Chapter 2

John walked back up to the house and walked in.

"Marissa, we need to talk."

Marissa walked into the living room and sat down.

"John please let me explain."

"Explain what? Explain how you let that piece of crap boyfriend of yours hurt MY little girl? I don't think you can Marissa." John said agitatedly.

"John…"

"No Marissa. You listen to me and listen well. I am taking Lilyana with me and she is never coming back here. You had your chance to be a mother and blew it. Instead of taking care of her, you did drugs and drank. You let your loser boyfriend do as he pleased with her. First thing tomorrow, I will be contacting my lawyer. For now, don't try to contact Lily or myself. You will be hearing from my lawyer. I am pressing charges on Marvin and you better pray that charges aren't brought against you as well." With that John got up and walked out the door.

He was full of mixed emotions. He was angry with Marissa and Marvin but also angry with himself. How could he have left his precious little girl there to be hurt and mistreated?

Randy was concerned for his friend. He knew that John was most likely blaming himself for what happened to Lily.

"John, this is in no way your fault, man." Randy tried to comfort his friend.

"How isn't it? I left my little girl their and haven't been around to protect her from them." John stated.

"What is important is that you are here for her now. She is safe and we aren't letting anything or anyone hurt her ever again." Randy reassured John.

By that time they were at the hospital. John parked the car and got out. Next he gently picked up the sleeping child and carried her in to the emergency room. Randy followed them in, carrying Lily's stuffed tiger. He figured she might want it if she woke up. It was going on 3 am as they approached the front desk.

"Hello. How can I help you." replied the chubby, brown haired nurse.

"My daughter has been abused by her mother's boyfriend and needs to be checked out." John stated.

The nurse tried to hide the gasp but wasn't very successful.

"Bring her right on back. Nurse Smith will get her vitals and the doctor will be in shortly." she told them as she led them to a private ER room.

Shortly after they had Lily in the bed, a tall, slender, blonde haired nurse came in.

"Hello, I am Nurse Smith. We need to get this young lady into a gown. Would you two mind stepping out of the room for a minute?"

Randy got up and walked out but John hesitated. Lily had woken up and he was concerned about leaving her.

Lily looked at the nurse and said shyly, "Can Daddy please stay here? I would feel better if he did."

"Of course he can darling." the nurse replied and began to get her into the gown. Once she had Lily in the gown, she took her vitals.

"Ok, if you need anything let me know. Dr. Richards should be in to see you soon." she said and then left the room.

Randy walked back in the room and smiled at Lily.

"So how is my favorite god daughter feeling?"

"Uncle Randy, I am your only god daughter." she giggled.

"I know. But even if you weren't the only one you would still be my favorite." he replied.

This made Lilyana smile. She was happy that her two heroes had come to her rescue.

"Daddy, do I have to go back to Mama's?"

"No, I promise you, you never have to go back there." John comforted his daughter as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Lily smiled. "You two are my heroes."

This made both John and Randy chuckle.

After a few minutes, the doctor knocked on the door and entered. Lily tensed up when he came in. She scooted closer to her daddy and Randy.

"Hello Lilyana. Don't be afraid child. I am Dr. Richards. I won't hurt you." the doctor said calmly.

"Hello, Dr. Richards." Lily shyly replied.

"So Lily, can you tell me why you are here?"

AN: Thank you all for the wonderful reviews. It is exciting to see how many people have added this story to their favorites and alerts. Thank you. I hope you continue to enjoy this story. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Please continue to read and review. Thank you again!