(Female voice) We are Live just down the street from The Sound Prep, where just hours ago a gunman entered the school and opened fire… (Male voice) Breaking News, the gun violence spreads to The Sound Prep, a private school in Seattle, Washington…. (Female voice) it is unconfirmed at this time if there were multiple gunmen….. (Male voice) Headmaster Benjamin Dover has confirmed that the school uses metal detectors but had no further comment… (Female voice) twelve people dead, including five teachers and seven students… (Male voice) we're being told the gunman is a woman, possibly a teenager…. (Male voice) Later tonight, a look into the tragedy in Seattle, another devastating school shooting…. (Female voice) parents and students across the country continue their efforts to raise awareness and stop gun violence in our schools… (Female voice) it is unofficial at this time that the gunman may have been a current or former student…. (Male voice) many of the injured have been sent to the hospital, some in critical condition….. (Female voice) it is unofficial at this time that one of the victims was the granddaughter of District Attorney Carrick Grey…

Carrick Grey appears on television to make a statement at a news conference. He stands at the podium and listens to one reporter's question.

"My granddaughter was in fact injured, but she is expected to make a full recovery."

One reporter asks which granddaughter.

He clears his throat. "At this time I'm only going to confirm that my granddaughter was injured. My family appreciates the thoughts and prayers that are being sent our way as well as to the members of this community. We also ask that you respect our family's privacy in this tough time. Thank you"

He leaves the podium with his security as reporters continue to shout questions at him.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ana's POV

Ethan and I arrive at Bellevue just before ten, and the first thing I do is send a text message to Teddy instructing him to get on his computer. I'm sure he and Rebecca are watching the news coverage and going out of their minds. I had Gail call him earlier to assure him that Phoebe was okay. She told him about Ava and Sawyer as well. I want to skype with him and give him an update.

Ethan opens the door for me and we are greeted by an anxious Mia. She hugs the both of us and starts to fire questions at us. She had left her assistant manager in charge of her boutique earlier today and brought her kids here so that she could be here for Cameron and Natalie, while the rest of us were at the hospital. Carrick had to be in town all day at the police station and at press conferences. This whole family could use a good night sleep, but I'm sure that's not going to happen.

I interrupt Mia to thank her for taking care of Natalie and excuse myself to check on her. I find her sleeping in the bedroom where Liz and Sophie are also sleeping. I gently place a kiss on her forehead and stroke her hair before I retreat to Carrick's office.

I fire up the computer and find Teddy already waiting for me on skype.

"Mom, thank god, what the hell is going on!?"

"Teddy!" I snap. I know he's upset but he knows better than to swear at me.

"Sorry, just…. please tell me what's happening? How's Phoebe?"

I sigh and prepare myself to explain things to my son. It's late and I am so exhausted, but this is really important. Teddy is not here in Seattle and he needs reassurance. "Teddy, your sister is fine, I promise."

"Then why is she at the hospital?"

This surprises me. "How did you know?"

"I called Trevor."

Of course, he and Trevor have become friends since he started dating Phoebe. "Phoebe's only at the hospital for observation. Your father is there with her."

"Trevor said she saw it happen."

"We don't know what she saw yet" I say to him gently. "We need to wait until she's ready to talk about it."

"What about Ava?"

"Ava is out of surgery and she's sleeping. Your Aunt Kate and Uncle Elliot are both with her. The doctors expect her to be awake and talking tomorrow."

I observe my son and can see that this news is calming his nerves. He then runs his hand through his hair, just like his Dad always does. "He and Gail both said that Sawyer was shot."

"It's Mrs Taylor" I correct him. "And yes, he was shot and he had to have surgery. He had just gotten out of surgery before I had to leave."

There's a long pause, the only sound between us is our breathing. "I should come home" he finally says.

"No, Teddy you shouldn't. You need to be at school" I tell him sternly. "Your father and I will take care of Phoebe, Ava will be fine too. And we should have news on Sawyer tomorrow. I promise to give you an update as soon as I have one."

"I don't care what time it is" he says. "You can call or text at three in the morning if you have to, just please keep me posted. And let me know if I can do anything."

