Rainii’s POV:
After my shift, I went to check on Matt before I went home. He was fast asleep with the TV still on. As soon as I turned it off, he woke up.
“Hey…what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to check on you before I go home…”
“You’re leaving?”
“I need some rest. I’ve been working since 6am. I’ll be back…”
“Stay with me…until I fall asleep again.”
“Matt, I don’t know…”
“Please. You’ve been so nice to me and you understand me. Let me get to know you better, not as my nurse, but as a friend.”
I pulled a chair closer to his bed and sat down. For the next hour or so, Matt told me more about himself and his family. In return, I provided him with the same information about myself. This isn’t supposed to happen between a nurse and a patient, but I feel…attached to him and I know he feels the same. Why else would he ask me to stay? The next time I looked at him, he was asleep again…holding my hand. My heart skipped a beat in my chest. Mary would kill me if she finds out I’m starting to like her son.
“Rainii?”
“Yes?”
“I really like you…when I get out, maybe we can…go out sometime?”
I couldn’t help but to smile. Mary and I get along…maybe she’ll let me be with him.
“Shouldn’t you ask…”
“I already did. She thinks it’s a great idea.”
“Oh…in that case, I’d love to.”
All he could do was smile…that smile says a thousand words. He fell asleep again around 2:30am and this time, I couldn’t bring myself to leave. I lay my head on his bed and closed my eyes for a little. Believe me, I wasn’t planning on this happening, but I hope everything works out.
Matt’s POV:
This time, a different nurse woke me up to give me medication, check my blood pressure, and everything else. I glanced around and saw Rainii fast asleep in the other hospital bed. Someone must have found her…maybe it was mom.
“I got it from here Jayne.”
Mom sat next to me after this other nurse left. I couldn’t help but notice how dead she looked. Dark circles outlined her eyes, signs of lack of sleep. I know Rainii will feel the same, look the same, whenever she wakes up.
“How are you feeling?”
“A little better…not by much. Guess it’ll take a while?”
“With the proper rest, you’ll feel better faster than you expect. Now, what’s going on with you and Rainii?”
“I asked her out sometime…after I get out of course.”
“I see…what did she say?”
“She said yes…after she knew you were okay with it. You are, aren’t you?”
“Yes. You need her, I can tell when you first looked at her. She knows how to handle depression…she can help you get over your past and start fresh.”
“I can’t forget what he did to us…”
“I know it’s hard, but at least try. I have to go check on a couple patients. Ring your bell whenever Rainii wakes up.”
“Mom…she’s so tired and you are too.”
“I’m used to this, but she’s not. We give her every other day off, and is just so happens today is that day. Be nice to her Matt…she’s one of my best nurses.”
“I will…thank you.”
After mom left, I thought about going to sleep again, but something inside me seemed wrong. Something from my past is coming back to me…when my dad died, I never communicated with that side of the family. I have to live with that guilt since my grandmother and great grandmother have cancer.
Rainii’s POV:
I woke up to the familiar sound of Mary’s voice. I was so out of it that I didn’t know what the time was. Matt was busy playing his 3DS, so I don’t think he heard me walk over to his side of the room.
“Hey, how are you feeling?”
“Oh, hey sleepy head. I’m feeling…a little better, but kind of depressed.”
“What’s wrong?”
“While you were sleeping, my guilty conscience hit me…my grandma and great grandmother have cancer and ever since my dad died, I never saw them again.”
“That’s really sad. How much strength do you have?”
“Not a whole lot, enough to get me to the bathroom and back. Why?”
“If you feel better by…Saturday, I can get you out and we can go see them. If you want.”
“Rainii…you’d do that for me?”
“Of course. I know how you feel, I’m in the same boat. It’s better to see them now before it’s too late, you know?”
“Yeah…you really are understanding.”
“I try. So what have you been doing while I was sleeping?”
“I slept a little, played my game and watched you…”
A slight blush came across his face and I couldn’t help but smile. He’s so adorable, kindhearted, loving. I wonder if we can last longer than a month.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“What do you mean?”
“Rai, we’ll make it…I promise.”
“How did you know?”
“You’re very easy to read. Why do you think we won’t make it?”
Now it’s my time to confess, but it’ll feel good to not hold anything in. Matt reached for my hand and held it tight as he could as soon as he heard the dreaded word rape. I could feel tears in my eyes, but that small part of me wanted to stay strong.

Matt’s POV:
The poor thing…how could someone do that to such a sweet and innocent girl. I watched as tears poured from her eyes and my heart broke…a lot. Somehow, I managed enough strength to stand up and wrap an arm around her, my poor attempt at a hug. Rainii carefully laid her head on my shoulder and tried to relax.
