(disclaimer. I dont own any of the characters in my story. I am in no way envoled with the show.)
Julian stumbled across the room. His brandy glass on it's side, dripping drops of mixed liquors on the floor. Tonight Julian had drank more then he usually does. The thought of Eve tore at his heart. The thought of Becky made his mind scream out all the anger he felt towards her. He thought for sure a couple drinks would clear his head and cloud his heart. A miss-step and Julian was down on the floor. Suddenly blackness shrowded Julian like a cloak... "Where's Becky?", Julian thought, just before he passed out.
Light was streaming in through the windows. Julian had to blink twice when he opened his eyes. He looked around; he was laying in his bed. He was in his room but there was something different. It was... cheerful, and there were feminine things scattered around.
"What the?", Julian yelled as he sat up.
"What darling?", an angelic, feminine voice asked.
Julian looked beside him, there Eve layed under the covers. "Eve! What are you doing here?", Julian yelled.
"Julian what are you talking about? We're married.", she replied calmly.
"Marr....Married?"
"Yes. I think you hit your head harder then I thought.", Eve said worriedly. Eve sat up and felt Julian's forehead. "You dont have a fever."
"Of course I don't have a fever", Julian yelled.
"I'm sorry. I'm not a doctor."
Julian froze. "Not a doctor?", he thought. "Hmm, I could like this...", Julian thought. Eve is my wife, so I could take advantage of her. A smile spread across Julian's face.
"What?", Eve asked. Julian turned to face his wife. His smile quickly faded. "What?", Eve asked again.
"How could I have even thought that?", Julian scolded himself. Eve was so beautiful, he didn't deserve to have her. "Eve?", Julian said softly.
"Yes Julian?", She asked. She could see his eyes fill with tears; the love in his eyes was so obvious. "Julian whats the matter?", Eve asked worriedly.
"I'm just so happy. You're here with me....me."
"Of course. Where else would I be? You know you're the only one for me." Eve hugged Julian. Julian closed his eyes and enjoyed the hug to the fullest. Eve drew back and noticed Julian's eyes were closed. She started to giggle. "What?", Julian asked.
"You had your eyes closed. It looked like you had never held me before."
Julian started to blush (which he never did). This, of course, set Eve into another giggle fit. A sly smile spread across Julian's face. Suddenly Julian's hands shot out towards Eve's stomach. Eve was on her back laughing the hardest she ever had as Julian tickled her sides.
"Stop....hehehe...stop...!", Eve yelled between fits of laughs.
Julian stopped suddenly worried that he was actully hurting her in his fun. He was so wrong. As soon as he stopped Eves hands shot out towards Julian. Julian laughed a deep laugh, and squirmed uncontrolably. Eve laughed at the sight of Julian squirming.
"So the great Julian the Crane laughs and squirms when tickled, huh?" Eve teased.
Suddenly Julian rolled over so he was ontop of Eve. "Pinned ya!", Julian teased. Eve tried to get free, but it was no use, she was trapped. Julian smiled proudly as he lowered his head and soflty kissed her neck. Eve giggled.
Ding dong! The doorbell rang through Julian's head like a bomb exploding. Ding dong!
"Someone get the blasted door!", Julian yelled as he gripped his head in pain. All of a sudden Becky walked into the room.
"Hello pooky.", Becky greeted Julian. Julian clutched his head. "Julian come on, get up. You have to go to..." Becky droned on as Julian clutched his head and rolled around on the floor. "Julian. Stop rolling on the floor you look like an idiot. It's a good thing no one can see you. Next time don't drink so much. Come on Julian get up! We have stuff to do. I talked to..."
Julian crawled over to the tray of liquors and chugged back a bottle of rye. Suddenly the cloud of blackness surrounded him again.
Julian woke up to nothing. Julian sat up. There was nothing around him. The blackness just went on forever. Suddenly a man in a black suit stepped up to Julian. Julain couldn't see his face.
"Julian you discrace this family. Can't you do anything right?", the man said sharply.
"Father? What are you doing here?", Julian asked.
"Julian you fool you don't even know were here is. Come on Julian get up and walk into the light.", Alistar said as he walked into the darkness.
Julian got up and blindly stumbled a little ways. "Father? Where is the light?", Julian asked.
"This way. Come on you lousy son, follow me!"
Julian strained his eyes but could not see anything. The voice of his father came from every direction and was no help. "Father, I need guidence. Guide me."
Alister laughed coldly. "Cranes don't need help. Hurry up!"
Julian contined to stumble blindly into the darkness. Suddenly anouther figure approched him.
"Hello Julian. Need some help?" Julian looked up at the figure. Luis stood there with a smile and a hand extended.
"No, I dont need a hand. I'm a crane!", Julian yelled bitterly. Suddenly Luis' figured faded. A lump formed in his heart as he was left alone again in the darkness.
"Julian, come play with me." Julian looked down to see a little Sherdian looking up at him, a smile on her face.
"Sheridian?", Julian asked.
"Come on Julian take my hand and come play with me." Julian was about to lower his hand when suddenly Sheridan ran off.
"Sheridan come back!", Julian yelled; he could feel a tear coming to his eyes.
"Julian.", a firm voice said. Julian whirled around to see his father standing there. "Julian come inside for a lesson.", Alister said.
"I wanna play.", Julian found himself saying.
"No Julian, Cranes don't play. Now come in for your lessons."
"But Sheridan gets to play."
