protect her anymore. "Well, it's getting pretty late. I guess you should go," she smiled, trying not to cry.
"Kim, I don't have to. If you want, I could sleep on the couch," he offered, knowing how scared she was.
"No, I'll be o.k. I'm really tired, so I'll probably just crash," she smiled at the disbelieving look he gave her. She put her hand in his, "I'll be fine, Jimmy. Unless you're worried about Joey, because I can take care of him," she started to convince him.
"No. I'm not worried about Joey. I'm worried about you. It's o.k. to be scared, you know. I'd understand if you didn't want to be alone," he stroked her hand.
"Is this your way of trying to sleep with me?" she teased.
"Am I that transparent?" he teased back, "Seriously though, I'd be happy to stay."
"I'll be ok," she said as she walked him to the door.
"Promise me you'll call if you get scared or worried?" he asked sternly.
Kim smiled at his concern, "I promise," she hugged him, and watched him walk away. She slipped back into the apartment, suddenly wishing she had taken him up on his offer.
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Three days had passed and Kim was back to work. She couldn't stand to be in that apartment. She always felt nervous and was constantly checking her locks. She had barely slept in the last 72 hours, staying up most of the night in front of the t.v. She hadn't really been eating anything either. She knew she couldn't go on like this, but she wasn't about to ask Jimmy to come and stay with her and Joey. That would make her so pathetic. Besides, she hadn't even really talked to him since the first night back. She had been avoiding him at all costs.
Jimmy could tell. Every time he would try and talk to her, she would shy away and go back to work. Even the calls they got together, she wouldn't even look at him. She had every right to be mad at him, in fact hate him, but it was killing him inside. He knew she was still scared too, but she never said anything.
Jimmy saw Alex sitting and reading, "Hey Alex."
Alex looked up and smiled, "Hey Jimmy. What's up?"
"Watcha reading?" he asked, trying to stall.
Alex put down her book and stared at him, "You aren't really interested in my reading materials, so I suggest you tell me what's going on?"
Jimmy sighed, "I was wondering if you've talked to Kim any?"
"Of course I've talked to Kim, we ride together all day. What are you getting at?" she asked suspiciously.
"I'm worried about her. I don't know if it's just me, but she doesn't talk or even look at me. She seems like she's scared or something."
Alex could see the concern he had for Kim and let her guard down, "No, it's not you. We talk, but it's mostly me. She's really quiet these days. I don't think she's sleeping or eating either. She seems really jumpy all the time, especially around men, even the guys here."
"Do you think I should say something?" Jimmy asked.
"No. You know she'll just get upset. Maybe she just needs some time to deal with everything."
"Yeah, maybe," Jimmy replied, not convinced.
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Not long after Kim had tucked Joey into bed, she heard some noise in the hallway outside her door. She was determined to ignore it, but the noise was getting closer. Some guy started to knock on the door, calling for Jenny. The knocking soon turned into pounding and Joey came tiredly into the living room to see his mom nearly hyperventilating. "Joey, go back into your room and lock the door, sweetie," she rasped out in between her labored breathing.
"But Mommy-"
"Joey, go. Now," Kim looked at him with concern.
After she heard his door lock she went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife. She couldn't seem to calm down her breathing and she was feeling a little dizzy. She stayed crouched on the kitchen floor with the knife in her hands until she heard the sound of Joey crying. Had the man somehow gotten into his room? That was impossible because she could still hear him, making a fuss at someone else's door. That neighbor was not afraid and opened the door and started yelling at the noisy man, threatening to call the police.
Kim made her way to Joey's room and opened the door. He ran up to her and held her tight, "Mommy, I'm scared. I want Daddy," he cried.
Great. Now her paranoia was scaring her son and she could no longer comfort him, "Oh, Joey, it's o.k. sweetie. He's gone now. Shh," she tried to soothe while trying to calm herself.
"Please call Daddy. I want Daddy," he continued to cry.
Kim tried to comfort him for the next 20 minutes, but nothing seemed to help and he continued to ask for Jimmy. "Ok. Ok, sweetie, I'll call your Daddy ok?" she wiped away his tears.
She went to the phone with Joey following her and dialed the number. She really didn't wanna do this, but Joey just would not calm down. "Hello?" he answered in a very sleepy voice.
"Jimmy, it's Kim," she tried to sound calm.
