This story is dedicated too Jimmy Wlcek

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize, the scenes, and other characters belong to and are owned by Chuck Norris, Norris Productions, and any other companies related to the show(s) Walker Texas Ranger and Sons Of Thunder. Christina Jade, Jennifer Davis and Keith Brody and any other new characters you may recognize are mine

Rated: R—violent sexual content
 

Chapter Five
 
 

Christina Looked out the car window and recognized where she was. She had only been their once before. A warehouse that Keith did his business out of. It was dark and abandoned and not a place anyone could forget.

He slammed on his brakes, went around, and yanked her roughly out of the car by her arm. Then he opened the door and pushed her inside. She fell to the concrete floor, he yanked her up and slapped her for falling, and it resulted in a cut on her cheek. She bit her lip to fight back the tears. She did not want to cry---she knew that is what he wanted---to see her in fear of him. He was not going to get it. She stopped and looked at him defiantly

“There isn’t anything you can do to me Keith,” she said shakily. “I love Trent and he will come for me.”

“Is that so?” He sneered at her as he slapped her again

“When I get through with you he isn’t going to want you anymore darlin”, Keith said leering over her.

Instantly she grew cold inside and started to slowly scoot back as he began undoing his pants. He was going to rape her. She started shaking all over—fear gripping her

“No! Keith.....don’t!” She cried. “Please!”

“He will be disgusted at the sight of you,” Keith said

“No!” She cried, shaking her head. “Please... Don’t!” I’m sorry...i won’t see him...anymore...please!”

“Your damn right you aren’t!” Keith yelled as he slapped her several times. Her head snapped sharply to the right, it cut into her skin like a knife, and her eyes began to go out of focus.

“I.....I’m sorry.....P....please.....don’t......do....this!” she tried to fight him with all she had, holding her arms up, but he was too strong and he kicked her in the ribs viciously, knocking the air out of her. Then he gripped her blouse and ripped it apart. She screamed as loud as she could but Keith seemed unconcerned as he yanked at the rest of her clothes

She was a quivering mass of fear as he lowered himself on top of her and fastened his hand in her hair.

“Go ahead and fight me darlin”, he sneered. “You know how I love that.”

“No!” She cried repeatedly, but he ignored her. “Stop! Please! No!”

He drove into her making her cry out in pain. He ripped at her insides instantly. Pushing himself deeper into her, tearing her flesh. Christina wished for death. The pain was so intense. Her legs trembled and she felt blood on them. When he just smiled at her she whimpered and turned her head trying to focus on Trent---his smile---his loving words. Would he still love her? No. She knew she could be nothing to him, her life was ending. She prayed that Keith would kill her because she knew she could look at Trent again. She could not take the look of shame she knew he would have on his face

“Oh, darlin, how I missed this,” Keith said with an evil grin as he leaned down and tried to kiss her she twisted her head and he gripped her chin roughly so she would look at him. “Don’t you dare turn away from me when I am talking to you. Do you hear me?” He was screaming at her paralyzing her. “Answer me!”

“Y....y....yes!” She screamed out

“That’s better,” he said caressing her face roughly making her whimper. “Now, tell me you love me!”

Christina felt sick.....She would rather die than say those words to him. She slowly shook her head, which angered him, and he slammed her head down on the concrete floor. “Say it!”

“No! No! Never!” She cried and he became enraged and he viciously struck her across the face repeatedly.

“I will make you say it!” He screamed and drove into her further, more viciously making her cry out. The more she cried the rougher he became. He seemed to be taking pleasure in the pain he was causing her.

“No!” She screamed as loud as she could. “Trent!” She did not know why she cried out for him. He was not here and he did not know where to find her

He stuck her again. “Don’t ever say his name again!” He screamed at her

He continued to rip at, not only her insides, but her heart and soul as well. Her tears came down like a waterfall down her chin. However, they meant nothing to him. He just continued with his assault on her

“Oh, are those tears of joy?” He asked as he leaned down and caressed her face, taking pleasure in seeing that he hurt her. She twisted her head and he slapped her again

“Looks at me when I talk to you damn it!” He gripped her chin again, bruising it immediately. “Now tell me you liked it and I’ll give you more.”

