"If you're in the middle of something, I can come back." Susannah said as soon as she walked into the inner office.

"Nah. I'm just trying to keep a client off of death row. I'm kidding!" Nora added when she saw Susannah took her seriously. "Actually this is a perfect time to have a nice chat with my favorite sister."

"Your only sister," Susannah quipped.

"Nit picker," Nora joked.

"You might not think this chat is so nice when you hear what I have to ask you," Susannah said honestly.

Nora began to feel anxious. "Why do I have a feeling that 'Will you be my matron of honor?' is not what you're here to ask?"

Susannah smiled. "No, not yet anyway. It's about Todd."

Nora's entire body felt like a clenched fist. "Todd. Now why am I not surprised?"

"First, I want to tell you that Todd can see again. He no longer has the need to be blind."

"Oh my God. Just like that? I mean a patient is able to get over this . . . what was it?" Nora couldn't remember.

"Conversion disorder."

"Conversion disorder so suddenly?"

"There was never anything physically wrong with Todd's eyes or brain. Being blind served one or more purposes for Todd. It no longer does. For whatever reason or reasons, being able to see serves his purposes now. Of course Todd did not consciously decide to become blind or to start seeing again."

"Sam, Viki and Téa must be overjoyed. I'm very happy for them," Nora said genuinely.

"So is Kevin. He's very close to some of Todd's alters and he's recently begun working on his relationship with Todd."

"I never thought I'd live to see the day Kevin Buchanan would even want to be in the same room with Todd, nevertheless become close to him."

"Kevin understands Todd now. He has tremendous compassion for Todd for what he's been through and great admiration for him for surviving his childhood."

"So Kevin is completely over Todd allowing him to stand trial for a rape he didn't commit?" there was an edge to Nora's voice.

"No, I'm sure he's not. That's something he and Todd will have work out. Kevin realizes he has to have a relationship with Todd before that or any other issue he has with Todd can be worked through."

Susannah explained this without even the slightest touch of sarcasm in her voice. She went on to explain as much as she could about Todd's belief that he'll harm those he loved. She could not get into the specifics. She told Nora that she would have to ask Viki if she wanted more information on that.

"He actually believes that he can . . . what? . . . contaminate or infect people by merely touching them?" Nora couldn't fathom this.

"Yes. It's not that uncommon in cases of sexual abuse." Susannah knew Nora had already been told that Todd had been sexually abused.

Nora shook her head and sighed. She then looked at her sister questioningly. "So what does any of this have to do with me?"

"Todd wants to go away, far away. He wants Viki and Sam to send him to another hospital, preferably on another continent."

Susannah could see she shocked Nora. She continued. "Todd is willing to be sent back to jail, if they don't want to send him to another hospital."

"Todd Manning wants to go to jail! No, no, no, no," Nora laughed. "What kind of con is he pulling on all of you? Todd almost killed himself to get out of jail. He escaped confinement more times than Houdini. He wants something and he's trying to manipulate all of you into giving it to him."

"Nora, think about it. What possible reason could Todd have? He's not in any kind of legal trouble. He's not trying to get Viki, Sam or Téa back into his life. They are already there for him. He's not trying to get Starr away from Blair. Starr is one of the main reasons Todd wants to be sent away. All Todd wants is to keep those he loves safe."

"Those he loves? Forgive me if I have a hard time imagining Todd truly loving anyone."

"Nora, I know it's difficult to change a mind set. In some cases it's really a force of habit. We feel a certain way about someone for many years and it becomes very hard to change that, even when some part of our mind tells us we might have been wrong and perhaps we need to see this person in a different light."

"You think I just hate Todd out of a force of habit! You know what he did to me."

"I know," Susannah confirmed. "You had very valid reasons for hating Todd. I also think, knowing what you now know about Todd's history, you might have equally as valid reasons for understanding what drove his behavior."

Nora stood up. She went to look out her office window.

Susannah sat silently and patiently. She knew Nora needed some time to process this.

Finally, Nora turned around and faced her sister. She walked back to her desk and once again sat opposite Susannah. "You know that Adam and Timmy got to me, especially Timmy. I won't deny that. I concede that they are a part of Todd and so there must be something good buried very, very, deep down inside Todd Manning, I think."

