The ride to the hospital was excruciating. Raven felt like her whole body was on fire. He face felt like it had a pulse; she could feel and taste the blood that had stained her skin. Her stomach was burning and hurt with every breath she took. And to top it all off, she could not move her arm at all. She was terrified as to what the damage would look like in the mirror. She didn't want to face herself; she couldn't look at the face that welcomed the pain.

After getting treated and settling in, the nurses prepped Raven with some medication to help her sleep everything off. She was out in an instant.

Chelsea and Eddie and Marshall were all waiting in the lobby to be able to see Raven. They were not allowed in until the doctors finished with her and got their prognosis settled. Chelsea felt as if she failed Raven, and Eddie could not feel any worse for not being there for her like he promised.

"Chelsea…..are you okay?" Eddie asked, after he noticed her walking back and forth across the lobby.

"No I'm not. I can't believe I let this happen to Rae. I promised her everything would be okay. She didn't need this Eddie. She's a good person and now I don't know what to do to gain her faith back in me." Chelsea let the tears stream down her cheeks until she felt Eddie pull her into a hug and Marshall rub her shoulders.

"Chels…..right now we just need to be there for Rae. She needs to know that we are by her side through all this." Eddie replied.

"Yeah Chelsea," Marshall added, "I think Raven really needs to know that you two are going to help her through all this. She needs to know you guys will be there when she feels she can't do it anymore." Marshall looked down at his watch and jumped up after realizing what time it was.

"Oh man….I have to get home and feed my little sister and get her ready for bed. Can you tell Raven I will come visit her soon when she wakes up?"

"Yeah man….we will let her know you were here." Eddie nodded and watched as Marshall headed out the front entrance. He was grateful that Marshall was there to save Raven, but he also felt a burning jealousy towards him. Raven had taken a liking to him; Marshall was a great guy for her…..but he wasn't Eddie….and he knew he wanted Raven.

"Eddie….do you think Lo knows about this? I mean the doctors said they had to call her." Chelsea asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure she does. I hope she isn't going to be pissed about all this. We promised her that we would have some limits on our partying. I guess she is going to be all told-you-so."

"No, she will be there for Rae. She always has been." Chelsea said again as another tear trickled down her cheek. She wanted to see Raven and be able to hold her hand and tell her everything was alright and that police issued a restraining order over Parker. He would not be allowed to come near her again.

As Eddie and Chelsea sat back down in the hospital chairs, Lo was seen coming through the door and walking up to the front desk.

"Hello, I am Raven Baxter's Aunt Lois. I need to know what room she is in."

"I'm sorry, you must wait until the doctors allow you to see the patient", the secretary responded.

"You don't understand….I need to see my niece!" Lo was beginning to become agitated as the secretary closed the window to her desk and got on the phone.

Slamming her fists against the glass she yelled, "you stupid bitch!" Once Eddie saw this, he immediately ran to Lo and grabbed her from the window. He slowly walked her to where he and Chelsea had been sitting, and helped her to a seat.

"How did this happen?" Lo immediately asked the two.

Chelsea began to tell Lo everything that had happened with Raven and Parker. She knew this was important to inform her of everything that went on. With every story that she told, Chelsea felt a piece of her heart break, as she realized she wasn't all there for Raven like she promised.

"You two should have fixed this! How could you let her get this way!" Lo yelled at them.

"We know…..we had talked to Rae…..confrontation wasn't a strongpoint for either of us. We know now that she needed us. We just didn't have the guts to tell Raven what was wrong with her." Eddie said as he put his head down.

"I'm not angry with you both….I know Raven loves you two very much, but you need to look out for her. Raven is a wild spirit and sometimes that spirit needs taming. You can't force her to do anything she doesn't want to…..but she still has a good heart and would appreciate the caring anyhow." Lo noticed the two friends sniffling into their laps and pulled both of their heads to her chest.

"It's okay….raven's a strong girl…..she will pull through this." Lo remarked. Just then, two doctors emerged from Raven's room and walked toward them. All three stood up and waited to her what they would inform to them.

"Are you the aunt?" one doctor asked.

"Yes, please call me Lois. What can you tell me about my niece?"

"Well, Miss Baxter arrived here in pretty bad condition. She wasn't responding to any medication and she was having trouble breathing on her own. We managed to get her to breath without a machine and gave her plenty of medication to help with the pain."

Lo looked at the doctors in confusing as she did not hear of the full extent to Raven's injuries from Eddie or Chelsea.

"Is she going to be alright?" she asked worried.