He yanked her up pulled her up against him. She tried to pull away but he was too strong. “Tell me you liked it! Tell me I was better than he was!”. He shook her so fiercely that her head snapped back

Meanwhile Carlos and Walker were arriving at the dojo. Trent had the three suspects tied up, he wanted answers, and he wanted them now

After much threatening, one of the men agreed to tell where Brody had taken Christina and Trent and Carlos headed out in the Durango

When they arrived there, they noticed Brody’s car right away. They went to the door. Carlos leveled his gun and waited for Trent's signal and then he kicked the door in. Carlos motioned to Trent that he would take the back.

Keith had Christina pinned to the ground and was raping her again. She heard Trent's voice and she tried to scream out, but nothing would come. She was so scared.

Trent came around the corner. The sight of Brody on top of his love tore at his insides. He was beside himself with rage.

“Get your hands off her!” Trent vented out seething with anger

Keith just looked up and grinned at Trent. “Do you mind? We want to be alone?”

“No....Trent....p....please.....” she cried looking at him through tearful eyes. “I.... No! Let....m...m...me....g...go!” Help me!”

“It’s all right baby,” Trent said calmly. “I’m here now. Easy!”

Keith placed the gun to Christina throat paralyzing Trent where he stood

“Turn around and walk out of here Malloy!” Keith said pushing the gun into Christina’s throat.

“Forget it!” Trent said seeing Carlos coming up behind Keith. It sickened Carlos to know what Christina had suffered

Keith heard a gun click behind him

“Toss your gun over at Trent and get up very slowly!” Carlos threatened

Keith set the gun down and glided it across the floor, at Trent's feet and then he adjusted his clothes, making Trent sick at his stomach.

“You are too late. I already had her—twice!” Keith replied and Trent tore into him, knocking him to the ground. Brody got back up and kicked Trent, but Trent applied a well-placed back kick to his groin, which sent him back to the ground

“Get up!” Trent demanded wanting to make this bastard suffer

Carlos went over and covered Christina with his jacket

“N0!” Christina cried, fearing it was Keith. She was barely conscious

“Its all right Christina,” Carlos said. “Easy honey.” He lifted her up in his arms and cradled her close.....hoping she would feel safe

Trent grabbed Keith by the collar and roughly yanked him back on his feet, then he punched him in the stomach, and he fell back down. However, Trent was not through. Three more punches. He was in such a rage. None could stop him. He hit him repeatedly

“Trent! Stop!” Carlos yelled fearing he was going to kill him

Trent did not hear him. He kept seeing the pain in Christina’s eyes. Hearing the fear in her voice

“Trent! Look at her!” Carlos pleaded.

Trent turned and when he saw Carlos holding Christina he stopped and dropped Brody like a wet mop and he collapses. Then Trent went over and Carlos carefully placed her in Trend's arms

“Oh God!” He cried leaning in to her. “Baby, I am here. I love you,” he whispered to her. Her eyes were opened a little

“I...I....tried.....I tried,” was all she could say as the tears continued to pour down her face

They threatened to tear Trent's heart right out of his chest. He knew she could not help what Brody had done to her, but she was obviously feeling that it was her fault and he knew it would take a lot of reassuring to convince her that it was not.

“Trent?”

Trent followed Carlos gaze downward to Christina. Blood was pouring down the inside of her legs. “Oh god!” Trent cried laying her down. Christina cried when she felt him hold her leg up

“NO!” she cringed, trying to close her legs.

“Baby, you are bleeding,” Trent said “I have to put something around you.”