"She's just a girl; she's a discrace. If I had a choice I'd only have you. Sheridan disobeys me. She's of no use to me..."
Suddenly Alister faded out. Again Sheridan was down at Julian's feet. "Julian come play with me." She held her hand up.
"No.", Julian said firmly.
Sheridan ran off crying. Another lump formed in his heart. Still, Julian stumbled on in the darkness. The more he walked the more tired he became, and the more hungry and thirsty. Julian sat down exhausted and cried. The tears poured out, soaking his sleeves.
"Julian, what's the matter?"
Julian knew that voice, he looked up to see Eve standing above him. The tears continued to fall down his cheeks; he could taste the salt of his tears as they landed on his lips. He hated how weak he looked at the moment.
"Go away!", Julian yelled. As soon as he said the words he regretted them. "Again I chase Eve away...", Julian thought. He put his head down and started crying again.
Julian jumped as an arm slid around his shoulders. He looked aside to see Eve crouching beside him. Eve was holding onto a handkerchief. Carefully she wiped the tears from his eyes.
"Eve...", Julain said; his voice quivering as he talked.
"Shhhh.", she said as she wrapped her arms around Julian and started rocking back and forward, as she stroked his hair. After awhile she let go and stood up.
"Noo!", Julian yelled as he wrapped his arms around her legs and held on.
"Julian its alright I'm still here. Follow me."
Julian looked up into the kind features of the women he knew he loved. Suddenly his father's face appeared behind Eve.
"Julian, she's no good for you. Leave her. Get someone with money. You have no reason to stay with her, no ties. Leave now, or I will disown you. You don't want to live with no money do you?"
Julian was about to shake his head no but stopped. "Eve did you hear my father talking?", he asked. Eve shook her head no. Julian stood up and looked Eve straight in the eyes. "I shall follow you were ever you may go. I will protect you from any danger that faces you. I will shout it a thousand times that I love you. I will never forsake you for any reason, 'cause truth be known you are worth more than all the money in the world."
Eve smiled and her eyes filled with tears. Julian wasn't sure how he came up with that speech but he was quite proud of himself.
"You will be poor forever!", Alister yelled angerly behind Julian.
"I don't care father, as long as I am happy."
"You will regret it, forever."
"We'll see, but I don't see how I can."
"Follow me Julian.", Eve said.
"Anywhere," Julian answered. Eve held Julian's hand and they walked towards a bright circle of light.
Light was streaming in through the windows. Julian had to blink twice when he opened his eyes. "Eve!" Julian yelled happily.
"What?", Eve said as she rushed into the room.
Julian sat up. Eve's badge hung down in front of Julian, haunting him. He knew this time he was in reality. "How are you feeling?", Eve asked worriedly.
"Fine.", Julian answered, clutching his head. "I don't want to be here.", Julian thought. Eve softly grabbed Julian's chin to make him look at her. She felt his forehead.
"Your forehead's not hot.", Eve stated.
"Of course it's not hot, I just passed out. Don't you know anything?" As soon as Julian said it he regreted it.
"Julian, you had too much alcohol and you got alcohol poisioning. I'm the doctor!"
Suddenly a thought came to Julian's head. "Was I almost dead?", Julian asked.
"Yes."
"Why did you bring me back?" Julian thought to the blackness, was that death? Was him choosing Eve the choice of life? Was him choosing his father death? His father seemed to want him to leave, he said go to the light, but he knew without help he would not have found it and would have walked in that blackness forever. "I wish I was dead! Why do I have to care about you?", Julian yelled.
Eve stood shocked.
"I want out of here!", Julian yelled.
"But Julian, you just had alcohol poisioning. You might still have some after affects."
"Dont worry; I can handle it, just get the papers."
"Did he say he cares for me?", Eve thought as she left to get the papers.
"Did I just yell what I think I yelled?", thought Julian. "Arg, I need a drink."
All of a sudden Eve rushed into the room with a pen and some papers. She showed him were to sign and he signed. "Finally.", sighed Julian, "I can get out of here."
"Julian no more drinking. Your system can't take it anymore. If you keep drinking there's no telling when you might actully die."
Julian looked at Eve, filled with disgust at the idea of her telling him what to do, but his mind quickly changed at what he saw. He saw concern in her eyes, "She does still love me.", he thought. "Now all I have to do is prove it and get her to divorce TC... Easier said than done."
Julian walked into his study. Becky was sitting in his chair. "Pooky where were you?"
Julian was floored, he was in the hospital and she didn't know. "What happened after I drank the rye?", Julian asked.
"Well I saw that you were passed out so I left and went shopping.", Becky smiled, "Wanna see the lingerie I bought?"
"No, I dont." Julian walked over to the liquor tray and was about to pour himself a drink; suddenly Eve's face appeared. I can't drink for her sake, Julian thought.
"Pooky why don't you want to see my purchases?"
"Becky you know what? I've had it with you. There's no way in a million years that I am going to marry you. You annoy me. Go be a tramp somewhere else. I never want to see you again!", Julian yelled as he stormed out of the room. "Ahh, what have I done? Fathers going to be angry with me... Well if he's going to be angry, what's the harm in making him more angry?", Julian thought.
Julian sat on a bench looking up at the full moon. A cool breeze flowed through his hair. He could hear the swing swaying in the breeze near by. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath and thought about the day's events. "Father's going to kill me.", Julian thought to himself.
In the distance Julian heard a comotion. "Come on baby. You dont have a choice. Let me see how well built you are down there!" A male voice yelled out.
