A/N: Surprise!

Enjoy!

Chapter 17

Heal

Sam kept his promise as soon as she was discharged they were on the first flight out of Dallas but instead of taking her back to Chicago he opted to take her Lexington where his family would be waiting to greet them both. Mercedes didn't say much after they left the hospital and he didn't press her to say a word, he didn't know what to say and he couldn't even begin to understand how she was feeling.

After the ordeal she endured he knew she was going to need time to adjust being kidnapped, beaten and almost raped was more than one person to handle but to have it happen because your mother wouldn't budge or try to help you and then have your father just leave you with someone he barely knew… he knew she was broken and all he could do was try to help her heal. He was careful with how he interacted with her on the plane ride, he only grabbed her hand every so often and only when she laid her head on his shoulder did he wrap his arm around her.

Their flight wasn't long and neither was the drive from the airport to his grandparents old home that his mother renovated and made into their summer home. He knew seeing too many people right away might be overwhelming so he asked his family to stay at bay until he'd gotten her settled. The house was a large two story craftsman style home with five bedrooms five and a half baths that sat on a large plot of land and even though you could see they had neighbors they weren't close enough to get to by just walking.

"Hey… we're here." Sam said gently nudging Mercedes awake since she fallen asleep on the drive over due to the medication she was given, she wiggled and stretched before getting sitting up and giving him a weak smile.

"So this is were you spent your summers?" She asked looking out the window then back at him, he could see the sadness in her eyes and squeezed her hand with a reassuring smile.

"It's were I spent a lot time with my grandparents… I was really close with my grandpa and when he passed I was here… I had to tell my grandmother. There's a lot of love here and it's a great place to heal… to escape. My family is here as well and will be here to help you if you want it but they will respect your privacy."

"Why does it sound like you won't be here?" She said moving her hand away from his and breathing heavily.

"I will but I will have to go back and forth because of work… just until I can get approved to work remotely. I know you don't know my family but they will be here until I can be full time." Sam said feeling a sudden rush of panic when the light in her eyes dimmed slightly.

"Everyone keeps leaving me." She said without an ounce of emotion, a weird look crossed her face and she shot him a smile that barely counted as a smile before opening the her door and stepping out. She slowly looked around, taking in her surroundings before waiting for Sam to show her inside.

"So you'll be upstairs in my room… mom's getting the guest room ready but I figured it would be okay if you slept in there until it was ready." Sam said as they enter the home and she admired how beautiful it looked while nodding at whatever Sam just told her.

"Are you still tired?" He asked looking at her with concern.

"A little… I want to shower." She said softly realizing they left straight from the hospital and she didn't have any of her things, nothing that was her in this place and she felt herself getting choke up and looked away. Sam could sense her unease and grabbed her hands leaning down just enough to have then eye to eye.

"I can get whatever you need to make you more comfortable… I just needed to get you away from there but I promise it will get better. This place is very special to me and I just ask that you humor me and give this place, my family and me a chance to help you heal." Sam pleaded and when she nodded he let out a relieved breath before taking her upstairs to his room. He heard a little giggle when she entered and saw his room was stuck in a time warp, he turned and shot her a smile.

"What? I liked comics, my mom wanted to keep our rooms the same as we had them when we were younger and since my grandmother never let us change them after we got older all this stuff stayed. It's been a while since I've been here but..." he said walking over to his bed post and tapping it before shooting her a mischievous grin. He fiddled with the post before pulling the top off and looking in smiling and nodding her over.

"Look." He said moving aside and smiling when she fell out laughing. Sam had a secret stash of candy stuck inside and from the looks of it, it looked pretty old.

"Fun fact I was a chubby kid." He said leaning over her looking along with her. "And I'm more than sure this candy is like more than a decade old." Mercedes giggled and turned looking at him with a sweet smile he looked down at her wanting so badly to kiss her but knew she would need time so instead he placed a tender kiss to her forehead.

"The shower's through there and I'll lay out some of my old clothes you can put on for now… we can go grab anything you need or you and Stacey can go together so it's not weird." He said turning to leave but stopped when grabbed his hand with a worried look.

"Please stay… just until I finish showering." She pleaded.

"Okay I'll be right here when you get out." He said sitting on the bed so she knew he was serious, she hesitated for a moment for walking into the bathroom and slowly lifted her shirt. She hadn't really looked at herself since everything happened and when she did tears immediately began to fall down her face, she could see the bruises and cuts but didn't recognize her body. This reflection wasn't hers, her hair looked differently, her skin felt different everything about the woman looking back at her wasn't the Mercedes she was anymore and that made her cry even harder.

She jumped when the door opened and Sam held his hands up moving slowly until he was in front of her, she was trembling and looked at him with so much sadness.