Jimmy shot straight up in bed, fully awake, "Kim? Are you o.k.? What's going on?" he asked in a panic.
"Yeah we're fine. We're both fine. We just had a bit of a scare, but we're o.k.. Joey wants to talk to you," she said and passed the phone to Joey.
"Daddy, will you please come over?" he asked still crying a little.
"Hey, buddy. What's the matter?" he asked, trying to make sense of all this.
"There was a man at the door and he scared me. Mommy told me to go in my room and lock the door. I thought he was gonna get us," he cried.
"No, no, no. Hey, no one is going to get anyone. You're safe o.k.?" he tried to soothe his son, but his mind was reeling with fear. Did this guy try to get in? Were they really ok?
"Please, Daddy. I want you here," Joey cried harder.
"Ok. Let me talk to your mom, baby," he asked.
Kim rubbed Joeys back as he buried his face in her lap, "Hey."
"I'm coming over," he said.
"Jimmy, it's late and you have to work tomorrow. I'm sure he'll calm down soon. He probably just needed to hear you voice," she tried not to cry herself. If there was ever a time she wished they were still married, this was it. She really needed him here. She was so scared.
Jimmy heard the fear in her voice and knew she was trying to be brave, "Kim, please don't argue with me about this. He's really scared and I want to be there," he begged, wanting to be there for her too. Kim bit her nails nervously, "I'll wait up," she relented and hung up.
Jimmy sped across town and made it to Kim's place in record time. He saw some guy passed out in the doorway of the building and assumed he was the guy who had bothered them. He really wanted to punch the guy, but ran up to Kim's apartment instead. He lightly knocked on the door.
Kim started to breathe hard again and Joey looked at her with fear, "Is the bad man back?" he asked, gripping his mother tight.
"Kim, it's me," called Jimmy, thinking she might get nervous at the knocking.
Kim calmed and walked to the door, unlocking the millions of locks she had on her door. "Hey," he smiled and was nearly knocked down by Joey leaping on him. "Hey, champ. It's ok, I'm here," he picked his son up and walked to the couch. Kim locked the door again and joined them.
"I'm really sorry about this. He just wouldn't calm down, and I didn't want him to make himself sick," she tried to explain.
Jimmy laid his hand on her knee, "Kim, it's o.k."
She shifted nervously and got up, "I need to go to the bathroom," she quickly left.
Jimmy continued to rub Joey's back, watching Kim run away. She was so scared and there was nothing he could do. "How're doing, champ?" he smiled.
Joey looked at his dad, "Is the bad man going to hurt Mommy again," he asked afraid.
"No, Joey. No one's going to hurt Mommy. I promise."
"Mommy got real scared. She was breathing really funny," he said.
Jimmy frowned, "What do you mean?" he asked concerned. Joey imitated Kim. "You mean she couldn't breathe?" he asked looking at his son.
"It's like she ran fast, but she didn't," Joey tried to explain.
"She's ok., Joey. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you or Mommy," he promised, rubbing Joey's back.
Kim came back and saw this sight. Joey was asleep in his father's arms. It brought a smile to her face. "You got him to go back to sleep," she whispered and stroked Joey's hair gently.
"Yeah. He probably shouldn't go to school tomorrow. It's been too much of a night," Jimmy looked at her, wanting to take her in his arms too.
"Maybe you should take him to your place for a while. I think he feels safer with you," Kim suggested, the thought bringing tears to her eyes.
Jimmy laid Joey on the couch and looked at Kim, "Joey said you were breathing funny when the guy was here."
Kim looked away from him, "I was just.. I don't know.." she couldn't seem to finish her thought.
Jimmy scooted close to her and took her hand, "Kim I know you're still scared. Please, let me help you. I want to be here for you," he begged as he watched a tear roll down her cheek. He just wanted to wrap his arms around her and protect her from everything and everyone that hurt her.
Kim shot up and kneeled next to Joey, "Honey, Joey wake up," she whispered. Jimmy was confused by her actions. Joey opened his eyes, "Mommy?"
"Baby, you're gonna go stay with Daddy for a while. Will that make you feel better?"
"Yeah," he yawned.
Kim nearly started to cry, but went and got a few of his things ready to go. She returned to find Jimmy helping a half-asleep Joey into his coat and boots. He stood and looked at Kim, "It's not that he doesn't feel safe with you Kim."