"You think?" Susannah wanted clarity.

"When I think of Todd, Todd himself, all the old feelings come back. I don't think of a sad, frightened, innocent four-year-old. I don't see the child who looked up at me with these huge wounded eyes. I see the man who stalked me when I was blind and sick. I see the man who tried to rape me and possibly kill me."

"I know Todd severely traumatized you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Todd's victimization at the hand's of his father does not take away your victimization at his hands'."

Nora stared at Susannah. "You finally said it. I can't believe you finally said it."

"Said what?" Susannah was confused.

"That I was Todd's victim. That I was hurt by that man and that the fact that he was abused does not excuse what he did to me."

Susannah realized that while she repeatedly told Nora that she understood her feelings about Todd, she never made her feel that she did. Susannah knew that her history with her sister kept her from truly giving Nora the compassion and understanding she would have given a stranger. Until recently, Susannah had seen her sister as self-righteous, hypocritical and unforgiving. While she knew in her head that Nora had every right to hate Todd, in her heart she felt that Nora should understand and forgive. Susannah also realized her feelings for Todd kept her from being objective. Susannah loved Todd as if he were her own child. She was protective over him, even if her own sister was whom she believed he needed protection from.

Susannah took her sister's hand. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like your pain didn't count. No, Todd's past is no excuse for the things he did, it's only a part of the explanation. I wish I could have gotten to Todd when he first came to Llanview, perhaps I could have made a difference and spared you from the suffering he put you through."

Tears welled up in Nora's eyes. "If there is anyone out there who could have helped Todd, it would have been you."

"I'm hoping I still can. I'm hoping you can too. That's why I'm here."

"Oh, God," Nora sighed. "I'm not gonna like this, am I?"

"No." Susannah shook her head. "I don't think you are. Todd wants to see you."

"Todd?" Nora interrupted, "not Timmy? Not that little boy I met?"

"No, Todd. He wants you to represent him."

Nora laughed disbelievingly. "Sure he does. I did such a bang up job when I represented him at the rape trial. What does he want this time, for me to insure he gets a lethal injection?"

Susannah nodded slowly. "In a way, yeah. Todd hasn't said so, but we all realize that he wants you as his lawyer because he believes that you will make sure he's sent far away from Llanview. He doesn't seem to care if it's to another hospital or to prison. He wants to get away from all of those he loves, to protect them. I suspect that he also has plans to kill himself once he is away."

Nora turned pale. "He wants me to help him kill himself?"

"In a roundabout way, yes," Susannah confirmed.

"No! He is not going to do that to me. He is not going to put that on my head. If he wants to kill himself let him figure out a way to escape. He managed to escape from Statesville. He can manage to escape from your hospital."

"Todd has rights. One of those rights is to ask anyone he wants to be his attorney. So I came here to let you know that you're the one he wants."

"Fine. You did your duty. You asked. You can go back and tell Todd that as flattered and as tempted as I am to be asked to be his executioner, I politely decline."

"I knew you would. That's not the only reason why I came here."

Nora looked into Susannah's eyes. "No. Oh, no. Don't ask me that."

Susannah wasn't surprised that Nora could still read her well. "It might be as helpful to you as I think it will be for Todd if you came to see him. There are many unfinished issues between the two of you."

"Yes! Todd never got to finish me off. Do you want to give him another shot at it!"

"You would not be left alone with him. I'd be there and so would some of the staff."

Nora closed her eyes and stared off into space for a few seconds. "It's not fair of you to put me in this position."

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm not only asking you because I think Todd will not believe you said no if you are not the one to tell him that you can't be his lawyer. I also think a part of Todd wants to talk to you. I suspect that is part of the reason he is so insistent. Todd has issues with you and with himself for what he did to you."

"I have a few issues," Nora emphasized the word issues, "with what Todd did to me too."

"As I said, I think this could be beneficial to both of you. Do you think you can at least consider coming to the hospital to meet with Todd?"

"I don't know. I can't give you and answer just like that. Right now the thought of being in the same room with him, no matter who else is in that room, makes my skin crawl."

"I understand. I didn't expect you to agree immediately," Susannah admitted.

"But you do expect me to agree eventually, don't you? You think because I showed a tiny soft spot for Timmy and Adam that it would trickle down to Todd."

