"Damn it I have to call her," Lynda said, jumping out of bed. "I need to know if she's ok."

"I would say give her time," Andy murmured. "But I know you're as good as sisters so I won't stop you but don't push her, ok?"

"Yes boss," Lynda griped as she headed out of the bedroom and into the lounge. She knew Andy meant well, but Laurie meant more to her than he would ever understand.

Dialling Laurie's number from memory she listened as it rang, and rang. And rang. Damn it, where the hell was she now? Lynda could only hope the reason she wasn't answering was because she was fast asleep in Michael's arms. But as comforting as that thought was, she couldn't for some reason bring herself to believe it.

…

"What the fuck happened to you?" Katie repeated, standing from her chair to face Laurie completely and taking in her bandaged arm and face.

"It's… a long story," Laurie said truthfully, trying to open her wallet with one arm.

"You look like you're about to collapse," Katie said and to Laurie's shock moved her chair out from behind the counter so it was in front of her. "Sit down before you fall down!"

"Thanks," Laurie suddenly realised she had tears in her eyes at this tiny gesture of kindness. She slumped into the chair and couldn't stop the soft groan of relief as she did so. Shit her shoulder was agony. "Can you help me?" She asked Katie, still trying to open her wallet. Katie glanced around then back to Laurie.

"Forget it, it's only apple juice. Have it on me."

"I can't…" Laurie began.

"Yes you can, in fact fuck it I'll go you one better," Katie said and handed Laurie her favourite beer. Laurie's mouth fell open.

"Yeah I know, not supposed to sell alcohol until 10, yeah yeah, but you look like fucking death! Keep the apple juice for later, but get that baby down you for fuck's sake!"

All Laurie's instincts were telling her she shouldn't because of the painkillers all her sensible ones that was, but most of her was shouting 'FUCK GIVE ME THAT!' So without hesitation she opened the can and took a long sip. The relief was almost instantaneous. "Jesus," she groaned.

"So?" Katie persisted. "You going to tell me what the fuck's happened to you? You look like death warmed over!"

"Thanks," Laurie managed a faint smile, something she didn't believe was possible two minutes ago. "Yeah, I probably don't look so great."

"Understatement of the century," Katie rolled her eyes. "What happened?"

"Oh God," Laurie took another swig of her beer. "You really want to know?"

"That bad?"

"Oh yes!"

"Then tell me, I'm listening."

Laurie didn't dare get her hopes up she and Katie could rekindle their friendship, but right now she seemed to care and had just given her an illegal free beer! So hesitantly at first she began to tell her the story, her words coming freer and easier as she continued. She told her how she and Townsend had gone down to clean the gravestone, how Townsend was viciously assaulted to within an inch of his life, then how she, Andy and Lynda had gone down there a second time and been attacked by the same group of men.

"Why go there so soon afterwards though?" Katie asked. Laurie resisted rolling her eyes with enormous difficulty. "Been asked that a lot tonight have you?" She was sure Katie smirked.

"You have no idea," Laurie slumped against the counter. "Jesus! I don't fucking know Katie, I… I just felt like I had to. Got hit in the shoulder with a crowbar and very narrowly missed a bullet to the face."

"Did you lose your wedding ring as well?" Katie's eyes were fixed on Laurie's left hand. Although she'd known at some point Michael was bound to come up, why did it have to be this way, like this?

"Not exactly," she said slowly, before finally telling Katie the truth. Hers and Michael's argument, his anger she'd gone down into 'Doom Tunnel' so soon, his murdering the two men who'd attacked her, Andy, Lynda and Tom. She didn't mention Flask.

"Jesus," Katie looked sympathetic. "He really is angry huh?"

"Oh yes," Laurie nodded. "He's left to give himself time to think, he's not sure he wants to stay married to me."

"Shit," Katie looked genuinely sad. "I'm sorry."

There was so much Laurie wanted to say, but how could she? 'No you're not, Michael killed Jason you'd be glad to see him gone,' but of course she couldn't. As if reading her mind, Katie sighed and reached out her hand to Laurie, who found herself taking it with her uninjured arm.

