Author's Note: I do not own Covert Affairs or its characters. I do however, own my own ideas that steam from what the show gave us. I do hope that you enjoy it!

A HUGE thank you to Finlaure13 for encouraging and helping me. Thank you to all those that review, favorite, and follow this story and all my others. Your encouragement means a great deal to me.

This is my longest chapter to date. Please review.

Without further ado...Here we go!

Chapter 10

You have to Trust Someone

Joan took a deep breath and let it out slowly before proceeding with what she was about to reveal to Annie. She had always known that she would have to have this conversation with her, but this was neither the time nor the place for it and yet, Joan felt she had no other choice. "Annie, I have something I have to tell you." She began slowly preparing to watch Annie closely for signs of distress during the conversation that would follow. "I know about what happened in Africa. I know what happened because I was there. I know you were kidnapped, beaten, and raped while there." Joan said continuing to watch Annie carefully, afraid that the shock of this conversation might be too much for her to handle right now.

Annie couldn't believe what she was hearing. It simply was not possible. But, why would Joan, or anybody for that matter, make something like this up? Annie decided to go with her gut and stick with her usual story and pretend to know nothing of what Joan was speaking of. "Joan, what are you talking about? I was in a car accident in Africa. I had been helping build schools there and ran off the road. I suffered a severe brain injury that caused swelling in my brain. That swelling cut blood supply to my optic nerve. Now, I can't see. But until last week, I was doing pretty well for myself, living in complete darkness. That's the story, there's nothing more to it." Annie told her in a hushed whisper. She was certain that no one else had come into the room since August left, but she didn't know if anyone could hear her from the hallway.

"I've seen the medical records from when you were taken to the hospital after your injury. I've spoken with the family that found you personally. I helped get you to the hospital while you were in Africa." Joan revealed to Annie.

"What?" Annie said astonished. "No, how could you have been there?" Annie asked cautiously.

"Annie, I can't give you the full detail to that question." Joan began slowly. She wasn't ready for this, but Annie needed to know the truth. "Annie, what I can say is this: I work for the CIA. I was on mission in Africa while you were there. I rarely go into the field anymore, even then. However, I needed to that time. I was working just a few villages over from where you were building the school. I heard that an American woman had gone missing and did a little investigating. I'm sorry I couldn't stop them from doing what they did to you." Joan said also in a whisper.

"No, you're lying to me." Annie said defensively. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. The story seemed so impossible, yet completely infallible.

"No, Annie, I wouldn't lie about something like this." Joan answered with a twinge of sadness in her voice. "Annie, I know what you went through down there. I've been tortured myself. Not for money like you were, but for information." Joan took a deep breath and Annie heard a hitch in her sigh. "Annie, I've also been raped. I know what it looks like. I know what medical records look like for rape victims. I was there when the boy found you. I know you don't remember much from that time, but Annie, I helped the family get you to the hospital. I saw how badly you were beaten."

"I don't know what you are talking about. I was in a car accident." Annie said. She brought her hand up to her head for a moment and rested it there. The room had started to feel like it was tilting and spinning. Annie's equilibrium had been off significantly since she went blind, but head injuries always made that feeling much worse.

"Annie, I know what you're going through, I did the same thing. But it doesn't help. Keeping it all bottled inside, in the long run, the pain on festers and creates a hole. I understand your reasoning behind lying, I did the same thing. Many victims do. However, this new attack is going to bring up all new feelings for you. You're not going to be able to ignore it again. I'm here when you need someone to talk to about it."

Annie sighed deeply and simply said, "Joan, I'm very tired. Can you just let me rest right now?"

"Of course. We will be here when you wake up. But Annie, this isn't the last time we will talk about this." Joan warned sending chills up Annie's spine.

Annie positioned herself in a more comfortable resting position as Joan silently assisted her by adjusting the pillows. As she closed her eyes again, Annie really did try to go to sleep, but pain screamed from multiple parts of her body preventing her from actually falling asleep. She pretended to sleep though. As she did, she couldn't help but think about what Joan had told her.