Kim's eyes started to fill, but she smiled. She kneeled down and kissed Joey on the cheek, "I'll come and see you tomorrow, ok?"
Joey became fully awake and latched on to Kim, "No! Mommy you have to come too. I don't wanna go without you."
Kim tried to tell him she'd be ok, but it was hard to convince him of that in the near crying state she was in. She looked to Jimmy for help. Jimmy kneeled down and pried Joey off of her, "Joey, it's ok. Mommy's coming with us, ok?"
Kim looked at Jimmy, "Jimmy don't do this," she begged.
"Kim, your son wants you to be safe and you're scared of being here alone. Please, just come with me. I want you to. I need to know you're ok," he pleaded with her.
"Please, Mommy," Joey cried.
Kim finally let her tears come and kissed Joey's head, "Ok. You boys win," she smiled at Jimmy.
Jimmy smiled back. He just wanted to be where he could protect her. He needed to protect his son and Kim. His family. He had done a bad job in the past, he was determined to be there now.
Two days had passed and Kim was recovering nicely. The pregnancy test had come back negative, and she was being released today. Jimmy, of course was there, waiting to take her home. Joey was waiting at the apartment with Katherine. She had been so happy to actually see with her own eyes that her son was o.k. Now she was looking forward to going home and being his mom again. Most of the pain was gone. It still hurt to walk because he had been very rough when he raped her. She hated the constant reminder when she walked around. Most of the bruising was gone, though she had a little left on her face. There was an ugly scar from the knife wound though. She would have to see a doctor about getting that fixed. For now though, she wanted to go home.
She was fine the whole way home, until she actually got home. When Jimmy pulled up to the curb, she felt a huge sense of fear. It was day now, but what if the guy came back at night? Bosco and Faith had been by a lot to see if she could remember the guy's face, but she always came up blank. She just couldn't remember. That meant he was still out there. What if he came back?
Jimmy noticed that Kim had become silent and wasn't moving from the car. He got out and went to her side to open the door, and still she didn't move. He knelt down and put his hand on her knee, which caused her to jump. "Hey, you o.k.?"
Kim plastered a smile on her face, she didn't want Jimmy to see she was completely terrified. "Yeah, I'm just really tired all of a sudden."
Jimmy knew better, but he wasn't going to argue. "Alright. How about we go upstairs and see that son of ours?" he smiled.
Kim smiled back, "Absolutely."
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Joey had been overly excited that Kim was home and he was going to get to stay with his mom tonight. Jimmy had stayed and cooked dinner for the three of them. Katherine had made some excuse to leave. It was like she was afraid to be around Kim now. Jimmy had just tucked Joey into bed and he went to join Kim on the couch. "He really tired himself out tonight. I think he had an overload," he laughed.
Kim smiled, "I think I'm having one too. I'm so happy to be home though." Kim paused for a second, then looked at Jimmy, "You know, you've been really great to me the last week. Thank you for taking care of me."
Jimmy smiled, "You were there for me. I wanted to be there for you too."
Kim had a feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach. He was going to have to leave now. He had pretty much stayed with her the whole time at the hospital, and she was afraid to have him leave now. She couldn't stall anymore though, she had to get on with her life. It wasn't his job to protect her anymore. "Well, it's getting pretty late. I guess you should go," she smiled, trying not to cry.
"Kim, I don't have to. If you want, I could sleep on the couch," he offered, knowing how scared she was.
"No, I'll be o.k. I'm really tired, so I'll probably just crash," she smiled at the disbelieving look he gave her. She put her hand in his, "I'll be fine, Jimmy. Unless you're worried about Joey, because I can take care of him," she started to convince him.
"No. I'm not worried about Joey. I'm worried about you. It's o.k. to be scared, you know. I'd understand if you didn't want to be alone," he stroked her hand.
"Is this your way of trying to sleep with me?" she teased.
"Am I that transparent?" he teased back, "Seriously though, I'd be happy to stay."
"I'll be ok," she said as she walked him to the door.
"Promise me you'll call if you get scared or worried?" he asked sternly.
Kim smiled at his concern, "I promise," she hugged him, and watched him walk away. She slipped back into the apartment, suddenly wishing she had taken him up on his offer.