"Yes," Susannah answered honestly. "I think a part of you does understand that Todd has always been very ill. I also think a part of you understands that you will never fully reclaim the part of you that Todd took away when he hurt you until you and he can face why it came to that, and how that day has affected both your lives ever since. I think both you and Todd need to hear what the other has to say."

"Is this your idea of some kind of perverse group therapy where the victim faces her victimizer?"

"Kind of." Susannah nodded. "Do you think you're up for that?"

"Oh what! Now you're trying to use psychology on me. You think I'm still that kid that will take any challenge to show that I'm tough and brave? You think you can get me to see Todd the way you got me to ride that horse that nearly bit me."

"He was a sweet horse. You spooked him because he sensed your anxiety."

"Yeah, well how do you know I won't spook Todd?"

"I don't. I can't even promise that Todd won't bite you."

"Very funny," Nora snapped.

"I'm not joking. Adam bites when he's frightened. I can't guarantee he won't come out. Nora, I always make sure my patients are aware of every possibility, negative and positive, when I discuss treatment options with them or with their families. It's only fair that I give you the same chance to make an informed decision. I can't guarantee Todd will stay Todd. I can only guarantee you what I already have. You will not be left alone with Todd or with any of them. Todd will be within arm's reach of staff at all times."

"The way he was when he stabbed Bo?" "Bo realized he should have let staff handle Pete. My guess is that you would not rush toward Todd should there be a problem."

"You got that right. Not that I'm saying I'll do this. I need to think about it. I need to discuss this with Bo."

"That's all right. When I left, Tom was out. Todd had a very hard day so far. He's not up for a visit from you today."

"Is Tom a sweet little boy like Timmy, or is he like the one who stabbed Bo?"

"Tom is seven and he's very sweet and gentle. He's also a very sad and confused little boy. He's a very talented artist. Many of Todd's alters have amazing talent. If you'd like to see their artwork sometime, let me know. It's not contingent on you meeting with Todd. I can have all their work moved to the art room. Another unit on the other side adjoins it. There is a locked door and a small hallway between Todd's unit and the art room and another hallway and locked door between the art room and the next unit."

"Viki mentioned that some of Todd's alters are very talented artists. It's ironic. Who would have thought the soul of an artist lives inside Todd Manning . . . who would have thought that any kind of soul lives inside Todd Manning," Nora added.

"Todd's gifts were something Peter couldn't destroy. Don't think he didn't try. Todd found a way to save everything, his high intelligence, his talents, most of all his ability to love and be loved. Hopefully Todd will reclaim it all one day."

Nora took a deep breath. "You know, I hope so. I really do. I especially hope so for Viki and Sam's sake. This is killing Sam. I can't believe the way he's falling apart. I know they love Todd as much as I love Rachel and no one should have to see their child sick and suffering. Whether or not I can let myself be a part of Todd reclaiming his life, I don't know. I promise I'll think about it. Actually, thanks to your little visit here, I will probably not think of much else until I decide."

"Thank you. Nora, I mean it. Thank you. I know I've put you in a bad position. I honestly believe talking things out with Todd, whether you forgive him or not, will help you too. I'm not just saying that to get you to do it."

"I know. That's the one thing I and anyone else who's ever known you have been sure of . . . you will always be honest and straightforward." Nora smiled. "I still think you could have lied a little when I showed you that dress I bought for the Senior Prom."

"It was hideous," Susannah defended her position. "It made you look like a marshmallow dipped in Pepto-Bismol."

Nora laughed. "So it did, but you still didn't have to be that blunt."

"At least I got the store to take it back, final sale or no final sale."

Nora laughed even harder. "I can still see you talking to that store manager. There you were, all of fifteen, expounding on the life-altering trauma that looking stupid at my Senior Prom could cause me. I think she finally took the dress back just to shut you up."

Susannah began to laugh at the memory too. "You're just lucky that I spent my time reading Psychology Todayinstead of Seventeen and Tiger Beat the way you did. And you did end up with a really great looking dress."

"Great enough to get Eddie Robbins to cut in when I was dancing with that dorky date of mine and then ask me out."

"Oh my God! I remember Eddie. You and your friends used to talk about how hot he was. He was in that band. You were all so sure he was going to be the next Mick Jagger. Whatever became of him?"

