Chapter 56

Saturday night Kim was sitting in her office at the hospital. She still couldn’t believe that she blocked Nigel’s attack from her mind and simply forgot it. All the time she was wondering why she couldn’t let Jon come close and the answer was right there. That bastard scared her more than she thought. She sighed and looked at her watch.

Shortly after 2 a.m.

It had been a quiet evening…way too quiet for her taste. It felt like the calm before the storm. She sighed and leaned back in her chair, maybe it was just because she was getting tired of doing this paper work. Another reason why she didn’t like quiet evenings; she had to do all the paper work that came along with her job.

Absently she picked up the phone when it rang.

“Dr. Anderson, children's medical unit.“

“Kimi?” Jon’s voice came from the speaker.

“Hi, baby.” She said with a smile. “Why are you still up? Everything ok?”

“No!” she could hear the concern in his voice. “Nothing is ok. It’s Romeo. He has a high fever…and it’s like…it’s like…” Jon stuttered. She was sure he was standing next to his son’s bed and was watching him.

“Jon, calm down. Take a deep breath and tell me what’s going on.” Kim told him with strict, but soothing voice. She could hear him breathing deeply.

“He has a high fever and nothing we did so far is working. I can’t get a hold of our stupid pediatrician and he’s like…Kim, it’s like he’s falling into coma or something and when he wakes up he’s confused. It really scares me!” She could hear his panic.

“Ok, listen… bring him here. Try to talk to him on the way to keep him awake or better let him tell you about school, what happened during the week. Meet me down at the ER!”

“Ok, we’ll be there in a minute.” He said and hung up.

Kim hurried out of her office. “Fran!” she yelled when she saw her friend at the end of the hall and waved her over.

“Come down with me into the ER, Jon will bring Romeo. He has a high fever and seems to be dehydrated. Jon says he’s barely responding.” She explained.

“Shit!” Fran cursed and they both hurried down the hall to the stairway. The elevators simply took too long.

“Is he having the kids this weekend? Where is his ex-wife?” Fran asked while they were sprinting down the stairs.

“I don’t know where she is. I didn’t ask. All I know is that he wanted to spend the weekend with the kids before the ‘madness starts’ to say it with his words. You know the premiere of the documentary, Album release and performance at New Meadowland Stadium. And now he can’t get a hold of his pediatrician.” Kim answered.

“Oh, I hate those doctors!” Fran cursed with twinkling eyes. Kim shot  her a look.

“Yeah, I don’t like those persons either.” She replied dryly. Her patients could always get a hold of her. Especially as a pediatrician it was very important in her opinion. Parents wanted their sick kid with the doctor they trusted and not a stranger.

They only had to wait for a few minutes, before Jon was racing in with Romeo in his arms and Steph by his side. Kim hurried over to him. His face spoke volumes, he was close to panic. She knew he would only calm down when she could tell him Romeo wasn’t in real danger.

“Hi.” She simply greeted him and turned her attention immediately to the little boy in his arms. Softly she tilted his chin up, so she could look him in the eyes. His face was really warm and he was barely able to hold his head up on his own.

“Romeo. Romeo.” His glassy gaze slowly focused on her. She smiled. “Hi buddy. Do you remember me?” she caressed his cheek gently.

He nodded lightly and whispered “Fire Helicopter” before pressing his head back against Jon’s shoulder. Kim grinned shortly. He remembered what present she gave him the first time they met.

But nevertheless you could see the bright lights and all the noise around him scared him. Light and sound sensitivity typical symptom for high fever, Kim thought.

“How high is his temperature?” she asked Jon.

“103.6°F…the paracetamol and calf packing didn’t help at all.” Jon said worried.

“Ok, I understand. He’s five now, right?” Jon nodded.

“Ok, …Fran…” Her friend stepped closer to her. “We can go up to the children’s medical unit.” Fran nodded and turned to stop one of the elevators for them.

“Kim?” Jon asked nervously.

“I’ll examine him in a minute. Upstairs it’s much calmer, he’ll be more relaxed. Because of the fever he reacts sensitive to the bright lights and the noise here and it’s not that bad that I will need any help from the specialists down here.“ she explained when the elevator doors closed behind them. He sighed relieved.

“So, he’ll be ok again?” Steph asked worried still holding Romeo’s stuffed animal in her hands. Kim smiled at her.