With thoughts spinning in her head, she couldn't help but become overwhelmed by everything. Joan worked for the CIA? Did that mean August did too? Well, of course it did. Joan knowing about what happened in Africa? Being there? Is that why Joan had approached her about doing the translations jobs? Did Joan feel sorry for her? Did she even trust what she gave her was correct? Did August know the truth about how she became blind as well? Would they tell Danielle?

As thoughts continued to invade her mind, she felt herself getting worked up over everything. She felt herself losing control. She knew August had come back into the room and she heard a third presence, but wasn't sure who it was. Her senses were dulled right now. Dulled from the pain, disorientation, and experience she had just been through.

Eventually, she did drift off to sleep. When she did, she was amazed that she did not have nightmares of Africa or even of her most recent experience in the cabin. This time her nightmares were of Joan. Joan laughing at her as she stumbled in her darkness. Joan whispering in her ear "I know all your secrets". Joan mocking her as she tried to find an exit to escape her taunts. Then there was August, he called to her, telling her which way to go. Guiding her once she reached him. Why was he there, she wondered to herself.

She allowed herself to slowly drift out of unconsciousness. She dared not move if she could help it. Even small movements seemed to cause her intense waves of pain. As she became more awake, she recognized the third voice in the room. It was Danielle. Opening her eyes at the excitement of hearing her sister's voice, panic started to overwhelm her as she forgot to mentally prepare herself for the complete darkness that her brain still was not accustomed to.

"Annie, it's okay. Close your eyes." Annie did as she was told, struggling to fill her lungs with air, gasping for breath and agonizing in pain with each passing moment. "It's Danielle, I'm here. Breathe darling. You're at the hospital. You're safe. Breathe sweetie, slow, deep breaths." Danielle said in a soothing motherly way, gently rubbing Annie's cheek with the back of her hand. This caused Annie some slight pain, but she didn't let on to her sister. She felt enormous comfort knowing her sister was there.

Annie took several slow deep breaths as her sister continued to sooth her. Danielle now held her left hand and gently rubbed it.

After a couple more minutes, Annie finally collected herself. She tried to sit up, but was met with pain.

"Annie, don't sit up. Joan and Auggie have caught me up on everything. You have several broken bones, bruising and cuts, and a mild concussion. Those men did quite a number on you. I can't decide which is worse, when you were in that car accident in Africa or this. At least everything will heal this time, I suppose."

Annie opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She swallowed hard and tried again. "waatter" she croaked out after swallowing the emotion, pain, and relief she felt.

"Of course!" Danielle said, just a little too cheerily for Annie's taste. But she couldn't help, but smile as she did. As Danielle moved away from Annie, someone else took her place holding her hand.

"August?" Annie questioned weakly as she felt the roughness of his larger hands.

"Yes Annie." He replied. As much as she didn't want him there, it still felt nice to her to be in contact with someone. Since her sight was taken from her, she now valued physical contact above everything else. She wouldn't admit it to him or to herself, but him holding her hand was not the worst thing in the world.

"Why are you still here?" She whispered more out of curiosity than the disgust she had felt earlier. She had been pretty cruel to him. It really did surprise her that not only was he still there, but he was still willing to try to help her.

"Like Joan told you before, I'll be helping you through this. I don't know how to do this yet, but I'll learn. We have a plan in place for once you leave the hospital."

"What plan? I've already said I don't want you here." She said, but still allowed him to hold her hand, despite the fact she could have moved it at any time. Truth be told, she didn't mind him there as much as she said.

By this time, Danielle returned to the bed with a cup of water. "Annie, I'm going to bring the straw to your lips, take small sips." Danielle instructed.

Annie did as Danielle instructed, the cool water running down her through felt refreshing. She swallowed each sip of water and waited a few seconds before getting another. Annie felt like she could drink a gallon of water right now and still not be satisfied, but she also knew that if she drank too much too quickly it would cause her to vomit.

"Where's Joan?" Annie asked between sips of water.

"She's on the phone." Auggie told her.

"Oh okay." Annie said before accepting another sip of water.

"Annie, I know you've been through a lot. And I know you're not going to want to hear this, but I can't take care of you all on my own. You know I'll be there as much as I can, but Annie, you're going to need around the clock care when you go home. Unless you want to go to some care facility?" Danielle said gently putting the cup of water down on a table somewhere to Annie's right.