Julian cringed at the thought of what must be happening. "Might as well leave now so I can't be a witness.", Julian thought.
"No...get away from me..!", a female voice rang out.
"I know that voice.", Julian thought. Julian started running full blast down the concrete path of the park. Suddenly three figures came into view. Two male, one female.
"Hey get away from her!", Julian yelled out. Julian figured they would get scared and run, unfortunately he was wrong.
"Hey man its been a long time. Bug off!", the man said as he flipped open a pocket knife.
Julian stopped. The female figure looked at him. Julian was right; it was Eve. Julian's courage flowed through him and he began to walk towards the man.
"Come on man. You can't protect every women, leave this one.", the man yelled out.
"He was doing a very bad job of persuading me.", Julian thought. "I might be 20 years or so older than him, but I'll still knock him down."
"You know that women you speak of?", Julian yelled out at the men. "Well she's the love of my life and I don't care what dangers face her; I will protect her."
The man snickered; he was sure he could take Julian. He had heard about this man; a coward he was, could never fight his own fight. The man swung at Julian with the knife. Julian doged it and swung at the man. Crack! The hit connected with the man's jaw. The man stumbled backwards.
"Wow!", Julian thought. "I hit harder then I thought."
All of a sudden the secound man was on Julian's back. Julian could see Eve crying on the ground. Julian stumbled under the man's weight. The first man swung with the knife again. Pain shot through Julian's chest. Julian jerked forward and the man on his back fell off, Julian quickly kicked him in the head. The first man swung again; again Julian doged. Crack! Julian connected with the man's jaw again. Thunk! Julian punched the man in the nose. The man stumbled back and fell on the ground. Julian just caught the shadow of the secound man running away clutching his head. Julian walked over to the first man. He had risen to his feet and was wavering a bit.
"Hey man I'll never bug her again I swear.", he said as he ran off clutching his nose. Drops of blood dripped onto the grass as he ran away. Julian looked down at the big gash across his chest. He still couldn't feel the pain and he was glad. That's the last thing he needed. He fell down beside Eve.
"Are you alright?", Julian asked, concern in his voice.
Eve contined to cry but slightly nodded. Julian wrapped his arms around her.
"It's alright. I'll protect you; I promise. Don't worry; I'll get you home." Julian lifted Eve into his arms. How he wished he could walk to his house and lay Eve into his bed and comfort her through the night, but he knew he couldn't. He had to return her to TC; he thought bitterly.
Thunk, thunk! Julian hit the door with his foot. No one answered. Again he hit the door with his foot. TC answered the door.
"What did you do to my wife?", Tc yelled. He grabbed his wife from Julian's arms and set her down on the couch.
"I was in the park and......"
Bam! TC punched Julian in the face. Julian stumpled back out the door and tripped down the steps. Thunk! His head hit the pavement, blackness surrounded him.
Julian woke up and opened his eyes slowly. Only one opened though, the other stayed shut. He could see a policeman standing over him.
"Julian Crane you're under arrest.", The policeman said calmly.
"On what charge?", Julian questioned, only half understanding what was going on.
"For the attempted rape of Dr. Russel."
"What?", Julian yelled. "There's some mistake. I never raped her."
"Thats not what we heard."
"Well you heard wrong. I'm telling the truth."
All of a sudden Eve came running out of the house, she bent down and kissed Julian's forhead. "You're the sweetest man in the world.", Eve said shaking. Julian sat up. The blood rushing from his head. Julian quickly clutched his head, but then his arms moved around Eve. He held her close and slowly rocked her back and forth. TC ran outside.
"What is this man doing to my wife now?", TC yelled in a fit of rage.
Julian paid no attention and continued to hug Eve. He wanted this moment to last forever. TC started coming towards Julian, fists raised. The policeman grabbed TC's wrist.
"I think we need to talk about what happened."
Inside Eve and Julian sat on a the couch together, holding hands. TC stared in anger from a chair across the room. The policemen took the other two chairs, which they moved so they faced the couch. "Eve tell us what happened.", one of the policemen said.
"Well I was walking home from the late shift at the hospital... the car was in the shop for repairs... and..." Eve started crying and shaking violently. Julian wrapped his arms around Eve and held her close. TC watched, blinded with rage and not noticing his wife's difficulties.
Julian cut in, "I was in the park, just sitting on a bench. I heard yelling and I went to investigate. I saw two men. One had Eve; the other was threatning her. I yelled at them to back off. Then one of the men pulled out a knife. I went against him and got a good hit in. The secound man came after me. He had left Eve who was crying on the ground, obviously in shock. Then the first man came after me again, and he hit me..."
"Is that how you got that gash in your chest?", the policeman inturputed.
"Yes.", Julian confirmed.
The other officer wrote stuff down in his journal. "Continue.", the first officer urged.
Julian took a deep breath, "Well I threw the one off me and kicked him. Then I went after the first one and I hit him again. That's when I saw the secound guy running away. Then I hit the first guy again. That's when he promised never to hurt Eve again and he ran away with a broken or bloody nose. It was dripping blood anyway. Thats what happened."
"Did you get your black eye in the fight too?", the officer asked.
"No.", Julian said. "When I fought the guys off I picked her up and carried her here. TC freaked out and took his wife and punched me. That's how I got my black eye. I stumbled backwards and tripped over the step and I was knocked unconscious. Then I woke up to you standing over me."