“He’ll be ok again. I’m sure about that. We’ll find out what’s wrong with him and then he gets some medicine and he’ll feel better soon. You’ll see.” She softly squeezed Steph’s shoulder.

“Are you ok, Steph? You are really pale.” Kim asked concerned. Jon’s head snapped to his daughter.

“Babygirl?”

“I’m fine. I just didn’t know what was wrong with him and it was scary when he was so confused and didn’t recognize us.” Steph whispered tears shining in her eyes.

“It’s because of the fever, Steph. It’ll be ok.” Kim explained. The girl nodded sniffing. Even though her brothers were most of the time bothering her, she couldn’t stand the thought of them being sick.

“Oh, baby…it’s ok.” Jon pulled her close with his free arm and kissed her forehead. She nodded and relaxed slowly. Fran smiled at Kim. Jon was the great father she always imagined.

“This way.” Fran said when they reached the children’s medical unit. Jon followed her down the empty hall. Kim was right. It was much calmer up here, the lights in the hall were dimmed and the few people walking around tried to be as quiet as possible. It was evident that the kids on this unit were sleeping.

They entered a small examination room with colorful comic paintings at the walls and an airplane-mobile hanging above the examination couch. Fran dimmed the lights immediately when they entered the room. No need to hurt that little boy more.

“It’s our boys room.” Kim explained smiling. Jon chuckled.

“I see.” And put Romeo carefully down on the couch. The boy was sleeping again and breathing rather normal. That calmed Kim. She was already worried he might also have problems with the breathing.

Gently she pulled the covers from Romeo’s warm body and leaned over him. “Romeo. Wake up.” The boy stirred, but didn’t open his eyes. She looked at Jon.

“Come buddy, wake up.” Jon said and ran his hand through Romeo’s hair. Slowly his son opened his eyes and looked at him.

Kim smiled. “Hi. You are tired right?” Romeo nodded. “Ok, I promise you can sleep again, but before you have to help me a bit, ok?”

“Ok.” He mumbled.

“Good. So, tell me does anything hurt? Your head or your throat maybe. Your stomach?” Kim asked smiling.

“Head and here.” Romeo whispered and touched his throat.

“Your throat hurts?” Kim asked. He nodded sadly. You could see he was not a happy boy right now, but definitely more relaxed than downstairs with all those people around him

“Ok, so let me have a look.” Kim turned around to Fran and she handed her a wooden scoop and a little flashlight.

Romeo frowned and turned his head to hide in his father’s arms. Jon smiled and pushed him back gently. “Come on Ro, you know that.” Jon said and pointed at the small wooden scoop in Kim’s hand.

“I promise it doesn’t hurt Romeo. I will only look.” Kim assured him. “Ok?”

“Mhh.” Romeo nodded and opened his mouth.

“Perfect.” Kim pressed his tongue down a bit and got a good look at his tonsils. They were red, swollen and already had some white pus patches. No wonder the little boy was so down. She knew from own experience that it really hurt. Plus the first signs of dehydration were there as well. His tongue was dry and coated and his lips were rough. She removed the scoop from his mouth.

“See, that was it. Well, done, Romeo.” She compliment him. Jon kissed his cheek.

“Ok, can you sit up once, Romeo. I wanna listen to your heartbeat and your breathing.” Kim said and helped Jon to take off Romeo’s pyjama-shirt. The shirt was soaked with sweat.

“Fran, could you bring us a new pyjama.” Kim said. She nodded.

“Would you like transformers or airplanes, Romeo?” Fran asked smiling.

“Transformers.” He said shyly. Jon smiled.

“You know you won’t get that one back, right?” he said chuckling. Kim’s calm way of examine Romeo assured him that his son wasn’t in real danger and he could finally relax a bit.

“We are prepared for that.” Fran laughed. “I’ll be right back.” Kim nodded and turned her attention back to Romeo.

The breathing was normal. The heartbeat a bit increased, because of the high temperature, but nothing to worry there. Carefully she touched his throat and could feel the swollen tonsils. Romeo pulled lightly back.

“That hurts, right?” Kim asked apologetic. He nodded.

“Can you move your head really far in your neck and look up at the ceiling…” Romeo followed her direction without hesitation. “…good, and now all the way back to the front till your chin is on your chest.” He also did that. “Very good.” No signs for a stiff neck, no signs for meningitis.