"No. I don't want that." Annie said. They all knew Annie didn't want that. Annie understood what her sister was telling her. Annie knew that she was in quite bad shape and wouldn't, even if she wanted to, be able to take care of all her needs. "How?" Annie asked weakly.

Just then, Joan came back into the room. Auggie let Annie's hand go and walked over to where Joan was. Several hushed whispers past between them that Annie couldn't quite make out. "What's the plan guys and why are you whispering?" Annie said hearing Danielle join in with their whispering.

"I'll be staying with you." Auggie answered softly. Annie noticed that something had changed in his voice since Annie had met him. He was less arrogant. More caring it seemed. Was it pity she heard? Why would he actually care about her?

"No." Annie said simply.

"Annie, this is not negotiable. You can't stay alone. I can't stay with you as much as you will need; I have the girls and Michael to consider. You know what I did for you when you came back from Africa, but what you don't know is it almost killed my marriage. I will do anything I can for you Annie, but I can't be your live in care taker like I was then. Auggie has offered to do so, and the CIA has said he can." Danielle said firmly, yet soothingly.

Annie's mouth fell open as Danielle said CIA. She didn't think they would tell her sister everything they had told her. Maybe Danielle had known before her, knew more than she did.

"I've received word from headquarters that Amos escaped custody. We don't know what his next move might be. He might come after you again. We need to make sure you are protected." Joan reluctantly told them.

"What? How could he escape?" Annie asked stunned. How the CIA could have let someone escape their custody baffled Annie. "Joan, why can't you stay as well?" Annie asked almost pleading.

"I'm sorry I can't take that much time off work. I'm the boss. I will visit you and help in any way I can. We don't want to see you in some kind of hospital. I've already contacted the university and told them that you have to take a leave of absence for medical reasons. All the paperwork has been filed. You will be on paid leave. They send their well wishes for a speedy recovery. They have already let your students know that they will have a substitute teacher. We have arranged for lesson plans to be created based on your syllabus. You are welcome to review them and make any necessary changes when you are able." Joan answered with much more detail than Annie expected.

"When I'm able? When will that be?" Annie asked.

"We don't know yet, Annie." Danielle started to answer as the door opened and Dr. Hilton came in.

"Wow, there are a lot of people in here. Annie, I'm happy to see you awake, but you should be getting as much rest as possible. Are you guys preventing that from happening?" He addressed everyone surrounding Annie.

"Doctor?" Annie asked, certain she was indeed speaking with her doctor, but wanting to be sure.

"Yes, I'm sorry Annie. I'm Doctor Hilton." He said as he walked over to stand closer to Annie's bed. Annie turned her head towards the doctor, as was the habit she still had not broken since losing her sight.

"How are you feeling?"

"Well, doc, I've had better days. But I've also had worse." Annie said honestly, but with more strength in her voice than before. The water had helped her feel better than she thought it could.

"We will give you some more pain medication soon. But first, I have some questions. Tell me, Annie. What do you see?"

"Huh?" Annie said confused.

"Auggie told us you are blind when you came in, I would like to do an assessment to see what we're dealing with here. Do you have any vision at all?"

"No doctor. I see nothing. No color, no shapes, no light. Nothing at all." Annie answered still not sure where these questions were coming from. She was blind. Simple as that.

"Based on the MRI scans we did, it looks like you suffered a traumatic brain injury in the past couple years. Was that the cause of your blindness?"

"Yes." Annie said swallowing the emotion threatening to spill out. She tried very hard not to think about what caused her blindness. Usually it was only in her nightmares that she was reminded of it. But the past few days had her thinking of it more and therefore, the emotions that went with the experience were all closer to the surface than usual. Try as she might, she knew she couldn't hide her discomfort about the topic of conversation.

"Doctor, is this questioning really necessary right now. Annie has been through a lot the past few days." Joan asked seeing how upset Annie was getting and being the only person in the room other than Annie to know the truth behind everything.

"Well, I'm only asking to see if there is anything that can be done to give Annie back any of her sight." The doctor replied.

"Doctor, is that even possible?" Danielle asked excitedly.