“Shh I’m here now. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
“Matt…I have to show you something…”
She lifted up her shirt to show me this scar running across her stomach…it can’t be…
“Rai…”
“I got pregnant because of him…now I have a three year old daughter at home…”
“I’m not mad, I promise. It wasn’t your fault, don’t even think it.”
Rainii sniffled and looked into my eyes. Today, her eyes were a blue-green color…so damn beautiful. She went over to the other bed, took a picture out of her purse and showed it to me.
“That’s her.”
“She’s so…so pretty, just like her mommy.”
“Thank you. Her name’s Roxy.”
“Very creative, unique. Do I get to meet her?”
“Yes, I think she’ll like you…very much.”
Mom was standing in the doorway holding a little girl in her arms…Roxy looked even cuter in person.
“Oh sweetheart, what are you doing here?”
Rainii took her out of mom’s arms and hugged her daughter close. Roxy was staring at me through Rai's hair, those eyes are exactly like her mother’s. Rainii carried her over to me and sat down beside me.
“Roxy, this is Matt…mommy’s new boyfriend…”
Right away, the little girl’s face lit up with a huge smile. By the looks of it, Rainii hasn’t had another guy in her life since her ex… 3 years ago.
Rainii’s POV:
It made me feel a little better to know that Roxy approves of Matt… Any guy is better than the last. Mary brought in some toys and a couple coloring books.
“Here you go. I figured Roxy would want something to do while she’s here.”
“Thank you. We’ll be quiet, right sweetheart?”
I laughed when Matt and Roxy answered at the same time. She walked over to the pile of toys and brought over a coloring book with cats on the cover.
“Color!”
“Of course. Let’s all color together,” I said and pulled a box of crayons out of her diaper bag. After a while, I sat back and watched how Roxy interacted with Matt. They played together like two best friends. Matt was just like a child and Roxy loved having someone "her own age" to play with. Roxy giggled as Matt tried to twirl a crayon. That only ended out with a crayon in the floor and two people laughing. Matt smiled at me. I opened my mouth to say something when my phone went off. What I was going to say I had no clue...
I reached into my bag and pulled out my cell. The number was marked private. Hmm... Don't answer? Do answer. It could be someone important... I made up my mind to answer the phone and if it was a telemarketer, hang up. I flipped it open and pressed the phone to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey... It's been forever since I heard that voice babe..."
My eyes widened and I started to shake. Oh God... How did he get this number?! Matt turned his smiling face away from the coloring book and immediately frowned when he saw my face. Roxy looked up at me.
"Momma, ok?"
I quickly put a smile on my face and blinked a bit. "O-oh yeah... I'm fine. I've just got a really important phone call. I'm gonna step out into the hall for a bit..." I didn't give Matt time to respond. I grabbed my bag and quickly ran out the door. I heard the man, Adam, laugh on the other end.
"What's wrong? Found a new man? Figures. That's so like you... Anyways. You'll never guess where I'm at right now..."
I ran out the back door and stood against the wall gasping. I had ran as fast as I possibly could to get outside.
"Where?" I managed to gasp out. I looked back through the sliding doors. I could see the nurses talking to one guy who had just walked in the back. He looked familiar... Nurse Lanai moved to her right and then I saw it... My nightmares were coming true... Adam was standing in the hallway of my place of business.
Adam smiled and turned his back to me. "I'm here to visit you, babe. It's been two years... I've missed those pretty eyes of yours... And that smile... So, where's my pretty babe hiding?"
I couldn't speak. I couldn't breathe. He was there. RIGHT THERE!! Two rooms away from Matt and my daughter!! I heard him calling me on the phone but I simply ignored it. I slammed the lid shut and dropped it in my bag. I pressed myself against the wall. What am I gonna do? He didn't know about Roxy. He simply did what he did and left me. I chanced a glance through the door. He was talking to Lanai again. Lanai shrugged and pointed to the elevator. He nodded and walked into the closing elevator. Oh thank heavens for small miracles... I quickly grabbed my bag and ran back inside. Just as I made it to the door, Lanai called me over.
"Rainii! There was some guy looking for you! He's going up to check floor three and then the fourth floor. He'll be right back down." I frowned.
"That's what I'm afraid of. Lanai, keep him busy. I gotta get Roxy out of here." Lanai looked at me with wide eyes.
"Is... Is that him?!" I gulped and nodded. Lanai simply nodded and shooed me into the room.