Trent yanked off one of his shirts and placed it between her legs, gently applying pressure. He felt her tremble and he kissed her forehead

“We’re going to take you to the hospital,” Trent said to her lifting her back up gently in his arms. She rested her head against him. Too weak to say anything. Trent held her closely as Carlos opened the door to the Durango. He put it in gear and they rushed her to the hospital.

When they got to the hospital they ushered them into the emergency room right away and Christina was taken to room. Trent was left to pace the halls. After about an hour the doctor came out

“Doctor, how is she?” Trent demanded

“She suffered quite a trauma,” the doctor said. “This man raped her. You are aware of that?” he asked wanting Trent to know everything

“Yes,” Trent said lowering his head. “We got there as soon as we could.”

“She was bleeding very heavily, but I managed to stop it,” he explained to Trent. “Have the police been informed?”

“Ranger Walker knows all about it,” He interrogated some other suspects involved,” Carlos said

“Can I see her?” Trent asked

“Yes, but just for a while. She need rest.”

Trent thanked the doctor and went in, kissed her hand gently and sat down beside her bed

“Chris......Sweetheart,” he whispered as he continued to hold her hand. She looked up at him and Trent flinched when he saw shimmering eyes that had once held love and trust for him. Now they were filled with bitter anguish and sorrow

“Trent,” she said his name softly

“Yes, I am here. And you are safe now”, he said gently. “He is never going to hurt you again. I swear it!”

She turned from him and curled herself in a ball like a frightened child. Trent felt so helpless. She was hurting because of what Brody did to her and he wanted to take that pain away so badly. He came around to the other side of the bed where she lay staring out at nothing. He sat hunched down beside her and placed a finger beneath her chin so she would look at him

“I’m not walking away baby,” he said gently. “Just talk to me---don’t hide what you’re feeling from me,” he urged gently

“I......I..... wish......I....was.....dead.....”

Her words came in a strange whisper, which hung in the air above them like a specter. Without warning the feelings that she vowed to guard found words and she spilled them to her quivering lips

“I...w.....Would.....rather.... die....than....”

She paused and pulled her chin away, lowering her head further, hooding her shimmering eyes from him with a shield of dark lashes

“It’s..... as.... If I....am on.... f...fire....inside...”

She twisted her trembling hands around the blanket, as she fought the need to put into words the hatred that consumed her, the rage that was gnawing at her soul, sculpting her into something she didn’t recognize

“You can fight this,” Trent said emotionally. “I won’t let you go through this alone.”

“I would rather die than to see the shame in your eyes.....”

The wall that she had built behind her eyes crashed into a million tiny fragments and she looked to him for help. Her eyes were wild. Confused.

He saw the extent of her pain. Felt the hatred that was within her, for it was in him as well. He wondered how long they could both struggle before their same souls were destroyed. He gently sat on the bed.

“Baby......I love you”, he whispered

She turned to face him---What she saw in Trent took her by surprise. His eyes were filled with tears----tears for the pain she was going through----tears for what Keith had done to her. She could not love him more than at this very moment. He held his arms out to her, she went into them slowly, and he gently cradled her close, making her feel safe and secure.

“You have been through a terrible ordeal, baby”, he said gently stroking her hair, but I am here for you. You do not need to push me away. I love you and nothing will change that. Soon you will forget.”

Her tears, having grown to uncontrollable sobs, that stole her voice away. She shook her head and clung more tightly the strength of his arms. A renewed rush of hot tears deepened the stains in her cheeks and drew trails against her skin

“I.....Can.....not......f....forget!” she choked with effort, recalling clearly the haunting visions of Keith leering over her, beating her, tearing at her clothes, taunting her

She spoke for herself as much as for Trent. Unable to combat her hysteria, Trent held her tenderly, stroking her hair. As if soothing a frightened child. He felt her shudder against the hollow of his chest and thought of the night he had held her in ecstasy. It seemed hard to fathom that even happened. However, he knew it did and he prayed that she would cling to their love to guide her through this.