I smile at my son. He's always concerned about everyone else before himself. I'm so proud of him. "I will, Teddy. I'm sure Phoebe will want to hear from you tomorrow."

He nods. "Thank you, Mom. It's late, you should go to bed. Dad would want you to take care of yourself and those babies."

I chuckle, my son is so much like his father. "Why do you think I'm at Bellevue and not the hospital?"

"I mean it, Mom. Get some sleep, please. It's like you said, Phoebe is fine."

"I know Teddy. Goodnight, I love you."

"I love you too Mom."

I power down the computer and feel a tear escape my eye. How did I get so lucky to have such a great son?

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Phoebe's POV

I feel so relaxed and well rested. I haven't felt this way in so long. As I start to wake up I try to think about what day it is. My alarm hasn't gone off, and Dad hasn't come in to wake me yet. It is either very early or it is the weekend. I'm not sure. I haven't opened my eyes yet. I feel too relaxed, and I know if I open my eyes that feeling will subside. I keep my eyes closed and my hearing begins to become my dominant sense. I notice that I don't hear anything. It's as if the world has been muted. I don't hear the sound of the waves crashing or the birds chirping. How odd. I squeeze my eyes shut tight as I stretch my arms and legs. A yawn escapes me in the process. Time to officially wake up and start the day.

I open my eyes and it is still a bit dark. I see a person standing at my bed. It startles me because I didn't know that someone was in here with me. She has long hair, blond I think, so I know that she's a woman. The next thing I see is a gun in my face. A gun! She's going to shoot me. I start to scream as loud as I can, but nothing is coming out. I try really really hard to force my voice to let out a scream so that one of Dad's security guards could hear me, but it's no use. I squeeze my eyes shut and continue to try.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Christian's POV

I'm watching Dad's statement on the news on my iPad. I don't want to use the television because I don't want Phoebe to hear it. The fucking media will probably be covering this story for weeks. I'm going to have to keep Phoebe away from all of this. She doesn't need to see coverage of her school being shot up. It's bad enough she had to have a front row seat to it. Ana and I will need to talk to her about it, about what she saw. I will also need to set up a session for her to see Flynn.

I nearly jump out of my seat when I hear Phoebe scream. She starts thrashing in her sleep. I place my iPad and ear buds on a nearby table and I am by her side instantly, grabbing her wrists and calling for her. "Phoebe, Phoebe wake up, you're having a nightmare. Phoebe!" Her eyes shoot open. The frightening look on her face is just devastating. When she sees me she breaks down and cries hard. I slowly position myself on the bed so that I am sitting in front of her and I pull her into my arms. She's shaking, poor baby. She allows me to hold her and comfort her while she cries and starts saying words that resemble 'she' and 'gun'.

When she stops shaking, I pull away from her slightly so that I can look at her properly. I gently place my hand on the side of her head. "Phoebe, Baby you are safe I promise. Everything's okay."

"She had a gun" she says tearfully.

"Who? Who had the gun?" I watch her and wait for her to answer. She looks so confused. I'm not sure if she's talking about the shooting or her nightmare right now. "Phoebe, who had the gun?" I ask more forcefully.

She shakes her head. "I don't know. I…. I didn't see her face."

I pull her to me again and hold her, rubbing her back and shushing her since her body is shaking again. "You were having a nightmare" I finally say to her softly. "Do you remember what it was about?"

She tries to shake her head while I hold her, and I don't believe her. I've had my share of nightmares, and unfortunately I couldn't forget them. They would spook me so bad that I would stay awake, fearing that the nightmares would return or really happen. I do the only thing I can do and just hold her until she pulls away from me.

I sit back and watch her as she settles back on the bed again. She looks like she wants to say something, but she doesn't. I need to know what she's thinking. "Peanut, what are you thinking about?"

She doesn't answer me right away. She doesn't look up at me either, which would normally result in me losing my temper. But that can't happen. Not now. I need to be patient and be here for her, no matter how tired I am or how anxious I am for information. I take her hand in mine and hold it as I wait for her.

"Sawyer" she finally says softly.

"What about Sawyer?"

"He was shot" she says tearfully. "Is he going to be okay?"

