Heyyyyy! Part six woop woop! Thank you SO MUCH for reading AND I looooove reviews! No flames, but please review if you can! Enjoy Part 6 all! Lotta hurt/comfort in the chapter.

Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, do not have ANY ownership over Rent! Depression!

Turn This House Into A Home

Chapter 6: I'll Stand By You

Lily POV

Over the next few days, the whole gang of bohemianswere ecstatic over Mimi and Roger's engagement. The wedding planning had to be slowed due to the upcoming trial, Joanne was working hard to ensure Travis was put away for a long time. I have complete trust in her, even though I know she will be forced to ask me some personal questions about my relationship with Travis. I still can't help but be concerned about what will be revealed in front of my new friends, especially Mark. He has giving me nothing but, comfort and support as the court date grows closure. We haven't really gotten the chance to talk about our relationship again. When the morning finally came, So many emotions were going though my head. My entire body shook during my morning routine. Don't let me be sick. Please. I drank some water hoping to calm my stomach.

"Today's the day." I whispered leaving my apartment. I anxiously adjusted the nice blouse and skirt I wore one last time. Zipping up my jacket I walked upstairs and knocked on the door to Mark's loft.

"Hey, sweetheart…" Mark embraced me. Collins, Mimi, and Roger did the same trying their best to relax me.

"Are you ready for this, Lily?" Roger asked softly.

"I hope so…" I trailed off. Mark took my hand and offered my a comforting smile. It was odd seeing the group in such a dismal mood after the days before and it was odd to see Mark without his camera.

"Let's go." He led us downstairs and into the cold New York air. The walk to the courthouse was mostly quiet. Roger told me he had gotten a call from Joanne about being a witness. He, of course, agreed. Mark wanted to do it but, because of our growing relationship, Jo thought Roger was a better choice. I was just worried about having to face Travis, having to be in the same room as him again. I'm gunna be sick. I inwardly groaned.

"Lily we're here…" Collins's voice brought me out of my thoughts. Before I knew it we were sitting in the courtroom. Maureen had joined us and Joanne was upfront going though some folders. There was no jury, as the judge would make the decision. A couple other people entered sitting randomly around us.

"Take a deep breath, just think after this…you'll never have to see him again." Mark whispered to me. I kissed him quickly.

"Thank you." I pulled away. A door swung open and two security guards entered escorting Travis, now in an orange jumpsuit. My heart sank as he instantly made eye contact with me. Why is he smiling…I clutched Mark's hand tighter I can do this… Travis looked like hell. His black hair was shaggy and knotted. His cold, gray eyes were bloodshot and facial hair began to grow along his cheeks and chin. He was pale and ragged with his hands cuffed. He tore his gaze from me and sat down across from Joanne. The judge entered soon after. I tuned out most of what they said about the states charges against Travis as I tried to stay calm. Roger was questioned about what happened when they found me on the stairs, he told the story then was allowed to sit. Then I heard my name.

"I'd like to call Lillian Foster to the stand." Joanne's professional voice stopped my thoughts. Taking one last breath I stood and walked to the stand where I was swore in. The room was tense and I felt uneasy with so many people staring at me. Joanne stepped forward.

"Ms. Foster how long have you know Mr. Johns?" She asked.

"Over 4 years now."

"Can you tell the court your relation to him."

"He was my ex-boyfriend." Stay calm Lily, I told myself.

"Can you describe your relationship." Joanne inquired.

"When we met, things where great. We went out all the time and we grew so close and he moved into my apartment about 6 months later. After that everything changed between us."

"What happened Lillian?" Joanne spoke.

"He became really demanding and started drinking more. He began coming home drunk more and more. He was so angry and he…he pushed me around and soon….h-he started beating me. I was too scared to kick him out, s-so I didn't. I let it happen." My voice began to crack.

"I understand. Could you describe what began to happen after?"

"I-it got worse as time went on…He rarely let me out of the apartment, just occasional shopping for him, he would hold a knife toward me to scare me. He t-threatened to k-kill me on a number of times and…." Tears filled my eyes.

"And what Lily?" Joanne asked softly.

"He started to rape me…soon it began to happen almost every night. He treated me like a whore and tied me up and gagged me so the neighbors wouldn't hear…."Tears rolled out of my eyes. The room was dead silent. The bohemians looked both hurt and angry. I made eye contact with Mark for a brief second, he was stiff, I saw so many emotions going through him. I painfully tore my gaze from Mark and ended up meeting Travis's furious eyes. I could look away….he was shaking in his seat glaring at me. Pure hate in his eyes. Scared, I finally got my gaze away from him.

"One last thing can you tell the court how you felt Lily?"