The officer contined to write in his book. "I see. So TC you knocked this guy out 'cause you thought he did something to your wife, but actully he saved her."
TC nodded his head.
"TC do you have anger managment problems?", the officer asked.
"No!", TC yelled.
The officer looked at the other officer. "Alright Mr.Crane, my partner will escort you and Dr. Russel to the hospital. I will stay here and talk to Mr. Russel."
All through the car ride to the hospital and even walking through the halls, Julian never once let Eve's hand go. She was glad but would never admit it. Luckly the knife wound wasn't deep and didn't need stitches, although there would be a scar left. Julian didn't mind; it reminded him about the fact that he saved Eve and he had never been so close to her since he deserted her. He still hated the fact he did that. Eve had no problems although she still had to deal with the shock and the emotional difficulties, which Julian sweared he would help her with. The other policemen appeared at the hospital about the time Julian and Eve were ready to go.
"Dr. Russel?"
"Yes.", Eve answered.
"I think you're ready to talk about what happened."
"Julian told you word for word. That's what happend."
"Alright mamn, do you swear that's your story too."
Eve nodded.
"Alright well your husband still thinks Julian had something to do with it. He wants to charge Julian, but I know for a fact he can't win. He also seem to have an anger problem. Right now you just had a terible shock and are impressionable, so I want you to stay at Julian's house until you're out of your shock. I'm sure you'll be cared for much better there. I know its weird to hear but its true. Also, I would like you to help Julian heal his wounds."
Eve nodded. She didn't feel like arguing. She felt that being with her husband would be best... but Julian had been so nice and helpful. Also, she was starting to feel really comortable around him.
"This can be your room, if you want.", Julian stated once they had arrived at the mansion and he had shown her around. Eve admired her room. It was a large room on the second level, right next to Julian's. Julian had even so nicely mentioned that there was a lock on the door. He wasn't sure if he should, after all it made it sound like he was likely to do something. He did want her to feel safe and if that meant making himself look like a rapist too, so be it.
Eve on the other hand understood exactly why Julian mentioned that there was a lock on the door. The thought that Julian might try to rape her never once entered her mind. The room was more cheerful compared to all the other rooms. It looked almost like it was made for a lady. Julian lead Eve over to the bed. Eve sighed as she layed down, it was so comfy and safe. "Thank you Julian. I feel tired I think I'll just go to sleep right away."
"No problem. If you ever need me I'm right next door. My door's always open, feel free to wake me."
Eve nodded and Julian silently left.
"Julian?", a soft voice floated to his ears, coaxing him to wake from his slumber. "Julian?", the voice asked again.
"Yes?", Julian mumbled.
Eve took a deep breathe, it was kinda embarrasing. "Maybe it's not important.", Eve thought. Eve lifted her head and looked out the window; the moon was full and shadows danced across the lawn. A shadowy figure seemed to be leaning against a post staring, staring at the window. Eve looked back down at Julian. "I'm scared."
"Thats nice, now go to bed.", Julian mumbled.
Eve violently shook Julian. Julian bolted up, "Huh, what the... uhh... Eve what are you doing here?"
"I'm scared.", Eve repeated.
"Ohh ok. Ummm... well let's head to your room." Julian softly took Eves hand and lead her out of the room. Julian yawned as he opened the door to Eve's room. "Alright well you crawl into the bed.", Julian suggested. "And I'll just grab this." Julian picked up a chair and placed it beside the bed and took a seat. The pain started to return to his chest.
"Umm... Eve I'll just quickly grab my pain pills.", Julian said as he started getting up.
Eve reached out and grabbed his hand, "No dont leave."
Julian sighed. He didn't want her to get out of bed again, but it was obvious he couldn't get his pills otherwise. Julian sluked back into the seat. Eve layed back in the bed and closed her eyes. Julian had closed his and was just about to doze off.
"Julian?"
"Yes Eve?", Julian mumbled.
"Come into the bed with me."
"What?", Julian asked squinting in the dark at Eve.
"I'd feel so much safer if you were closer to me."
Julian sighed, he didn't have much choice. "Hmm, it's very odd...", Julian thought. "A beautiful woman asks me to get into a bed with her and the first thing that comes to my mind is no." It was very obvious that a conscious was starting to sprout in Julian. Julian slipped under the covers and cuddled up to Eve. Sleep quickly over took Julian.
Light was streaming in through the windows. Julian had to blink twice when he opened his eyes. A sharp pain shot through his chest. "I know this is real.", Julian thought to himself. Julian looked beside him expecting to see Eve. He saw no on. Julian sat up. "Eve!?", Julian called overtaken by worry.
"Yes?" Eve yelled back.
Julian breathed a sigh of relief.
"Julian take you shirt off!", Eve yelled from the bathroom.
"What?", Julian yelled confused.
"Take your shirt off!"
"Alright."
Suddenly Eve walked into the room, a bottle in her hand.
"Whats that?", Julian asked.
"Disinffectant."
"What for?"
"Your wound."
"It's alright."
"Julian, Be good.", Eve warned as she sat down on the bed. "Now this will sting a bit." Eve carefully sprayed dissefectent over the wound. Julian bit his bottom lip as pain spread across his chest. Eve lightly blew over the wound and the stinging ceased.
Julian instantly relaxed. "How are you feeling today?", he asked.
"Better."
"That's good. Well I guess we had better get dressed and go eat breakfast."
"Yeah we should. I'll see you later."