He wished that he could dispel her fears as easily as a child's nightmares. Watching her cry was like watching a butterfly struggle with a broken wing

For a time, after she quieted he sat still, soothing her, enjoying the chance to be at least for a while, within the wall she was building around herself. Finally he heard her steady, candid breathing, and he knew she was asleep.

“I won’t forget either. Never!”

The door to her room opened and the doctor to check on Christina. After making a few notes on his chart, he motioned Trent to follow him in the hall

Trent eased out of her arms and gently lay her down. Then he followed the doctor out. “What is it?” Trent asked

“We need to discuss something very serious here Mr. Malloy,” the doctor said

Trent watched, as the doctor became nervous

“What is it? Tell me! Whatever it is I need to know,” Trent said urging the doctor to speak

“Well, after a woman is raped.....we run a series of test”, he said gently

Trent could only nod his head slowly

“One of them is a pregnancy test,” he said eyeing Trent

Trent felt as if he would faint. He had never considered any of this. He was so concerned for her emotionally

“I guess....its...good to take every precaution”, Trent said

“Yes. I believe so. Now, I hate to pry, but I need to know if you and Miss. Jade are involved....” the doctor let his words fall into place

“Yes,” Trent said. “I..... we.....love each other very much,” Trent said

“I thought as much,” The doctor said. “I will run a blood test in the morning. I will know then if she is pregnant. Mr. Malloy, if she is indeed with child, I will leave it up to you on what to do.”

“Me? Trent asked not sure, where the doctor was going with this.

“Yes. How long ago did you and she.....”

“We have been together for weeks,” Trent said

“Then there is a good chance that you could have gotten her pregnant as well.” The doctor said as gently as he could

Trent let what the doctor was saying sink in. There was a chance that he could be a father. That pleased him, but if its Brody’s, he did not even want to think about that.

“I will need to know when her last monthly flow was,” he said

Trent nodded in understanding. “I am not sure,” Trent said

“We can discuss it in the morning,” the doctor said

“I don’t want her knowing about any of this,” Trent said

“I think that’s wise,” the doctor said. “No need to upset her. I will get in touch with you in the morning.”

Trent nodded and let the effects of what was happening take its toll. He felt sick all over as he went back to the door of Christina’s room. Seeing her curled in a ball, sleeping, looking so lost put him in tears. He made his way to a chair in the hall and sank down in it crying uncontrollably. He felt as if his whole world was ending. He rested his head in his hands, trying to combat his emotions.

He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see walker and Carlos standing over him. “Buddy? What is it? Carlos asked, softly, but with a lot of worry in his voice. When Trent looked up finally, Carlos was brought to tears himself seeing how ripped apart Trent was. “Talk to us,” Carlos said sitting down beside him, while Walker remained standing.

“She..... they have to run....tests,” Trent said shakily. “She....may be pregnant!”

He took a couple deep breaths and looked at them again. “The....doctor said I could be the father,” Trent said. “Nothing would make me happier than knowing she is giving me a child, but Brody....” Trent could not finish and he lowered his head not able to take it any longer. Carlos pulled him in a brotherly embrace, trying to bring him back from the dark depths to which he was sinking into.

“Trent, you have been so happy over the past few weeks,” Walker said. “Your love is strong. You can fight this.”

“I don’t know if I can, Walker,” Trent said. “She is going through hell. If...only I had protected her better.....”

“No Trent!” Carlos said clutching his shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself for this.”

“Brody had a gun Trent,” Walker said “He would have killed you both. Christina wanted you safe. She will heal in time. Your love for each other is too strong.”

“Walker is right,” Carlos said. “You know you couldn’t have done anything differently or you wouldn’t be alive right now and neither would she.”

“Yes....I know, but....he raped her!” Trent gasped. “I......should.....”

“Trent, she is strong,” Carlos said. “We’ve all seen it.”

“What am I suppose to do?” Trent said. “How do I tell her that she could be pregnant because of what happened?”

