Sorry it's only a short chapter.
Sheelagh ran all the way to Patrick's flat. By the time she knocked on his front door she was out of breath and in tears. Patrick found Sheelagh in a right state when he opened the door. He quickly ushered her inside and pulled her into a comforting hug. He stroked her back, her neck and her hair until she had stopped crying. When Sheelagh's tears stopped Patrick pushed her away from him slightly and slipped his hands into hers.
"What happened?" he asked quietly.
"He slapped me." Sheelagh answered, she looked down at the floor.
"Des?" Patrick's voice rose with anger. Sheelagh nodded. "Are you okay?"
Sheelagh nodded. "He's never lifted a finger against me before." She took her hands from his, stepped closer to him and put her hands on his shoulders. Patrick put his hands on her waist. "What have I done?" she whispered.
"Nothing! And don't think like that." Patrick said forcefully. Sheelagh looked him full in the eye before reaching up and kissing him gently. Instead of kissing her back, Patrick pulled away. "You're staying here tonight." He stated.
"I can't impose."
"You're not. You're staying here. No arguments."
"Thank you." Sheelagh whispered. They hugged and Patrick rubbed her back slightly. Sheelagh pulled away. "Can I use your toilet?" She asked and Patrick nodded.
Sheelagh went into the bathroom and Patrick rang her brother, Brian, who said he'd be straight over. Patrick made Sheelagh and himself a cup of tea and took them into the living room. Sheelagh came out of the bathroom and walked into the living room. She sat down next to him and took a sip of the tea he gave her.
"Sorry." Sheelagh said.
"What for?" Patrick looked across at her curiously.
"Coming round and crying all over you."
"Don't be sorry. I like having you here. I don't like you crying though." Patrick took her cup off of her and put it on the table then he wrapped her up in his arms. They stayed like that until Brian knocked on the door. Patrick went to let him in and brought him into the living room.
"Have you got any clothes?" Brian asked Sheelagh.
"No." She answered. They all sat together on the sofa with Sheelagh in between Patrick and Brian.
"I'll go and get you some then."
"Brian, please don't do anything stupid."
"Promise." Brian kissed her cheek then let himself out.