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A/N: Sorry so long. Hope you enjoy
Shane's POV
I woke up just as the bedroom door clicked shut. I lifted my head and took a quick
survey of the room and realized that what I had heard had been Claire leaving the
room. I looked over at the clock. It was only 8:00A.M.. Wondering where Claire was
going, I got out of bed, pulled on a pair of jeans and t-shirt and headed out of the
room after Claire.
I checked the bathroom and she wasn't there. So, I went downstairs to the living
room and found she wasn't there either. Just as I was about to turn around and
head for the kitchen, Michael and Eve walked in through the kitchen door, Eve with a bowl of cereal and Michael with his sports bottle.
"What's up?" Michael asked as he made his way over to the couch.
"Just looking for Claire. Have you seen her?"
"No, but when we were in the kitchen we heard someone going out the front door.
So, maybe that was her," He suggested.
"Yah, I'll check," I said as I turned and headed towards the door.
I was outside in a matter of seconds. Still not seeing Claire I walked towards her car, thinking that's probably where she was. My suspicions were confirmed when the
Driver's side door opened and Claire got out. I smiled, happy to see her. But that
happiness was short lived when I heard the squeal of tires, looked to my left and
saw a car speeding towards Claire. I could see it wasn't going to stop. To my
disbelief it actually sped up.
Without thinking I jumped off the porch and began to run towards Claire.
I yelled her name to get her attention, "Claire!"
And motioned with my arms for her get out the way, but it was too late. The car
struck Claire, threw her lifeless body into the air, like a ragdoll. She landed on the
windshield with a thud, then rolled down the hood of the car and over to the side of the road.
Somehow I managed to continue to run in the direction of where Claire's body lay. My heart was pumping in my ears and tears were streaming down my face, but I
continued to run. No Longer feeling like I was a part of my own body. Not wanting to believe that this was actually happening.
I landed hard on my knees beside Claire's body. She was on her side, not moving. I
gently rolled her onto her back, moved the hair from her face, which was scratched up and bloody, pulled her into my arms and was about to lean down to see if she
was breathing, when she opened her eyes, grabbed on to my shirt with a bloodied
hand and called out to me, "S-Shane, help m-me."
"Okay, I will, baby. Just stay with me. Please Just stay with me," I pleaded through
tears, as she began to close her eyes, "Somebody help me! Please! Somebody Please!
Eve must have heard me screaming because the next thing I knew she was by my
side, dialing 9-1-1 on her cell phone and asking me what she could do to help. The
paramedics soon came, asked a bunch of questions, that I was barely able to answer and loaded Claire into the back of the ambulance. I got in back too and road with
them to the hospital. Michael and Eve followed in Michael's car.
###
When we got to the hospital they quickly unloaded Claire from the ambulance and
rushed her into the O.R. . I tried to follow, but they pushed me away and instructed me to wait in the waiting room.
By the time Eve and Michael arrived I was a complete mess, pacing back and forth,
driving myself crazy with worry and cursing the doctors for taking too long to give me information about Claire's condition.
"How's Claire?" Eve asked as she ran up to me.
"I-I don't know. They won't tell me anything," I answered, " God, Eve I feel completely useless. Why the fuck is this happening? Who the fuck was driving that car? They didn't even fucking slow down, they sped up. If I find out who it was, I swear I'll kill them. If Claire or my daughter dies…God help me, they'll wish they never lived."
I looked away from Eve as I said those words and stood there with my hands balled
into fists. I could feel my eyes welling up with tears, I looked up and wiped them
away with the back of my hand.
Eve didn't say anything, but instead pulled me into a comforting hug.
"I'm not sure who it was, because I didn't see them," Michael started, " But with
everything that's been going on lately, I'm sure it had to be Judith or someone
connected to her, but whoever it was, they will pay for this. If it's the last thing I do. They'll pay."
"He's right, they'll pay. We'll make sure of it," Eve said and released me from the
hug.
"You, will not be doing anything," Michael, informed her.
Eve rolled her eyes and said, "Changing the subject, Has anyone one called Claire's mom?"
"No…I haven't."
"Well, someone should. I'm sure Claire would want her here and I'm sure she would want to be here," Eve reminded me.
"I'll go tell her and bring her here," Michael offered, " I don't think she should be
alone when she gets the news or drive here afterward."
"You're right," I concurred, "Thanks man."