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Three days had passed and Kim was back to work. She couldn't stand to be in that apartment. She always felt nervous and was constantly checking her locks. She had barely slept in the last 72 hours, staying up most of the night in front of the t.v. She hadn't really been eating anything either. She knew she couldn't go on like this, but she wasn't about to ask Jimmy to come and stay with her and Joey. That would make her so pathetic. Besides, she hadn't even really talked to him since the first night back. She had been avoiding him at all costs.
Jimmy could tell. Every time he would try and talk to her, she would shy away and go back to work. Even the calls they got together, she wouldn't even look at him. She had every right to be mad at him, in fact hate him, but it was killing him inside. He knew she was still scared too, but she never said anything.
Jimmy saw Alex sitting and reading, "Hey Alex."
Alex looked up and smiled, "Hey Jimmy. What's up?"
"Watcha reading?" he asked, trying to stall.
Alex put down her book and stared at him, "You aren't really interested in my reading materials, so I suggest you tell me what's going on?"
Jimmy sighed, "I was wondering if you've talked to Kim any?"
"Of course I've talked to Kim, we ride together all day. What are you getting at?" she asked suspiciously.
"I'm worried about her. I don't know if it's just me, but she doesn't talk or even look at me. She seems like she's scared or something."
Alex could see the concern he had for Kim and let her guard down, "No, it's not you. We talk, but it's mostly me. She's really quiet these days. I don't think she's sleeping or eating either. She seems really jumpy all the time, especially around men, even the guys here."
"Do you think I should say something?" Jimmy asked.
"No. You know she'll just get upset. Maybe she just needs some time to deal with everything."
"Yeah, maybe," Jimmy replied, not convinced.
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Not long after Kim had tucked Joey into bed, she heard some noise in the hallway outside her door. She was determined to ignore it, but the noise was getting closer. Some guy started to knock on the door, calling for Jenny. The knocking soon turned into pounding and Joey came tiredly into the living room to see his mom nearly hyperventilating. "Joey, go back into your room and lock the door, sweetie," she rasped out in between her labored breathing.
"But Mommy-"
"Joey, go. Now," Kim looked at him with concern.
After she heard his door lock she went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife. She couldn't seem to calm down her breathing and she was feeling a little dizzy. She stayed crouched on the kitchen floor with the knife in her hands until she heard the sound of Joey crying. Had the man somehow gotten into his room? That was impossible because she could still hear him, making a fuss at someone else's door. That neighbor was not afraid and opened the door and started yelling at the noisy man, threatening to call the police.
Kim made her way to Joey's room and opened the door. He ran up to her and held her tight, "Mommy, I'm scared. I want Daddy," he cried.
Great. Now her paranoia was scaring her son and she could no longer comfort him, "Oh, Joey, it's o.k. sweetie. He's gone now. Shh," she tried to soothe while trying to calm herself.
"Please call Daddy. I want Daddy," he continued to cry.
Kim tried to comfort him for the next 20 minutes, but nothing seemed to help and he continued to ask for Jimmy. "Ok. Ok, sweetie, I'll call your Daddy ok?" she wiped away his tears.
She went to the phone with Joey following her and dialed the number. She really didn't wanna do this, but Joey just would not calm down. "Hello?" he answered in a very sleepy voice.
"Jimmy, it's Kim," she tried to sound calm.
Jimmy shot straight up in bed, fully awake, "Kim? Are you o.k.? What's going on?" he asked in a panic.
"Yeah we're fine. We're both fine. We just had a bit of a scare, but we're o.k.. Joey wants to talk to you," she said and passed the phone to Joey.
"Daddy, will you please come over?" he asked still crying a little.
"Hey, buddy. What's the matter?" he asked, trying to make sense of all this.
"There was a man at the door and he scared me. Mommy told me to go in my room and lock the door. I thought he was gonna get us," he cried.
"No, no, no. Hey, no one is going to get anyone. You're safe o.k.?" he tried to soothe his son, but his mind was reeling with fear. Did this guy try to get in? Were they really ok?
"Please, Daddy. I want you here," Joey cried harder.
"Ok. Let me talk to your mom, baby," he asked.
Kim rubbed Joeys back as he buried his face in her lap, "Hey."
"I'm coming over," he said.