"I-I felt like I was nothing. Like I had been betrayed by someone I loved and cared about. I was so angry at myself because I thought it was my fault." I said honestly. Inhale. Exhale. Joanne nodded.

"No further questions. You may go." I stood up and slowly made my way back to the table. The judged started to say something but and angry yell tore through the room. I froze.

"You stupid, worthless, lying BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU!" Travis stood up and dove over his table. Why can't I move? I was petrified. Two hands clamped around my throat pushing me into a wall. Travis was screaming things in my ear, his hands got tighter and I gasped for air, finally fighting against him. More yells filled the room as he was thrown away from me by security. One officer pulled out and odd gun and shot is at Travis his whole body convulsed on the floor then, went still. I was in a daze as I felt myself falling until two arms caught me. The judged was furiously smashing the gavel and screaming, trying to keep order.

"Lily….Lily!" Mark pulled me out of my daze. Oh my god. I snapped out of it and a sob escaped my lips. I threw myself at him sobbing uncontrollably into his chest.

"ORDER!" The judge yelled. "Bailiff, get that man out of here!" The guards pulled Travis's limp body out. "Mrs. Jefferson stay here. Everyone else, go home now! I've got some decisions to make." He tried to calm himself.

"Take her home. I'll get back to you later." Joanne's worried voice said.

"Pookie I'm going with them." I heard Maureen say. I felt Mark guiding me out of the courthouse. Wind soon hit my face, drying some of my tears. Mark stopped and pulled me into another embrace.

"He's gone Lily." He said firmly.

"That was so scary…" I whimpered. He kissed the top of my head before pulling away.

"Let me see your neck…" He spoke softly. I tilted my head as his hands gingerly touched my neck. I couldn't read his expression….

"Lets get her home." Collins embraced me quickly. Mark nodded and put an arm around my shaking form. Everyone stayed quite as we turned down an ally. I sniffled, wiping my face with my sleeve, I felt so drained. An sudden wave of nausea swept over me. I quickly put my hand over my mouth. Shit!

"I'm going to be sick." My muffled voice broke the silence, I ran to a nearby empty trash can and puked into it. Tears rolled down my cheeks and my body trembled violently, I gripped the trash can tightly, gagging. I felt hands pull my hair out of my face.

"Let it out…." Mark whispered soothingly. I felt someone else rub my back for comfort.

"It's gunna be ok honey." I was surprised to hear Maureen voice beside me. When I was done all I wanted to do was lie down. I wiped my mouth with my jacket sleeve. Maureen helped steady me as I stood up. "Can you walk?" I nodded only to stumble and fall into Mark. Mimi walked over and put her hand to my forehead.

"She's getting a fever. We need to get her in bed now." I saw Mark simply nod and he put one of my arms around his neck. I though he was going to lead me but instead he put one arm under my legs and picked my small frame up bridal style. I gasped in surprise and put my arms around his neck. So warm… I buried my head into his shoulder, inhaling his scent…Don't drop me. We weren't that far from home now. I felt my eyelids droop and I fell asleep.

Mark POV:

"Is she asleep?" I asked quietly, trying not to shake. She wasn't heavy but, I wasn't the strongest guy. Please don't let me drop her…

"Yeah…" Roger trailed off.

"She's really burning up Mark…," Maureen brushed some hair out of Lily's face, a serious look on her own face. It was a little bizarre seeing the usually dramatic Maureen so calm and stern. Maybe she is as pissed as I am. I was never good at handling my emotions in front of people, usually I hid them and throw myself into work later, but I've been having a difficult time lately. I genuinely cared for Lily and I feel like I should have protected her better. That asshole has been beating her in the building for years and I never saw it…I felt so…guilty. I was suddenly angry at myself. We finally got to the building and Roger helped me get her up the stairs.

"Let's take her to our place." I suggested, wanting to watch over her. Back in the loft I automatically carried her to my room. I pulled of her coat and shoes carefully, she stirred weakly.

"M-mark, I'm don't feel very well….,"She tried to sit up but, I pushed her back gently. Kissing her forehead, I felt her relax.

"Shhh…sleep now. You need to get better…"I pulled the cover over her and she closed her eyes. I pulled my glasses off and rubbed my head. I glanced at her neck one last time, noticing small bruises from were he choked her. He is out of her life now. I told myself. Putting my glasses back on, I left the room.

"How could no one know about what went on in her apartment…how did we not notice..." Roger said bitterly, as Mimi wrapped her arms around him in and effort to comfort him.

"Sounds like she didn't get much time out of that apartment." Collins added. "She asleep still?" He turned to me.

"Yeah…" I nodded.

"She's a strong chick." Maureen offered a small smile. "She'll get better soon."

"And we'll be there for her…." Mimi let a smile grace her feature too. Always, I thought. "There's only us…"