"Doctor, are you sure you should get her hopes up?" Joan asked suspiciously.

"I won't know anything until I have all the answers to my questions and we do some tests. Can I proceed?"

"Yes." Danielle said excited.

Annie sighed loudly; frustrated that everyone seemed to speaking around her as if she weren't there.

"Annie has been through a lot, but if you really think you can restore her sight, please ask all the questions you must." Joan said with only slight reservation in her voice. She seemed to be excited at the prospect of Annie seeing again too.

Annie couldn't believe her ears. She had lost a lot, but she was not happy with people talking for her. "I'm right here guys, can we not talk about me as if I'm not." She said annoyed.

Auggie stood close by Annie's bed and listened quietly. He could see that these questions were upsetting Annie. He wished he could do something to stop her anxiety. Seeing Annie so anxious reminded him to his time spent with his dying mother just a couple years ago. She too had been unable to hide her anxiety. Although, it seemed to him that Annie had dealt with her disability and maybe even accepted it. Now she was doing extremely well despite it. At least, that is what everyone had told him when he had his own reservations. Now Danielle and even Joan seemed excited to see if it could be "fixed". Deep in thought, he kept his opinions to himself.

"Can you tell me a little about how you were injured?" The doctor asked.

As Annie let herself go there again, her heart rate began to elevate, her breathing became more labored, and it could be seen on her face how much distress she was heading towards.

After a couple minutes of watching Annie's face distort, seeing her heart rate go up and hearing her breathing labor, Auggie had finally had enough and spoke up, "Why are you doing this to her? Can't you see this is stressing her? Why are we discussing this less than 24 hours after she was rescued from kidnappers who nearly killer her?" Coming closer to the bed, he placed his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. Slowly, he bent down and whispered something into her ear. As he continued to whisper something to her, Annie turned her head towards Auggie. She began to calm down slowly. Several minutes later, he removed his hand from her shoulder and spoke to the doctor. "Can we stop this questioning for now? It is clearly not in her best interest right now."

"Yes of course." The doctor said confused and almost embarrassed at what had just happened. "I do need to ask, Annie, what is your pain level right now?"

Taking another deep breath, she answered "About a 7."

"Okay, I'm going to get you some better pain medication and something to help you sleep. Have you eaten anything yet?"

"No." Annie said turning her head back towards the doctor. "When can I leave?"

"Annie, I know you're anxious to leave, but it will be at least a few days. We need to monitor you closely. It's important to make sure the swelling goes down on those breaks and make sure no infection sets in. You will be on some strong antibiotics the next few days. We are also concerned that one or all of those bones might need surgical invention to set properly, so we are keeping an eye on that as well."

"How long will it take the bones to heal?"

"At least 8 weeks, maybe up to 12. The ribs will heal the fastest, only taking about 6 weeks. The leg will take the longest probably closer to 12 weeks, but since you also have a broken collarbone, wrist, and ribs, we will send you home with a wheelchair instead of crutches. Right now, you've got a soft cast on your leg and arm, but before you leave we will have a hard cast put on your leg and wrist. Your arm will need to be in a brace and sling for at least 3 weeks for your clavicle to heal properly. Your balance is going to be rather off for quite some time. I've been assured that someone will be at your home to help you."

"Wonderful, I already had such great balance before, let's just add to it." Annie said begrudgingly.

"I know. From what I've been told though, you seem to have been doing well for yourself. How long have you been blind?"

"About a year." Annie answered without much detail.

"You've been able to cope well from what your Aunt told me. You have a good support system. I will have a nurse come in with new pain medication and something for you to eat. Later, they will bring you something to help you sleep. I know it will be difficult, but you're going to have to sit up as much as you can to take the pressure off your shoulders until we can get it properly braced. I'm sure your cousin, aunt or sister can help you get into a more comfortable position. It will be difficult with the broken leg that you need to keep elevated."

"Sure, doctor, we will help her." Danielle said. "Oh, Doctor, would it be possible for me to bring a special visitor up to see her tomorrow?"

"What do you mean "special" visitor?"

"I'd like to bring Silke, her guide dog, up to see her if I can." Danielle answered as if it were the most normal thing to be asking.