"I'll be right back," He said and gave Eve a quick kiss before turning and headed for
the exit.
As he did a doctor came walking out of the O.R. doors and his eyes were surveying
the room as if he was looking for someone. When his eyes landed on me he stopped
and walked over to where I was standing.
"Are you the young man who came in with Ms. Danvers?" He asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"And you are?" He asked again.
"I'm Shane Collins, her fiancé and the father of her baby. Is she okay?" I asked
hopefully.
Even before he answered, the look on his face told me she wasn't.
"I'm going to be honest with you. It's not looking to good right now. She's stable but it's still touch and go with her right now. She suffered, a fractured tibia three
broken ribs, a broken collarbone and a fractured wrist. One of the broken ribs
lacerated her liver causing internal bleeding. On top of all that the baby is in
distress," he nformed me.
"What does that mean?" I asked.
"It means we need to preform a emergency cesarean to deliver the baby ASAP.
Which will allow us to repair her liver," He stated matter of factly.
"Will that save her and what about the baby?"
"That is what we are hoping and the baby is far enough along that we think it should be okay outer uterine, or at least we hope so, we just need you to give the go ahead and sign some paper work."
"Okay, you've got it, so quit standing out here talking to me and get your ass In there and save them," I demanded.
"I'll send the nurse out with the paper work."
"Whatever, just go," I said, maybe a little to forcefully.
"Shane, calm down, go sit down" Eve instructed, then sent me in the direction of the sitting area.
I could hear her behind me apologizing to the doctor, "I'm sorry, he's not himself
right now. That Said we love them both, so If you could just please, do everything
you can to save them, we would be forever indebt to you."
"You've got my word. I'll do everything In my power to save them."
"Thank you," I heard her say, before walking over to where I sat.
I watched the doctor go back through the doors that led to the O.R. and then looked down, no longer able to think about anything other than Claire and our baby, and
prayed to God that he would spare their lives.
I didn't know what I'd do without them. I didn't know how I'd live.
###
It had been twelve hours since they brought Claire back from surgery and I hadn't
left her side once, except to use the restroom and then came right back. I just sat
there, watching her and holding her hand. Hoping she would open her eyes and say something anything, but she didn't.
Claire's mother and Michael had arrived about thirty minutes after Michael had left to get her. Everyone was now sitting quietly in the room. They had each been to
check on the baby, everyone except me. I just couldn't bring myself to leave Claire. I wanted to be there when she woke up. To be the first person she saw when she
opened her eyes.
I felt someone come and put a hand on my shoulder and I looked back. It was Eve.
"Hey," I said, acknowledging her.
"Hey," She said back, "So why don't you go home, get some sleep, take a shower and get something to eat. Maybe even go visit your daughter, before you leave."
"I'm not tired and besides I couldn't leave her for that long."
She looked at me knowingly and said, "Thought you'd say that. How about a
compromise. How about you at least go home and take a shower, because you could really use one and get something to eat because you need to keep your strength up
for Claire."
"She's right, man," Michael said in agreement.
"I'll sit with her while your gone," Claire's mother added.
"See you have nothing to worry about," Eve assured me, "If it make you feel any
better, we will call you If anything changes. Even if she moves a pinky you'll be the
first to know."
I looked From Claire to Eve and then agreeing said, "Okay, but you promise If
anything changes while I'm gone you'll let me know."
"Scouts honor," She said with a smile.
"You were never a girl scout."
"I know I just always wanted to say that, but I promise, okay."
"Okay," I said, then turned to Claire and leaned down and her kissed her forehead, "I
love you. I'll be right back."
I let go of her hand and lay it at her side, then stood and walked over to the door.
"Hey Shane," I heard Eve call from behind me.
I turned back to face her.
"Don't forget to go see your daughter," she reminded me.
I nodded then turned back to the door and left.
###
When I got to the ICU Nursery a nurse named Tammy greeted me, took my name,
gave me some gloves, a gown and a mask, then led me over to see my daughter. Who at the moment was going by the name Baby Girl Collins. I felt like the worlds worst
father, because she had already been in this world for twelve hours and this was the first time I had come to see her.
As I stood there looking down at her my heart broke, but I was also filled with a
sense of pride, because Even though she was in an incubator and was hooked up to a respirator and an IV, she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I fell in love
the moment I saw her. She was mine. She was part bad boy slacker, but an even
bigger part of her was an angel, and that part came from Claire. I smiled at the
thought.