"Oh yes, she will be just fine. Now as you understand, she will probably experience a slight case of depression from all of the events she was faced with. Her lip and eyebrow were split, but we stitched them up in no time and all you need to do is apply some cream to it for a week and there for be no scars. Also, from all the blows to her stomach, Miss Baxter broke 2 ribs and fractured her arm. Her arm should be fine in about a week but she will need plenty of looking after. Other than that, she should be fine."

"Thank you so much for everything Doctor….?"

"Carter." The nice young doctor replied.

"Thank you again for everything." Lo shook his hand and asked if she could see Raven. He told her she could but that she should go first and ask if Raven would be okay with Eddie and Chelsea seeing her. Lo reassured the two and walked into Raven's room.

Eddie and Chelsea went back to their seats and sat down, awaiting their turn when they could see Raven.

"Do you think she will want to see us" Eddie asked.

"I hope so….I don't know what I would do if she said no." Chelsea replied.

"I want to see her…….I want to be with her…." Eddie said quietly to himself.

"You want to what?" Chelsea asked. She had heard him mumbling to himself and wondered what he said.

"Nothing!" he quickly responded. He couldn't believe she almost heard what he said.

"Eddie…..I heard what you on now. Don't be such a baby! Explain to me what you just said." Chelsea couldn't help but snap with him. She was in a fragile place right now and wouldn't take secrets anymore.

Eddie knew she would find out sooner or later so he decided to spill his heart to Chelsea. He knew she would keep his secret safe with herself. And besides, it might feel good to tell someone else how he feels besides holding it in so much.

"I said I want to be with her." Eddie replied. He waited to see the expression on her face as she sat there quietly.

"Well I want to be with her too but we can't go in until Lo tells us Raven said it was okay." She obviously didn't understand what he had just said.

"No Chelsea…..I want to be with Raven….." Chelsea again sat with the puzzled look on her face. She still didn't grasp the conversation they were having. Eddie became annoyed and finally blurted it out.

"I'm in love with Rae!" Eddie whispered loudly to Chelsea. He couldn't believe how relieved he was to tell that to Chelsea. He didn't know just how much of a burden it was to him to hide that from her all along. He knew he loved her. He also knew that she might not love him in that way but at least he knew how he truly felt. He would wait; he would wait forever for her if he had to.

"Eddie…..I mean what are you going to do?" Chelsea asked puzzled

"I don't know yet Chels….first of all I want to get Raven better and just have us take care of her so she can get back to normal. Then when the time comes I guess I will tell her how I feel."

"But what if she doesn't feel the same or you know….she might have feelings for Marshall…." Chelsea was worried what would happen to Eddie if he told Raven he loved her and she denied him. She knew she wouldn't do it spitefully, but she also knew Raven was crushing hard on Marshall and when Raven likes a guy….that's the end of that.

"I know Raven probably does like Marshall. He's an awesome guy and took care of her unlike I did. You can tell he likes her too….I mean she's a gorgeous girl and has the purest heart I have ever known. That's why I will still love her even if she loves another." Eddie didn't want to see Raven with another boy but he also wanted to see her happy. If she would be happy with Marshall….then he would accept that. After all, Raven was his best friend.

As soon as their conversation was over, Lo was seen leaving Raven's room. She had a sad look on her face but yet a hopeful look on her face as well. Chelsea and Eddie ran up to her as she walked towards them.

"Did Raven say she wanted to see us?" they both asked in unison.

"She is still in a lot of pain right now, but she said she would love to see you both. Be gentle on her though, her mind and her body are very weak right now." Lo went to walk off when Chelsea stopped her.

"What about Raven's parents? Are you going to tell them what happened?"

"Raven told me not to tell them. However, if something like this happens again…I will have no choice but to tell them. But….her secret is safe with me. As long as you two promise to take better care of her!"

Eddie and Chelsea nodded their heads in agreement.

"Alright you two, I am heading back home. Don't stay here too late…Raven needs some rest. The doctors said she can come home in about 2-3 days."

"Okay Lo. We'll be back shortly. We just want to see how Rae is doing!" Eddie responded. With that, Lo walked away and Eddie and Chelsea made their way into Raven's room.

The room was dark and cold; kind of how Raven liked all the rooms to be. The curtains were pulled around so there wasn't any sunlight coming in. all that was heard what the beeping of machines feeding Raven the medication. Eddie and Chelsea made their way up to Raven's bedside and leaned down.

Raven had closed her eyes since Lo was in her room. Both friends looked at her faced and cringed. Her eye was blue and her eyebrow and lip had a cut on them. Her stomach looked almost ghastly as Chelsea looked at it. You could definitely see where all the kicks went from Parker. Her arm was also wrapped up in an Ace bandage and lay gently on her stomach.

Eddie leaned down and whispered, "hey Rae."