"He became an actuary for an insurance company."

Nora and Susannah looked at each other and burst into laughter again.

"Mr. Fascination," Nora quipped.

Susannah smiled. "Having you for a sister was never dull, that's for sure."

"We did have some good times together, didn't we?" Nora said nostalgically.

Susannah nodded. "Do you ever miss those days?"

"Yeah, it would be nice if picking out a dress was still my biggest worry."

"I'm sorry if I just contributed to your worries."

Nora could tell Susannah meant that from the bottom of her heart. "I know. I also know you wouldn't have asked if you didn't think my meeting with Todd would make a big difference. I will think about it."

"Thanks. I know you will. Well, I'd better get back to the hospital. If Tom is still out, I want to have a session with him, or with whomever might be out."

"Do you think Todd can get over this idea he has that his touch is harmful to everyone he cares about?" Nora asked.

"Yes. Eventually. Knowing Todd and his patterns my guess would be that he will have moments when the staff, I and/or his family can get through to him and those fears will recede, but that will be temporary. Something will act as a trigger and Todd will once again feel he will harm those he loves and think the only solution is getting away from them and the only escape from his suffering is death. Todd has a tremendous need to punish himself. If things start to feel too good and too safe to him, he has to shoot himself in the foot and make sure his suffering continues. I believe he also does this because he fears those good and safe feelings will be taken away from him."

"So he throws them away first," Nora surmised.

"Yep. At least this way he's in control."

"Todd has no idea that he does this, does he?"

"Perhaps on some level, not on a conscious one. Hopefully someday Todd can get to where he doesn't believe the messages his father drummed into his head . . . that he doesn't deserve to be loved or even liked and that he deserves to be punished. Hopefully someday he can also allow himself to believe that the moments of love and safety he allows himself to feel can last and there is no need to throw them away, before those feelings and the people who give him those feelings desert him."

"You have your work cut out for you with that young man, don't you?"

"Todd can be helped. I've believed that since the first time I met him. He thinks he's a lost cause. I don’t and neither does his family."

Nora stared into Susannah's eyes. "You think it will matter to him if I don't think he's a lost cause either, don't you?"

"Yeah," Susannah said softly. "You and Bo."

"Bo?" Nora was surprised.

"Both of you are important to Todd. There have been times in Todd's life when he's been obsessed with you and with Bo. You both represent something to Todd."

"Yeah, we became the objects of his warped hatred."

"Maybe yes and maybe no. Yes, the things that Todd did to both of you made it seem like he acted out of hatred, but for Todd showing feelings in an appropriate way has been distorted beyond all reason. Love, hate, pain, control, violence, affection, caring . . . everything in his life was taught to him in a distorted way. He adapted to what life gave him. He had to, to survive. Now it's time for the tangled mess that Todd's feelings and beliefs are in to be straightened out. Only when that happens can Todd truly know how he feels about anyone or anything."

"I know I need to make my decision as soon as possible. I'll call you later or tomorrow and let you know."

Susannah stood up and gathered her bag. "Fair enough. Give Bo, Rachel and Mud a kiss from me."

"Bo and Rachel, okay. You're on your own with Mud."

"When are you going to admit that you love that dog?" Susannah kidded.

"Maybe you can conduct a session for Mud and me? We can talk about our issues."

Susannah smiled. "I'm sure Mud could give me an earful. Take care sis. I'll talk to you soon."

After the door closed behind Susannah, Nora put her head down on her folded arms. "Damn you Todd Manning," she said out loud.

*****

Todd had been exhausted. His weary body dropped to his bed the moment he had gotten back to his room. Téa sat in a chair next to his bed. Frank sat posted outside the door. The door was left open wide enough for Frank to have Todd in his sight, but not so wide that Todd and Téa wouldn't have some sense of privacy.

"Delgado?" Todd called softly.

"Yes, querido."

"Do you remember that time when I had a nightmare and you held my hand the whole night and kept the bad dreams away?"

Téa smiled. "Of course I do. I remember every moment of it. You allowed me to get close to you that night. It meant everything to me."

"I hate going to sleep," Todd murmured.

"Because of the nightmares?"