I stuck my hand inside the incubator and touched her hand and to my surprise
immediately it opened and she grabbed on to my finger and like the Grinch my heart swelled three sizes.
As I began to talk my voice cracked and I cleared my throat, to begin a long
awaited one sided conversation with my daughter, "Hi, baby girl. I'm your daddy.
I know this place is scary, but I'm here now. You're mommy would be here too, but
she's sleeping and she doesn't feel very well, but she loves you very much. We both do. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, But I couldn't face you. You see, before
you were born, I made you and your mommy a promise that I wouldn't let anything happen to either one of you, but I failed you. I failed both of you. I'm so sorry."
I looked away as my vision began to blur with tears. Then as the tears began to roll
down my cheeks, I choked back a sob and wiped them away with away with the
back of my hand.
I stood there for what seemed like a long time trying to regain my composure, but I was finally able to get myself together and continue on, "You and your mommy
mean everything to me and I am going to make a promise to you that I definitely
wont break this time. I will find the person who hurt the two you and make them
pay. That you can bank on. You two are the only family I have left and God help
anyone who tries to take you away from me."
More tears fell from eyes and once again I wiped them away with the back of my
hand.
"I wish I could stay longer, but I have to go home and get cleaned up and eat so that I can come back as soon as possible to see you and your mommy. I love you so much
though and as soon as your Mommy wakes up, you'll have a real name…I promise. By for now, baby girl," and with that I gently removed her tiny hand from my finger, got up and walked over to the door and removed my mask, gown and gloves, then
left, knowing would soon return. How could I not, as soon I saw her, that little girl
stole my heart. She needed me and She needed Claire. She was our little girl and I
couldn't just leave her here to fight alone.
###
The drive home was quiet and lonely and so was the house. I knew I needed to take a shower and get something to eat, then get back to Claire and our daughter as soon
As possible, because being left alone with my thoughts was not a good Idea. It
definitely was not what I needed right now. I needed to be at the hospital with my
family. I hated taking this time away from them. So, I rushed through my shower and hurriedly got dressed.
As I was about leave our room and turn off the light, I noticed Claire's mp3 Player
sitting on the desk and It gave me an idea. So I walked over, grabbed it then, walked
back over turned out the light and hurried down stairs to the kitchen, made myself a sandwich, grabbed a bottle of sweet tea from the fridge and started on my way back to the hospital.
###
When I got back to Claire's room, Eve informed me that Claire's condition hadn't
changed. Claire's Mother, who was sitting at her bedside, holding her hand, turned
her head and gave me a weary smile. Michael tried to give me his most encouraging smile, but the look in his eyes said he was feeling just as glum as the rest of us.
As I stood there staring in from the doorway I tried to clear my head, so that I could be the man that Claire needed me to be right now, strong and together, but when I
heard lyrics from the music video playing on the television all that composure fell to the way side. The song was, "Like you'll never see me again," by Alicia Keys. I had
heard it a million times before, so hearing that song shouldn't have bothered me,
right? But for some reason this time, at this moment it was to much and I broke.
"Turn that shit off" I said, through clenched teeth.
Nobody made a move, but instead stood there staring at me as if they were unsure
what to do. As if they were unsure of my mental state at that moment. That I
couldn't take, but what I couldn't take even more was that damn song. The longer
they stood there looking at me not doing what I told them to do the angrier I got.
"I said turn that shit off!" I yelled.
"Okay, okay, let me get the remote," Eve said, flustered.
Without looking at her I could tell by her voice she was scared of what I might do
next.
In seconds I could here her fumbling with the buttons on the remote, trying to
quickly turn of the Television.
"Turn the shit of now, Eve."
"I'm trying, but the remote won't work," Eve said, still trying unsuccessfully to get
the damn thing to go off, "I think it needs batteries."
I angrily walked over dropped the things in my hand on the foot of Claire's bed and yanked the remote from Eve's hands.
Of course Eve was right. Something was wrong with remote. I couldn't get the
fucking TV to turn off either.
"What the fuck is wrong with this thing," I shouted angrily, more to myself than
anyone else.
