Laurie woke up early the next morning, at first unsure why. Then she began to feel it. Her shoulder was agony. For a second she was confused, then everything came crashing back. 'Doom Tunnel,' hers and Michael's argument, how he'd left… for a confused moment she was certain she was alone and grief threatened to take hold. As carefully as she could, she moved to get up to go to the bathroom and pain shot through her face this time. That damn bullet which had nearly killed her. That was when she felt the soft and warm hand on her naked, uninjured shoulder. She glanced up, straight into her husband's eyes and that was when she remembered everything. They were in their bedroom at 45 Lampkin Lane and they had made up the night before. Michael raised his notebook.

Hey, let me help you?

She didn't object just nodded, smiled gratefully and slumped back in relief as Michael got out of bed and came to her side, lifting her out and into his arms. She leant into him, letting out a soft groan. Damn her shoulder hurt! Her husband carried her from the bedroom and into the bathroom. Lovingly setting her on her feet inside he headed out and pulled the door ajar, but she knew he was just outside and love surged up within her. When she was done, she pulled open the door and immediately Michael's arms were around her and he was carrying her back to bed.

"Thank you darling," she said as he laid her back down and only then realised she had tears of gratitude in her eyes. Without him the pain would've been excruciating, even to go to the bathroom. She imagined trying to get up if she'd been alone in her house, it would've been terrible and probably taken her hours just to get to her ensuite bathroom! Michael lay back down next to her and pulled the covers over them, then her back into his arms.

You're more than welcome, are you ok?

She nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, shoulder's fucking agony though," she tried to make it sound like a joke but new it wasn't convincing. She saw him look at the clock, then pass her two more painkillers with a glass of water. The fact he was checking the clock to see if enough time had passed since her last dose made her hug him tightly with her good arm. Such a small gesture, but so caring. With a grateful "thanks," she took the tablets and swallowed them. When she looked back, he was smiling lovingly at her. "What?" She asked, smiling back in spite of her pain.

I see you took my knife with you.

She blushed. "Yeah, caught me. It just made me feel… I don't know, safe. Even though I knew you were really angry at me. I was not concerned about you hurting me of course, but after everything that happened… He kissed her.

I know.

"I hope you don't mind," she said before she could stop herself. "It was a real comfort having it on me. Even if I did want to plunge it into my own neck last night."

Oh Laurie. He kissed her again. I'm really glad you didn't. I love you. As for minding, of course I don't. Angry or not I'd never want you to be in danger. Hell; the whole reason I was so angry was because you'd put yourself in danger in the first place.

"I know darling, and I'm sorry for that."

Shh, it's alright. She then saw a smirk touch his lips. I notice you didn't take my mask however.

"Are you kidding?" She looked at him half amused, half incredulous. "You probably would have killed me if I'd taken that! Not only that, but it's your sign, face, hell your very name! It would've been… disrespectful." He pulled her back to him and kissed her once, then a second time. Laurie felt tears once again prick at the corners of her eyes at how tender and affectionate he was being towards her.

No of course I wouldn't have hurt you. I almost wish you had taken it. You should've done, it would've protected your identity if somebody was watching you.

"You," she stared at him in pure love but disbelief. "You would've let me use your mask to protect myself?" He raised an eyebrow but was smiling.

Well yes?

She hugged him as fiercely as she could, trying to portray by her tight one armed hug exactly how much this meant to her. Of course her husband seemed to understand because he hugged her back and kissed her again. "What time is it?"

It's 05:10.

"Seriously?" She groaned. "Oh my God! I did not plan on being awake this early, but sleeping is… difficult. I didn't wake you up did I?"

That doesn't matter in the slightest. As for sleeping being difficult, of course it is, but I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. Can I do anything?

"Just be here," she murmured, knowing how cheesy that sounded but not caring. "I'm sure these painkillers will knock me back out in a bit anyway hopefully." She smirked at him then. "Of course I didn't wake you up! You're Michael Myers, you don't need sleep."

He smirked back. Indeed I am. The unstoppable killing machine.

She laughed a little, but mentally shivered at his words. How true was that. Something of it must've shown on her face though because Michael kissed her again.

I'm kidding, of course I need to sleep. As for my… previous needs, only those who hurt you will die now it seems, and damn you Laurie that's all your fault!