"Laurie, listen to me. Of course I'm angry Michael killed Jason; we were due to be getting married this year. But…" she paused. "It was wrong of me to blame you for that. I… I'll make no secret of the fact I can't understand how you love the guy and married him, but it's not your fault Jason is dead. That's as good as blaming you for his murder."

"But I understand it," Laurie admitted. "Yes it hurt, but I understand it. After everything Michael said tonight, it appears I need to learn to understand other people's emotions better."

"Ouch," Katie whistled. "He said that?"

"Not… not in so many words," Laurie shook her head. It felt so good to talk to someone about this even if it was the most unexpected person. Finally she struggled to her feet. It took her two attempts as her arm was not only very painful now but had also stiffened up on her.

"Wait a minute," Katie said and picked up a first aid kit from a shelf, putting the money for it into the till from her own pocket and handing it to Laurie. "Here, looks like you need this."

Laurie tried to protest, but she was too tired and Katie glared at her, so she just nodded in thanks. "Can you help me bandage my face?" She asked. "In fact, do you have a mirror I can use?"

Katie stepped to her side and removed a compact mirror from her purse. "Thanks," Laurie took it and studied her face. "Jesus! Just a graze? It's fucking huge!"

"It didn't enter though?" Katie asked as taking the first aid kit, she opened it and began to properly bandage Laurie's cheek.

"Not according to the medics," Laurie shook her head. "They say I was lucky, doesn't fucking feel like it though!"

"There's not much we can do for your shoulder with this," Katie handed her back the first aid kit. "But take it, you might need it."

"Thank you," Laurie said again, sincerely grateful. "I… I appreciate it." She turned towards the door but then stopped, looking back at Katie. Their eyes met once more. "I've missed you," Laurie said softly and didn't even have any pride or strength left to care when the tears began to fall once again. To Laurie's shock, Katie stood up and came back around the counter, this time pulling her into a careful hug.

"Oh Laurie, I've missed you too! I'm so sorry for what's happened to you all, I should've been down there with you, I'm one of the group."

Laurie smiled and leant her head briefly against Katie's shoulder. "Be glad you weren't, it was a true nightmare."

"Doesn't matter," Katie stroked Laurie's back. "I still should've been there to go through it with you, Tom, Lynda and Andy. I just hope they can forgive me too."

"Nothing to forgive," Laurie heard herself saying and realised as she did so that she meant it. "Truly, there's not. I totally understand where you were coming from. Hell in your situation if the roles were reversed I might have said exactly the same."

"You're a true friend Laurie," Katie hugged her tighter, unable to stop herself. "I was a right bitch to you!"

"Not without damn good reason," Laurie hugged her back.

"Just…" Katie hesitated. "Don't expect I and your husband to be… best buddies, ok?"

Laurie smiled humourlessly. "I'm not sure Michael and I are even best buddies right now, but yes, I understand completely. Damn I've missed you Katie, I'm so glad I bumped into you tonight!"

"Likewise," Katie nodded and released her. "Listen, my shift finishes in 15 minutes, wait and I'll drive you back home. No you don't," she said as Laurie opened her mouth to protest. "You truly do look terrible, let me get you back safely. Whatever might have happened between you and Michael tonight, I know he'd want you to be safe and Laurie, so do I! Sit back down!" She pushed her chair back to Laurie. "Now," she added threateningly as Laurie hesitated."

"Yes mom," Laurie said for the third time that night and slumped back into the seat.

"Oh and finish that beer just in case," Katie added with a wink.

As soon as 7AM rolled around Katie moved out from behind the counter, allowing her colleague to relieve her. "Right come on you," she helped Laurie to her feet.

"Damn," Katie's colleague said with genuine concern. "You ok?"

"I'll be fine," Laurie managed a weak smile. "Thanks," she glanced at the girl's name badge. "Rachael."

"Come on," Katie opened the door and the chime sounded again. "Lean on me, I'll get you to the car."

"Take care out there," Rachael called to them and both women nodded and waved as the door swung closed behind them.

It was only then Laurie noticed it'd started to rain. She tried to flex her stiff arm, but it wasn't playing ball and didn't want to know. "Fuck me," Laurie groaned, clutching her shoulder.

"Steady!" Katie reprimanded her. "Come on, let's get you into the warm."