"Get that baby and get her out of here." Lanai turned and ran back to the desk. "I got this. You just go."
I smiled and ran into the room. Matt looked up at me, I could tell he was concerned. "Hey, what's wrong??" I ignored him and started picking up things and packing Roxy's bag. I couldn't speak... If I did, I'd probably end out crying. I rushed over to the bed and picked Roxy up. She clung to me like a cheap suit, that's how scared she was. Just as I turned to leave, Matt grabbed my hand.
"What's going on?! You have to tell me right now!" I pulled my hand back and blinked away tears.
"He's in the hospital..." I whispered. I didn't let him question me any further. I simply turned and rushed out of the room and out the front door. I had to get out of here. We aren't safe in this town anymore. It's time to leave here. I have a friend. She's a bit younger but she's a scrapper. My best friend in the whole world. She can help me. It was time to go to Marion...

Marion's POV
I tossed my cell phone on the table and laid my head back, simply listening to the sound of the baby sleeping and the rain pouring outside. Yeah, I said baby. She's one year old today. You got a problem with that?? I was sixteen and thought I was in love. Turns out, he only wanted me for one thing. So I ended out pregnant and everyone turned against me. All but my mom and my best friend Rai. I moved out of their house and in with my girlfriend. However, tonight, Rina had gone out and left me at home with Luchia. I liked it, it was peaceful.
Luchia moved on my chest and smiled softly everything was just right. I laid my hand across the baby’s back and yawned sleepily I think I'm going to take a small nap... Just as I was about to cross over to the black visages of sleep, someone started banging on the door. My eyes opened a bit. 'I swear... If Rina forgot her house key again I'll kill her... Let her stand out in the rain! It won't kill her!' I closed my eyes once more and repositioned. The banging started again. Covering my daughter's ears, I sat forward to look at the clock, nearly 10:30. Who the hell?!?!
"WE DON'T WANT ANY!" I shouted at the door. Maybe they'd go away...
"Marion please! Open the door, it's Rai!!"
My eyes went wide and I was instantly off the couch. Why the hell would Rai be here so late?! I unlatched the door and hurriedly opened it with one hand whilst balancing Luchia in the other. I opened the door to see a soaking wet best friend clutching Roxy to her.
"Rai! What are you doing here?! Hurry, hurry, get her inside!!" I moved out of the way and allowed her and the Roxy into my teensy apartment.
"I'm so sorry I'm here so late but you were the only one I could think of. I had to leave... He was there... I couldn't let him see Roxy! Oh God, what am I gonna do?!"
She sat Roxy on the couch and continued pacing around my apartment. I quietly slipped down the hall and placed Luchia in my bed, she always sleeps with me. Since it's only a two bedroom place, Rina has one room and I have mine. Though sometimes.... We share a room. That's only on nights when my mental problems are acting up. We'll get into that later... I covered her up with her pink blankie and laid her paci to the side of her and walked back out into the living room, trying to be as cool as possible. Roxy looked at me with sad eyes.
As Rai sat on the chair beside the couch, mumbling to herself, I sat beside Roxy. I was going to find out what was wrong one way or another. But I should warn you, I'm not a very nice person during situations like this... But for Roxy, I could be as nice as possible.
"Roxy, sweetie, tell Marion what happened. Why's mommy bumbling like a baboon??"
Roxy smiled a little but soon let her face drop. This was a grave matter, nothing to be giggling about.
"We were at the hospital visiting one of mommy's patients. His name is Matt and he's really friendly. Mommy said he was her new boyfriend and that made me happy. But, earlier today, while me and my new friend Matt were coloring, mommy got a phone call. She didn't say from who, but she looked really worried. When she came back, she simply picked me up and put all my stuff in a bag before we ran out of the hospital. The only thing she said the entire time afterward was to ask if I was hungry or needed to potty... We only stopped once the entire seven hours. Nani's wrong with Kassan?"
I smiled at the three year old in spite of what was going on. I had taught her some Japanese the last time she was here, I guess she learned and absorbed what I taught her. She was just so intelligent!! I pulled the sad looking child into my arms and kissed the top of her head.
"Honey, I know you’re tired so why don't you just go lay in the bed beside Luchia. I'll make mommy all better and then she'll be in there too. Just go lay down, relax, and make sure that Chi doesn't wake up. If she does come tell me, alright?" Roxy nodded and slowly walked down to the bedroom. I waited until I heard the bedroom door shut before I stood. I calmly walked over to the still bumbling woman. Rai was in shock from something, and she was scaring Roxy. It freaked me out a bit but I wasn't about to let that show. I crouched down in front of her.