She rested her head on his shoulder. "Good," she murmured, "thank you." She suddenly was feeling absurdly close to tears again. Her husband simply held, kissed her and wiped them away. "I'm sorry," she laughed a little. "I guess I'm just a bit… emotional. Fuck! My emotions are all over the place after tonight. Those men, making up with Katie… oh I didn't tell you about that did I?" She gave him a brief version of meeting up with Katie at her work place, how Katie had given her a free beer and first aid kit, along with an apple juice after she'd entered the store while on her walk.

I did wonder where the apple juice came from.

She grinned. "You're welcome to it if you want it." He smiled at her, pulled it from her jacket pocket, opened it and drank, at the same time tossing the sandwich wrapper into the waste basket Laurie had eaten it a couple of hours ago. "She did say to me though 'just don't expect your husband and I to be best buddies, ok?'" He nodded. "But I told her that we weren't 'best buddies' at that moment anyway and I also told Tracey I wasn't your 'favourite girl' just then," she blushed a little. He smiled at her and her heart flipped in her chest. Damn, how did this man do this to her so easily? She loved him so much!

You will always be my favourite girl.

"Oh fuck off," she was laughing now unable to stop herself. "That is not a line I ever expected to hear or rather read from Michael Myers!" He didn't smile back.

Why not? After all it's the truth.

She leant in and kissed him, finally letting her tears go. Michael started wiping them away again and simply held her as she cried, letting out all her emotions. "Sorry," she sniffled when she was done. "I think I just needed to have a good cry."

Hey, it's what I'm here for, isn't that one of a husband's promises? Comfort?

She smiled and nodded. "Thanks, darling."

For what?

"Everything," she whispered in his ear. He chuckled softly and kissed her.

You're more than welcome.

"I'm going to call Andy's place in a few hours, see if he's got an update on Tom. The hospital only have his number. I'll go down to a phone booth so he doesn't have yours."

Don't be ridiculous, he can have it. Lynda too. Because you see, it's not 'my' number, it's ours.

"Thanks," she said again, this time she leant in to kiss him.

Any of your friends can of course, don't even need to mention it. Yes before you ask that includes Katie.

She nodded. "Michael," she said after a moment's pause. "Where… where did you go after you left?"

Is that important to you now? It no longer matters, does it? I'm never leaving like that again, no matter what. I promise.

"No it doesn't matter, I'm just curious." He sighed.

For what it's worth, nowhere. I stayed near your house watching you. I saw you come out and walk away, I followed at a distance. Why? Because I was worried about you and I felt terrible for leaving. When you went into the store and I saw you being helped by Katie, I knew you were safe so then I did go back to Lampkin as it is close by. But I kept my eye on you through the window. When I saw you almost fall over I came back out, and saw all my neighbours checking you were ok and the ambulance show up. But I didn't see you pass out obviously as you were in Katie's car at that point. But believe me if I had I would have been there in a second. So throughout the whole 40 minutes maximum we were apart I was watching you nearly all the time.

"Thank you," she said in gratitude. "I really do appreciate that."

I say again then, you're more than welcome. It was the least I could do after leaving that way. I will always want to know you're safe Laurie, always.

"Ditto," she hugged him again. "That works both ways though, you know that right?"

He smiled at her and nodded. Understood.

She cuddled into him. "It better be, Michael Myers," she tried to sound warning but the effect was somewhat ruined by the fact she was yawning. He chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I was going to go and see Tom in the hospital today if I can, will…" she hesitated. "Will you come with me?"

He nodded. Of course.

"I would also like to get together with Lynda and the others today, are you… are you willing to come with me this time?"

I will, I am sorry for this too; it was wrong of me. I will be glad to go with you. But right now Mrs. Myers, I think you should try and get some more sleep.

"Ok boss," she smiled affectionately at him and kissed his mouth softly. "That sounds like a great idea, just hope I can pull it off."

Please try for me?

"Done," she nodded and lay back down. She didn't truly expect it to happen, but within five minutes she was fast asleep in his arms once more.