Todd nodded. "Do you think . . . never mind." Todd turned his face away from Téa.

Téa sat down on the bed, next to Todd. "Do I think I can hold your hand while you go to sleep?"

"Yeah," Todd whispered without turning back toward Téa.

Téa took Todd's right hand in hers. She squeezed it gently. She brought it to her lips and kissed it. "Move over."

"What?" Todd finally turned to look at Téa.

"Move over. That night I didn't only hold your hand; I also slept next to you. It's a package deal. Move over."

Todd hesitated for a few moments before he slid to the left side of his bed. Téa stretched out next to Todd while continuing to hold onto his hand.

At first, Téa could feel the tension in Todd's body as he lay next to her, on his back. Téa turned on her side. She stroked Todd's head with her other hand. "It's all right, mi amor. It's safe to let me close. It's safe to sleep. I'll be right here by your side until you wake up. I'll chase away the nightmares if they come."

Todd turned on his side, facing Téa. He stared into her eyes. Warm brown pools of safety. Anything's possible when I look in those eyes, he thought. Todd was once again grateful that he could see.

"Delgado," Todd whispered again.

"Yes, mi amor," Téa asked.

"Don't you go away."

"Never." Téa continued to stroke Todd's head. "Never. If you believe nothing else, you can believe that."

Todd surprised Téa by laying his head between her breast and her shoulder. Téa turned, slightly, toward Todd. She put her arm around him and gently hugged him to her. She rested her chin against the top of Todd's head. After a few minutes, Téa felt Todd's deep, even breaths. He was asleep. With Todd in her arms, Téa too felt enveloped in safety. Soon she fell asleep as well.

When Frank was sure they were both asleep, he came into the room and covered both Todd and Téa with a warm blanket. He smiled and went back to his post.

*****

Susannah headed for the nurses station to check Todd's chart as soon as she got back to the unit. Before she had a chance to read it, Frank motioned her over to Todd's room.

"Check this out," Frank said with a smile on his lips.

Susannah peeked into the room. She saw Todd and Téa curled up with each other in Todd's bed, sound asleep. Susannah's smile was even bigger than Frank's. "Tom?" "Nope. Todd," Frank answered.

"Really?" Susannah was very surprised.

Frank filled Susannah in on what occurred with Todd, Viki, Kevin, Sam and Téa and then asked, "What'd you think the chances are that he's over his fear hurting everyone with his touch?"

Susannah sighed. Then with a shrug she said, "I hope I'm wrong, but I think Todd will take his usual twenty steps backward before he takes that permanent step forward."

Frank nodded in agreement. "At least he's getting some peace for now." Frank looked toward sleeping couple again. "And from the smile on Téa's lips, I'd say she is too. They're both sleeping so soundly that neither of them felt it when we raised the bed and fed and medicated Todd. Oh, did you have a chance to see Nora?" Frank asked.

"Yeah. I think she understands why Todd wants to see her. Whether or not she can get over her fear and meet with him, I don't know. I do believe she will try."

"She didn't agree to represent Todd did she?" Frank inquired.

"No. Nora realizes that, given their history, being Todd's attorney would not be ethical."

"Todd's not going to be too happy with that if he goes back to believing he should be sent away," Frank guessed.

"I know. Todd assumed Nora would jump at the chance."

"He thought Kevin would too. He's still somewhat suspicious of Kevin's motives for wanting him to stay here."

"It's understandable. Todd is filled with self-hatred. He can't fathom that anyone can truly love him, nevertheless someone he considered an enemy. I think Todd's relationship with Kevin will be very instrumental in his recovery."

"It seems to be doing great things for Kevin too," Frank remarked.

"It does. I don't think Kevin realized how closely he and Todd have been tied to each other all these years. I believed Kevin used his hatred of Todd to block all his other feelings . . . feelings about himself," Susannah theorized.

"Once he let go of that, the floodgates opened."

Susannah nodded. "I think Kevin's going to be okay."

"Sam seemed a lot better today too," Frank stated.

"Sam's mood is always elevated when Todd or one of the alters allows closeness. Sam's moods are far too dependant on how Todd feels about him at any given moment for my comfort. Sam needs help. It's ironic. Sam was always the one who advocated therapy for Todd. When I first told Viki that I thought it necessary to have Todd admitted to this unit, she was not at all sure about it. Sam was the one who convinced her to let Todd hate them for a while if that's what they had to do to save him. Sam was also able to see the necessity for medication more clearly than Viki."