"Rai..... Rainii....... C'mon now. Don't make me get pushy. You're scaring Roxy!... Snap out of it!"
I glared at her. She wasn't going to do anything other than murmur to herself so I was gonna take matters into my own hands. I stood up and straightened out my tank top, pulled my girl's boxer pajama pants up, and rubbed my hands together. I drew my hand back and...
"SMACK!"
Rainii's POV
I sat there, stunned. Marion had never slapped me before. I don't think anyone had.
"Are you done whining?" She asked me. I simply nodded. Marion just slapped me... She crouched down in front of me again and looked me right in the eyes. She looked concerned for my well being but still pissed at me a bit. I couldn't help but squirm under her intense stare. Finally she stood and walked over to a drawer pulling out a note pad and pen. She walked over and sat on the couch writing something down. Finally, after a minute of writing, she looked at me and asked one simple question.
"He found you didn't he?"
I nodded and clasped my hands together in begging format.
"Marion, you've got to let us hide out here for a bit! Please! I can't have him find Roxy. We won't be any trouble, just please... Let us stay."
Marion's jaw dropped.
"Rainii Estria, do you honestly think I wouldn't let you stay here? You can take my room and I'll sleep with Rina. Just go get ready for bed and lay down with Roxy and Luchia. I'll take care of everything."
I was about to protest when she held up a hand motioning for me to stop. Saying nothing more, I walked into Marion's bedroom and slipped off my wet clothes. I left on my undershirt and panties because they weren't completely soaked. I didn't even bring a change of clothes... Oh well... Maybe I can borrow something of Marion's. Nah... I'll borrow something in the morning. I quietly slipped under the covers and snuggled up next to Roxy.
Everything will be just fine. Marion's taking care of it...

Matt's POV
I walked out of the cafe into the dark cloudy afternoon. The streets were empty except for a couple here and there. I sighed and grabbed at my ribs. I was on fire inside. That's what I get for leaving the hospital on my own I guess...
I reached into my pocket and grabbed my cell and dialed a number I haven't called in forever. It rang a few times before she picked up.
“Fish?! Do you know how late it is! I could have been in bed for all you know!” I smiled.
“Hey Mar-bear. Listen, I've got a problem. Can you help me find someone.”
“Of course. I'm the best at finding-- Wait. Hang on.” She placed her hand over the receiver and stared shouting.
“GAH! You're finally home!! Where the hell have you been?! I've been home worried sick about you and you're out having fun!”
Another person laughed.
“Aww, were you worried about me? Don't worry. I'm fine. I just stayed out a little bit later than normal.” There was a little sound that sounded like a tiny kiss and Marion grumbled.
“You could've called... Oh! By the way, we have company. I'm going to have to sleep in your room tonight.”
“Who is it?”
“Rainii.” My eyes went wide.
“Marion!! Marion! You mean to tell me Rainii's there?!”
Marion removed her hand.
“Yeah. Why?”
“I've been looking everywhere for her! Can you put her on the--” I got cut off when someone pressed the barrel of a gun to the back of my head. He grabbed the phone from me and spoke in a deep voice.
“Look. I want Rai... You bring her, and only her, to the old pet shop in Dallas. She knows exactly where it is. Come in the back way and you better be here before 2:00am or this guy here is dead. Better make it fast...”
He hung up and dropped the phone to the ground. The man stomped on the phone and took the gun away from my head for a second before bringing it back against the nape of my neck with extreme force. After that, everything went black...
Marion's POV
“Hello?! Fish?! Anyone?! Gah!!”
I threw the phone across the room. Someone just threatened Matt. I've got to help him. Rina ran out of her room.
“What happened?!”
“That jerk that raped Rainii has Fish. We've got to go save him.” Rina smiled at me.
“So, we get to kick some serious butt?”
I nodded and she squealed. She grabbed my hand and we ran into her room. She was immediately in her closet, digging out our black clothes. She tossed me a pair of black jeans and a strapless black top. She pulled out a pair of black heeled boots and laid them in front of me to put on after I got dressed. She decided to wear a black turtleneck sweater with a pair of black jeans and a matching pair of boots.
After we were dressed, I quietly slipped into my room and smiled at the scene before me. Rainii was turned to face the wall and Roxy was all cuddled up to Luchia. I gently eased open my top drawer and grabbed my gun and dagger. I put the gun in the holster and slipped my dagger into my pocket. I slipped up beside my daughter and placed a kiss to her forehead, just in case...