Katie lay in bed, trying to beg her eyes to close which she always found difficult following a late or nightshift, but damn she was tired. She couldn't deny though that even though the shift had been long, one amazing thing had come out of it, she and Laurie had made up. True it had been her who'd ended their friendship in a fit of rage something she'd regretted minutes after leaving, so she was glad she'd been able to apologise and know she and Laurie were friends once more. She'd been genuinely happy when Michael had lifted Laurie out of the ambulance and to his house, happier than she'd expected she would be. Though she'd mint what she'd said to Laurie about not being able to understand Laurie's love for Myers, it was clear even to her that the love between the couple was strong and real. She also didn't know Laurie's and Michael's story, which she decided then and there she would ask about. She wished she could say that was the only thing on her mind, but it wasn't. However this was something she wasn't sure she could tell anyone much as she wished she could.

She had tried to deny it for a few months now, but the events of that night had just made it even harder bordering on impossible to do any longer. Even she hadn't realised it herself for a while or even if she had she'd denied it even to herself. But after tonight there was no room for denial even in her heart anymore. She had fallen in love with Thomas Townsend. Of course she knew she wouldn't be able to ever tell him this but she did wish she was able to tell someone else, just so she wasn't dealing with this alone. After Jason's death she hadn't thought she'd ever love again but she'd spent a lot of time with Tom lately, and her feelings had only intensified. She was 28, Tom was 38? (True she'd never actually asked him his age so this was a guess,) but she didn't care. After Lynda had joked about Tom being single, at first she'd ignored it, ignored more accurately the jolt in her heart it had caused. It wasn't even his age she was concerned about; it was the fear of rejection or perhaps even of losing him too if they did give things a chance. Jason had been her world, could she risk giving her heart again? She knew Jason would wish her well of course she did, but she was terrified of both those things. One thing at a time girl, she thought. You need to talk to someone first, get their advice. But why? she argued with herself. Why is that so important to you? Why not just keep it to yourself? If you're considering talking it through with someone then that means you're considering telling him. Right?

That silenced her thoughts in their tracks. Shit! Was she really thinking about telling Tom how she felt? If not, why was she so desperate to talk to someone about it? Why not just talk to Tom himself then?

Yeah right, she scoffed. No chance. I don't want to jeopardise our friendship by doing that or even risk the chance of that happening.

That's not what you're afraid of, said a mean little voice inside her. You're afraid of his rejection. Don't bullshit yourself Gradick!

Maybe she would ask Laurie if she could speak to her about it, apart from anything else it would prove to her that she was a true friend and she was genuinely sorry for her conduct. She sighed. She couldn't see herself getting anymore sleep tonight, might as well get up and get some breakfast or something. Swinging herself out of bed, she headed into her small kitchen. She also didn't care how rich Tom was, she'd be perfectly happy if he was with her here. She took a deep breath, trying to will those thoughts away. Damn, why did she have to fall in love again? That was the last thing she'd ever wanted to do since Jason had been killed.

She smiled to herself as she imagined talking to Michael himself about it. How ironic would that be. He was after all the man who'd killed the love of her life. Yet, he was now also her friend's husband. Maybe a man's perspective would help. She wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the thought, but found she couldn't. She knew Lynda, Andy, herself and Laurie were meeting up later to go to the hospital, maybe she'd take her chance then. But she knew that if Michael was with them, she would have to offer him the hand of at least respectful acquaintance for Laurie's sake if nothing else. She again wondered how Jason would feel about that. Would he be angry she was talking to his killer? Or would he be glad she wasn't holding a grudge in the circumstances? Of course she'd never know, but it didn't stop her wondering. Glancing at her watch she saw it was 07:30. She groaned. She'd only finished 90 minutes ago. Damn she was tired and really wanted to go back to bed, but she already knew that if she even tried to sleep she wouldn't stand a chance. She was seriously tempted to try and call Lynda via Andy's number, but didn't want to wake them. Perhaps she'd try about 9.

Filling up and plugging in her coffee machine, she set about making her hot drink. Jason had bought her this machine knowing she loved coffee even though he hated it. She smiled sadly at this thought, which was immediately replaced by another. Tom loves coffee.

She cursed. No matter how hard she tried, Thomas Townsend would not get out of her head and perhaps if she was completely honest her heart either. Setting her favourite mug underneath the spout, she pressed the button and heard the familiar sound of the machine boiling. She made herself some toast as she waited for it to pour and brew. Finally sitting down at the table with her toast and coffee, she picked up her Kindle and tried to distract herself with her book. She'd just started a really good thriller and was thoroughly enjoying it. This did seem to work for a while as when she looked up it was 8:30. With a stretch, she stood up and put her dishes in the sink. She could not procrastinate anymore and headed towards her phone. She knew she had to make this call, apart from anything else because she'd feel better for doing so of that she was sure.