“You tell her gently,” Carlos said

“And be honest Trent”, Walker said. “She will know if you are keeping something from her. Tell her that you could be the father too. I know you love her, and you have been loving her for weeks,” he said giving Trent a knowing look

“I know what you say is true,” Trent said understanding where Walker was going. “But to see that sadness in her eyes. Its too much Walker. I cannot bare it.”

“Yes you can Trent!” Walker said. “You have to. She needs your strength right now. Your love is going to be put to the test so you have to stand up and fight for what you both have.”

“Thanks”, Trent said. “Both of you have been a tremendous help.”

“Your welcome Trent,” Walker said

“I....should go back in to her,” Trent said

“Everything will be all right buddy,” Carlos said squeezing Trent's shoulder in reassurance. He knew that it was just a matter of them seeing each other, breaking through the initial barrier, then working their way through everything.

Trent went back into Christina’s room and sat by her side, watching her sleep. She was so beautiful, so sweet and she was his to protect. He lowered his head, feeling like such a failure this was his fault. If he.....”

“Trent.....”

Trent looked down to see her staring at him, tears streaming down her face

“Shhhh! It’s all right, baby,” Trent said taking her hand and stroking her hair. “I’m right here with you.”

“I.....want.....to....go....home,” she cried, almost whimpering

“There are tests they need to run,” Trent said. “You can go home in the morning.”

“What.... kind....of....tests?” she asked nervously

Trent could not tell her. Not now when she was still so weak

“Just routine tests,” he said. “Nothing to worry about. Just rest and this is the best place for you right now. And I will stay with you”, he said kissing her forehead then her cheek, looking lovingly into her eyes

“You will?” she asked

“I would do anything for you,” he said and his heart was pulled again by the love he had for her

“I love you,” she said softly

“I love you too, Christina,” Trent said as he went into her arms, holding her firmly, but gently. He vowed to himself that he would never let anyone get close to his precious Christina ever again. She fell asleep in his arms and he gently lay her down and arranged her pillows. He held her hand and kissed it over and over, wanting nothing more than for her to rest comfortably. He put his head down, resting it against her hand and the fight to stay awake was to great, and he too drifted off. Walker and Carlos watched Trent drift off and decided to take their leave.

“I tell you Walker,” Carlos said “If I hadn’t been there, Trent would have killed that bastard. I mean he had him....”

“But he didn’t”, Walker said. “That’s what counts’

Carlos nodded his head and they headed for the elevators

Suddenly Christina jerked awake thinking she had heard something. She found Trent sleeping soundly in the chair. She felt such wonder for this man. Here he was.....sleeping in a chair when he could be home in his own bed. She smiled to herself. No. He wanted to be with her. He looked so adorable and she resisted the urge to glide her hands through his hair. She feared she would wake him so she lay back down and closed her eyes.

A couple hours later she started moaning in her sleep again, then tossing and turning, becoming more physical, and she let out a series of screams

Trent jumped out of the chair and was at her side instantly, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. “Christina, wake up!” he said

“NO!” she cried, “LET ME GO! STOP.....PLEASE!”

Treat's heart threatened to break again at what was happening to her. He pushed the call button by her bed and the nurse was there instantly. “I can’t wake her,” Trent said.

The nurse checked her and went back out, the doctor came in, and motioned Trent to hold her arms while he gave her a sedative

“Christina, it’s me...Trent,” he said. “Please wake up baby!”

Within a few minutes, she had opened her eyes, her breathing had returned to normal, and Trent eased his hold on her

“What happened?” she asked

“You were having a nightmare,” he said. “It’s over now. You are safe. Thank you doctor,” Trent said

“She should be fine now,” the doctor said “Just keep talking to her”

Trent nodded to the doctor as he went. Christina was still shaking a great deal so he took hold of her hand again. “Close your eyes now”, he said

“I can’t! She cried frantically looking around the room. “He....was....here. I’m scared please!”

