Message Received, Chapter 4

Brennan awoke the next morning at the early hour of 5am. She knew she had to go to work but everything hurt. She couldn't seem to separate the pain, it all blended together. Lying there she began to think; one thing that she noticed was that it was weird waking up in Booths apartment. Sure she spent quite a lot of time there as they often had take-out and worked through case files, however this was a different feeling altogether. It was a natural kind of feeling; she found she liked it a little, because she felt safe. And she didn't feel this very often.

She also identified an incredible nervousness; she knew that she had to tell Booth what has been happening, it was logical, by not knowing Booth was getting hurt. Knowing may also hurt him, but she was willing to take that risk, even though it petrified her. She had never really told anyone about that time in her life, she hoped she'd never have to. What was happening now however was pretty serious and she needed to protect all her friends; all her family. Booth could handle it, he could handle himself and it may also give him some piece of mind.

She looked at the clock 5:30am; it's time to get up. Awkwardly she flung the comforter off her body, which elicited a grunt from her. Pushing the pain aside, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. As she stood the pain was nearly unbearable, her ribs literally felt like someone was shoving hot pokers into her side. She swallowed back the painful cry that was bubbling to the surface and took several deep breaths until she got used to standing, the pain had eased a little as well. With wobbly legs she stopped by the bathroom, after she'd finished doing her business she washed her hands and hazarded a look in the mirror. What she saw surprised her. She had dark rings around her eyes and she was deathly pale. She still had a white bandage, which was now sporting evidence of blood, engulfing her forehead. She had numerous bruises in a variety of sickly colours. And her hair was a mess. She routed through Booths things until she found a hairbrush; she teased the knots out to make herself a bit more presentable. She then splashed her face with water, being careful not to get the bandage wet. As she dried her face she realised she looked acceptable considering...

She limped towards the living room, using the wall for support along the way. Her current goal was to get painkillers, she really need painkillers. She rounded the corner on the way to the kitchen when she saw Booth sitting at the breakfast bar eating a bowl of frosted flakes, with a glass of orange juice on the side. "Morning Sunshine" Booth said cheerily. She just glared at him in return.

"Their over there", he said pointing to the counter where a glass of orange juice stood next to a box of painkillers.

She strode over to them, popped a couple out of the packet and quickly gulped them down, sighing with relief at the thought of feeling better. Taking the orange juice she went and sat down on the stool next to him. "So, how are you feeling this morning?"

"Crap."

"You want breakfast?"

"I don't think I'm hungry."

"You have to eat Bones. Do you want to stop off at the diner before work; you could get one of those fruit cups you like so much?"

"I'm not going to work."

"Are you okay?" he asked sceptically, "Because you never miss work. Remember when I had to practically drag you home when you had the flu that time. You had been ill for a week, nearly collapsed many times, yet you still wanted to stay at work."

"I...I... don't want anyone to see me like this. I look like I've been in a car accident...Do you really think Ange will let me work?"

"Okay, do you want some company then? Because I can feel a really bad migraine coming on", he asked, the 'charm' grin plastered across his face. She sat there for a moment, quite concerned but then realization occurred and she smiled mimicking his to the best of her ability under the current circumstances.

"I get what you're doing. You're creating a fictional illness." She said matter-of-factly, smile still present.

"Very good, Bones. Your deciphering skills are improving."

"Its because I used to do this with Russ, he always seemed to be making up fake illnesses." This unexpected comment made him chuckle, nearly sending milk and cereal everywhere.

After finishing his breakfast Booth washed up his bowl and spoon. "Sure you don't want any breakfast? You could have something small, like a yoghurt."

"I really don't want anything. I'm not feeling too good."

"You should go lie down for a while then." Concern projected from his eyes. When she didn't move he got more concerned, many thoughts rampaged through his head, maybe I should of sent her to the hospital against her will? But if I did that she wouldn't of trusted me again.

"B...Booth? I think I'm ready to talk now." She said, voice wavering with worry as she stared down at her hands, where they were anxiously entwined. His head snapped up at this, taking him out of his thoughts.

"Oh...Okay."

Common you can do it, just tell him the truth. "The person that hurt me is…was my foster brother, from my third home. I don't want to give you his name at this point, because I know you'll be angry and I don't want you doing anything drastic."

All Booth could do was stare, a little surprised that this was happening.

"You remember when I told you about the trunk…of the car?" At his nod she continued. "That's also related to this." She had to stop to take a deep breath. She could see Booth's anger shining in his eyes, even though he had a calm exterior. "He's angry at me because of something I've done." She couldn't keep her cool any longer as a hot tear ran down her cheek.

He took her hands in his, to provide some comfort. "You can do this Bones, I won't judge you I promise."

"I betrayed him Booth. I deserve this, I said I'd stand by him, but I left just like my family left me. I let him take the blame, when I did it." She could hardly seen now through the salty barrier of tears. "I did it. It was me!" She sobbed.

"Bones…"He found himself embracing her tightly as she began to shake.

"I killed my foster father." She blurted in between sobs.

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