"I'm not sure. I will have to ask the director, I don't see why not though, as long as the dog is indeed a service dog."

"Thank you doctor." Danielle replied excitedly.

"I will be back in a few hours to check on her." The doctor said as he headed towards the door.

As the doctor left, Joan and Danielle looked at Auggie who was still standing next to Annie.

"August, thank you for calming me down." Annie said softly, closing her eyes. "You were really helpful."

"Anytime Annie." Auggie said calmly. He understood what she was going through more than some people. He understood how anxiety could sneak up on a person. He also knew the signs to watch for in case another panic attack came. What he didn't know was exactly why Annie was having panic attacks. If Danielle's earlier reaction was any indication, this was not the first time this had happened. He made a mental note to ask her about it later.

"What did you say to her?" Danielle asked.

"That is between Annie and me." Auggie replied. He was not going to get into personal things with Joan and Danielle present.

"Why did you guys tell him you were my Aunt and cousin?" Annie asked

"Well" Joan started. "He wouldn't tell us anything if we weren't family and Danielle was hours away, so I lied."

"It's okay. Thank you all for being here. Joan, can I talk to you alone please?"

"Annie, what could you possibly want to talk with her about that I can't hear?" Danielle asked shocked.

"Danielle, I just do, please go."

Annie heard Auggie take several steps towards the door. She thought it seemed like his footsteps were a bit louder than she thought they needed to be. Was he doing that on purpose for her sake? She thought to herself. Afterwards, Annie heard Danielle follow him. She could almost hear the unhappiness in her footfalls.

"Are we alone?" Annie asked.

"Yes." Joan answered coming closer to her.

"Joan, please don't tell Danielle about Africa. I don't want her to know yet. If you have to tell August I will understand, but please, don't tell my sister. I can't have her knowing. I promise I will deal with it, but I can't deal with it all right now. I'm starting to trust August a little, but Joan, I'm still nervous about him helping me."

"Annie, I would not let him help you if I had even a moment of doubt. He is a very kind, I'll admit somewhat arrogant, man, but he really will do anything he can to help you. He is also the best fighter I know. If Amos tries to come after you again, he won't stand a chance against Auggie. He feels guilty about you being kidnapped because of his mistake. He also feels bad for doubting your ability as a translator, and well, a person in general before all this happened. He sees you for the strong capable woman you are and he will see that even more as he is around you more."

"Joan, are you certain he won't hurt me?" Annie asked still fearful of trusting someone as much as she was going to have to trust August.

"Annie, if he does, I'll kill him. You have to trust someone. You can't shut the whole world out." Joan said seriously.

"Joan, how did you get over it? How did you move on?"

"Annie, you don't completely. You never forget it. You just don't let it control you. Don't let what those men did to you prevent you from living your life. Be aware of your surroundings, not fearful of them. Take precautions, but don't stop going. I was raped several times while captured in Russia fifteen years ago. I was on a mission that went bad. They held me captive for two weeks before the CIA found me. It took me months to tell anyone what had happened to me there. I understand the pain you feel. You've lost a lot in the name of doing good. You have been on the CIA's radar since your freshman year of college. We were going to try to recruit you when you were finished with the project you were doing in Africa, but then the kidnapping happened and-"

Annie cut Joan off, "And you didn't want a blind agent?"

"No Annie, not at all. We wanted to wait until you were accustomed to the blindness you were left in after Africa. After this translation, I had planned to approach you with a job offer. Unfortunately, unforeseen events brought us to this point. But, the job offer stands. We want you to head up a translation department at the CIA. You would be in charge of no less than ten translators. You would run missions, help agents, have your own office, have the latest technology at your disposal, and you would even have your own budget."

"Wow. That's a lot to consider." Annie said a little shocked at what Joan had told her.

"I hope you do consider it. Even talk it over with Auggie or your sister. But right now, just focus on getting better. You are going to have a long recovery ahead. Be patient with yourself. Auggie will be there to help you. Trust him."

"Joan what about dressing myself, showering, and using the bathroom? He can't help me with those things."