I gently wipe her tears and brush my hand down the side of her head. "He's going to be fine. The doctors are taking really good care of him."

"You're not just saying that?"

I shake my head. "No, I'm not." She nods and blinks as more tears escape her eyes. "He had to have surgery, and he's in recovery. Brooke is with him."

"Where's Trevor?"

"His brother took him home. Travis was here working when we got here. He got him checked out and then took him to his place to stay until their parents arrive home from Italy."

She nods again and looks down at our hands. "Did anyone die?"

I don't want to answer her, but I know that I have to. She is just so fragile and emotional right now. But if I lie to her it won't do her any good. She'll find out eventually. "Yes, Baby" I answer in a whisper and look down.

She inhales and exhales quickly. "Ava….. and Nathan?"

"No!" I immediately answer and look at her face again. "No, no no they're okay." I brush my hand down the side of her head again. "Peanut, Ava was injured, but she's okay, I promise. Aunt Kate and Uncle Elliot are with her on the fourth floor."

"I want to see her."

"It's late. They won't allow visitors. But you can visit with her tomorrow, I promise."

She looks around and glares. "Late, it's night?"

"Yes Baby" I smile. "It's ten o'clock. We're going to stay here overnight and then we can go home tomorrow. After we see Ava."

She nods to let me know that she understands. "Why was I asleep?"

I sigh, dreading to have to answer this question. I'm sure she's not going to like what I have to say. "The doctor that examined you gave you a sedative."

She glares at me. "You let them do that?"

"Phoebe, you were so frightened and upset that you became inconsolable. I couldn't get you to calm." She becomes disgusted and turns on her side to face away from me. "I won't apologize for making a decision that I thought was best for you. You needed to be checked out to make sure you were alright." This doesn't do anything to placate her, so I need to change tack. "Phoebe, you know I would never ever allow anything or anyone to hurt you." I see her nod and I start to feel some relief. "I haven't left your side. I've been here with you all day. And I'll be here all night." She nods again but she doesn't say anything. I lean over and kiss the side of her head before getting up off of the bed. I pace, running my hands through my hair several times in the process.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

(Female voice) Police are on the hunt for the gunman tonight as the town comes to terms with what happened earlier today…. (Male voice) police have released the name of one of the gunmen, nineteen year old Rachel Wilson… (Female voice) police have only released a few names of the deceased….. (Female voice) police believe that Miss Wilson acted alone in the attack, but may have had help fleeing the scene… (Male voice) among the deceased is Mark Stack, a P.E. teacher whose been on staff for seven years. Sexual misconduct charges were filed against Mr Stack three years ago but were dropped when Miss Wilson recanted her statement. Police would not comment when asked if the previous charge was motive for today's attack.…. (Female voice) among the injured is Headmaster Benjamin Dover, he's been treated and released from the hospital… (Male voice) it's been confirmed that Miss Wilson is a former student of The Sound Prep… (Female voice) police are asking for the public's help in tracking down Rachel Wilson. A ten thousand dollar reward has been posted for information that will lead to her arrest… (Male voice) Rachel Wilson is believed to be armed and unstable. The police ask that you call 911 and refrain from approaching her…..

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ana's POV

I wake around eight and scramble to get myself out of bed. I can't believe I've slept this late. I have been sleeping in my husband's old bedroom. I wouldn't have it any other way while spending the night at Bellevue, accept of course having my husband with me. I'm used to being home in my own bed, waking next to Christian. He is usually awake before me and I usually wake to him softly caressing some part of my body. My, how I miss his touch. It's only been twelve hours. I start to crave having his hands on me, my face, my breasts, my arms, my hips, my bottom, my…. oh no, I need to get moving. I can't be thinking about that right now.

My pregnancy hormones are out of control. Lately I just want sex with Christian all the time. Which wouldn't be so bad, except we have two careers and three kids to look after, and one of them is in a very bad place right now. As I neatly make the bed I think about my Phoebe. I can't imagine what she went through yesterday, first hearing the gunshots and very likely seeing them. I'm not really sure what she saw. She was sedated for most of the day, so I didn't get to talk to her. I'm scared for her, scared of how she will cope with this. Will she have nightmares? Will she ever feel safe again? How do Christian and I even help her with this? I'm sure Christian is already working on that. He's probably already contacted Flynn to set up a string of therapy sessions for her.