Laurie had almost reached Katie's car when she slipped on the damp ground. She felt her feet sliding away from under her and knew that this fall was going to hurt. Desperately she clutched her shoulder trying to stop it impacting with the ground directly, as Katie frantically tried to help her up.

"Easy there love," said a male voice and a man Laurie had never met before caught her just before she hit the ground in a strong and confident grip, gently pulling her back to her feet. "Easy there, you alright?"

Laurie realised yet again she was crying but nor could she stop it. She was at her wits end just then and had no strength left to fight it. She was almost considering plunging Michael's knife into her own neck. She was in so much pain mentally and physically, and she was broken.

"Hey it's ok," the stranger soothed, pulling her into a hug and stroking her back. Even in her upset state she felt affection for him. "It's ok love, you're ok now."

If only you knew, Laurie thought. I'm far from ok my friend, but thanks for the sentiment.

"Maybe you shouldn't have drunk that beer so fast," Katie whispered in her ear and Laurie tried to smile or even chuckle, but nothing happened. Katie put her arm around her along with the stranger and squeezed. She understood, that squeeze said.

"Come on," the stranger said. "Let's get you to the car. This one Miss?" He asked Katie who nodded to her blue Escort. "Ok, easy does it."

As Katie and the stranger began to support her towards the vehicle, Laurie again felt the prickling on the back of her neck. Was she going insane, or was someone really watching her? She meant what she'd thought earlier. Let them try, get too close she'd fucking stab them! She was beyond caring anymore.

"That's it," the stranger said as they both eased her into the front seat. "My name's Gary, by the way."

"Thank you Gary," Laurie said sincerely, still unable to stop crying. "I can't thank you enough!"

"Here," Gary handed her a sandwich in its boxed wrapper. "Get this down you, it's ham and cheese! You look like you could eat something."

"I couldn't possibly…" Laurie began, but Gary had already closed the car door quietly and was walking away.

"He probably just bought that," Laurie said as Katie got into the driver's seat.

"Then he'll buy another," Katie shrugged. "But I agree with him eat the damn thing already! You're white as a sheet!"

"I'm ok," Laurie said, or thought she did. Everything suddenly seemed to be being seen and heard from down a very long tunnel, or at least until her vision went black and all sound was replaced by silence.

…

"Laurie, Laurie, can you hear me?"

Opening her eyes was one of the hardest struggles she'd endured over the last 24 hours. But when she eventually managed it, she saw she was once again lying on a gurney in the back of an ambulance. Katie was at her side and concerned house owners stood just outside.

"We really need to stop meeting like this," said a female voice and in spite of everything Laurie felt a rush of affection. "Tracey?" She croaked.

"Yes it's me," Tracey said sternly. "Why can't you just rest when asked?"

Katie snickered. "Because she's Laurie Myers, she said. "She's stubborn as all hell!"

"Don't you start," Laurie muttered or at least tried to but wasn't sure that was what came out because all she heard was a weak groan.

Glancing out of the open ambulance doors, she saw they weren't by the store anymore, they were a few streets away. The nearest street sign caught her eye and for a second she was terrified she was going to faint all over again with grief.

Lampkin Lane.

They were parked on Lampkin fucking lane? Of all the damn streets this could've happened on, she just hoped number 45 had its windows closed and curtains down…

"Is she ok?" One of the residence asked with real concern. Laurie felt a rush of gratitude. There were indeed good Samaritans in the world.

"She'll be fine," Tracey assured the elderly lady. "It was this kind soul here who called us," she said to Laurie. "After you passed out."

"Thank you," Laurie croaked, but wasn't sure the lady heard her. Laurie let the tears fall silently now, no longer caring. Katie knelt beside her and hugged her. "It's ok," she and Tracey murmured in unison. "You'll be ok."

"Do you want one of us to get someone to call Lynda?" Tracey asked gently.

"No," Laurie sobbed. "That won't help… nothing will! I'm about at my fucking wits end, I can't lose anything else dear to me tonight! Please, I just want to get home and to bed!"

Tracey looked doubtful. "Your home's still a little drive away sweetheart, you're in no condition to go alone." She looked at Katie. "Where is your house?"

Katie shook her head. "Mine's even further."