"Now Viki has become the strong one. She's not only strong for Todd, she's strong for Sam these days," Frank observed.

"Viki has always been a very strong woman. Much more so than even she realizes. In fact I wish she'd allow herself some downtime from being strong and discuss her own problems. Viki always has one excuse or another when I bring up continuing our therapy sessions."

Frank and Susannah peeked back into the room. Without waking, Todd had snuggled up even closer to Téa. In her sleep, Téa tightened her hold on Todd. They both remained in a deep sleep.

"I'll be in my office. I'm going to start drawing up some programs for Todd. We'll go over them at the next staff meeting and all of you can give me your input then. I think we need to start with sexual education sessions for Todd and the alters who were sexually abused. I'd like you and the other male techs to write up some plans, of different developmental levels, for Todd and the alters."

"Sure. I'll pass the word around," Frank replied.

"Thanks. Oh, do you know where Viki and Sam are? I want to tell them that Nora is at least willing to think about coming to visit Todd."

"Terry told me that they went to see a movie."

"They did!" Susannah laughed happily. "Today is certainly filled with surprises. Sam and Viki need some time off desperately. I'm very glad that they were able to leave Todd in Téa's care. Téa may not realize it, but that speaks more for their faith in her love for Todd and her judgment to do right by him than any words can say."

"I know. When Todd does get home, Viki and Sam are going to have to learn not to be overprotective of him. It's good that they can trust Téa. It will help when the transition comes and it's time for Todd to leave their home and go back to his own, with Téa and Starr."

"I think Viki will be all right. I'm more concerned with Sam. He's on a high today. Tomorrow, or even an hour from now, he may go right back to distrusting everyone's ability to care for Todd."

"Sam really needs to see someone."

"He needs to want to, first." Susannah patted Frank on the back. "Let me know as soon as Todd wakes up." Susannah headed for her office.

*****

Both Todd and Téa were emotionally exhausted, coupled with the overwhelming feeling of love and safety they felt as they lay in each other's arms, their sleep continued to be deep.

Viki and Sam got back to the unit at seven-thirty.

"They're still sleeping?" Viki asked. "It was only a little after four in the afternoon when they went down."

"I think they both need it. It's all right. We've been able to give Todd his feedings and medication."

"Man, they must be exhausted," Sam commented.

"I'm leaving for the night," Susannah told Sam and Viki. "I've instructed the staff to let them sleep for as long as they need. It might be the entire night. Why don't the two of you really make a day of this and go home and sleep in your own bed?"

Viki and Sam exchanged looks.

Sam shook his head. "I don't know."

"I don't either, Susannah. What if Todd does wake up?"

Susannah smiled. "I think he'll be fine. Go ahead and see for yourselves."

Viki and Sam looked in on Todd and Téa. As they had been for hours, the two were snuggled together. Todd, with his head still resting on Téa, Téa with her arm protectively around Todd, both looked more peaceful than Viki or Sam had seen either of them look in a very long time.

Viki linked her arm through Sam's. She rested her head on his shoulder. "I wouldn't mind sitting in front of the fire with you for a few hours. It's been a chilly spring."

"Our kid looks happy. Doesn't he?"

"Yes he does," Viki agreed. "Let's give them this night to themselves."

Sam kissed Viki's head. "I wouldn't mind spending the night in our own bed, holding you that way while we slept."

"Let's go," Viki led Sam to the door. "Todd's in good hands."

*****

Susannah checked on Todd one more time before she left for the night at nine. Frank had gone off duty. Carl was posted at the door.

"Don't think he's gonna need any sleep meds tonight," Carl remarked.

"No, neither do I," Susannah concurred.

"You think the storm has passed or this is just the calm before the next storm?" Carl asked.

"We can always, hope," Susannah said wistfully.

*****

A small ray of the sun trickling through the side of the window shade caught Todd's attention as he opened his eyes. Todd squinted. He had forgotten what seeing the sunrise felt like. Most of Todd's senses immediately became filled with Téa. The warmth and safety of the feel of her next to him, the intoxicating fragrance of the way Téa's perfume smelled on her alone, the sound of her deep, even breaths, the sight of her face as Todd raised his eyes to look at her all made Todd wonder for the moment if he were dreaming.