"You guys will have to figure all the details out. Your sister will be there to help as well. I will come to help a few times a week to give Auggie a break. But Annie, you really are going to have to trust him. He may have to help you in ways that might make you uncomfortable, but he can both protect you and tend to your medical needs. He has basic medical training. Among other things, he knows how to stitch wounds, set bones, stop bleeding, and perform CPR. He's a good guy to have in your corner. Annie, I can't say this enough, you really can trust him."

…(?)

A knock came at the door then. "Yes?" Annie said.

"Hi, it's just me. I'm here to give you your medicine, change your bandages, and check your vitals."

"Okay. What's your name?" Annie asked turning her eyes in the direction the voice came from.

"My name is Claudia. I will be your nurse for the next 12 hours. Okay, open your mouth. Temperature is 97.6, blood pressure is slightly elevated at 128 over 85. Okay, follow my finger."

"Ummm. Well, yeah, there's where you lose me. I guess no one told you. I'm blind."

"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know. You were looking at me, how did you know where I was?"

"The squeak of your shoes, your voice, you touching me-they all gave me indications of where you are in the room, the rest is just habit from my sighted days."

"I'm sorry again, they told me there was a patient on the floor who is blind, I just didn't realize it was you. Well, we'll continue on. Pain level?"

"About a 7 or 8. My arm and shoulder are starting to really hurt."

"Well, let us see what we can do about that. I've got some pain medicine here. It should help with the pain fairly quickly. Your chart also says you need dinner. When was the last time you ate?"

"What day is it?" Annie asked.

"Monday, March 2nd."

"Well, then I last ate breakfast on Wednesday February 24th." Annie answered nonchalantly almost laughing at herself. It wasn't amusing at all, but for some reason, the innocence of this nurse just made Annie smile.

"What? Why haven't you eaten for five days?"

"Well, I was kidnapped and deprived of food. They gave me some water everyday while they had me, but no food. I think they've had me on fluids since I got here, so I'm sure that has helped build my nutrients to a more normal level. But food would be great."

"Wow, yeah. I think the doctor is going to start you off with something bland and light, just to make sure your system can handle it."

"Fine with me." Annie said smiling slightly.

"Okay, let me get these bandages changed and take a look at your cuts and bruises. Those guys sure did a number on you."

"Yes, they did." Annie said wincing as the nurse pressed her side.

"Sorry, I've got to check for internal bleeding. I know it's going to hurt."

"It's okay. Just be gentle please." Annie said as she hissed in pain again.

"Do you have to cause her more pain?" Joan asked.

"I'm just doin my job ma'am." The nurse answered.

The nurse removed each bandage covering Annie's wounds, inspected them, cleaned them again, and then recovered them. The process was painful for Annie, but she tolerated it. Before she left, Claudia helped Annie get the bed into an upright position that also kept her leg elevated. The position wasn't very comfortable, but Annie understood the need for taking pressure off her broken bones.

After the nurse left, Danielle and Auggie came back into the room. They were both anxious to know what had happened while they were gone. Both had decided it best to go down to the cafeteria to get something to eat while Annie spoke with Joan.

"Annie, we're back." Danielle said.

"I know. And you brought coffee?"

"Yeah, we went down to the cafeteria for a bit to eat. Auggie wanted to bring you back something too, but I told him we needed to wait until we knew for sure you could hold down what they gave you first."

"Thanks for thinking of me August." Annie said turning her head towards him, surprising him once again with her accuracy.

"How'd you know where I was that time? I hadn't spoken yet." Auggie inquired curiously.

Annie smiled at this, ignoring the pain the action caused. "I heard your footsteps when you walked in. I knew you stopped about a foot from the bed and that you were standing about at my legs. I knew Danielle had come over to the other side of the bed based on the sound of her footsteps and the smell of her coffee. I know she takes it black. Your coffee smells different, not as strong as hers. I'm assuming you prefer it with sugar and cream, hazelnut cream perhaps?"

"Yeah, you've got it. How are you feeling? You're sounding a little stronger than before." Auggie asked still stunned at her ability to compensate for her vision loss.

"I'm okay considering. I don't feel quite as weak as I did when I woke earlier, I'm not comfortable, but I have a feeling I won't be for a while. If I look half as bad as I feel, I'm not sure how you guys are able to look at me. Every inch of my body aches. The nurse that was just here brought my attention to aches I didn't realize were there. I'm pretty much black and blue all over aren't I?" Annie said still facing him.