You hear about it on the news way too often. School shootings. You never think it will happen to you or your kids. I continue to make the bed as tears roll down my face. Damn, these hormones. I cry at everything lately. But I'm sure I'd be crying about this even if I wasn't pregnant. People died in that school yesterday. Parents lost kids, kids lost parents and teachers. That could have been our kid, but luckily it wasn't. It wasn't because our daughter has one of the best bodyguards on the planet. I still can't believe it. Sawyer took a bullet for my daughter. I sit on the bed and hug a pillow as the reality of that sinks in. Sawyer could die, and he did it for my daughter. I always knew that Sawyer was the best, and that he was loyal. But he was my friend. I'm not naïve. I know that protecting my family is a dangerous job. You might say it's a suicide mission. I guess I always took for granted that Taylor and Sawyer were constants in our lives and that they were always great at what they do.

I pull myself together, wipe my tears and stand from the bed. I had used one of Christian's old t-shirts and a pair of running shorts to sleep in but now I need to find something to wear for the day. As I look through Christian's closet of his old clothes I am interrupted by a knock at the door. I'm sure I look absolutely dreadful, but I answer it anyway. I open the door to Mia. She's calm, not bouncy and energetic like she usually is. I'm grateful, since bouncy and energetic Mia is a lot for me to handle at the moment. I love my sister-in-law to death, but she can be a bit over the top at times.

"Taylor had dropped a bag off with some things for you and Natalie." Why am I surprised that Taylor did this. No doubt at Christian's request, but still. I look through the bag's contents and can't help but smile. "I hope you don't mind but I already dressed Natalie in one of Sophie's outfits. I had packed extra clothes and diapers for them, but you can change her into this if you want."

I feel the tears start to form again. This family has always been so good at taking care of each other, especially in hard times. "No, Mia that's incredibly sweet of you. Thank you for taking care of her. Yesterday too."

Mia hugs me, and I lose the battle with my tears. They start to roll down my cheeks. She pulls out of the hug and strokes my hair as I wipe my tears and giggle at myself for showing such emotion. "Hey, everything's going to be okay" she says to me. I nod as I try to pull myself together again. "We'll get Phoebe and Ava through this. And you know I am happy to take Natalie anytime you need me to. She's a doll, and my kids just adore her." I'm touched to hear her say that about my baby girl. I'm sure she was very well behaved. I smile and nod again. "Well, I'll leave you to get dressed. Then come join us for breakfast."

Mia leaves and shuts the door behind her. Suddenly I feel like I'm twenty two again, bonding with her and Kate over becoming family since we were marrying her brothers. That was a very happy and confusing time in my life. I knew that I wanted to be married to Christian, that I was certain of. But the speed at how our union came to be just made my head spin. Suddenly I was married to the man that I was in love with. I was part of his wonderful family and a rich lifestyle that completely overwhelmed me. And then I was pregnant with his child. I was only twenty two, and so were Kate and Mia. I was so lucky to have them both be a part of my life at that time, and to still have that now. I am not twenty two anymore, but for a moment I feel like Mia is right, that everything is going to be okay. I do my best to hold onto that as I change into the casual peach maternity sundress and cream colored cardigan that Gail had packed for me. I then slip in the off-white ballet flats. There is also a hairbrush, hair tie, toothbrush, toothpaste and make-up in the bag. I'm grateful since I need to clean myself up to face the day. I need to look composed when I see Phoebe.

Once downstairs, I meet Mia and the kids in the kitchen. Natalie sees me and her little face just lights up. I missed my baby girl. I take a few steps into the room and catch her when she runs to me. "Mommy!" she screams with excitement. I giggle and pick her up. My wrist is finally starting to heal and I can hold her again. I hug her tight as she calls me Mommy a few more times. I pull her away from me so that I can look at her face.

"Hi Baby Girl! Mommy missed you."

"Mommy, where's Daddy?" She asks me with a serious expression and tone. I can't help but smile at her.