Raven slowly opened her eyes and smiled at her two best friends. "Hi guys. How are you?"

Chelsea felt like screaming with guilt. "Rae how can you ask how we are? Look at what happened. I can't believe we weren't there for you!" Chelsea laid her head down on Raven's bedside and cried.

Raven's voice was hoarse but she managed to say, "You couldn't have done anything. I put this on myself. Don't worry guys….I still love you. I couldn't ask for any better friends."

Raven slowly reached out her hand and Eddie gently took hold. He brought the palm of her hand up to his lips and kissed it. Raven smiled and gently caressed his face.

"You guys better get home and take care of yourselves. I'll be home in no time. Then we can start this vacation out right. Love you guys." With that Raven dosed back off to sleep from all the meds she was given.

Chelsea and Eddie quietly made their way out the door and walked out of the hospital.

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2 weeks had passed since Raven got out of the hospital. She was glad to finally be out. Luckily for her, there still was a lot of time left in their vacation. A little over 2 months to be exact. Finally getting out of high school gave them the freedom for a longer summer before they headed off to college.

Raven was definitely feeling a lot better now. Her arm was fully healed and the cut on her lip and eyebrow had sealed and the scar had vanished. The only thing that hadn't gone away was the bruise on her ribs. At least everything else was healed.

Since Raven came home Chelsea and Eddie had watched and been on her hand and foot. Marshall had stopped by every day to either read to her or watch movies with her since she couldn't go outside. He would ready poems for her or cook dinner and watch a movie of her choice; all he wanted to do was keep her company.

Raven really felt true feelings for Marshall; something which she never felt with Parker. To her, Parker was more of a physical attraction, whereas Marshall suited her physically and emotionally. However, they still were taking it slow. They hadn't even kissed yet. Raven was glad to know that Marshall said he would wait for her however long she wanted.

That morning, Raven awoke to the shower running in her bathroom. She had thought she heard singing and decided to get up and see what Chelsea was doing. Raven couldn't help but laugh while getting out of bed and making her way towards the bathroom.

"Hey Chels….since when are you a professional singer?" Raven asked as she opened the door.

As soon as she opened the door, Raven realized who was actually in the shower; it was Eddie. She quickly put her hands to her eyes and repeated "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Raven didn't realize that she was still in the bathroom when she thought she left. She opened her eyes for a second and quickly looked at Eddie. He looked different to her. His body was toned and fit and the water cascading down his body led straight down to his……. "WOAH…..GOD!" Raven quickly ran out and sat on her bed.

As she sat there she heard the water turn off and Eddie get out of the shower. She didn't know if she should leave or not. She wanted to apologize for barging in, so she waited on the side of her bed until Eddie came out.

Eddie emerged from the bathroom still wet and wrapped in a towel. Raven still couldn't help but look at his wet body. Oh my God Raven stop looking! She kept telling herself. Her eyes seemed to keep on wondering back to Eddie's physique.

"Rae….it's okay! Don't worry about it. My shower wasn't working so I thought while you were sleeping I could sneak one in here." Eddie replied.

"I'm sorry I thought you were Chelsea. I didn't see anything I swear!" she knew she was lying.

"Rae it's okay seriously! You're my best friend its okay if you accidentally saw me naked. It's not like you planned it. Haha!" Eddie laughed as Raven's head moved to the right and she froze; she knew she was having a vision.

Eddie was still standing there wet in his towel as Raven lunged for him, catching his lips on hers. She fiercely kissed him as if she had never kissed another before. She could feel the water dampen her pajamas as she moved her body in closer to him. The kiss was like a fire in her mouth. She could feel every move he made. Without thinking, Eddie threw Raven onto the bed and climbed on to of her, passionately attacking her lips once more.

Raven came back to and took 3 steps back. She couldn't believe her vision. This can't happen can it? It cant I mean this is Eddie come on now! Raven looked back at Eddie and quickly ran to the bathroom and shut the door.

"Rae! Are you okay? What did you see?" Eddie asked through the door.

She knew she couldn't tell him, so she decided to make up a lie.

"Um…I just had a vision of falling down the stairs so I thought I would take my time getting down there." That was the corniest excuse she could ever think of.

"Ok…..well I'm going to get dressed in my room and then probably watch a movie or what not. Chelsea went shopping for groceries so it's just you and me. You want to come join me when you're done?" he asked.

"Umm…ok…sure Eddie I'll be right down!" Raven leaned against the door and slide down to the floor. That was the most erotic vision she had ever had about Eddie. She didn't think she wanted to kiss him. Maybe it was all the sexual tension between her and Marshall. Maybe my vision is telling me to move things along with Marshall she thought. She had to call him and try and hook up a date for later tonight.

