Tony loosened his grip on Michelle so that he could pull his head back and try and look her in the eyes. "I am so sorry, Chelle...."

But Michelle cut him off before he could say anymore. "You have no idea how alone I feel right now." She said it with a very deadpan tone and then pulled herself out of his grip and took a couple steps back.

"Chelle you don't need to feel alone – you have me."

"You made me think it was over between us Tony. Don't you know how scared I was? Yet all I could think was that because I didn't do what you said then you didn't care for me anymore. I needed you so badly but you didn't want me, do you know how lonely that made me feel?" Michelle's entire body felt like it was about to fall apart. Every second she kept on hurting made her feel angrier at herself, Tony and they entire situation. She didn't know where to look or where to go. There were too many people around and they were all staring at her, she couldn't handle it anymore she had to get out of there.

Tony was in shock and he just didn't know what to say. He felt sick that he had made her feel that way. He wished she could understand where he was coming from. "I was desperate to try anything to make you choose me instead of you. Most people would have picked the relationship....but not you, you are so much better than that. You have to know I was just desperate, how could I ever, ever break up with you? You're the love of my life Chelle. Don't you know how hard all this was for me Michelle? How the hell was I supposed to be able to handle watching all that happen to you??" Tony was so angry, why didn't she know how much he loved her. He knew he shouldn't be yelling at her but he didn't know how else to get his point across.

Michelle could feel the blood from her eyebrow trickling down her eye, she tried to wipe it away but it just smeared across her cheek. She yelled back at Tony, "If you know how hard it was for you to watch it happen to me, why the hell can't you understand why I had to go against what you were saying and not choose you."

Tony almost spoke over top of her. He raised his voice even more – people 3 stories down could have heard him. "Because it was my job to look after you. You're more fragile and smaller than me, I could handle what they dished out easier."

"If you were in my situation Tony, what would you have done?"

"That's not the point Michelle. This was about you."

"You saved me in the end anyways and you guys caught them both, I did nothing to help – so you did look after me....isn't that what you wanted?"

Jack and his friends, the police and the medics plus a few people from surrounding apartments who had stuck their head in all watched in silence as Tony and Michelle stood yelling at each other. At one point or another they were about to jump in and break it up but decided against it because they figured it was probably a good thing that they were getting all this out in the open. Although it was a situation they all wished they could have given Tony and Michelle privacy for they all had their reasons to stay. The police needed reports, Jack could never leave his friends like this and the medics knew they had to take Michelle to the hospital. Everyone could see how pale they had both become and how unsteady Michelle was becoming on her feet. Jack had never seen Tony so fired up and he was shocked.

"God Michelle you just have no idea where I am coming from. This isn't about me wanting to be a hero or some shit – is that what you think?"

"I don't know what I think Tony. You have confused the hell out of me tonight."

Tony was tired of fighting with Michelle, he hated this. His own body ached so much and he could tell by just looking at Michelle she was getting worse by the minute. He just couldn't make himself calm down though. He took a step forward towards Michelle and pointed his finger at her as he spoke. "You....you broke my heart. You will never ever understand the pain I have felt tonight. You think you feel alone!? Well so do I Michelle....so do I."

"Well Tony if I have already broken your heart and caused you so much pain....maybe you were on the right track when you pretty much broke up with me before." Michelle regretted saying that as soon as the words left her mouth. She couldn't think straight anymore. Everything just felt such a mess and she was sure things with Tony had been too damaged. Her head was cloudy, her legs started to buckle underneath her and her eyes went blurry....

Michelle's words felt like she had driven a knife straight through his heart. He should've killed Les when he had the chance – it was his entire fault this was happening between him and Michelle. That stupid thug would never know what he had done to them. How could she say that?!

"What?......"

Tony only got that one word out when he saw Michelle's body slump to the floor. It took a moment for it to register that she had passed out. He felt bodies ran past him to hers and for a couple of seconds it felt like a dream as he watched everyone try and wake her. Watching her lifeless body as the medics picked her up and placed her on one of their trolley's Tony began to realise what was important here. Seeing Michelle in such a state and revisiting all the images he had from earlier in the night when he was so close to losing her made all his anger wash away and it was replaced with an even deeper love for Michelle than he had had before. He pushed through everyone and stood by her side. "Michelle.....Chelle sweetie, wake up." She didn't stir and he felt so hopeless, he took her hand and squeezed it.