"You too.", Julian confirmed before he lightly kissed her cheek and walked out the door.
Julian stumbled across the room. His brandy glass on it's side, dripping drops of mixed liquors on the floor. Tonight Julian had drank more then he usually does. The thought of Eve tore at his heart. The thought of Becky made his mind scream out all the anger he felt towards her. He thought for sure a couple drinks would clear his head and cloud his heart. A miss-step and Julian was down on the floor. Suddenly blackness shrowded Julian like a cloak... "Where's Becky?", Julian thought, just before he passed out.
Light was streaming in through the windows. Julian had to blink twice when he opened his eyes. He looked around; he was laying in his bed. He was in his room but there was something different. It was... cheerful, and there were feminine things scattered around.
"What the?", Julian yelled as he sat up.
"What darling?", an angelic, feminine voice asked.
Julian looked beside him, there Eve layed under the covers. "Eve! What are you doing here?", Julian yelled.
"Julian what are you talking about? We're married.", she replied calmly.
"Marr....Married?"
"Yes. I think you hit your head harder then I thought.", Eve said worriedly. Eve sat up and felt Julian's forehead. "You dont have a fever."
"Of course I don't have a fever", Julian yelled.
"I'm sorry. I'm not a doctor."
Julian froze. "Not a doctor?", he thought. "Hmm, I could like this...", Julian thought. Eve is my wife, so I could take advantage of her. A smile spread across Julian's face.
"What?", Eve asked. Julian turned to face his wife. His smile quickly faded. "What?", Eve asked again.
"How could I have even thought that?", Julian scolded himself. Eve was so beautiful, he didn't deserve to have her. "Eve?", Julian said softly.
"Yes Julian?", She asked. She could see his eyes fill with tears; the love in his eyes was so obvious. "Julian whats the matter?", Eve asked worriedly.
"I'm just so happy. You're here with me....me."
"Of course. Where else would I be? You know you're the only one for me." Eve hugged Julian. Julian closed his eyes and enjoyed the hug to the fullest. Eve drew back and noticed Julian's eyes were closed. She started to giggle. "What?", Julian asked.
"You had your eyes closed. It looked like you had never held me before."
Julian started to blush (which he never did). This, of course, set Eve into another giggle fit. A sly smile spread across Julian's face. Suddenly Julian's hands shot out towards Eve's stomach. Eve was on her back laughing the hardest she ever had as Julian tickled her sides.
"Stop....hehehe...stop...!", Eve yelled between fits of laughs.
Julian stopped suddenly worried that he was actully hurting her in his fun. He was so wrong. As soon as he stopped Eves hands shot out towards Julian. Julian laughed a deep laugh, and squirmed uncontrolably. Eve laughed at the sight of Julian squirming.
"So the great Julian the Crane laughs and squirms when tickled, huh?" Eve teased.
Suddenly Julian rolled over so he was ontop of Eve. "Pinned ya!", Julian teased. Eve tried to get free, but it was no use, she was trapped. Julian smiled proudly as he lowered his head and soflty kissed her neck. Eve giggled.
Ding dong! The doorbell rang through Julian's head like a bomb exploding. Ding dong!
"Someone get the blasted door!", Julian yelled as he gripped his head in pain. All of a sudden Becky walked into the room.
"Hello pooky.", Becky greeted Julian. Julian clutched his head. "Julian come on, get up. You have to go to..." Becky droned on as Julian clutched his head and rolled around on the floor. "Julian. Stop rolling on the floor you look like an idiot. It's a good thing no one can see you. Next time don't drink so much. Come on Julian get up! We have stuff to do. I talked to..."
Julian crawled over to the tray of liquors and chugged back a bottle of rye. Suddenly the cloud of blackness surrounded him again.
Julian woke up to nothing. Julian sat up. There was nothing around him. The blackness just went on forever. Suddenly a man in a black suit stepped up to Julian. Julain couldn't see his face.
"Julian you discrace this family. Can't you do anything right?", the man said sharply.
"Father? What are you doing here?", Julian asked.
"Julian you fool you don't even know were here is. Come on Julian get up and walk into the light.", Alistar said as he walked into the darkness.
Julian got up and blindly stumbled a little ways. "Father? Where is the light?", Julian asked.
"This way. Come on you lousy son, follow me!"
Julian strained his eyes but could not see anything. The voice of his father came from every direction and was no help. "Father, I need guidence. Guide me."
Alister laughed coldly. "Cranes don't need help. Hurry up!"
Julian contined to stumble blindly into the darkness. Suddenly anouther figure approched him.
"Hello Julian. Need some help?" Julian looked up at the figure. Luis stood there with a smile and a hand extended.
"No, I dont need a hand. I'm a crane!", Julian yelled bitterly. Suddenly Luis' figured faded. A lump formed in his heart as he was left alone again in the darkness.
"Julian, come play with me." Julian looked down to see a little Sherdian looking up at him, a smile on her face.
"Sheridian?", Julian asked.
"Come on Julian take my hand and come play with me." Julian was about to lower his hand when suddenly Sheridan ran off.
"Sheridan come back!", Julian yelled; he could feel a tear coming to his eyes.
"Julian.", a firm voice said. Julian whirled around to see his father standing there. "Julian come inside for a lesson.", Alister said.
"I wanna play.", Julian found himself saying.
"No Julian, Cranes don't play. Now come in for your lessons."
"But Sheridan gets to play."
"She's just a girl; she's a discrace. If I had a choice I'd only have you. Sheridan disobeys me. She's of no use to me..."