“Ok, you can lay down again.” She covered him with his blanket and turned to Jon. “He has a bad Tonsillitis, I would guess because of streptococcal bacteria, but we will know for sure, after we took a swab. His tonsils are really swollen and already have some pus on it…” Jon looked at her shocked.

“…don’t worry, he’ll get some antibiotics and it’ll be fine again in a couple days. But it’s good to know that he reacts so extreme when he says the next time that his throat hurts, make sure he gets the medicine before it turns that bad.”

Fran entered the room again and started to dress Romeo in his brand new transformer-pyjama.

“He didn’t say anything.” Jon said and watched his son lay down again.

“He said it on Friday, before you came over.” Steph said silently. “Mom thought he would be fine again the next day or so. Jesse just had a little cold with pain in his throat, but it was over the next day.” Jon looked at her surprised and Kim could see anger in his eyes.

Kim nodded. “I see, well everyone reacts different to it and when you say Jesse had a cold it can be that Romeo’s immune system was already weak and it hit him harder.” Kim explained.

“She couldn’t know it, Jon.” She added in a low voice, so only he could hear it. He nodded, but he was still a bit angry.

“Why I wanna keep him here, is simply because of his high fever and the first signs of dehydration. We have to make sure he’s getting enough liquid.” Kim continued. Jon nodded.

“How long will he has to stay?” he asked and took his son’s hand. He could see Romeo wasn’t happy about the fact to stay in hospital.

“Well, at least tonight and tomorrow. It depends at bit how much he drinks on his own.” Kim smiled at the boy. “But I can understand that he doesn’t want to swallow right now, it simply hurts.” Jon nodded understanding.

“He didn’t eat much today either.” He said.

“Well, food doesn’t matter for one or two days, but drinking is very important with such a high temperature.” Kim answered.

“I want Mommy.” Romeo suddenly said. Jon leaned down and hugged him and Steph was at his side immediately too.

“Mommy is on the way, I called her. Till she’s here I stay with you, buddy. I won’t leave you alone, ok?” Jon assured him. His son nodded.

“Where’s Floppy?” he whined. Steph held up the little stuffed rabbit.

“He’s right here, Romeo.”

“Want.” He reached out his small hand and Steph handed him the rabbit.

Chapter 55

When they walked with Kim through the entrance of the San Remo building a worried Ed rushed over to them.

“Is everything ok Miss Anderson? Should I call the doctor?”

Jon looked at her and hoped for a reaction, but she only pressed herself closer to him. She didn’t say a word since they left Central Park and that worried him.

“No, thanks Ed. I think she only needs to rest a bit.” Jon answered and walked with her over to the elevators.

“Alright, sir. Call me if you need anything.” The concierge said while unlocking the penthouse level with his key for them.

“Same goes for me sir.” Lloyd told him. “I’ll stay down here.” It wasn’t really an offer. He was more stating out the fact. He wouldn’t leave until he knew she was alright.

“I’ll call.” Jon said before the doors closed.

He saw the worry in his eyes. After working for more than three decades for the family, he probably had the feeling Kim was like his own daughter. He knew his housekeeper felt the same way about his kids and even he felt this way towards some of the kids from his crew members. They were just a big family.

The dogs were immediately by her side as soon as they entered the apartment, but unfortunately didn’t cause Kim to react as he hoped. Carefully Jon walked her over to the couch and wrapped a blanket around her.

She literally crawled into his lap when he sat down next to her and started to cry.

“Shhh, I’m here honey…” Jon held her tight and tried to calm her, but for several minutes she couldn’t stop sobbing and he wondered what had happened. His mind was already forming worse case scenarios and he so hoped he was wrong.

Finally she stopped and started talking. Jon let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Nigel and I grew up together. Our parents were friends.”

“I see.”

Kim continued as if Jon didn’t say anything. “We did everything together. We were like brother and sister. Saw each other every day.” She paused thinking about everything they did together in their childhood.

“Shortly before I left for college, he and I went out. We wanted to spend some time together before I would leave.” She stopped and started to tremble again, remembering their time together and how it had ended. He wrapped his arms stronger around her.

“I’m here, honey…” he whispered and kissed her hair softly. After a while Kim continued slowly.

“When…When…” she closed her eyes briefly. “…when we came home that night…he tried to kiss me, but I pushed him away. I told him that I wasn’t interested, he was my best friend, my brother, but nothing more.”