"Well, Daddy is with Phoebe. We're going to see them later."

"Oh" is all she says. I place her back on the ground and she runs back to the table to sit next to Sophie.

I walk closer to the table and see that the kids are eating pancakes. Elizabeth and Christopher are dressed in their school uniforms. I wasn't even thinking about school. I notice that I'm frowning as thoughts of yesterday are in my head, so I put on a smile for my nieces and nephews. "Good Morning"

"Good Morning Aunt Ana" Elizabeth and Christopher answer dearly. Sophie, Natalie and Cameron are concentrating hard on their pancakes. I make my way over to the stove where Mia is cooking and I whisper so that he kids cannot hear me. "School's open today?"

I see her frown. "I called their Headmaster, figured they would close at least for today, but they won't. They're going to have Seattle's finest patrolling the grounds throughout the day."

I look behind me and see that the kids are not looking at us. "Where's Ethan?"

"He went to the hospital early. He's going to sit with Ava while Kate and Elliot run home and shower. I told them I'd keep Cameron with me. Natalie can stay too, I'm not going anywhere."

I smile at Mia. She would care for a hundred kids at a time if she could. If she wasn't so big on fashion, she would have made a great teacher. I rub her back as she stirs the pancake batter. "Thanks, Mia. I might take you up on that. We're bringing Phoebe home today and…. I'm not even sure how she's going to be."

My blackberry vibrates and I pull it out. I have a text from Christian. I can't help but smile before I even read it.

Morning Baby, I hope you slept well. Phoebe is just waking up. Doctor will check her out, we'll visit Ava, and then I'll bring her home. Collins will be there soon to take you and Natalie home. Laters Baby!

I read the text and I know that Mia can see how confused I am. "Is everything okay?" she asks me.

"Yeah" I answer her, but I'm unsure. "Christian wants me and Natalie to go home instead of the hospital."

"That's good news, right? That means he's bringing Phoebe home."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Christian's POV

I send a text to Ana to let her know that I've arranged for Collins to take her and Natalie home. I'd like for them to be there when I bring Phoebe home. Our daughter needs to be able to relax at home with our support. I look up at Phoebe and her eyes are open, but they are not focused. I stand and slowly approach her bed. I don't want to scare her. I slowly sit on her bed and wait for her to say something. There's silence for a while before she does.

"Why did this happen?" Her voice is so soft and sad. She's not looking at me. She's looking over at the window.

"I don't know, Baby" I say to her. I take her hand again and hold it just as I did last night, but she still doesn't look at me.

"Is this my fault?"

What? "No, why would you say that?" I have got to get her off of this. I can't let her blame herself for some girl shooting up a school.

She shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know. I just feel like it is."

I frown. It is killing me to see her like this. I feel helpless. Before I get a chance to say anything, there is a knock at the door. I turn my head to see that it is a police officer. I stand from the bed and turn to face him.

"Mr Grey" he greets me and holds out his hand. I look down at it and then back at him but I don't offer my hand in return.

"And you are?"

"Detective Runyon" he answers me and keeps his hand out. I put my hand out and shake it while keeping eye contact with him. "If it's alright I'd just like to ask your daughter a few questions."

I look down at Phoebe and then back at the detective. "I don't think she's up to it." I don't want my daughter to be questioned by police before she is ready. She is nearly broken right now. I won't allow things to get worse for her.

"I understand your concerns, Mr Grey. I just want to know what she saw. I promise this won't take long."

I look down at my daughter again, and this time she is looking at me and at the detective. I take a few steps backward and sit on the bed next to her. She sits up and leans against me. "I stay" I say without giving him room for argument. He nods and moves the chair closer to the bed to sit.

"Hi Phoebe" he says kindly. "Would it be alright if I ask a few questions?"

I look at Phoebe and see her nod. I have my arm protectively wrapped around her.

"Were you at the The Sound Prep yesterday?"

"Yes" she answers in almost a whisper.

"Can you tell me what you saw?"