Suddenly Alister faded out. Again Sheridan was down at Julian's feet. "Julian come play with me." She held her hand up.
"No.", Julian said firmly.
Sheridan ran off crying. Another lump formed in his heart. Still, Julian stumbled on in the darkness. The more he walked the more tired he became, and the more hungry and thirsty. Julian sat down exhausted and cried. The tears poured out, soaking his sleeves.
"Julian, what's the matter?"
Julian knew that voice, he looked up to see Eve standing above him. The tears continued to fall down his cheeks; he could taste the salt of his tears as they landed on his lips. He hated how weak he looked at the moment.
"Go away!", Julian yelled. As soon as he said the words he regretted them. "Again I chase Eve away...", Julian thought. He put his head down and started crying again.
Julian jumped as an arm slid around his shoulders. He looked aside to see Eve crouching beside him. Eve was holding onto a handkerchief. Carefully she wiped the tears from his eyes.
"Eve...", Julain said; his voice quivering as he talked.
"Shhhh.", she said as she wrapped her arms around Julian and started rocking back and forward, as she stroked his hair. After awhile she let go and stood up.
"Noo!", Julian yelled as he wrapped his arms around her legs and held on.
"Julian its alright I'm still here. Follow me."
Julian looked up into the kind features of the women he knew he loved. Suddenly his father's face appeared behind Eve.
"Julian, she's no good for you. Leave her. Get someone with money. You have no reason to stay with her, no ties. Leave now, or I will disown you. You don't want to live with no money do you?"
Julian was about to shake his head no but stopped. "Eve did you hear my father talking?", he asked. Eve shook her head no. Julian stood up and looked Eve straight in the eyes. "I shall follow you were ever you may go. I will protect you from any danger that faces you. I will shout it a thousand times that I love you. I will never forsake you for any reason, 'cause truth be known you are worth more than all the money in the world."
Eve smiled and her eyes filled with tears. Julian wasn't sure how he came up with that speech but he was quite proud of himself.
"You will be poor forever!", Alister yelled angerly behind Julian.
"I don't care father, as long as I am happy."
"You will regret it, forever."
"We'll see, but I don't see how I can."
"Follow me Julian.", Eve said.
"Anywhere," Julian answered. Eve held Julian's hand and they walked towards a bright circle of light.
Light was streaming in through the windows. Julian had to blink twice when he opened his eyes. "Eve!" Julian yelled happily.
"What?", Eve said as she rushed into the room.
Julian sat up. Eve's badge hung down in front of Julian, haunting him. He knew this time he was in reality. "How are you feeling?", Eve asked worriedly.
"Fine.", Julian answered, clutching his head. "I don't want to be here.", Julian thought. Eve softly grabbed Julian's chin to make him look at her. She felt his forehead.
"Your forehead's not hot.", Eve stated.
"Of course it's not hot, I just passed out. Don't you know anything?" As soon as Julian said it he regreted it.
"Julian, you had too much alcohol and you got alcohol poisioning. I'm the doctor!"
Suddenly a thought came to Julian's head. "Was I almost dead?", Julian asked.
"Yes."
"Why did you bring me back?" Julian thought to the blackness, was that death? Was him choosing Eve the choice of life? Was him choosing his father death? His father seemed to want him to leave, he said go to the light, but he knew without help he would not have found it and would have walked in that blackness forever. "I wish I was dead! Why do I have to care about you?", Julian yelled.
Eve stood shocked.
"I want out of here!", Julian yelled.
"But Julian, you just had alcohol poisioning. You might still have some after affects."
"Dont worry; I can handle it, just get the papers."
"Did he say he cares for me?", Eve thought as she left to get the papers.
"Did I just yell what I think I yelled?", thought Julian. "Arg, I need a drink."
All of a sudden Eve rushed into the room with a pen and some papers. She showed him were to sign and he signed. "Finally.", sighed Julian, "I can get out of here."
"Julian no more drinking. Your system can't take it anymore. If you keep drinking there's no telling when you might actully die."
Julian looked at Eve, filled with disgust at the idea of her telling him what to do, but his mind quickly changed at what he saw. He saw concern in her eyes, "She does still love me.", he thought. "Now all I have to do is prove it and get her to divorce TC... Easier said than done."
Julian walked into his study. Becky was sitting in his chair. "Pooky where were you?"
Julian was floored, he was in the hospital and she didn't know. "What happened after I drank the rye?", Julian asked.
"Well I saw that you were passed out so I left and went shopping.", Becky smiled, "Wanna see the lingerie I bought?"
"No, I dont." Julian walked over to the liquor tray and was about to pour himself a drink; suddenly Eve's face appeared. I can't drink for her sake, Julian thought.
"Pooky why don't you want to see my purchases?"
"Becky you know what? I've had it with you. There's no way in a million years that I am going to marry you. You annoy me. Go be a tramp somewhere else. I never want to see you again!", Julian yelled as he stormed out of the room. "Ahh, what have I done? Fathers going to be angry with me... Well if he's going to be angry, what's the harm in making him more angry?", Julian thought.
Julian sat on a bench looking up at the full moon. A cool breeze flowed through his hair. He could hear the swing swaying in the breeze near by. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath and thought about the day's events. "Father's going to kill me.", Julian thought to himself.
In the distance Julian heard a comotion. "Come on baby. You dont have a choice. Let me see how well built you are down there!" A male voice yelled out.
