In His Arms

That very night, Marty sneaked over to see Todd. She rapped on his window and he answered. "What the hell?" he gasped when he saw her standing outside in the darkness. He didn't seem in the least bit happy to see her.

"Why would you risk coming here like this?" he demanded with a scowl as he let her come inside.

"Because I miss you. Please talk to me," she pleaded. "You don't even talk to me anymore."

Todd sighed heavily, swiping his fingers through his hair. "Marty, it isn't safe," he said. "If my uncle finds out you are here, he will be mad. He wouldn't like it if he knew you were ... in my bedroom."

Marty moved closer, lightly touching his arm in a soft caress. "He's been hitting you, hasn't he?" she asked in a small whisper. She felt the tears pricking her eyes at the very thought of anyone hurting Todd. He had been her savior; the only reason that she had made it this far.

"Y-you've got bruises on you," she said slowly. "And the black eye...those came from-from your uncle..."

"I got that from fighting," he replied. He spoke of his wounds as if they were no big deal at all, but Marty knew that he was lying. She could see it in his eyes.

She knew that Peter Manning had put those marks on Todd. Marty just shook her head. Big tears filled up her eyes. She just couldn't bear to see Todd hurt. Knowing that his uncle had been beating him repeatedly broke her heart to pieces. Todd shouldn't have to endure his uncle's constant abuse.

"Todd," she whispered. "I barely recognize this person you have become. I wish we had never came to Llanview. I want to go back to Boston."

"What about the Wolecks?" he responded. "They have been good to you. You have a great home now... and I will never regret that."

Knowing the sacrifice he had made for her forced the tears to come in a sudden flood. In a heavy stream, they washed down Marty's face. Her heart felt as though it had shattered. Looking at Todd with a pleading expression, Marty wanted him to hold her. She missed him with all her heart and soul. All she wanted was to be in his arms. All she wanted was for Todd to be safe.

"Ohhh Todd," she implored. "I need you."

She reached out her arms to him. Somehow, she ended up in Todd's embrace. She shuddered as he tenderly kissed her tears away, lovingly, one by one. After he brushed away all of the salty drops, his lips lowered onto hers. They were kissing as Marty's head began to spin. She realized this is what she had needed all along - Todd's lips on hers.

As they continued to kiss, his body pressed tightly against hers. *He loves me still,* she was thinking. When their kisses grew hotter, she realized, *He wants me!*

Todd wasn't pushing her away. Instead, they sunk down on the bed together. Todd caresses became bolder. His exploring hands slipped beneath her clothes, his touches so soft, yet passionate. Her nipples beaded up as Todd's fingers brushed against them.

The passion of his caress stole her breath away. Suddenly the kisses stopped. Todd was staring down into her eyes. Gazing back at him, she was so happy, but she didn't know what to do about his situation. How could she help him?

"Marty," he moaned. Then his lips took hers in another kiss. His tongue began to explore the sweetness of her mouth.

He wanted her. He needed her. He had to have her.

They came close... so close, but then it all stopped in an instant. Todd had gone completely frozen when Marty's hand had slid down his body. When her soft fingers neared his waistband, ugly memories assaulted him. He had no other choice but to pull away.

"You should go home now," he said to Marty gruffly. "I can't... I'm not going to do this."

Abruptly, Todd stood up from the bed. He tugged on Marty's hand. She protested as he pulled her to her feet. Standing next to him, Marty shook her head. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to be in his arms again. She wanted Todd and his hungry kiss.

Todd begged, "Please, Marty. You gotta go home. I would die if anything ever happened to you..."

"I love you," he said softly. Holding her hand, he lead her to the window.

Marty gave him a beautiful smile. With one last glance at his face so dear, Marty finally made her way through the window. Her heart was ecstatic as his last words continued to echo in her ears.

Todd loved her!