Jon watched her carefully. Her breathing did speed up and she was now crossing her arms in front of her.

“He got mad. He pressed me to the ground, said he wanted me and…and…his hands were all over me…I told him to stop, to get off me, but he didn’t …” she paused again and shivered.

“He pushed my skirt up, touched me and…and…” she paused again sobbing.

Oh God please no!

“….he tried to rape me.” She finally whispered and erupted in tears again.

Fucking Bastard!

Jon pulled her into his embrace with a murderous look on his face. If he’d known one hour earlier, he would have rammed that bastard into the floor. He wondered if he still could…no, that would cause too much attention…..but maybe if he called these guys back from the bands early days…no, no! Not a good idea.

“It was so….so…” she shook her head with a disgusting look on her face. No wonder she pushed him away so long and wasn’t comfortable with him being close to her.

Jon rubbed her shoulders gently and held her tight. If he would ever get his hands on that bastard…

“I couldn’t move, I couldn’t get him off me….I didn’t even use karate. I have no idea why he stopped.” Kim  whispered ashamed.

“You were too shocked, honey. He was your friend…you trusted him. You never expected him to do something like that.” Jon tried to assure her. She only nodded with a bitter look on her face.

Jon turned lightly and framed her face with his hands. “It’s NOT your fault!” he stressed each word and made sure he was looking her directly in the eyes.

“It’s not your fault.” He repeated.

“He did something wrong. He’s the one to blame. He is the asshole in this scenario!” he said in a hard voice.

Kim blinked several times. “You wanna hurt him.” She suddenly said surprised.

“Damn right! And I can tell you at least five other people you would happily join me!”

When the rest of the guys found out about this, they would track that bastard down together with Lloyd and Ed and made sure he remembers how to treat a woman.

“Don’t. He isn’t worth it…I just never wanna have to talk about him again. Ok?”

He sighed when she looked at him with this pleading eyes. His anger subsided. He wouldn’t do anything stupid. He would just be there for her.

“Ok, honey.” He said beaten and pulled her in his arms again. For a while they weren’t saying a word and he was just holding her.

“I can’t believe I forgot all this.” Kim finally said. He smiled softly. There she was again analysing.

“You were probably too traumatized and forgetting it, was your way of dealing with it.” He told her gently. She nodded.

“Not even Fran knows or my parents…I didn’t tell anyone…I just left for college and never saw him or his family again.” She said suddenly very calm.

“Why didn’t you tell them?” Jon asked surprised. She shook her head.

“I don’t know, I just wanted to leave.”

“Just like tonight.” He added softly.

She looked at him and nodded.

Chapter 54

Kim  exhaled sharply and entered the Central Park Boat House with Jon at her side. They decided to go public and they wanted to do it before his Documentary would have its Premiere next month. The news about their relationship would otherwise completely oust the Band’s work and that wasn’t something neither of them wanted.

So, the New Yorkers for Charity event in Mid-September was the perfect occasion. Hopefully the press would have calmed down again for the Premiere.

“You ok, honey?” Jon whispered while they were greeted by a surprised Paul Newman, who was one of the founders of the organisation, which raises money for need-based charities in New York, with a special focus on assisting charities that support breast cancer research and breast cancer patients.

“I’m fine.” She smiled a little aggrieved. In a few seconds they would step on the red carpet and she was sure the photographers would get over their surprise faster than Mr. Newman. Right now she wished she would be in Fran’s shoes and meet Heather. That would probably be more fun. Jon squeezed her hand softly.

“You are not alone. I’m with you.” He encouraged her and placed a small kiss on her lips. She nodded.

“Smile and ignore whatever they are saying.” He reminded her. They decided that he would tell them that they were an item.

“Ok, let’s do it.” She said and watched amazed how Jon turned on his press smile, before leading her out to the vultures. For a second the flashlights stopped surprised, but then Kim and Jon were standing in a sea of white light.

“Who is she? Are you together?”

“How long do you know each other?”

“Does your ex know?”

The question came from all directions. Jon smiled and after several seconds raised his left hand to

quiet them.

“This is Dr. Kimberly Anderson.” He announced proudly, which earned him a surprised glance from Kim.

“We are in a relationship for a little while now. And yes, my ex-wife and our kids got to know Kimberly. Thank you.”

Without saying anything else he walked with her into the restaurant.

“Wow, how can you stay so calm with them?” Kim wondered when he handed her a glass of wine from the bar. He laughed.