Julian cringed at the thought of what must be happening. "Might as well leave now so I can't be a witness.", Julian thought.
"No...get away from me..!", a female voice rang out.
"I know that voice.", Julian thought. Julian started running full blast down the concrete path of the park. Suddenly three figures came into view. Two male, one female.
"Hey get away from her!", Julian yelled out. Julian figured they would get scared and run, unfortunately he was wrong.
"Hey man its been a long time. Bug off!", the man said as he flipped open a pocket knife.
Julian stopped. The female figure looked at him. Julian was right; it was Eve. Julian's courage flowed through him and he began to walk towards the man.
"Come on man. You can't protect every women, leave this one.", the man yelled out.
"He was doing a very bad job of persuading me.", Julian thought. "I might be 20 years or so older than him, but I'll still knock him down."
"You know that women you speak of?", Julian yelled out at the men. "Well she's the love of my life and I don't care what dangers face her; I will protect her."
The man snickered; he was sure he could take Julian. He had heard about this man; a coward he was, could never fight his own fight. The man swung at Julian with the knife. Julian doged it and swung at the man. Crack! The hit connected with the man's jaw. The man stumbled backwards.
"Wow!", Julian thought. "I hit harder then I thought."
All of a sudden the secound man was on Julian's back. Julian could see Eve crying on the ground. Julian stumbled under the man's weight. The first man swung with the knife again. Pain shot through Julian's chest. Julian jerked forward and the man on his back fell off, Julian quickly kicked him in the head. The first man swung again; again Julian doged. Crack! Julian connected with the man's jaw again. Thunk! Julian punched the man in the nose. The man stumbled back and fell on the ground. Julian just caught the shadow of the secound man running away clutching his head. Julian walked over to the first man. He had risen to his feet and was wavering a bit.
"Hey man I'll never bug her again I swear.", he said as he ran off clutching his nose. Drops of blood dripped onto the grass as he ran away. Julian looked down at the big gash across his chest. He still couldn't feel the pain and he was glad. That's the last thing he needed. He fell down beside Eve.
"Are you alright?", Julian asked, concern in his voice.
Eve contined to cry but slightly nodded. Julian wrapped his arms around her.
"It's alright. I'll protect you; I promise. Don't worry; I'll get you home." Julian lifted Eve into his arms. How he wished he could walk to his house and lay Eve into his bed and comfort her through the night, but he knew he couldn't. He had to return her to TC; he thought bitterly.
Thunk, thunk! Julian hit the door with his foot. No one answered. Again he hit the door with his foot. TC answered the door.
"What did you do to my wife?", Tc yelled. He grabbed his wife from Julian's arms and set her down on the couch.
"I was in the park and......"
Bam! TC punched Julian in the face. Julian stumpled back out the door and tripped down the steps. Thunk! His head hit the pavement, blackness surrounded him.
Julian woke up and opened his eyes slowly. Only one opened though, the other stayed shut. He could see a policeman standing over him.
"Julian Crane you're under arrest.", The policeman said calmly.
"On what charge?", Julian questioned, only half understanding what was going on.
"For the attempted rape of Dr. Russel."
"What?", Julian yelled. "There's some mistake. I never raped her."
"Thats not what we heard."
"Well you heard wrong. I'm telling the truth."
All of a sudden Eve came running out of the house, she bent down and kissed Julian's forhead. "You're the sweetest man in the world.", Eve said shaking. Julian sat up. The blood rushing from his head. Julian quickly clutched his head, but then his arms moved around Eve. He held her close and slowly rocked her back and forth. TC ran outside.
"What is this man doing to my wife now?", TC yelled in a fit of rage.
Julian paid no attention and continued to hug Eve. He wanted this moment to last forever. TC started coming towards Julian, fists raised. The policeman grabbed TC's wrist.
"I think we need to talk about what happened."
Inside Eve and Julian sat on a the couch together, holding hands. TC stared in anger from a chair across the room. The policemen took the other two chairs, which they moved so they faced the couch. "Eve tell us what happened.", one of the policemen said.
"Well I was walking home from the late shift at the hospital... the car was in the shop for repairs... and..." Eve started crying and shaking violently. Julian wrapped his arms around Eve and held her close. TC watched, blinded with rage and not noticing his wife's difficulties.
Julian cut in, "I was in the park, just sitting on a bench. I heard yelling and I went to investigate. I saw two men. One had Eve; the other was threatning her. I yelled at them to back off. Then one of the men pulled out a knife. I went against him and got a good hit in. The secound man came after me. He had left Eve who was crying on the ground, obviously in shock. Then the first man came after me again, and he hit me..."
"Is that how you got that gash in your chest?", the policeman inturputed.
"Yes.", Julian confirmed.
The other officer wrote stuff down in his journal. "Continue.", the first officer urged.
Julian took a deep breath, "Well I threw the one off me and kicked him. Then I went after the first one and I hit him again. That's when I saw the secound guy running away. Then I hit the first guy again. That's when he promised never to hurt Eve again and he ran away with a broken or bloody nose. It was dripping blood anyway. Thats what happened."
"Did you get your black eye in the fight too?", the officer asked.
"No.", Julian said. "When I fought the guys off I picked her up and carried her here. TC freaked out and took his wife and punched me. That's how I got my black eye. I stumbled backwards and tripped over the step and I was knocked unconscious. Then I woke up to you standing over me."
The officer contined to write in his book. "I see. So TC you knocked this guy out 'cause you thought he did something to your wife, but actully he saved her."