Finally becoming completely frustrated with it, I dropped it on the floor, walked
over to the Television, reached up and tried to find the button that would silence the infuriating squawk box. But nothing I did worked. The buttons were un identified
and the only one that I managed to get to work was the volume up button, which of
course sent the sound to full blast, making me grow increasingly angry.
Why the fuck wont this thing shut up!
I begin to bang on the front of the TV with my fists. I was spinning out of control and I knew it, but I couldn't help it. My grief and the hatred I felt for the person who did
this was catching up to me. I wanted to kill them, run them over with a car and leave them for dead. Take everything away from them that have potentially been taken
from me.
My vision was blurred with fresh hot tear now and I began yanking on the TV, as if
trying to rip it off the wall.
Having had a complete melt down I hadn't even realized the TV had been turned off. It wasn't until Michael grabbed me from behind in a bear hug, pinned my arms to
my side and In a calming voice told me that it was off and that I realized that I was
okay, and that the sound that had sent me into a angry world wind had been
silenced.
"Let go of me, Man," I instructed.
"I'm not letting go of you until you calm down," He informed me, in calm firm tone.
I stood there still for a second trying to clear my head and think of what to say, what to do. Finally I said the only thing I could think of…the truth.
"I can't lose her, man. I can't live with out her," I told him as a small sob escaped my throat, "She's everything. They are everything. I don't know what I'll do with out
them."
"I know Shane. It's gonna be okay," He insisted, "She'll be okay…they will be
okay, But you have to keep your, man. Because they need you right now."
I wiped my tears away and looked over to the bed where Claire lay fighting for her
life and realized that he was right. She needed me and I had to stay strong for her…
for our little girl.
I then looked around and saw that Claire's mother and Eve were staring at us…at
me. Concern and fear in there eyes.
"I'm okay now," I assured them and Michael, then added, " You can let go now."
"You sure?" Michael asked, concerned.
"Yes I'm sure," I assured him.
He released me from his death-grip/ bear hug and stepped back.
I walked over to the foot of Claire's bead and picked up the things that I had dropped there, then Turned to Claire's Mother.
"Do you mind If I spend some time with Claire alone…any of you?" I asked Claire's Mother first and then turned my head towards my head towards Michael and Eve to get everyone's okay.
"Yea, that's fine," Claire's Mother conceded, "Take all of the time you need."
She gently patted me on the back as she stood and stepped away to give us some
space.
"Thank you," I told her.
"You're welcome," She said and smiled the same wary smile she had earlier, then
turned and left the room.
"We'll be right outside if you need us," Eve assured me as she walked over to
Michael.
"And if we do have to go somewhere you know have we our Cells. So, if you need
anything we're a phone call away," Michael assured me as well, then put his
hand on the small of Eve's back.
"Thanks guys."
"No problem," He said then led Eve out of the room.
I stepped over and at down in the seat next to Claire's bed, then pulled out Her mp3 player and lay I next to her.
"Hi Baby," I said softly, "I told you I wouldn't be gone long and I'll never break a
promise to you again."
I leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I brought you something. It's your mp3 player. I thought you might like to listen to some music. It's cued up to that song you like so much. You know the one I always
tease you about, because it's sappy. Well I'll let you in on a secret. I love that song
too. I think you always knew though, but just incase you didn't I'm telling you now. I love it because it reminds me of you. I listened to it on the drive here," I said with a chuckle and sniffle.
" I brought it hoping you might hear it and come back to me and our little girl. God,
She's beautiful Claire. She looks Just like you." I told her.
"Everyone's here, your Mom, Michael & Eve Too. We've been here all day waiting
and praying you'll wake up. Well I guess I should just shut up and let you listen."
I put one ear bud in my ear and one in Claire's, then turned the mp3 player on, set it to repeat and pushed play and Bread's, "Baby I' ma Want You, came wafting
through the speakers:
Bread- Baby I' ma Want You
Baby, I'm-a want you
Baby, I'm-a need you
You the only one I care enough to hurt about
Maybe I'm-a crazy
But I just can't live without...
Your lovin' and affection
Givin' me direction
Like a guiding light to help me through a darkest hour
Lately I'm a-prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Feeling all the while and never really knowing why...
Lately I'm a-prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me.
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Then you came along and made me laugh
And made me cry...
You taught me why...
Baby, I'm-a want you
Baby, I'm-a need you
Oh, it took so long to find you, baby
Baby, I'm-a want you
Baby, I'm-a need you
Tears fell from my eyes as I listened and watched Claire, then before I knew it I was singing softly along, so that no one could hear but me and her.