Dialling Laurie's number, she listened as it rang and rang before she remembered Laurie wasn't there, she was at Lampkin Lane with Michael. She didn't of course have his number, so she would have to wait for Laurie to contact her. She dialled Lynda and Andy's number.

"Hello?" She was relieved how awake Lynda sounded when she answered on the second ring.

"Hey it's me, Katie."

"Oh hey!" Lynda sounded genuinely happy to hear from her, which warmed Katie's heart. "You ok?"

"Yeah, you?"

"Good thanks, just tired. I haven't been able to get hold of Laurie. I don't suppose…" Lynda hesitated slightly. "I don't suppose you've…"

"Actually yes I have," Katie interrupted before Lynda could finish the question. "I heard from and saw Laurie last night."

"Really?" Lynda sounded hopeful. "Where is she, is she ok?"

"We…" it was Katie's turn to hesitate. "We had a bit of a night of it last night." Keeping it brief, she filled Lynda in on meeting Laurie at the store, helping her with her injuries and even giving her a free beer. This made Lynda chuckle. But Katie did not tell her about Laurie and Michael's argument, that was not her story to tell. Or how Laurie had passed out and ended up in the back of an ambulance. That wasn't hers to tell either.

"So do you know where she is now?"

"Yes." Although she didn't want to betray Laurie's confidence, she also didn't want Lynda to be worried about her knowing they were like sisters. "She's at Michael's, Lampkin Lane."

"Oh thank God," Lynda said in relief. "I was worried when I couldn't get hold of her." Katie was pretty certain Lynda had by now twigged that there was in fact more to this story, but wasn't probing and Katie was grateful for this.

"I sense more to this," Lynda said, clearly reading her mind. "I'll ask Laurie later don't worry. I respect you for keeping her confidences."

"Get out of my head," Katie said and they both laughed. "That's just what I was thinking."

There were a few seconds of companionable silence and Katie heard Lynda pouring out a drink. "Andy up yet?" She asked.

Lynda scoffed. "Don't be silly, if he doesn't have to get up yet why would he?"

Katie laughed. "Typical man."

"Yep," Lynda agreed. "But why are you awake girl? You've just got off a nightshift you should be asleep."

Katie hesitated, wondering if now was the time to tell Lynda what was keeping her awake. But could she? She wasn't sure her courage would allow it just then, even though she was desperate to do so. "I know… Lynda," she began hesitantly. "Would you mind if we talked later?"

"Course not," Lynda said immediately and Katie felt a rush of affection. "But what's wrong with now? We're talking now after all, or do you want it to be face to face?"

I don't mind either way," she admitted. "I… I just really need to talk about it, get it off my chest. It's effecting everything, including my sleep."

"Then why didn't you say something before you silly thing? Shoot, I'm all ears."

"Thanks. I guess the reason I didn't mention it before was… is because I didn't know how and I wasn't even sure myself what was going on with me. Such a big part of me is shouting NO, ARE YOU INSANE? But another part is like if you don't do this now you'll always wonder and maybe regret it. The thing is…" she took a deep breath, knowing there was no going back now she had to tell Lynda the truth. "I think I've fallen in love again."

Lynda squealed softly in her ear, making her smile. "Aww, spill! Who is it?" Lynda's excitement was so genuine, Katie wanted to jump through the phone and hug her. "Tell me, tell me!" She sounded like the teenager that she was. Katie grinned. Despite being 11 years older than Lynda and Laurie, they had always struck her as mature for their ages.

"That's just it though, I'm scared," she admitted quietly. Like…"

"Is it because of Jason?" Lynda asked gently. "Is that why you're afraid, you feel guilty? Listen K I only met him that once like we all did, but I'm certain he would be happy for you and he wouldn't want you to not move on with your life and that includes in love. It was clear to me from just that one meeting that you two adored each other, so he'd want you to be happy right?"

"That's what I've been trying to tell myself for weeks," Katie whispered.

"Well it's true," Lynda murmured. "I'm certain of it. In fact I bet if you didn't move on he'd come back and haunt you!"

This made Katie smile again, blinking back a tear. "Ha-ha, you're probably right."

The two girls chuckled before Lynda spoke again. "I haven't seen you go on dates or you haven't mentioned anyone, was that because you wanted to keep it private?"