“He’s not here baby,” Trent said. I am. Now, please close your eyes and rest.”

“Please....don’t let him......take......me from you....again,” She cried.

Guilt washed through Trent again, knowing that she felt afraid that Keith would get to her.....fear that he wouldn’t protect her

“I won’t Christina,” Trent said. “I swear it!”

“Please.....don’t let him hurt me!” she cried

He words sliced through his mind, reminding him that he was to blame for the pain she had endured. He wanted to crawl in a hole and die, but he could not. He had to fight hard within himself to help her through this

“I promise you Christina, that he will never touch you again,” Trent said

“I....love...you...so.....much,” she whispered across her quivering lips. Trent’s heart soared. “SHE LOVES ME, AFTER EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED, SHE STILL LOVES ME”

“I love you too, baby”, Trent said as he held her close to him. “FINALLY,” he thought. He was getting through to her now and she was calming down

“Trent?” she whispered

“Yes, baby?” he asked looking at her tenderly

“Will....you....kiss...me?” Christina whispered

“Baby.....I would love nothing more, but....” his voice trailed off. He wanted to kiss her, but was afraid it was too much, so soon after everything she had been through. He did not want to hurt her.

Christina felt like dying and she started crying and shaking violently

“Oh God!” she cried “No! Trent!”

“What baby?” he asked, very worried. He said something to upset her

“Please.....don’t!” she cried “You can’t!” she feared that she was losing him

“Talk to me Christina,” Trent urged. “What is it?” he asked leaning over to stroke her hair gently. He thought she meant he could not touch her, and he wanted to reassure her that he was not Brody

“I.....he....said.....you...” she felt sick inside and she couldn’t look at him¼she turned her head away

“What is wrong baby?” Trent asked, wanting to know what was eating her up. He placed a hand under her chin so she would look at him

“Keith......said....you.....wouldn’t......want.....to....hold....me....or.....touch....me!” she cried lowering her head

Treat's heart shattered. “Oh no, baby,” he said. “That is not true. I love you so very much.”

“But......you.....wouldn’t....kiss....me,” she said shakily

“Oh....Christina, it wasn’t because I don’t want to,” Trent said lovingly. “I didn’t want to hurt you. I would rather die that to cause you one second of pain.”

“I....do....hurt....when you....aren’t holding me,” she cried

“Oh....baby, I’m sorry,” Trent said framing her face in his hands and touching his lips to hers, gently. She was trembling so much that he feared he was scaring her so he stopped and caressed her face. “There. How was that?” he said soothingly

She broke down, tears cascading down her face. Trent reached down and held her close. They were on the road back to each other

“I love you,” she whispered as she brushed away his tears and then she touched her lips to his.

Trent returned her kiss and then he took his turn brushing her tears away, smiling at her. “I love you too, baby”, he said smiling when she tried to hide a yawn

“I think you need to get some sleep,” Trent said helping her get more comfortable

He started to go back to his chair, but she clutched his hand tightly. “Please¼lay with me. Hold me!” she pleaded

Trent looked at her, hesitating again. She looked so weak and frail

“Trent....please,” she cried. “I need to have your arms around me.”

Trent eased down on the bed and cradled her close." I will hold you forever Christina,” Trent said kissing her forehead. “I promise.”

Soon they drifted off to sleep and Christina did not stir all night. Content being in Trent's arms the entire night.

When Trent opened his eyes next it was morning and he eased up out of Christina’s arms and stretched before going to the bathroom. Then he went and looked for the doctor.

“Mr. Malloy, the doctor was in once,” the nurse explained. “But you were both sleeping so soundly he didn’t want to disturb you.”

“She needed the sleep,” Trent said

“And I can see you did too”, She said smiling. “How about some coffee?”

“Yes, that sounds good”, Trent said.

