Chapter Eleven

It wasn't long before Abby was falling asleep on Sam's shoulder.

"Hey, c'mon. You aren't sleeping on the couch." Sam said and Abby didn't even try to protest. She followed Sam down to the guest room and allowed herself to be tucked in.

"I'm just next door, Abby. Don't hesitate if you need anything."

"I won't." Abby replied. "Goodnight."

"Night." Sam turned and headed out of the room.

"Sam?"

"Yeah?" She turned around in the doorway.

"Thank you… for letting me stay."

"You don't need to thank me. Friends take care of one another." Sam told her with a tired smile.

"Do you think Neela's okay?"

"She will be, I think she's just upset that she can't help you." She replied.

"It's my fault. I just can't convince myself that she'll be able to handle it or understand it, you know? It's just easier because you know what I'm talking about. It's completely uncharted territory for her." Abby pulled the blanket up to her chin.

"I understand, Abby, but I think you need to tell her that. You're her best friend, it's hurting her to have you go to someone else." Sam said, sitting on the side of the bed.

"She's my best friend too, but so are you, Sam. I just don't know how to help her understand that this wasn't her fault."

"It's not gunna be easy, Abby. It's going to be hard, but it's something that has to be done."

"I know…" She sighed. "I'm sorry I kept you awake.

"It's all right, Abby."

"No, really, go to bed. I'll be fine."

"You're sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay, I'll see you in the morning." Sam kissed her forehead. "Everything's gunna be okay."

"I know." Abby forced a tired smile.

"Goodnight."

"Night."

Yawning, Sam left the room and Abby to her thoughts.

xXxXx

"Bloody hell." Neela grumbled, rolling over to look at the clock. "4:30. Ray must've overslept if he's just leaving now." Hearing another bang, Neela sat up, her paranoia starting to set in. Pulling on a sweatshirt over the scrubs that she had fallen asleep in, she crept down the hallway. She saw nothing in the living room but hesitated to turn the corner. Taking a deep breath, she stepped around the corner to the kitchen and stopped short at the sight before her. Before her brain could actually register what was happening, she was on the floor, clutching her head in pain. Watching him advance towards her, Neela tried to back away.

"Don't run away, I won't hurt you. You know I love you, Mayday."

That was the last thing Neela saw before her world turned black.