My Heart

Three days passed and Marty wasn't well. She was cramping and spotting. When she awakened, Todd and Dr. Larry were at her bedside.

"Did I lose the baby?" Marty asked.

"No, it's still hanging on," Larry replied. "I guess it's a fighter, just like it's mother."

Marty didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She looked at Todd as he was holding her hand. He gazed at her with love aglow in his eyes.

"Will you marry me, Marty?" she heard him ask again.

"Yes," Marty replied dully. There was no feeling in her response. There was no excitement in her words at all.

At one time, Marty couldn't wait to marry Todd... but now she felt as if she would never be whole again. Peter had raped her. He took her innocence and now Marty was carrying his child. She felt sick and filthy from what he had did to her. She was afraid that she would never be a proper wife to Todd.

"I need to talk to Todd," Marty said to Larry. "Could you please... step outside for a moment?"

Marty knew she had to explain her feelings to Todd and it wouldn't be easy. She hoped he would understand.

Larry nodded and patted Marty's hand. "Yes. I'll be right outside," he said, before leaving the bedroom.

Suddenly it was just Marty and Todd in the room. She bit her lip as she struggled to speak. The words wouldn't come at first, but she could see the way he looked at her- with so much love and adoration in his eyes. This was Todd, her protector. She could tell him anything. She always had. He had loved and accepted her... and she knew he always would.

"Todd," she said softly. "There's something you need to know..."

"Yes?"

"I may never be able to make love to you... or be the wife that you deserve. I'm hurt. I'm broken inside. And I- I don't know ... if I can."

"I understand, Marty. He raped me, too,' Todd revealed. "I more than anyone know how you feel. And Marty, if we never make love, I will always love you. Always. You have my heart. And that's forever."

He bent down and very tenderly, he brushed his lips against hers. It was a sweet kiss; a tiny taste. He wanted more, but he hesitated. He was about to pull away when he felt her begin to respond. He felt Marty's lips move against his. And then, in that instant, he felt it... There was passion in her kiss! It was an undying spark. Then he knew - someday, somehow they were going to be alright, because Marty had given him the greatest gift of all - her love.