###
As I sat there with my head down at Claire's bed side, playing our song over and
over again, I felt Claire softly squeeze my hand.
My head shot up and I looked into Claire's face. My eyes were met by Claire's.
"Claire?" I asked, stunned that she had woke up, "Oh my God baby your awake."
"Shane," She said weakly.
"Yah, baby?"
"W-where am I? What happened."
"You are in the hospital. Some one ran you over with their car," I informed her.
She lay there looking at me and then at the ceiling. I saw the expression on her face the minute realization of what happen set in and her good hand left mine and went
immediately to her stomach. Where the baby had been.
"Oh my God, Shane. Oh my God." She begin to cry and tears streamed down her face.
I knew what she was thinking.
"Where is she? Is she?" she asked, and I could see the fear in her eyes as I realized
what she was asking.
"No, she's in the N.I.C. Unit. They say she is early but, they think she'll be okay," I
assured her.
A look of relief spread across her face as I gave her the news.
"Oh, thank God. I thought-,"She began to say.
I knew what she thought and I stopped her before she finished her sentence, "I
know."
"What does she look like?" She asked curiously.
"She's beautiful, baby. She looks Just like you," I answered, jovially.
She smiled her face showing the happiness she felt inside.
"She has all of these things hooked to her right now and she's in an incubator, but
she's okay and she's so beautiful. She wrapped her tiny hand around my finger and
it was then that hit me, I'm her father, she's ours, she's a part of us and I would die
for her. I lover so much, Claire," I said as tears escaped my eyes and rolled down my cheeks and at that moment I didn't care. I was crying and I was vulnerable. It wasn't a side of me I didn't normally show anyone, but with Claire it was okay. She and our little girl are a family and it felt right. It felt wonderful.
With her good hand, she reached up and wiped the teras from eyes.
"I know," she said, "I love her too and I love you."
"I love you too, baby," I said, as I leaned down and kissed her lips.
There was a soft knock and we both looked in the direction of the door. It was Eve
and Michael.
"Hey, guys," Claire said, sounding a little stronger than she had when she first woke up.
"Hey girl," Eve said as she pushed past Michael, "You gave us a scare. Well, actually
it was that jackhole that hit you that gave us a scare. Remind me to go give them a
scare when you get out of here."
"Shouldn't be too hard. Night of the living dead," I teased.
"Well look who's going back to his old asshole ways," She half teased back.
She wasn't wrong I could be an asshole sometimes, Teasing Eve was one of the
things I did best. Good too know I hadn't lost my touch just yet, but she did walk right into that one.
" You have to admit you are pretty scary."
" Shut up jack hole. If your fiancé wasn't in here. I'd kick your ass right now."
"I'd like to see you try," I shot back.
"Okay enough of the playful banter, Claire looks like she's getting tired," Michael
chimed in.
"Thanks Mike," Claire said, thankfully.
"Your welcome," Was Michaels response as he walked over and grabbed Eve's hand, "Come on Eve. Let's go and give Shane and Claire some peace."
"Hey I can be peaceful," She scoffed.
"I know you can babe, but still it's still time to leave," he replied, "Plus I can't wait to get you home and sink my teeth into you."
"Okay, Mike I know you aren't serious, but when you talk like that it really creeps
me out," Claire informed him.
"Yeah, none of that freaky vamp shit in the house, man," I said agreeing with Claire.
They rolled their eyes.
"Wait, where's my mom?" Claire asked.
"Good question," Michael concurred.
"She was with us, but I think she said something about stopping by the gift shop,
"Eve chimed in.
"We'll send her up if we see her on the way out, but if we don't see her, we'll call
her and let her know you're awake," Michael assured her.
"Thanks guys," Claire replied.
"No problem. We're just glad you 're okay," Eve said.
"Me too," Claire agreed," See you guys later."
They smiled back at us as they walked out the door.
I felt Claire tug on my sleeve.
"What?" I asked as I looked back at her.
"When can I see her?"
"When she get's better I'll make sure they bring her to see you," I assured her and
then saw the disappointed look in her eyes and added, "I promise."
She then smiled back at me.
Her mom came in a few minutes later apparently she had been in the gift shop
because she came in with beautiful vase of red roses and, big balloon that said, "Get Well Soon," and a teddy bear.