"No, it's just the opposite. I've been trying to fight it off for months, but I don't think I can anymore."

"Yep, love will do that," Lynda said, again sounding much wiser than her 17 years. "I fell for Andy hook, line and sinker and I've never looked back. I think he's the man I want to marry."

"That's really awesome," Katie said sincerely. "I'm so happy for you both."

"Thanks, but you see this brings me straight back to my original point. I'm sure Jason would want that same happiness for you and I can tell you Laurie, Andy and I do."

"I notice you didn't include Laurie's husband there."

"Well, no. But only because of… the circumstances. If I had to guess, I'm sure by now Michael would want that too. Laurie's changed him and I… I think he genuinely is sorry he killed Jason."

"Get out! He said that?"

"Not… not in so many words, but his actions say it for him."

"Ok," Katie said slowly, unsure what to think but at the same time aware she hadn't actually seen Michael in person so was in no position to judge what his 'actions' might have been.

There was another short silence, before Lynda asked the question Katie had been partly dreading but also longing for. "So? Are you going to tell me who it is? I won't say a word to anyone, not even Laurie I promise."

"I know, but thanks." Katie took a deep breath, unsure if she could answer the question even if she wanted to. She felt her heart rate speed up and were those butterflies in her stomach? Damn it! If so, she had it bad, worse than she thought. Damn, love could be a most delicious bitch… "Ok," she whispered after a moment, during which Lynda didn't push her. "But I want you to know this first. I didn't expect, want, go looking for, or anticipate this happening. I didn't plan it or anything like that."

"You can't plan to fall in love girl," Lynda said. "It comes along whenever it wants too and we can either fight it or accept it."

"True," Katie was forced to agree. "Ok, it's… it's Tom."

There was another silence, before Lynda spoke again. Now Katie did genuinely smile because it sounded like Lynda was trying not to squeal. "Tom? Oh my God, you go girl! You'd be perfect together!

Katie was surprised but excited by this response, she couldn't help it. "Really? You think?"

"Now you listen here Missy," Lynda said, suddenly sounding like a stern mother giving her daughter the first 'birds and bees' lecture. "If he makes you happy then who am I or anyone else to judge you or stand in your way? I've seen that you've hung around a lot together recently and I think that's awesome."

"I…" Katie found she was whispering again but couldn't stop it. "I think I completely realised it last night when… when he got badly hurt. Hearing about it and knowing I wasn't there because of my stupidity made me cry. I felt physically sick I couldn't think straight, all I wanted to do was run to the hospital. If it wasn't for work I would have! I think that's when the reality kicked in for me and I couldn't deny it anymore."

"Sounds like love to me," Lynda murmured, deciding then and there not to give the other woman an account of Tom lying in the train covered in blood as they raced towards 'Doom Tunnel' exit. Katie didn't need or deserve to hear that. Or how bad his injuries were, she'd find out later but Lynda didn't want to be the one to drop that particular bomb shell.

"I'm hoping I can come with you all today to go see him," Katie said after a moment's pause. "I just hope I don't run at him and kiss him."

"So what if you do? There's nothing wrong with that. As for going to see him with us, well duh."

"I know I could spend the rest of my life regretting I wasn't down there with him and Laurie last night, but I also know it won't do me any good."

"You're right on the latter, it won't. If you want my advice don't regret anymore, instead make your move. Then you'll have nothing to even try to regret will you?"

"Unless he doesn't feel the same, then yes I will, I'll wish I'd kept my God damn mouth shut."

"Katie you can't keep thinking like that, you'll drive yourself crazy. As unfortunately you know only too well, we only get one shot at this life and we have to grab it by the horns and not let go! If you don't tell him, you'd regret that too and you know it. So stop thinking about the worst case scenario all the time and try to start living."

There was nothing Katie could say in argument with that.

"Go get some sleep," Lynda said, clearly knowing this and that the argument was won. "I'll come round and see you for a coffee and we can continue this conversation if you want. Shall we say… 3PM? That'll give you a few hours and I'll let the others know too. That way we could all meet up for when visiting starts at six. How does that sound?"

"That would be lovely, thanks."

"You'd better have some of those chocolate cookies," Lynda warned. "Or else I'll go to the shop and buy them myself."

Katie laughed. "I've got some don't worry."

"Right that's settled then, sleep well and see you at 3." She hung up.