Due to Michelle's state, no one was allowed in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and so Tony followed right behind with Jack. Jack used this opportunity to try and get through to his friend. "Tony trust me, I know you are hurting but you guys can't do this to each other. You do know that you are both basically fighting over things you both did because you care so much for each other."

"I know. Thanks for everything Jack – I wasn't sure if the phone thing would work or not, but I knew you would be my best bet. Thank you."

"Of course buddy – I know you would do the same."

"Jack that was the hardest night ever. I just can't believe what has happened."

"I don't understand what you and Michelle were so angry with each other about – why do you mean by the choosing stuff?"

"At the beginning when they first had us, I told them something along the lines of what I'd do to them if they hurt her. They punched me in the stomach for speaking to them and told me to shut up. Hearing Michelle scream and cry when they hit me was worse than the punch itself. A few minutes later they started threatening Michelle and waving a knife in her face. I couldn't help myself and I begged them not to hurt her. This time they said to me that seeing as them punching me in the stomach hadn't taught me a lesson maybe I'd pay more attention if it was Michelle that got hurt so just like that one of them turned and punched Chelle in the face. That's how she got the cut on her eyebrow and the black eye. Then they went through our wallets and were pissed at how little money we had, they asked if there was more in the house and I said no – this made them even angrier. They said one of us was going to have to be punished for upsetting them. Then they said to Michelle that seeing as they had already heard so much from me they were going to let her decide which one out of us was to get punished. They let us fight it out. I was begging her Jack to just pick me – nothing could possibly hurt more than seeing Michelle get beaten up. She was saying she could never ever put herself before me and there was no way she would pick me. I got so desperate that I ended up giving her an ultimatum that if she didn't pick me then I'd break up with her. Of course I would never break up with her, but I hoped she would choose the relationship - like most people would. It backfired though because she said she would rather have me hate her forever but know I was ok then be the one who was responsible for me getting hurt.

Obviously she picked herself and the rest is history. God Jack we started the night so unbelievably in love and now look at us."

Jack truly felt sorry for Michelle and Tony – what a horrible situation for them to be put in. Either way the situation had played out they both would have been hurt and devastated. "I am so sorry Tony. What bastards! I can now understand where you are both coming from. The thing is though Tony, it wasn't Michelle's fault that she was told to pick. You know from the bottom of your heart that you would have done exactly what she did too. If the roles had been reversed there wouldn't have been a chance in hell that you would have picked her to get hurt....right? I totally understand why you are – I promise you I do, but as hard as all of this was on you tonight, I just don't think you can be angry at Michelle. If anything you need to be grateful that you have found a woman that cares for you so much she would protect you at any cost. I know you couldn't say that about any other girl you have ever dated."

Everything Jack said made sense. Tony had needed someone objective to kick his ass into gear. He just hated what had happened so much. "You are right Jack, but you heard what Michelle said right before she passed out – she pretty much said that maybe us breaking up was the right thing. Do you think I stuffed things up so bad that she really wants it to be over? How can I prove to her that she is not alone and I'd never have broken up with her? It's been such an emotional, tough week Jack – I mean how do we get through it and have the relationship survive? I know most couples would have never even made it this far. Am I expecting too much from Michelle to want her to keep giving us another go?"

"Tony, you just need to be there for her as much as possible right now. I can only imagine that she is going to be really freaked out and scared. You need to do everything you possibly can to make her feel safe. She is going to feel pretty sick and sore and will need someone to help her with stuff and care for her. Plus knowing Michelle, she will feel self conscious about any bruises scars she has from this so everyone is going to have to make sure that they don't make a big deal about how bad anything looks. This week has made you guys so close, I just know you guys can survive this as well. Talk to her Tony, explain how you felt tonight and make sure she understands exactly why you said the things you said. You will be fine Tony, just open yourself up to her and make her feel as loved and protected as possible."