"Why did this have to happen? Why did they do this to me… Sam we're supposed to be waking up in your apartment after making love for the first time, eating dry cereal and laughing about nothing. Then I would go shoot a wedding and you would show up in your tux looking amazing and I'd sneak a few shots of you, then we'd dance and go back you my place and I would hound you with the pictures I took and gush over the bride's hair and how the groom cried watching her walk down the isle. Not this, not this." She said wiping her tears and shaking her head still trying to grasp what happened.

"I don't know how to answer that for you, I can't give you any form of peace regarding what happened to you in that warehouse but I can say this… you're alive and you're here and it might not seem like much now but it's going to get better." He said slowly placing his hands on her shoulders and sitting her down on the toilet seat then walked over to the tub and began to run her a hot bath, he added some of the essential oils his mother put in there to help soothe her.

"Let me help you okay?" He said softly before standing her up and cautiously going for the hem of her shirt, when she didn't flinch he continued undressing her then lifted her and placed her into the tub easing her in carefully. He grabbed the bath pouf and understood why his mother left it there, it was softer than a regular sponge and dipped into the water before squeezing the water out on her shoulders, then repeating and squeezing the water on other shoulder and back.

She didn't say anything, she just allowed Sam to take care of her in that moment. He was gentle going over her bruises and cuts, he touched her hair and she turned looking at him with a vacant expression before nodding at the unspoken question he was asking. He got up and grabbed the shampoo and conditioner, gently lathering the shampoo into her hair and froze when he heard her sniffles before he continued then conditioned her hair.

After he finished he helped her out of the tub and wrapped a towel around her body then one for her hair, he led her back into the bedroom and dried her off before helping her into the clothes he laid out.

"Get some rest okay?" He said after getting her into bed and she just nodded turning away from him and he knew then what his the nurse said about her going into to shock or her being distant.

He waited thirty minutes before going downstairs where his family was waiting patiently, they all stood when they saw him approaching.

"Jesus, you look rough." Stevie said before pulling his brother into a hug, much to his surprise Sam held onto him tightly feeling his self break. Stevie wasn't sure what to do but he just held on letting his brother go through his emotions.

"She's asleep, she is… hurt and will probably be for a while. I told her that you guys were here but I think it's best if Stacey and only Stacey got close for now… sorry mom but it's just a feeling." Sam said running his hands through his hair.

"We understand and we will do everything we need to to make sure she's okay and feels safe. How are you feeling sweetheart?" Mary asked looking at her son with concern. Sam gave his mother a half smile before looking away, she moved closer before pulling him into a hug and felt him shaking in her arms.

"Mom… her mother just… she didn't even try to save her! She was going to let her … and then her father just..." Sam said trying to gather his thoughts but it hurt to think about how her in an instance her entire family just left her to a complete stranger, no he wasn't a stranger to her but to them he was and they still let him take her.

"Oh honey, we got her now and we'll help her heal." Mary said having hold back her own tears, she didn't know Mercedes well but she could tell she meant a great deal to her son so she would make sure that she was taken care of while he went back to get things cleared away with his job.

"She will most likely be asleep for a while but I know she needs to eat… I don't even know what her favorite meal is but maybe you can make some homemade soup?" Sam said sitting back up and clearing his throat.

"Did you get her camera?" He asked after a moment and his mother nodded before Dwight handed it to him.

"She's going to need clothes and she's-"

"Son we understand but you also need to rest. We can discuss this further after the both of you rest, so go shower and we'll keep a look out on the both of you." Dwight said giving his son a firm hug before nodding him off to do what he was told. They all sat and waited until they thought it was best to start talking again.

"Holy crap… this is some serious shit!" Stevie said before Mary smacked him.

"Jesus child watch your words, but I agree… we have to make sure they are both okay and the trauma she experienced isn't going to fade away over night." Mary said letting out a deep sigh. "Come on Stevie you can help me make the soup, Dwight you're on duty and Stacey you can make a store run get some feel good things for both of them… you know what Sam likes and as for Mercedes..."

"I got it mom. I'll check her socials or something." Stacey said grabbing her keys and heading out while everyone else did as Mary said.

After Sam showered, he went to check on Mercedes and she seemed to be asleep so he quietly grabbed some clothes to put on realizing he was exhausted his self. He got dressed checking on her once more before turning to leave.

"Please stay." He heard her say softly and he looked over and noticed she hadn't moved from the spot she was in and her eyes were still closed.

"You sure?" He asked and his only response was her pulling the covers down on the other side of the bed. He just nodded like she could see him before he got into bed in the spot she lowered the covers. Her back was to him and she didn't move or seem bothered as he tried to get comfortable, when he finally settled he felt her shift slight and then felt the warmth coming from her body against his own.

"Thank you." She said so softly that he barely heard it, he chose not to reply and just wrapped an arm around her before dozing off.