“They are like small kids. You gotta tell them in clear sentences what are the facts.” He took a sip from his own wine. She shook her head.

“I’m not sure I will ever get used to that.”

“I’m sure you will and besides you don’t have to say something in public. Dot never did it and it worked.” Jon tried to calm her.

“Yeah, maybe it will work.” She agreed and gave him a small smile.

“Why did you tell them I’m a doctor?” she asked a little hesitant after a while.

“Well, first of all rumors about you, your job or your lifestyle will not come up and second I’m pretty proud of you. Becoming a doctor is not an easy task. You are pretty smart, Kimi, you shouldn’t underestimate yourself, I think.”

Kim stared at him with a flushed face. She couldn’t believe he really was proud about what she had accomplished so far in her life. In her eyes he was the one with the great work.

“Hey, you’re okay, honey?” Jon asked when she didn’t say anything. She looked at him with teary eyes.

“Yeah, it’s just nobody ever said something like that to me before. It’s a little overwhelming.” She admitted. He smiled and pulled her close for a long hug to give her some time to regain control of her emotions.

“I love you, Kimi. And I’m damn proud of you.” He whispered into her ear and gave her a soft kiss.

“Love you too, baby. And I’m equally proud of you.” She added. He grinned.

“Well, we make quite a couple I have to say.” Jon said grinning and made her laugh.

Together They walked through the room and greeted some of the other guests, when suddenly a young man stepped close to Kim.

“Kimberly, my darling.” He said and put his hand on her shoulder. Kim tensed immediately. This voice? …Oh, my God!

She turned around and stared at the man, who once had been her best friend. “Nigel.” She whispered shocked. She couldn’t move. It was like she was frozen to the spot. Her hands started to tremble and she clenched her purse nervously to make it stop.

Pictures were flashing back to her mind, she could hear herself screaming and she could feel his hands on her body. She gasped for air when she finally remembered, when finally the memories were coming back.

Jon watched her surprised. She was scared he could see that and he wondered why. Did that guy hurt her?

He turned his attention to the man and wondered how she knew this uncongenial, slimy grinning person. The way he was checking out his girl was disgusting. Jon took a step forward.

“Hi, I’m Jon. Kim’s boyfriend.” He said and hoped to give her some time to regain her control, but a short glance at her told him, she wasn’t.

What’s going on here?

Nigel looked him up and down. “Really?” He said in a snobby voice and turned to Kim again. “You never knew what’s good for you, darling.” He snarled and tried to take her hand.

Panic rose in her. She was staring wide eyed at him and a voice in her head told her to run, but all she could do was taking a few steps back on shaking legs. Luckily Jon stepped forward and blocked his way.

“I think she knows very well, what’s good for her.” He said in a dangerous calm voice. “Excuse us.” Jon took Kim’s hand and dragged her over to a quiet corner.

“Kimi? Are you ok?” he asked concerned. She didn’t say a damn word to this idiot. Something was so wrong here, he could taste it. He could feel her trembling and hear her strong breathing. Her eyes were unfocused and her hands sweaty.

“I need some fresh air.” She whispered suddenly. 

Out, out, OUT…

“Ok.” Jon lead her out of the building. Kim stopped and leaned against the wall. Still she was trembling. He took his jacket off and put it around her shoulders before pulling her in a hug.

“Kimi, what’s wrong?” he really started to worry. She didn’t answer, but pressed herself closer to him.

“Kim?” Jon lifted her chin to look into her eyes. But all he could see was fear and tears.

“Bring me away from here, Jon.” She suddenly whispered.

“Are you sure…we just arrived and…”

“Bring me away from here, please Jon!” She begged him.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and hit the speed dial. “Lloyd, we need you at the Boathouse immediately…..yeah, I know …but we can’t take the shuttle now…no, I don’t think she is, please hurry.”

Just a few seconds later, Lloyd stopped the limousine next to them, even though he actually wasn’t allowed to drive around in Central Park at this time of the day. But something was wrong with his smart little boss and he would take her home now.

Only a few people knew that he already worked for her parents, that he was driving her mother and her around when she was still a toddler. Kim trusted him 150% and so did Jon now that he knew about it.

“Miss Anderson are you ok?” he jumped out of the car and walked over to Jon and Kimberly. She just stared at him. He looked questioning at Jon, who shook his head.