"Not just that," Tracey continued. "You hit your cheek pretty good when you fell and it's bleeding pretty badly. I think the best thing is I take you into hospital for the night. I know," she added, as Laurie looked pleadingly at her. "I know you don't want to go, but I don't think I have a choice. You're badly injured and I don't think you should be alone tonight."

Laurie slumped back, totally resigned. "Fine," she muttered. "Do what you have to, I don't care anymore."

"Where's your husband?" Tracey asked softly. "If he was with you I'd be happier about not taking you into hospital."

Laurie visibly winced, unable to meet the paramedics eyes. "I don't think I'm his favourite girl right now," she muttered.

"Ah," Tracey smiled conspiratorially. "However no matter what we do or say to them which hurts, when we need them our men are there for us no matter what."

Laurie fought the urge to roll her eyes and burst into hysterical laughter. Not my husband love, she thought. Not Michael Myers when right now he's not even sure he loves me anymore…

"That certainly appears to be true," Katie said and Laurie now did roll her eyes. If Katie had met someone after losing Jason she was pleased for her of course, she was pretty sure Jason too would want her to move on, but when it came to her and Michael they had no idea what they were talking about.

That was when Laurie heard fast footsteps walking towards them. She couldn't move because she was strapped down to the gurney and moving her head was too painful. Tracey continued gently treating her facial wound, Katie holding her hand. That was when Laurie felt someone enter the vehicle and Katie move aside. Someone knelt at her side and she felt the arms close tightly but gently around her. "I think you're in safe hands now," Tracey said with a smile and began to undo the straps of the gurney.

"I agree," Katie smiled back. "I think our jobs are done. Laurie, I'll call you later ok? I'm so glad we met up again and you're ok." Laurie was so confused; her head was spinning. Katie and Tracey were abandoning her? Why? What had changed Tracey's mind?

That was when she was slowly and gently lifted from the stretcher and carried out of the ambulance as Tracey packed up her equipment. Katie got into her car and with a wave and flash of lights she was gone. Laurie's eyes were still closed, she couldn't focus or take anything in just then.

It was only when she felt the heat against her face as she was carried into a house that she forced them open. When she did, her heart almost stopped with emotion. Because she was being held tightly in Michael's arms and they were standing in the hallway of 45 Lampkin Lane. Laurie desperately tried to speak but she was so tired and weak her mouth refused to respond.

"Shh," she was almost certain she heard Michael saying again and again, as he carried her up the stairs. But even that might've been a dream. Hell maybe she was drugged up in hospital after all? Desperate for verification either way, she put out her good arm and felt her hand come into contact with Michael's unmasked face. She blinked once, twice, desperately trying to believe she wasn't dreaming the whole thing. She was carried into a bedroom and her clothes were slowly and lovingly removed, before she was lifted into a an amazingly soft bed. A few seconds later Michael was beside her, pulling her carefully into his arms. "Shh," he said again, as he now leant in and kissed her once, twice. "Shh." Laurie was still certain this was a dream, but this time when she touched her husband's face his warm and strong hand rested on top of hers, holding hers against his cheek. "I'm here," she was certain she heard him whisper then before he kissed her again and again.

"Michael," Laurie tried to speak, but her mouth was so dry. Immediately a cool glass of water was held to her lips. She drank desperately, thirstier than she'd realised until the glass was empty. "I didn't… I don't…" she started, without a clue what she was trying to say. "I just went out for a walk and met Katie but then I passed out, my damn shoulder… Give me a few minutes and I'll be ok to go back home, I didn't mean to…" Now she was able to see, she finally saw Michael's notebook in his hand.

I don't think so.

"Huh?" She looked at him in surprise. "I honestly didn't mean to end up here though, I want to respect your…"

Laurie, just shut up?

Before she'd even finished reading this message, Michael was kissing her again holding her tightly against him. Now she did begin to cry once more in earnest, even though she'd firmly believed she had no more tears left to shed. "Shh," Michael said again, wiping her tears away with soft tissues before raising his notebook again.