Mercedes woke first, she felt a dull ache and figured it was time to take her mediation again but didn't want to leave the comfort she was currently wrapped in with Sam's arm around her. She looked up at him and smiled before it faded when she remembered why they were where they were and the ache became more intense. She slowly wiggled away from him and got out of bed, she looked around and saw the pill bottle, she grabbed it and walked into the bathroom to get some water. She hated taking medicine but her body still hurt and so did her head so she took one, she didn't want to go back to sleep but she didn't want to be awake either. At least in her sleep she didn't have to see the bruises and cuts or wonder if she was going to make Sam's life any more difficult. He hadn't even utter a single complaint since they left the hospital, he hadn't really said anything outside of asking if she was okay and honestly she didn't know if she was or ever would be she just knew she wanted to hide for a while.

When she walked out of the bathroom Sam was still asleep and she didn't want to wake him so she decided to watch a movie until he did wake, she scanned his movie collection laughing when she realized these were all old movies made in the late 80's early 90's. She ended up picking The Iron Giant, she settled on at the foot of the bed and watched the movie before noticing a few shadows under the door moving she started to panic but reminded herself that she as in fact safe. There was a knock and she waited a second to see if anyone would come in but they didn't it was followed by another knock.

"Umm… yes?" She said so softly she wasn't sure whoever it was could hear her but when the door opened she knew they had.

"Well, hey there. I heard the TV and wanted to make sure you were okay but I can see by now this is where my son decided to sleep." Dwight said giving her a small smile.

"Oh, yeah I kinda asked him to, I think I was going to go downstairs."

"I highly doubt that… are you hungry?" He asked never leaving his spot by the door.

"A little, I took my pill and I'm not sure how much longer I'll actually be awake..." She answered honestly.

"If it's not too much, Mary made soup and I can make you some grilled cheese… a little comfort food." Dwight offered and Mercedes gave him a long look before looking back at Sam then she nodded.

"That sounds amazing actually." She replied with a small smile, she stopped the movie and got out of the bed, Dwight smiled and walked out letting her come at her own pace.

Mercedes's stomach immediately grumbled when she smelled the food and when she entered the kitchen she noticed that the only other person in there was Stevie. Dwight tapped his shoulder and his head lifted slowly from the place it was on the table, he looked at his dad who nodded in her direction and he looked at Mercedes with a worried smile. He got up and started to walk towards her but Dwight stopped him when she took a step back out reflex before she moved forward giving him a half smile.

"Sorry, I wasn't trying… Sam's going to kill you." Stevie said looking at his dad.

"I'm a grown man, I think I can handle my son go ahead and have a seat it'll only take me a few minutes to make the grilled cheese." Dwight said nodding over to the table. Mercedes walked over and took the seat and admired the decorations before looking back and seeing Stevie looking at her intensely.

"Are you okay?" He ask softly, she sighed thinking about that question but she wasn't sure how she was supposed to feel right now.

"I feel… lost, if that makes sense." She said surprising herself.

"It does… I'm happy Sam was able to get you back." Stevie said sincerely and Mercedes felt his emotions in those words.

"Me too." She replied clearing her throat to prevent herself from crying. Dwight walked over with a bowl of soup and the grilled cheese he made, she smiled when she noticed he cut them into small triangles.

"Thank you." She said and he just nodded returning her smile.

"I knew I smelled grilled chee-" Stacey said before stopping and smiling shyly at Mercedes. "Hey… you're up." Mercedes just nodded suddenly feeling slightly nervous, she knew it was an irrational feeling but she was also told that being around too many people would make her feel that way and not to panic.

"MERCEDES!" She jumped when she heard her name and took in a deep breath. "Mercy!"

Sam came running down the stairs after waking up and not seeing Mercedes there, he checked the living room before going into the kitchen and stopping growing angry when he saw his father, Stevie and Stacey with Mercedes sitting at the table.

"I told you he was going to be pissed." Stevie muttered to his father who just gave him a look.

"Son, you need to lower your voice and calm down." Dwight said moving towards Sam who shot him an angry look that made him stop. "Look I don't know who you think you're challenging with that look but you better fix it immediately."

"Why is everyone down here after I asked you guys to give her time to adjust?" He asked trying to calm his self down but it wasn't happening fast enough.

"Mercedes was awake when I went to check on her and I asked if she was hungry… hence the food in front of her." Dwight said moving in between Sam and Mercedes which seemed to anger Sam even more.

"Stevie and Stacey please leave." Dwight said not breaking eye contact with his son, Stevie and Stacey both did as they were told leaving Sam, Mercedes and Dwight alone in the kitchen.

"Dad-"

"Go back upstairs and get some rest now."