Tony played Jacks words over and over in his head the rest of the way to the hospital. He also left a message on Angie's phone letting her know what had happened and where they were. By the time they arrived there Michelle had already been taken through to a room and was waiting for a doctor. She had woken up and felt confused, lonely and scared in this strange room by herself. She felt relieved seeing Tony walk through the door.

Tony made his way over to the bed. He tried to smile and speak with a soft and gentle tone. "Chelle, please hear me out. Just give me a couple minutes?"

Michelle would have given Tony all the time in the world. No matter how bad she felt, she needed Tony so much. She felt so nervous and didn't want to be left alone. The whole night had left her so confused. She just hoped he wasn't going to yell at her again. She nodded her head, "thanks for coming here....can you...I...can, please don't yell at me again though."

Michelle's eyes were so watery and he had never seen her look so vulnerable. He couldn't help himself, he wanted nothing more than to just scoop her up in his arms. He had to settle for stroking her hair across her forehead. "I swear, no more yelling. How are you feeling?

The tears flowed from her eyes and when she spoke her voice was very shaky. "Tony I hurt so much." She sobbed for a moment, almost choking on her words. "I am so sore Tony. I can't get into a position I am comfortable in." She continuously had to keep wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"Aww Michelle..." Tony's heart just melted. "Here..." He helped her sit up and then he climbed onto the bed up where her pillow was. He slid down the bed a little and put one leg on either side of her body. He very gently put his hands on her waist and pulled her body in to him. She lay back into his chest and he put his arms around her so that her whole body was encased with his. "Is this a bit better?"

Michelle nodded her head. Although she didn't say anything, she felt so good wrapped up in his arms – she hoped he would never let go. "Don't cry sweetie, you are safe now and I am not going to leave your side. The doctors will give you something for the pain real soon."

Tony hadn't expected all this to happen with Michelle. He thought when he went in to see her she would either tell him to leave or if he was lucky enough to get in she wouldn't really be up for hearing what he had to say. He realised how much she must really be going through and no matter what, above everything else – she needed to be comforted and feel loved and secure. He was sure he wouldn't be her first choice of person to be comforting her right now but seeing as he was the one she cried and turned too and she was letting him, he was going to be everything and more that she needed.

The doctor walked in, he looked rather surprised and confused to find them in that position. Michelle was still weeping a little and so Tony spoke up. "Hi Doctor, My name is Tony Almeida – I am Michelle's boyfriend. Sorry I am up on the bed, I wanted to be able to hold Michelle as close as I could." Tony gave the doctor a look as if to say 'she really needs this right now' and the doctor only had to take one look at Michelle for one second to see how upset and vulnerable she was. If having Tony hold Michelle like that helped her any – it was completely fine with him.

"That's fine Tony – whatever helps right now is good with me. I will need you to move your arms to the side though so I can access all of Michelle's body." Tony immediately did what he was asked. "Now Michelle, I am going to need to check everywhere you were hit. I'll give you an injection for pain before I begin, and then afterwards we will get that eye stitched up. Where are you sore?"

A nurse began to prep Michelle's thigh for the injection. Michelle put her hand on her stomach, "Mainly on my front and side. My neck and my right thigh." Tony held Michelle's hand as the nurse gave the injection. Michelle seemed to be ok with it.

The doctor nervously told Michelle that he would need her to remove her clothes down to her underwear and bra. He said he would give her a couple minutes privacy and then come back.

Tony wondered what Michelle would want him to do. "Chelle, what do you want me to do. Do you want me to step outside – or stay with you?"

"What do you want to do Tony?"

"Chelle, I want to do whatever makes you feel the best. I'd like to be in here to support you, but if that makes you uncomfortable.....then I'll go outside."

"No, don't go, don't leave. Please stay." Michelle almost begged.