Phoebe's eyes drop to her blanket as she thinks it over. She shakes her head. "Not much, really. I heard really loud bangs, and people screaming. I didn't really know what was happening." She takes a moment to breath and I can feel her body trembling. My arm around her becomes tighter. "I saw Sawyer fall down, and blood was all over his chest. I felt someone push me and I fell on top of him." Her voice starts to become more high pitched and emotional. This is really hard to take. "He was bleeding and…. and I wanted to help him but I didn't know how. Before I could, I felt Trevor lift me off of him and pull me away."

"Did you see who had the gun?"

"No" she says tearfully. "I…. I think she had blond hair. I didn't see her face. I'm sorry."

Phoebe starts to cry. I bring my hand over and place it on the side of her head, softly rubbing my thumb back and forth. "No more questions" I say to the detective. He doesn't argue.

"Thank you Phoebe, Mr Grey" he says softly. There's emotion in his voice as well. "I'll be in touch if I have anything further."

"Thank you" I manage to say. I really don't like that he came here to question my daughter, but just like the rest of us he has a job to do. He and his team need to catch those responsible for this. And my job is to protect my daughter. I continue to hold her and place a kiss on her head.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Christian's POV

Once Phoebe is calm, I am able to get her to eat some breakfast. She didn't have dinner last night, so I'd ordered some pancakes, bacon, eggs and fruit for her and myself. I'm impressed when I see that she's eating most of it. I also have a coffee for me and tea for her. We eat in silence, which is fine as long as she's eating. I purposely keep the television off because I don't want her to see any of the media coverage of her school. I have her iPod here so we are listening to her music. I don't mind it really. As long as she's here, and she's safe, I will listen to her music with her as much as she needs me to.

Once she is finished I move her tray away and show her a bag of clothes that Taylor had dropped off for her. He also brought clothes for me, but I decide to wait and shower once we're home.

"Here Baby, Mrs Taylor had packed some things for you." She manages a small smile when she sees the clothes that Gail had picked out. I manage to smile as well. "I'll leave you to it."

I start to leave the room, but I am halted by her terrified voice. "No, wait!"

I turn and walk back toward the bed. "What is it?"

She hesitates. "Don't leave. Please."

"Peanut, I promise I am not going anywhere. I'll be just outside."

I look at her face and can see that she is troubled. She doesn't want me to leave the room. "Please, just…. turn around, I can change quickly."

I nod and do as she wishes. It only takes about thirty seconds for her to change out of her hospital gown and into capri shorts and a top that Gail had packed. I face her again when she lets me know that I can and watch her put socks and shoes on. I slowly walk toward the bed and sit next to her. "Are you okay?"

She shakes her head and stays silent as she ties her shoe. Dumb question Grey! I reach into her bag and pull out the hairbrush. I start to gently brush her hair, and she remains still as I do it. I keep doing it until Dr Henning joins us.

"Good Morning" she says with enthusiasm. "How'd you sleep?"

Phoebe shrugs her shoulders. "Okay"

"Good. I just want to do a quick check and then we'll have you out of here."

I step aside and let he doctor check her over. Once she's finished she hands over the discharge papers for me to sign. "Thank you Doctor" I say as I pass the clipboard back to her. There is a note on the clipboard for me to call her later to discuss how Phoebe is doing, as she doesn't want to talk in front of her. I'm grateful for that. I just want to get her home. I smile at her once the doctor leaves. "Ready Peanut?"

"You said I could visit Ava" she says softly.

I nod. "That I did. Let's go."

I take my daughter's hand and her bag and lead her out of the room. We walk in silence to the elevator, to the fourth floor and then to Ava's room. Ava is awake when we arrive and Ethan is with her. Phoebe is emotional again when she sees her cousin. She rushes over to the bed and hugs her. Ava is ready for her as she sits up and puts her arms out in time.

"Are you okay?" Ava asks with concern.

Phoebe pulls out of the hug and sits on the bed. "You're asking me if I'm okay? Ava, you were shot?"

Ava shrugs her shoulders. I'm sure it's just to placate my daughter. "I'll survive. They took the bullet out and told me that I'll have to use crutches for a few weeks. And check it out, they're letting me keep it."

She pulls out the bullet that they took out of her leg and I start to get angry, but luckily Ethan speaks up before I do.