Laurie, Laurie I'm so sorry, I should never have walked out like that I was seriously considering coming back to you, that was out of line no matter what you may have done. I saw you almost fall and… I was scared! If not for that man you may have, I was nowhere near enough to catch you! I love you, damn it I love you! I'm just not used to the pain of someone I love being in danger, please don't subject me to it again without good reason? But damn it I need you, I need to protect you, love you, be there for you… I…

Laurie was astonished when his notebook actually slipped out of his shaking hand and he pulled her almost violently back against him. The pain which shot through her shoulder as a result now seemed like a cut finger, her heart was dancing. Michael's lips pressed back against hers almost desperately and she kissed him back with everything she had. "I'm so sorry darling," she sobbed eventually. "I was wrong to do that maybe for some stupid reason I was trying to impress you, but it makes no sense to me now! I just… fuck! I was angry at those bastards for daring to hurt Tom the way they did and… shit I don't know! I just…" He silenced her again with a kiss, picking up his notepad and writing once more. Laurie never did see the end of his last message.

Damn it! Which is exactly why I love you! As Andy said to me you are a stubborn and determined woman! I know as well as they do that if they hadn't gone down with you you'd have just gone alone, you're too damn fearless for your own good, nor that of those who care about you so much!

"I'm sorry," she nodded, tears still streaming down her face but this time of love and relief. "I know, I just…" He was kissing her again as if he'd never stop, holding her as tightly as he dared given her shoulder injury. Now their tongues slipped into gentle contact and she desperately clutched at his hair. "I'm so sorry Michael, what I said to you about your mask was out of line and fucking low! I won't even try to find an excuse for that! But I can't lose you, I just can't…" As if in answer, taking her lips back with his Michael leaned forward and pulled out the two wedding bands from his pocket. Laurie dared not to hope and yet more tears fell now as he slipped hers back onto her left third finger, still kissing her intensely before donning his own.

That was something which should never have happened, those being taken off. It will never be repeated.

"Michael," she spoke softly, almost afraid of his answer. "Are you sure this isn't just because of what just happened out there? If you still…" but she got no further because his mouth was back on hers even as he wrote his answer.

No, I was seriously close to coming back to you anyway, but when I saw you almost fall and then in that ambulance I panicked! Damn you Laurie Myers, what have you done to me? I love you so much I can't think, can't concentrate, hell can't breathe without you! Why?

But he soon made it clear he wasn't expecting an answer because he was kissing her all over again. She wrapped her arms tightly around him in turn. "Perhaps now you understand how I felt in Smith's Grove," she sniffled. He chuckled and resumed kissing her. Laurie never wanted him to stop. "I really am sorry Michael," she said a few moments later. "I didn't mean to worry you so much, that was the last thing I intended to do. You're everything to me and I can't imagine life without you now. When I was asked to marry you for your release inwardly I was hoping… something like this might happen, but I also knew it might not. So when you told me you love me and then what happened tonight, Michael I was so scared, terrified even I'd lost you! I've felt like this since you first looked at me from behind that glass, even though back then you probably wanted only to kill me. Damn it I didn't care, I…" He stopped her again with his kiss, as he held her tightly. Laurie suddenly realised she needed him right then, desperately. She wanted to at least try to show him she'd meant every word she'd just said. "Please," she pleaded against his mouth. Her husband raised his eyebrows and she knew he understood. He looked uncertain for a moment until she begged him with her eyes. As lovingly and carefully as he could, Michael lowered himself into position so he was licking and suckling her clit. Laurie fisted his hair with pleasure, the pain in her shoulder now all but non-existent. It didn't take long for stars to explode behind her eyes as she came, softly moaning her husband's name. "Don't you fucking dare stop now Michael Myers," she warned. "I mean it!" He chuckled and rested atop her, using his arms so she didn't take his whole weight. She almost cried all over again at his consideration. She sought his mouth again as he pushed into her, pushing her tongue against his in a passionate dance which was just theirs. Michael moved inside her, taking his time just the way she loved and as a result it didn't take her long to come for a second time. She felt Michael's release then as he rolled over, bringing her with him and back into his arms. "I fucking love you," she sobbed against his neck. "I love you so fucking much it hurts…"

"Shh," he said again, stroking her back. Looking up, she saw the soft smile on his lips. He understood. Raising his notepad again this time it only read two words, but no more needed to be written.

Ditto, Laurie.

Her husband's kiss and safe embrace were the last things Laurie Myers felt before her eyes finally closed in exhausted but contented sleep.