"Yeah Annie, I won't lie to you. You've seen better days sweetie, but the bruises will vanish, the cuts heal, and bones mend." Danielle said reassuringly.

"August, are you sure you're up for helping me? It sounds like it's going to be quite the challenge. I'm not used to people doing things for me."

"Yes, Auggie, you will have your hands full with this one." Danielle said playfully making Annie laugh.

"Ow!" Annie said as she groaned in pain, bringing her left arm up around her ribs. "Don't make me laugh."

"Well, I'll try not to, but you know that's my specialty." Danielle said with a smile.

"Annie, can I ask you something?" Auggie asked wanting to distract her from the pain.

"Umm, sure?" She said cautiously.

"Why won't you call me Auggie?"

"Oh, well." Annie started slightly surprised he cared. "I don't think the name suits you. Auggie sounds like a little boy's name to me. You're not, to my knowledge, a little boy." She stated simply. "If it really bothers you that much, I can call you Auggie."

"Whatever you prefer. I don't mind, I was just wondering." He said nonchalantly, trying to cover the fact that it really did bother him. No one called him August except his mother. His mother had died last year and now no one called him that, except now Annie. It was almost painful for him to hear the name, but he would endure it for Annie if it made her happy.

"Okay." Annie said wondering if she should ask him if he really didn't mind. He had said he didn't, but something seemed off in his voice when he answered. There was an emotion there that Annie couldn't quite place. Before she could ask further, the nurse came back into the room.

"We've got chicken broth, mashed potatoes, and grilled chicken for lunch today." Claudia said cheerfully. "Will someone be helping her?" She addressed the room.

"Thank you, but I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself." Annie replied not letting the assumption that she couldn't affect her.

"Well, okay then. I'll set the tray down and move the table closer to you. Ummm, how will you know where the food is?" The nurse asked.

Danielle chimed in, "Broth at your two o'clock, potatoes five, and chicken eight. There's a beverage at your ten o'clock as well. Silverware is left of the plate."

"Thank you. I'll just need someone to cut the meat since I can't with one working hand."

"Well, okay then, I'll leave you guys to it. You all seem very capable of helping her out. Just make sure she doesn't exert herself unnecessarily."

Annie started to open her mouth to respond, but thought better of it. As she turned her attention to her meal, she became aware of August standing next to her. "What are you doing?" She asked.

"Cutting your meat." He responded.

"Oh, thank you." Annie said surprised that Danielle had not been the one to do it.

"You're welcome. I'm sorry the nurse was so unhelpful." Auggie said quietly.

"It's okay; don't apologize for what other people do. Just don't do the same thing."

"I'm sorry I was so arrogant and ignorant when we first met." Auggie said sincerely. "I'm sure I'll still make mistakes and say dumb things, just call me out on them. This will be a learning process for both of us."

"I'm up for the challenge if you are." Annie said.

"Annie, I'm going to run to the home for a few hours to check on things there. I'll call back up here before leave to come back to see if I can bring Silke. I know she will be excited to see you. She was going crazy while you were missing. I'll also bring you some clothes, cane, phone, and toiletries. Let me know if there is anything else you need. I will plan to stay in a hotel until you can come home. Joan and Auggie are welcome to stay with me if they want."

"I don't think I'll be able to use the cane for a few weeks. Could you also bring me a book or two and my computer? And I'll leave you guys to discuss where to stay, I have my room already." She said with a smile as she heard Auggie finish with her chicken.

"Thanks again August." Annie said genuinely grateful for his unexpected help.

"No problem. If you need anything else, just ask. I'll be sitting two feet away."

"And I'm going to go back to D.C. too. I need to check in with the investigation. Auggie has my number if you need anything. Will you two be okay?" Joan said from Annie's right.

"Yeah, I think we will." Annie said confidently turning slightly towards Joan. Auggie wasn't nearly as bad as she originally thought he was. "We will be just fine. I trust him." Annie told Joan. Joan smiled understanding the deep meaning behind this simple statement.