Tony kissed the top of her head. "Of course, it's ok – I am not going anywhere." Tony felt guilty that he had still not even mentioned everything that had happened between them yet. There was no time to discuss it right now but he wanted to acknowledge it. "Chelle, I know we can't talk about it right now, but I need you to know how sorry I am for tonight. Especially that stupid ultimatum I gave you – there is nothing in the world that could make me break up with you....I just was so desperate at that point I was willing to try anything to sway your decision. I didn't know how to cope with what was going to happen to you and it almost made me forget how rough it must have been on you being the one making the decision. I want you to know how much I value and appreciate the fact that you went to all lengths to protect me – I really am the luckiest guy in the world. I've just never felt so much pain in my heart than I did tonight watching them touch you like that – there is nothing more devastating and heartbreaking then having to watch something like that and not be able to help you. I thought I was going to lose my mind, I know that's no excuse to get angry at you, I just freaked out and I didn't know how else to direct everything I was feeling."

"I am sorry for everything Tony – it was an impossible situation for both of us. I tried to be tough Tony, but I just couldn't – I was so frightened. After he hit me the first time so hard, I really thought we might not make it out of it all. Were you scared? God, I hate them so much..."

Tony tightened his grip a little on Michelle. "It's ok now Chelle – we are both safe and we still have each other. We will chat lots about this – but we had better get you changed now because the doctor will be back any second."

Michelle sat up a little and put her arms up in the air, Tony pulled her top off over head as gentle as possible. As he did this, Michelle covered herself with a blanket at the same time so that Tony was unable to see any bruises. He did see for a second before Michelle lay down again a huge one on her back. Tony then jumped off the bed and stood over Michelle. He undid her button and fly and pulled her pants down and then off her legs. Michelle did the same thing again with the blanket. He climbed back up on to the bed back into the same position as before. Just as he got settled the doctor walked back in.

"Ok Michelle lets look at your stomach first. Are you ready?"

Michelle nodded. Tony kissed Michelle's cheek. He felt so frightened of what he was about to see. The doctor pulled the blanket down to reveal an almost black and blue stomach, especially all up her left side was black. Her chest had red marks, and her entire stomach and side was very swollen. It was so noticeable on her left side – it stuck out about an entire finger length from her body it was so swollen. At the top of her arms there were finger and hand imprints in bruises – that must have been from when Les was forcing Michelle to stand up. Tears streamed down Tony's face, even the doctor looked a little chocked up. Michelle saw how the doctor looked at her and she could feel the tear drops landing on her shoulder from Tony, she felt so bad. "I am so sorry I am so ugly to look at. I'm so discoloured – I feel like I must be offensive to you, I am so sorry."

This made Tony actually sob. He didn't care who heard him, at this point it was the only way he could express how he felt. "Chelle you are the most beautiful person in the world. Those bruises will heal in no time at all. You take my breath away."

The doctor also tried to reassure Michelle that she was beautiful and that the markings would go away soon enough. He wanted her to try and think and feel confidently about her body. He turned her to her side to see how far around the marks went. He could actually see the shape of a boot in a bruise on her lower side and back. It made the doctor feel sick.

Michelle squeezed Tony's hand. "Please don't cry Tony, please don't cry."

"I am sorry Chelle. I am so sorry for what they did to you. It rips me apart to see this my princess. God I'm sorry for all of this, I just can't believe that this has happened." Tony kissed her cheek and the top of her head. He squeezed her hand back and then whispered in her ear, "I'll never let go of you again."

Michelle began to cry again, she didn't know how to respond to Tony. She never wanted him to let her go again. The tears stung in her black eye – making her flinch and groan. She cursed herself, "stupid bloody eye...I can't even cry without it hurting." All her thoughts kept the tears flowing though.

"Tony...."

"Yes sweetie?"

As Michelle began to talk, she became more and more chocked up to the point she sounded almost sounded hysterical. Her breathing was short and fast and she couldn't see through the tears. The doctor was so affected by her that he stopped examining and stood back. He placed one hand on her shoulder and gently stroked her.

"I thought I had lost you Tony, either from my actions or theirs. I don't know what I would have done if I lost you. What would I have done Tony? Tony...."

Tony shifted his body around to the side of the bed so he could pull Michelle's head into his chest. He held one hand on her back as tightly as he could and the other one was on her head. She sobbed and Tony could feel the tears running down his stomach.

I have to leave it there for now – but hopefully I'll get the next chapter up tomorrow or the next day latest. Thanks for the reviews – I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!