Why didn't I think of that? Good way to show me up Mrs. Danvers.
I wasn't really mad at all. I actually thought it was sweet of Claire's Mother to do.
I just felt like a jackass for not thinking of it myself. Of course I can still get her
something.
Mrs. Danvers stay only for a little why because Claire was getting tired and she
wanted to give us our space.
After she left Claire almost immediately fell asleep and I sat back in my seat and got some shut eye too.
It was three weeks later when Claire and our daughter had finally healed up enough
And they were able to bring our daughter up to be with Claire.
I went to the desk and asked the nurse if she could bring her up and She said yes. We still hadn't named her. Claire said she wanted to see her first, that she said she
would know her name then, so we waited.
The nurse brought her in about fifteen minutes later in her little bed. I pulled her
Close, picked her up and placed her in Claire's arms. The second she saw her
Claire's eyes filled with tears and she looked up at me.
"She's so beautiful," Claire gushed.
"I know, she looks like you," I told her.
"She has your eyes."
I looked down into my daughters eyes and had to admit it, "Yeah she does, but the
rest of her is all you," I replied and then added before she could disagree, "So, have
you decided on her name?"
"What do you think about Sierra Lily?" she asked, without taking her eyes off of our daughter.
"Sierra Lily Collins. It's beautiful," I replied, not even having to think about it. It was perfect.
"So, Sierra Lily Collins it is then," She said and finally looked up at me and smiled.
I leaned down and kissed her smile and she kissed me back soft but meaningful.
"I love you, both of you," I said, then kissed our baby girl on the head.
About a half hour later I put a very sleepy Sierra back in her bed, covered her up
with her little pink blanket and kissed the top of her little head.
She was so beautiful and she had that new baby smell. God I love that smell.
"I want her back," Claire pleaded, "I want to hold her and never let her go."
"I know baby, I feel the same way, but she's tired and so are you," I insisted, "You
both need some rest. You can hold her again when you both wake up."
"Okay," she conceded, "You're right. And I know you just took her and she's right
over there, but I already miss her."
"I know, but you need to get some sleep. So close your eyes and I'll be right here
watching over both of you. I wont let anything happen to either of you," I assured
her.
"I know you won't and I love you so much. You've been so wonderful through all of
this and You've been so good with Sierra. You're a wonderful man and a wonderful
father, Shane Collins," she said assuredly.
"I don't know about that last part," I said, unsure.
"Shane don't say that, You are those things a wonderful man and a wonderful father and your are going to become an even more wonderful father as time goes by," She
said, reassuringly, "Sure you'll make mistakes and I will too. We're not perfect
no one is but we'll work our damnedest to give her the best life possible."
"You just reminded me of why I love you so much," I replied and leaned in and
kissed her.
""You know what?" she asked.
"What?"
"I'm not as tired as I thought I was?" She replied.
"So, what would you like to do?"
"I would like to get the hell out of this room, maybe get something to eat downstairs in the cafeteria."
"You want me to take you downstairs to the cafeteria?"
"Yes. Is there something wrong with that?"
"Well a minute ago you didn't want to leave Sierra," I reminded her.
"I know, but we can leave her in the nursery for a little while. We won't be gone for
long."
"I guess that's-," I started.
"I'll watch her," Eve said popping her head In.
"Are you sure you can separate yourself from Michael?" I teased.
"Of course. I'd love to watch her for a little while. Plus Michael is busy."
"Doing what?" I asked, cheekily.
"I don't know, He said he had some Vampire business to take care and that it was too dangerous for me to come with," she stated.
"Oh Okay So baby," I said turning my attention back to Claire, "Looks like we can get you out of this room for a bit."
"Great, get my wheel chair and let's peace out," She replied excitedly.
I stood up, walked over and got the wheel chair then pushed it over to Claire's
bedside, then helped Claire out of bed and into the chair.
I grabbed a blanket and covered her with it, then started towards the door. I turned back to Eve.
"Take care of our daughter. Do not take your eye off her, not even for a second," I
warned her.
"I wont I promise. Scout's honor," she said, and saluted me.
"I told you before, you were never a girl scout, so that means nothing to me."
"Just get out of here, before I kick your ass," she said shooing us out of the door.