“Just take us to her place.” He said and helped Kim get into the car.

Chapter 53

“Ok, princess. What’s wrong?” Richie asked his daughter when he entered her room to say good night.

“I’m fine, Dad.” She answered and tried to turn off the light.

“No, you are not Ava. Come talk to me.” He said and stopped her hand when she reached for the lamp on her nightstand.

He watched her all day long and for the most of the time she was his happy and funny 12-year old daughter, but there were moments when he could see sadness and fear in her eyes.

“Come on tell me. I thought we could talk about everything.” He said and pulled her into his arms. She nodded, but still didn’t say anything. Rich sighed.

“Got a problem at school?” he guessed. “Boys?” But she shook her head no.

“Did you have a fight with Mom?” he asked carefully.

“No…” she whispered and stared at her hands.

“Ok,… but…” he gently lifted her chin with his hand.

“We talked about you and Fran and Jason.” She whispered a little sad.

I knew it!

“And that makes you sad?” he wanted her to say out loud.

Ava sucked on her bottom lip and looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “Mom said you’ll move in with Fran and forget me.” She sobbed.

I’m gonna kill that Bitch!

                                   

“Oh, princess….shhhh, baby don’t cry…” he pulled her into his lap and rocked her softly.

“Ava, I love you…I could never forget you and I will always be there for you, doesn’t matter if I’m together with Fran or not.” His daughter looked at him with big eyes.

“You are the most important person in my life. Fran knows and understands that, because she has the same feeling towards Jason. You are our kids, you come first. Can you understand that?” he let his hand ran soothingly through hair gorgeous blond hair.

“Yes, I think so, Daddy.” She said and leaned her head against his shoulder again.

“But how should this work? Fran and Jason live in New York. Will you fly back and forth all the time, dad?” Rich smiled.

“Well, I think I will do for another while. Fran and I ain’t together for long, but…well, I hope someday she’ll maybe move in with me here.” He didn’t tell her that they already talked about it and that Fran would check out some schools for Jason the next time she would be here. If everything would worked out well they would be living together next spring, well at least when he wasn’t touring.

“Really?” Ava’s eyes lit up.

“Yeah, would that be ok with you?” he asked smiling.

“That would be awesome, dad.” She said excited. “Will Jason go to school with me then?”

Rich laughed lightly. That was his daughter planning ahead already.

“Well, I don’t think so princess. Jason is five years younger than you. He started with 2^nd Grade this year and you are already in Junior High.” He watched Ava frowning.

“Maybe he can go to the same school as I did. I could show him around.” She offered. Rich smiled softly.

“That would be great, princess. We’ll see. Ok?” he kissed her temple.

“Ok, dad.” She agreed and let him tug her in.

“Sweet dreams, princess. I love you.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

Gently he closed the door and stepped into the hallway only to find Fran there with silent tears streaming down her face.

“Oh, darling…” he pulled her into his arms and led her into the bedroom.

“How can she do something like that to her daughter? How can she make her feel so sad?” she whispered. She felt terrible that the girl thought she would take her father away from her.

“Simply because she is a bitch!” he said with anger in his voice.

“She doesn’t give a damn about Ava’s feelings when she can hurt me.” Rich continued. “I so hoped she would play nice and accept the fact that I’m in a new relationship, just like she is, but apparently I’m wrong. She is still a cynical bitch who wants everybody around her being unhappy, because she isn’t happy with her own life.”

His voice gained more and more volume while he paced the room in anger. Fran watched him worried. She’d never seen him like that, but she could understand his reaction. If she was already feeling terrible about Ava’s tears and confusion, he must be out of his mind.

“Maybe she’ll come around.” Fran suggested carefully.

“No, Fran she won’t.” he yelled and turned to her only to watch her taking a step back.

I scared her!

“Oh, Franny I’m sorry.” He walked over to her and pulled her close. She told him that she had problems when men started to yell, because of her father’s behaviour. She immediately felt the need to take cover or hide.

“I shouldn’t have yelled at you, I’m sorry.” She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of his body. He wasn’t him. He wouldn’t hurt her.

“It’s ok Rich…really. She’s your daughter and she was upset and scared. I would freak out as well, if someone would do that to Jason.” She assured him

He smiled at her. “I’m so glad you are here…not only for me, but for Ava.”

“She is great. I love her.” She admitted.

“And I love you for loving her.” He said and kissed her.