"Ava, not now. Put it away."

"Sorry" Ava says once she sees her mistake. She seems a little fidgety and nervous.

"What about cheerleading?" Phoebe asks her.

Ava shrugs her shoulders again. "Basketball cheerleading doesn't start for months, I'll be fine by then. You need to chill, Grey. We both got out of there. Thanks to Super Dad back there." She looks over at me and I can't help but smile. "Do you think I can have a few minutes alone with him?"

Uh oh, this won't go well. Phoebe wouldn't even let me leave her alone in her hospital room. I look over at Ethan and hope that he gets the hint. I'm relieved when I see him stand. "Come on Phoebe, we'll call your Aunt Mia and see how things are at Bellevue."

Ethan and Phoebe leave the room, and suddenly Ava looks like she wants to cry. I walk over and sit on her bed so that I am facing her. I hold one of her hands while she uses the other to wipe some tears that have escaped. "I'm sorry, that was really stupid of me to show her the bullet. I just don't know what to say around her."

"It's okay" I try.

"No, it's not okay" she shoots back. "None of this is okay. Uncle Christian, Rachel had the gun. She was trying to shoot Phoebe. Uncle Ethan said she's still out there." I pull her up and hug her to my chest, being careful not to touch her leg. I rub my hand in circles on her back. Ava's always been so much stronger than Phoebe, but neither of them should have ever had to endure this violence. "I was so scared she was going to kill her."

I pull out of the hug and help her rest comfortably against her pillows. "I'm going to do everything I can to keep the two of you safe. I also have my men out there looking for Miss Wilson. They'll find her." She offers a nod and wipes some more tears. I reach over for the tissue box and give her a few. "There's always going to be a guard outside this door for as long as you're here, and there will also be a guard close by anytime you are taken for tests."

This seems to placate her. She nods again and blows her nose. "Thank you" she says softly, which doesn't sound like her at all. "I know you got me out of there before you even knew where Phoebe was."

I look down and nod. I was looking for Phoebe when I found Ava. But I would never have left Ava in that state. I look up at her face again. "You're welcome."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

(Female voice) police are looking into the shooting that happened at The Sound Prep yesterday just after eleven am…. (Male voice) twelve people confirmed dead, including five teachers and seven female students… (Female voice) the investigation could take up to six months to complete…. (Male voice) school officials are unsure of when students can return to the school, no word on the possibility of holding classes in other locations…. (Female voice) police are still looking for the suspect in the shooting, nineteen year old Rachel Wilson. It's been confirmed that she was a former student of The Sound Prep. Police have no word on motive at this time… (Male voice) Miss Wilson's family could not be reached for comment… (Female voice) Later tonight, a look into just who Rachel Wilson is, we will hear from one of her closest friends….. (Female voice) parents and students across the country are outraged this morning as the fight for stricter gun laws in our communities does nothing to stop the gun violence in our schools…..(Male voice) the president plans to visit Seattle, we will hear from him later today… (Female voice) police are asking for the public's help in tracking down Rachel Wilson. A ten thousand dollar reward has been posted for information that will lead to her arrest…..

Thank you so much for the continued support. This is something I've had in mind for a while. It is unfortunate that school shootings actually do happen, and too often. It affects us even when we don't know any of the people in the community. I remember Columbine, I was a senior in high school at the time and people thought it would be funny to spread rumors at our school that it would happen at our prom. I was young and that scared me. I remember Newtown. Each and every one of those kids and teachers were beautiful people that we got to know only because the media was all over it, which is why I felt it was important to put a bunch of scattered lines from the media coverage in this chapter. I was an adult, not a scared kid. I went to my nephew's holiday choral concert that night and just cried, because all I could think about while watching him and his classmates was those kids from Newtown. While it was important to get to know the people of Newtown and grieve, media was often intrusive, which I also tried to implement in this chapter. I apologize if this direction offends anyone. I definitely don't wish for this to happen to anyone in real life.

For those of you who guessed that it was Rachel, the bully from my first story, great job! I was thrilled when I read those reviews because I haven't mentioned Rachel for quite some time.

Thanks again and Happy Reading!