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"Wow Raven you look amazing!" Marshall said as he was greeted at the front door by Raven.

She had decided on wearing a long white tank top with a mini jean jacket and khaki pants. Her long black hair was curled on the ends and she made her makeup extra dark for the new sexy look she was going for.

"Thanks! I just got it and I thought we could take them out for a night on the town!" she replied.

"Awesome….well I made us reservations to Cabella's and then I thought we could lie out on the beach and chill?" he asked.

"That sounds great! Let me tell Eddie and Chelsea where we are going and I'll meet you outside."

"Okay." Marshall walked back outside and down the driveway to his car. He quickly looked in the car mirror to make sure he didn't have anything in his teeth. You have to look sharp man! Raven is absolutely stunning, and why is she interested in you? He wondered. Keep it cool. Keep it cool.

Raven ran up the stairs and into Eddie's room where she found he and Chelsea downloading some songs for their ipod.

"Hey guys I'm off with Marshall. Were going to dinner and then we will just be hanging out on the beach. If you need me call me!" Raven said as she looked at them both.

"Hey Rae…" Eddie started.

"Got to head out! Bye guys! Wish me luck….tonight I might get my first kiss with Marshall!" See ya!" With that Raven ran out the room and down the stairs. Eddie waited until he heard the front door close to run to the window and watch Raven and Marshall.

"Eddie, why are you torturing yourself?" Chelsea asked. "You know she likes him and they will probably get together. Why don't you tell her how you feel?"

"Because I cant do that to Rae! She is finally happy again and really likes this guy. I don't want to get in the way of them." Eddie looked out the window sadly as he watched Marshall help Raven into the car and drive off.

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After dinner, Raven and Marshall made their way down to the beach and sat down on the cold sand. Marshall saw that Raven was shivering a bit so he draped his sweater over her shoulders and pulled her into him.

"You know Raven," he started, "I'm really glad that I met you."

"Me too. If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't have gotten out of that relationship with Parker." Raven said. His name made her cringe.

"Why did you stay with him when he was doing that to you?" Marshall wondered aloud.

"I guess I just really wanted a boyfriend. I put up with it because I finally got the attention from a boy and it made me feel special. I wanted to fix him but after a while I knew that he was killing me and I had to get out."

"Raven you know I would never want you to feel you had to fix me. I want you to want to be with someone like me, because I really want to be with someone like you." Marshall squeezed Raven's shoulders and kissed the top of her forehead.

"Marshall?" Raven asked.

"Yeah?"

"I want to be with you too."

With that Raven leaned up and met his lips with hers. It was a gentle kiss. Warm. Tender. Perfect.

She pushed her body into him slowly as she took off his sweater and laid it on the ground. Marshall laid her on top of his sweater and got on top of her cold body. He kissed her lips, cheeks, chest, ears, and anywhere else that he loved on her. Raven quickly put her hands to his chest and stopped him.

"You okay?" Marshall asked.

"I don't want to have sex!" she blurted out.

Marshall laughed and looked down at her. "Raven I don't want sex either. I would never have sex on the first date. Plus, I want to get to know you before we ever think about that."

Raven was relieved to hear him say that as she cupped his cheek and pulled his face down towards hers. She passionately kissed his lips and pushed her body up towards his to fill in the air that came between them. She felt him remove his shirt and felt his warm chest on her cold tank top. Marshall continued to kiss her as soft moans were heard from Raven's lips.

Little did she know that Eddie, who had made his way down for a late night surf, was watching them. Heartbroken. In pain. He watched as Marshall kissed Raven the way he wanted to kiss her. He heard the soft moans coming from her body and wished he was making her do that. He watched for what seemed like an eternity. He quickly shifted in the sand and ran off.

Raven heard movement and lifted her head and looked around for anyone. She thought she had seen Eddie but she then thought that he was supposed to be at home.

"You okay Raven?" Marshall asked again.

"Yeah I'm fine."

Raven went to kiss Marshall again when all of a sudden she saw Eddie's face on Marshall's. The shock alone could have killed her. She studied Eddie's face on his and felt a burning desire to want to kiss this boy. Why Eddie? She didn't feel as much passion with Marshall yet. She grabbed his face and ferociously made out with the boy she thought was Eddie.

"Mmmmmm….more." was all she could say to Eddie……..or was it Marshall?

Alright this is like my longest chapter yet and I want tons of reviews. You know I love them to death. They keep me writing. So if you have any ideas or comments please let me know or I wont know to continue or not. I love where this is going. It's getting juicy!

Love you all!

x Oo xItaLiAn MaMiix oO x