"Jimmy, it's late and you have to work tomorrow. I'm sure he'll calm down soon. He probably just needed to hear you voice," she tried not to cry herself. If there was ever a time she wished they were still married, this was it. She really needed him here. She was so scared.
Jimmy heard the fear in her voice and knew she was trying to be brave, "Kim, please don't argue with me about this. He's really scared and I want to be there," he begged, wanting to be there for her too. Kim bit her nails nervously, "I'll wait up," she relented and hung up.
Jimmy sped across town and made it to Kim's place in record time. He saw some guy passed out in the doorway of the building and assumed he was the guy who had bothered them. He really wanted to punch the guy, but ran up to Kim's apartment instead. He lightly knocked on the door.
Kim started to breathe hard again and Joey looked at her with fear, "Is the bad man back?" he asked, gripping his mother tight.
"Kim, it's me," called Jimmy, thinking she might get nervous at the knocking.
Kim calmed and walked to the door, unlocking the millions of locks she had on her door. "Hey," he smiled and was nearly knocked down by Joey leaping on him. "Hey, champ. It's ok, I'm here," he picked his son up and walked to the couch. Kim locked the door again and joined them.
"I'm really sorry about this. He just wouldn't calm down, and I didn't want him to make himself sick," she tried to explain.
Jimmy laid his hand on her knee, "Kim, it's o.k."
She shifted nervously and got up, "I need to go to the bathroom," she quickly left.
Jimmy continued to rub Joey's back, watching Kim run away. She was so scared and there was nothing he could do. "How're doing, champ?" he smiled.
Joey looked at his dad, "Is the bad man going to hurt Mommy again," he asked afraid.
"No, Joey. No one's going to hurt Mommy. I promise."
"Mommy got real scared. She was breathing really funny," he said.
Jimmy frowned, "What do you mean?" he asked concerned. Joey imitated Kim. "You mean she couldn't breathe?" he asked looking at his son.
"It's like she ran fast, but she didn't," Joey tried to explain.
"She's ok., Joey. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you or Mommy," he promised, rubbing Joey's back.
Kim came back and saw this sight. Joey was asleep in his father's arms. It brought a smile to her face. "You got him to go back to sleep," she whispered and stroked Joey's hair gently.
"Yeah. He probably shouldn't go to school tomorrow. It's been too much of a night," Jimmy looked at her, wanting to take her in his arms too.
"Maybe you should take him to your place for a while. I think he feels safer with you," Kim suggested, the thought bringing tears to her eyes.
Jimmy laid Joey on the couch and looked at Kim, "Joey said you were breathing funny when the guy was here."
Kim looked away from him, "I was just.. I don't know.." she couldn't seem to finish her thought.
Jimmy scooted close to her and took her hand, "Kim I know you're still scared. Please, let me help you. I want to be here for you," he begged as he watched a tear roll down her cheek. He just wanted to wrap his arms around her and protect her from everything and everyone that hurt her.
Kim shot up and kneeled next to Joey, "Honey, Joey wake up," she whispered. Jimmy was confused by her actions. Joey opened his eyes, "Mommy?"
"Baby, you're gonna go stay with Daddy for a while. Will that make you feel better?"
"Yeah," he yawned.
Kim nearly started to cry, but went and got a few of his things ready to go. She returned to find Jimmy helping a half-asleep Joey into his coat and boots. He stood and looked at Kim, "It's not that he doesn't feel safe with you Kim."
Kim's eyes started to fill, but she smiled. She kneeled down and kissed Joey on the cheek, "I'll come and see you tomorrow, ok?"
Joey became fully awake and latched on to Kim, "No! Mommy you have to come too. I don't wanna go without you."
Kim tried to tell him she'd be ok, but it was hard to convince him of that in the near crying state she was in. She looked to Jimmy for help. Jimmy kneeled down and pried Joey off of her, "Joey, it's ok. Mommy's coming with us, ok?"
Kim looked at Jimmy, "Jimmy don't do this," she begged.
"Kim, your son wants you to be safe and you're scared of being here alone. Please, just come with me. I want you to. I need to know you're ok," he pleaded with her.
"Please, Mommy," Joey cried.
Kim finally let her tears come and kissed Joey's head, "Ok. You boys win," she smiled at Jimmy.
Jimmy smiled back. He just wanted to be where he could protect her. He needed to protect his son and Kim. His family. He had done a bad job in the past, he was determined to be there now.