"I asked you to give her time, I specifically requested only Stacey-" Mercedes felt herself having the urge to leave but she was frozen in her spot, she wasn't used to people talking about her in front of her like she couldn't defend herself. It was causing her to feel slightly uneasy and she just wanted to eat her soup and go back to sleep but there was so much tension now and it was because of her, she felt tears threatening to fall.

"Son she's fine, she needed to eat." Dwight cut him off and looked back at Mercedes. "You need to let her eat and as soon as she's done I will make sure she gets her rest as well."

"I can wait."

"Please, just stop. I, ah… I'm not hungry anymore." Mercedes said guilt rushing her because she was causing problems for them.

"No, sweetheart Sam is going to do as his father said and you will be able to eat in peace." Mary said walking into the kitchen. "Sam go and Dwight make sure he doesn't come back."

Dwight nudged his son who looked beyond pissed at this point and Mary sat down at the table with Mercedes who let out a sigh.

"I'm so sorry… for all of this, I don't- I don't know why they did this to me and now it's affecting you guys and I just thought at least my father would come..." Mercedes said not really sure why she was saying it but she felt horrible, she hadn't been there a whole twenty-four hours and drama was already happening because of her, the tears she had been keeping at bay were falling now and all she wanted to do was curl up into a ball.

"Oh no honey, don't you dare apologize for this, for what happened to you. That is not your fault, what happen was extremely horrible and unfortunate but don't think for one second we consider you a burden. Now please eat and when you get done we can get you back to bed for some more rest." Mary said placing a hand on hers squeezing it lightly. Mercedes gave her a weak smile nodding, she ate her soup which was exactly what she needed in that moment. It made her feel warm and safe, Mary didn't say anything she let her eat in peace which she didn't realize in the moment was also helping her, she just wanted someone near but she didn't feel like talking. No she felt the need to feel and she wasn't sure how she was going to accomplish that but she definitely wanted to find a way to do that.

After she finished Mary walked with her upstairs right as Dwight was leaving the room with an angered expression that softened the second he saw Mercedes and Mary.

"How was the soup?" He asked with a soft smile.

"Very good, so was the grilled cheese." Mercedes responded smiling back, Mary nudged her into the room and waited for her to go inside and close the door.

"So?" Mary asked her husband with a raised eyebrow and Dwight just let out a sigh.

"He's definitely my child but he's fine, come on let's let them rest and we'll all talk in the morning."

…

"Are you okay?" Sam asked after Mercedes closed the door feeling horrible for how he reacted to his family.

"Yes, I feel better since I've eaten… well as best as I can I guess." She replied softly sitting on the bed hugging herself slightly. Sam looked at her with concern and feeling like he was in over his head and seriously rethinking his capability to help her.

"I-" They both said at the same time before stopping and letting out soft laughs.

"You go first." Sam said running a hand through his hair letting out a sigh as he sat down across from her.

"I need you..." She said barely above a whisper feeling herself blush because she had never needed something or someone so badly but she needed to feel.

"What?" Sam asked leaning in closer.

"I need you." She said a little louder now looking at him directly.

"I'm here, I'm not going anywhere." He said placing his hand over hers and squeezing slightly, Mercedes looked at him for a moment before moving closer kissing him and when he tried to move back she wrapped her arm around his neck keeping him in place kissing him more deeply. Sam was completely caught off guard but felt his self sinking into their kiss, he wrapped his arms around her gently careful of her cuts and bruises then gently lifted her so that she was sitting on his lap. He kissed her breathlessly until she started tugging at his shirt, he pulled back shaking his head but she tried to take his shirt off again while softly grinding into him making him groan.

"Mercedes, stop." Sam said grabbing her hands holding her in place and she gave him a confused look.

"What's wrong?" She asked a little breathless.

"We can't do this, not like this… not while you're still healing." He answered looking at her with concern, she shot him a look before yanking her hands away from him and getting off his lap.

"So I'm good enough when I'm all bubbly and untarnished but now I'm not?" She asked looking at him with a hardened expression.

"What? No that's not what I'm say at all-"

"Yeah whatever! I get it, I'm not good enough anymore… I mean I was good enough before because I didn't have this extra shit so I don't blame you for not wanting me…" She said holding back a sob, Sam moved closer to her but she just moved back. "What changed huh? I was good enough before… now you don't want me."

"Mercedes don't say that, that's not true."

"Then be with me, have me… make me feel better than what I do right now!" She said finally letting out her sob and when the levy broke she couldn't stop. Sam quickly wrapped her up in his arms and held her tightly, she was speaking incoherently into his shirt but he picked up the two things.

"Why wasn't I enough"

"Why did this happen to me."

"I don't know why this happened to you baby but you are definitely more than enough." He said holding her and rubbing her back soothingly.

"We're gonna help you heal, I promise." He whispered.

Sooooo...? She's going to get there guys I promise!