The nurse went around the cornier and came back a second later with a steaming cup for him. “Thank you,’ Trent said accepting it and sipping at it slowly

“Would you like for me to get her some clothes?” she asked. “I wasn’t sure....”

“I am going to call her friend, Jennifer and let her know what has happened. She will bring her something.”

Trent went in the room and dialed Jen’s number

“Jen, it’s Trent”, he said not looking forward to what he had to do

“Oh....how is she Trent?” Jen asked from the other end

Trent was a bit confused. “Uh....she is sleeping. Jen, how did.....?

“Carlos is here with me,” Jen said. “He came by this morning. He did not want me to hear from anyone else

Trent nodded, understanding Carlos need to protect Jennifer

“I can’t believe that bastard did this!” Jen cried. “He....should be dead!”

“He will pay for everything Jen, I promise,” Trent said in a steeled voice

“What can I do for her Trent?” she asked

“That is why I am calling,” Trent said. “She needs something to wear home. I would have went out, but I was afraid to leave her.”

“Carlos and I will go by your place and get her some things together,” Jen said

“Thank you Jen,” Trent said

“All right. Give her a big hug for me”, Jen said before hanging up

Christina heard Trent talking and slowly sat up, “Trent?

He went to her side and placed an arm around her

“Easy,” Trent said gently pulling her into a hug

“Who were you talking to?” she asked

“Jen. She is on her way over,” he said kissing her cheek, causing her to flinch and she put her hand to her face and tried to hide the bruises on her face. Trent takes her hand away and kisses the palm of her hand. Then he goes to each place on her face that was bruised or swollen and kissed each tenderly, until he was brushing his lips against hers softly. “You look beautiful,” he said

“No!” she cried, covering her face, and lowering her head

He eased her hands away from her face. “Yes!” Very beautiful,” he said his voice shaking with emotion

“Trent...you....don’t do this,” she said trying to push his hand away, but he just pulled her close and kissed her again

“Yes, I do”, he said. “Get use to it.”

The doctor came in then and smiled at them

“How are you feeling this morning?” he asked

“Fine,” she said resting her head on Trent's shoulder

“Well, that is good to hear”, he said. “Let me have a look.”

Christina clutched Trent's shoulder, not wanting to be touched.

“Let him look at you baby,” Trent said easing out of her arms

Christina had no choice as the doctor started examining her. She closed her eyes when he titled her face upward. “The bruises will fade in a few days,” he said. “Now let me listen.” He placed the stethoscope at her chest. “Take in a breath for me.” Christina looked at Trent and when he nodded, she did as the doctor said

“Well, I believe it will be all right for her to go”, he said. “I need to draw some blood. Then I will get her discharge papers ready.”

“No!” Christina said shaking her head. “You don’t need.....to take blood”.

“I am afraid so my dear,” he said. “But don’t you worry. Its all just routine testing”.

The doctor gave Trent a reassuring look, knowing he understood. Then he left them alone. The lab technician came in and had the blood drawn from Christina within a few minutes. “Keep your arm elevated for at least ten minutes”, he said before going out

“Now....take me home....please,” Christina said, pleading at Trent

“We will go baby,” Trent said. “As soon as Jen gets her”.

Jennifer and Carlos arrive a few minutes later and Jen goes right to Chris and embraces her. “How are you feeling?”

“I...... just want to go home,” she said

Jen smiled softly at her. “Let me help you get dressed,” Jen, said and Carlos and Trent stepped out.

Christina was dressed and ready to go after a few minutes. “Thank you Jen,” she said hugging her friend gently

When Christina and Jen stepped out of the bathroom, Alex was there as well

“Alex.....” Christina said smiling at her

“I came to give you and Trent a ride to the dojo," Alex said

Trent went over and pulled Christina in his arms. “I.......Carlos brought us in the Durango,” he explained

“Thank you Alex,” Christina said hugging her. Feeling happy to have such good friends around her. However, she knew she would never be over what happened. And she would live with the pain for the rest of her life
 

To be continued.......