"And again, I'd like to see you try," I shot over my shoulder as I pushed Claire out
into the hallway, then we went on our way to the cafeteria
We went to the cafeteria, I pushed Claire Through the line so she could pick out the
food she wanted. She chose a chef's salad an orange and some chocolate milk. I
chose a burger, fries and a coke. They had chili, but I wasn't even going to go there. I
haven't ever seen a hospital make good chili.
After we made our selections I pushed Claire over to the table with the best view I
Could find put her tray in front of her then went around put my tray on the table, sat down and began to eat.
"How's your burger?" Claire asked.
"It's hospital food. How do you think?" I replied.
"I'm glad we came down here. I needed to get out of that room, but I have to be
honest-, "Claire started, but I finished her sentence. I knew where this was headed.
"You miss her already," I concluded.
"Yes I do. Is that crazy?" she asked sheepishly.
"No, It's not. You're a new mother. You just had her. It's understandable that you
don't like being away from her. I don't either," I told her.
"Well, would you think I'm crazy if I told you, that I want to go back to the room
early. Like maybe right after we eat. I trust Eve, I know she wont let anything
happen to her, but I can't help feeling like I need to be up there too."
"Nope, Still don't think your crazy. What I think is, you need to start eating your
salad so that we can get our butts back up there, the sooner we finish the sooner we can get back to our little girl," I informed her and as I did I gave the grin she loves so
much.
We hurried through lunch, then got ready and headed back to the room.
Claire's POV
When we got to our room Eve was nowhere in sight.
"Where's Eve?" I asked.
"I don't know. I was with you babe," Shane replied.
"We'll go over there to Sierra's bed and see if Sierra is in there," I instructed.
He walked over to Sierra's bed and looked down and then back at me, "She's not in
here."
Just then we heard the toilet flush in the bathroom and the water in the sink come
On, Eve was washing her hands. A few seconds later Eve walked out and Sierra
wasn't with her.
"Hi guys," She said cheerily, then she saw our faces and her expression changed,
"What?"
"Where is Sierra, Eve?" I asked, a gut wrenching feeling now in the pit of my stomach.
"In her bed…why?"
"No she isn't Eve," Shane responded, in an angry tone.
"What! I was only gone for a minute and-" Eve started and I interrupted not wanting to hear her excuses.
"And now our daughter is missing, How could you do this, you promised you
wouldn't let anything happen to her!" I shouted, now in hysterics.
"I'm sorry," Eve said, tears now in her eyes.
"Sorry is not fucking good enough!" I screamed now in tears.
"Hold on," Came Shane's voice, "I found something in her bed.
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's a note from whoever took her?" he said, his eyes big.
"What's it say?"
"Come to the basement If you want your baby back and come alone. No police If you ever want to see your daughter again," He said his hands now shaking.
"Oh my god," I cried.
"Fuck!" Shane yelled, as he crumbled up the piece of paper and threw it across the
room.
"What are we going to do?" I asked, frantically.
"I'm going to go get our daughter back."
"I'm going with you," I insisted.
"No, you are staying here with Eve. I can't be worried about you and Sierra both," He said, in a demanding tone.
"But-," I started to protest, but Shane quickly cut me off.
"No buts, you are staying here," he said to me then looked at Eve, "You make sure
she doesn't follow me."
"Okay."
Shane gave me a departing glance and then headed for the door.
"Shane!" I called after him.
He turned back to me.
"What?"
"Bring her back to me," I commanded.
"I will," he assured me.
"And you come back to me too," I said and tears filled my eyes.
"I will," He said again and then walked back over, kneeled down and gave me a
passionate kiss, "I promise…I Love you"
"I love you too."
Satisfied, he stood up, turned and walked out the door, on his way to go
rescue our little girl.
I watched him go and when he was out of ear shot I turned to Eve.
"You know I'm not just going to wait here right?"
"I was afraid you were going to say that, But Claire I can't let you go. If something
happens to you Shane will kill me," she said, almost pleading with me to stay put.
That wasn't something I could do though, my child was in danger and so was the
love of my life. I couldn't just sit back and do nothing.
"I can't just do nothing Eve, So are going to push me or do I have to go myself?" I
asked.
She shot me a frustrated look then without a word walked over and grabbed the
handles of my wheelchair and began pushing me out into the hall.