TC nodded his head.
"TC do you have anger managment problems?", the officer asked.
"No!", TC yelled.
The officer looked at the other officer. "Alright Mr.Crane, my partner will escort you and Dr. Russel to the hospital. I will stay here and talk to Mr. Russel."
All through the car ride to the hospital and even walking through the halls, Julian never once let Eve's hand go. She was glad but would never admit it. Luckly the knife wound wasn't deep and didn't need stitches, although there would be a scar left. Julian didn't mind; it reminded him about the fact that he saved Eve and he had never been so close to her since he deserted her. He still hated the fact he did that. Eve had no problems although she still had to deal with the shock and the emotional difficulties, which Julian sweared he would help her with. The other policemen appeared at the hospital about the time Julian and Eve were ready to go.
"Dr. Russel?"
"Yes.", Eve answered.
"I think you're ready to talk about what happened."
"Julian told you word for word. That's what happend."
"Alright mamn, do you swear that's your story too."
Eve nodded.
"Alright well your husband still thinks Julian had something to do with it. He wants to charge Julian, but I know for a fact he can't win. He also seem to have an anger problem. Right now you just had a terible shock and are impressionable, so I want you to stay at Julian's house until you're out of your shock. I'm sure you'll be cared for much better there. I know its weird to hear but its true. Also, I would like you to help Julian heal his wounds."
Eve nodded. She didn't feel like arguing. She felt that being with her husband would be best... but Julian had been so nice and helpful. Also, she was starting to feel really comortable around him.
"This can be your room, if you want.", Julian stated once they had arrived at the mansion and he had shown her around. Eve admired her room. It was a large room on the second level, right next to Julian's. Julian had even so nicely mentioned that there was a lock on the door. He wasn't sure if he should, after all it made it sound like he was likely to do something. He did want her to feel safe and if that meant making himself look like a rapist too, so be it.
Eve on the other hand understood exactly why Julian mentioned that there was a lock on the door. The thought that Julian might try to rape her never once entered her mind. The room was more cheerful compared to all the other rooms. It looked almost like it was made for a lady. Julian lead Eve over to the bed. Eve sighed as she layed down, it was so comfy and safe. "Thank you Julian. I feel tired I think I'll just go to sleep right away."
"No problem. If you ever need me I'm right next door. My door's always open, feel free to wake me."
Eve nodded and Julian silently left.
"Julian?", a soft voice floated to his ears, coaxing him to wake from his slumber. "Julian?", the voice asked again.
"Yes?", Julian mumbled.
Eve took a deep breathe, it was kinda embarrasing. "Maybe it's not important.", Eve thought. Eve lifted her head and looked out the window; the moon was full and shadows danced across the lawn. A shadowy figure seemed to be leaning against a post staring, staring at the window. Eve looked back down at Julian. "I'm scared."
"Thats nice, now go to bed.", Julian mumbled.
Eve violently shook Julian. Julian bolted up, "Huh, what the... uhh... Eve what are you doing here?"
"I'm scared.", Eve repeated.
"Ohh ok. Ummm... well let's head to your room." Julian softly took Eves hand and lead her out of the room. Julian yawned as he opened the door to Eve's room. "Alright well you crawl into the bed.", Julian suggested. "And I'll just grab this." Julian picked up a chair and placed it beside the bed and took a seat. The pain started to return to his chest.
"Umm... Eve I'll just quickly grab my pain pills.", Julian said as he started getting up.
Eve reached out and grabbed his hand, "No dont leave."
Julian sighed. He didn't want her to get out of bed again, but it was obvious he couldn't get his pills otherwise. Julian sluked back into the seat. Eve layed back in the bed and closed her eyes. Julian had closed his and was just about to doze off.
"Julian?"
"Yes Eve?", Julian mumbled.
"Come into the bed with me."
"What?", Julian asked squinting in the dark at Eve.
"I'd feel so much safer if you were closer to me."
Julian sighed, he didn't have much choice. "Hmm, it's very odd...", Julian thought. "A beautiful woman asks me to get into a bed with her and the first thing that comes to my mind is no." It was very obvious that a conscious was starting to sprout in Julian. Julian slipped under the covers and cuddled up to Eve. Sleep quickly over took Julian.
Light was streaming in through the windows. Julian had to blink twice when he opened his eyes. A sharp pain shot through his chest. "I know this is real.", Julian thought to himself. Julian looked beside him expecting to see Eve. He saw no on. Julian sat up. "Eve!?", Julian called overtaken by worry.
"Yes?" Eve yelled back.
Julian breathed a sigh of relief.
"Julian take you shirt off!", Eve yelled from the bathroom.
"What?", Julian yelled confused.
"Take your shirt off!"
"Alright."
Suddenly Eve walked into the room, a bottle in her hand.
"Whats that?", Julian asked.
"Disinffectant."
"What for?"
"Your wound."
"It's alright."
"Julian, Be good.", Eve warned as she sat down on the bed. "Now this will sting a bit." Eve carefully sprayed dissefectent over the wound. Julian bit his bottom lip as pain spread across his chest. Eve lightly blew over the wound and the stinging ceased.
Julian instantly relaxed. "How are you feeling today?", he asked.
"Better."
"That's good. Well I guess we had better get dressed and go eat breakfast."
"Yeah we should. I'll see you later."
"You too.", Julian confirmed before he lightly kissed her cheek and walked out the door.