I walked back into the hall and stood for a moment more before walking into the living room. Rina had the keys to the suburban and was waiting at the door for me. She already had a note sitting on the table for Rai.
'Hey Rai...
If you wake up and we're not here it's because we went to fight Adam. He kidnapped Matt so we're going to get him back. If we don't come back, please take good care of Luchia. She's Marion's world. You can stay in the house as long as you need. If Marion and I don't come back, all of this goes to you.
Love and hugs, Rina and Marion.'
“C'mon! We're not getting any younger!”
I frowned, but followed her outside. We got into the suburban as quietly as possible. I looked to my bedroom window and said a silent prayer that Rai would be a good mommy to Luchia. Rina reached over and took my hand. I turned to look at her. She simply smiled and blew a kiss to me. I smiled and blushed. Here went nothing.
“Ready?”
I took a deep breath.
“Ready.”
“Let's go kick some butt!! Wooo!!”
I couldn't help but laugh as we pulled out of the driveway.

Matt's POV
I woke up to feel something hard behind me. My ribs were throbbing. Damn. This is what I get for leaving the hospital early. I opened my eyes and saw a black shadowy figure standing by the window. He turned his head and when he saw me, I saw the white of his teeth. He chuckled darkly
"Morning sunshine. You've got one hour left to live, may as well spend it awake."
I went to move my arms, maybe to flip him off, I'm not sure, but I couldn't. He had my arms tied behind me and my legs were tied to the chair. I was trapped. I opened my mouth to ask a question, but I got cut off by a car door opening and shutting.
No...
Don't tell me she actually came??
She has Roxy to think of! How could she come?!
Quietly,I started to slide my hand out of the rope. It wasn't too tight... Maybe, with just a little more work...
"BAM!!!"
Marion's POV
Rina and I kept quiet as we slipped in the back door. Rina saw his shadow move by the window when we were coming in so we knew what room they were in. We stopped just outside the old “bird room” and prepared our guns. Rina Held her gun up, looking very much like a female James Bond, and nodded to me. I threw the door open and shot towards the window.
“BAM!!!”
The shadowed figure moved and shot back. I was praying that he was a bad shot but my prayers fell on deaf ears as his bullet pierced my right shoulder.
“AHH!”
I staggered back and Rina jumped in firing at anything that moved I fell to the ground and started crawling towards the figure in the corner. That had to be Matt.
I raised up on my knees and looked him in the face. A little beat and battered but nothing too bad. I pulled out my dagger and watched his eyes widen in surprise. I cut the ropes that kept him bound to the chair and fell back against the wall. The bullet had gone all the way through my shoulder, that made it hurt worse...
Matt dropped down beside me.
“You ok Mar-bear?” I shook my head no and picked up my gun.
“S***!”
It was Rina, she had obviously been hit. There were still bullets being fired and and dodged though. It's time to end this thing. I aimed my gun at his head...
Rina fired and hit him square in the chest. He staggered and dropped to his knees. The next bullet was mine. I fired and it went straight to his head. He dropped the rest of the way like a sack of potatoes.
We stood for a second, guns still poised, waiting to see if he would come back up. When nothing happened, I tossed my gun to the ground and dropped. Rina followed suit. I grabbed my shoulder and hissed. The hole was gushing blood. Wait, Rina got hit too... I scooted over beside her and looked her over. She got hit in the right leg. Blood was gushing from both of us. She looked up at me and smiled and I couldn't help but smile back.
We did it. He wouldn't be bothering Rai anymore. Just then, there was a loud clap of thunder and the sky let go of all the rain it had been holding back. How fitting for a night like tonight. Matt came up behind us and helped me to my feet. I grabbed my gun with my one good arm and tucked it back in the holster.
Matt and I helped Rina up and she braced herself on my good side. We started to hobble out. Matt tried to help us but I shooed him out.
Through the thunder, I heard what sounded like a car door.
“MARION?! MAR--”
Bestie? Why would she be here? Rina and I made it outside and what we saw made us grin from ear to ear. Rai was wrapped in Matt's arms and her lips were meshed to his in a passionate lip-lock. Rina kissed me on the cheek and I turned to smile at her. We limped out into the rain, headed for our suburban. As we clambered into the car, we heard the sirens of police cars and the whining of ambulances. The two were still kissing in the rain as we backed out.
Rina was in the driver’s seat, I in the passenger’s side. I took her hand and she smiled down at me through the pain.
“To the hospital?” She asked me.
“To the hospital.” I responded.
And off we drove through the pouring rain, onward to the hospital where my Aunt works.
~~END~~