It wasn't long before we were walking the long dark halls of the basement. In the
Distance I could hear pained screams, the crack of a whip, and the sound of a
baby's shrill cries. Instantly I knew that the screams belonged to Shane and the
crying to our daughter. I didn't even want imagine what those sick fucks were doing to them.
As we rounded the corner the crying and screaming became louder and my gut
Tightened.
In a near panic I pushed Eve to go faster, "Faster Eve, we have to get to them!" I yelled frantically back at her.
"I am."
At the end of the hall there was a set of double doors. I told Eve to push me up to them.
Knowing that's where they were. I grabbed the handle of the door and pushed it
wide open, and as I did this man I did not recognize cracked a whip across Shane's
chest, leaving a streak of blood, where it made contact with his skin.
I screamed at the sight, "Noooooooo!"
Tears filled my eyes and I wiped them away. As my vision cleared I noticed the room was dimly lit, almost spooky and Shane was tightly chained between two steel
poles, by linked chains on each of his wrists
Shane lifted his head and looked right at me. I could see by the Look on his face that he was angry and in pain, but he did not look the least bit Surprised. He knew me
well enough by now, to know that I wasn't going to just sit up in my room with my
thumbs up my ass waiting on him to come back and as I stood there, all eyes on me,
trying to figure out how to get us out off this mess, without any of us getting hurt, I
turned my head to the left to see one off the psycho bitch twins holding a giant
kitchen knife's blade over Sierra's chest and cried out to her. Pleading with which
ever one she was, not to hurt Sierra.
"No! Please, don't!" I cried.
Out off the corner of my eye I could see the unknown stranger pulling back ready to hit Shane with the whip again.
"No, please stop! Both of you, leave them alone! Why are you doing this? What do
you want?"
"What do we want? We want you to drop the charges against my fiancé!" she spat.
"So that he can get out and all of you can terrorize us some more! No! I won't!" I
shouted back, knowing now that it was Judith that I was facing off with.
"If you don't, I'll plunge this knife in to the heart of this precious little one and he'll
beat him to a dead bloody pulp," she threatened.
"You're fucking crazy!" I spat.
"Exactly…and since I'm crazy there is no telling what I might do…right? So fucking
drop the charges!"
"Even if I did that doesn't mean he'll be set free, because the state can and will press their own charges."
She stood there looking confused and disappointed.
"Didn't think of that did you? It's out of my hands and it's out of yours too. It's out of all of our hands. You don't need to do this."
"Yes I do! You took something from me and now I'm going to take something from
you!"
Suddenly there was a blast of air and a flash and the next thing I knew Sierra was
safe in my arms and Michael was standing there with an arm around Judith's waist
and the blade of the same knife she had threatened Sierra's life with to her throat.
"Let him go or I'll kill her!" he yelled and his voice was venomous, "Now!"
The stranger looked at Michael in defeat, dropped the whip and walked over and
began to unchain Shane.
Once Shane was unchained he stumbled over and knelt down in front of me.
"Baby, are you okay?"
"Yes," I assured him.
"Is she okay?" he asked and gently touched her cheek and as he did she cooed.
"I think she answered that herself," I smiled and looked up at him.
"Are you okay?" I asked concerned.
"Yeah, hurts a little, but I'll be okay," he said downplaying his wounds.
Just then the police ran in and grabbed the stranger and Michael handed Judith over
along with gigantic kitchen knife and the policemen put Judith and the stranger in
hand cuffs, read them their rights and lead them away.
I turned and looked over my shoulder at the door as they walked out. Eve stepped in after them. She smiled and shook her cell phone at me, "These things do come in
handy some times, huh?"
"I guess so," I said, smiling back.
"Let's get you two back up to the room," Shane suggested.
"Sounds good to me," I conceded and looked up at him smiling.
He smiled back and then kissed my lips gently and stood up.
He started to walk behind me but Michael got there first, "I'll push her."
"Okay, thanks."
"I'm really sorry," Eve said apologetically, as she stepped up beside my wheelchair.
"I forgive you. They are safe now. That's what's important," I assured her.
Satisfied, Eve stepped back and Michael began to push me towards the door, with
Sierra in my arms, and Shane and Eve followed.
Everything was okay now. Shane was okay, Sierra was okay and I was okay and now
we could all move forward," I thought to myself.
Then it occurred to me, "What about Judith's crazy twin sister?
"Guys, What about Carly?"
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E/N: hope you liked it. Let me know what you think and please review!