Todd slowly raised his head. He looked around the room. It took him a moment to get his bearings. Then he remembered that Téa said she would stay with him while he slept. Todd was still sleepy, despite the many hours he and Téa had been asleep.

"You did it again, Delgado," Todd whispered. "You kept the bad dreams away."

Todd leaned back on his elbow. He stared down at Téa's face. Todd remembered coming into Téa's room and taking pictures of her while she slept. "You're still nice to look at," Todd continued in a whisper. As he had been the night he took the pictures, Todd was mesmerized by Téa's face. He took in her soft, smooth skin, her long brown eyelashes and the most amazing mouth he'd ever seen. You're still okay. I didn't hurt you, Todd thought to himself. Todd made sure Téa was still asleep. He gently kissed her lips. Todd pulled the blanket up a little higher to make sure Téa was warm enough. He carefully lowered his head to Téa's chest again. In a few minutes Todd fell back to sleep.

Todd and Téa once again slept soundly through the administration of Todd's feeding and medication at seven-fifteen in the morning, as they had through the two feedings in the middle of the night. Todd's vitals had been taken too. Janet smiled to herself the whole time she stood over the two. Todd, you have so much love in you. Honey, I wish it didn't scare you so much, she thought.

It was nearly nine before Téa opened her eyes. Todd's head against her was the first thing that came into Téa's consciousness. She kissed the top of his head, softly. Téa was shocked when she looked at her watch. Still slightly disoriented from her long sleep, Téa thought it was nine at night for the moment it took her to realize it was light out. Téa knew that she had been sleeping longer and deeper since her brain injury, but nothing like this. She smiled to herself. "I wish you could realize that you help me as much as I help you, mi corazon," Téa said softly.

Todd stirred. He opened his eyes and stared into Téa's. "You're still here."

"I told you I would be. I'll never break a promise to you."

"Yeah, I knew that," Todd said and rubbed his eyes. "Is it the same day?" Todd asked.

"It's the next day. It's a little after nine in the morning. We were asleep for about seventeen hours."

Suddenly Todd sat up and moved away. "Does your arm hurt?"

"My arm?" Téa was confused.

"Last time I hurt your arm because it was in a funny position."

"My arms are fine and I'm fine," Téa assured Todd.

Jeff heard Téa and Todd. He came into the room. "How are you two sleepyheads doing?"

Téa stroked Todd's head. "We're doing great . . . uh . . . except for one thing." Téa looked uncomfortable. "Todd I'll be right back." Téa jumped off the bed and headed for the bathroom.

"I think Delgado has a really small bladder," Todd said seriously.

Jeff laughed. "I'm so happy to see you feeling so good."

"Delgado kept the nightmares away."

Jeff heard the awe in Todd's voice. "I know she did. It's good to see you have a peaceful sleep, buddy. Todd, you need to drink some something. You don't want to become dehydrated. How about some juice or milk or some breakfast?"

"Water. Can I have some water?"

"Sure, pal." Jeff sighed as he poured some water into a cup from the bedside pitcher. He'd hoped Todd's improved mood would have led Todd willingly taking some nutrition.

Todd drank all the water. He lay on his side and hugged his pillow. He was yawning as Téa walked out of the bathroom.

"That's much better," Téa commented. She walked over to Todd and placed her hand on his forehead. "Querido, are you still sleepy? Do you feel okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just really tired." Todd looked at Jeff. "Do I have to get up?"

Jeff knew that Todd's medications caused him to be a little lethargic and drowsy at times, but this was not like Todd. He was beginning to become concerned too.

Téa was just about to tell Todd that she would stay with him when Janet came in to tell Téa that Doctor Anderson had called the unit to see if Téa was there.

Before Janet had a chance to finish what she was saying, Téa exclaimed, "Oh damn! I forgot all about my appointment. I was supposed to be in his office at nine."

Téa saw the frightened look on Todd's face when he asked, "Are you sick again from hitting your head?"

"No." Téa sat next to Todd. "Absolutely not. This is a follow-up visit." Téa saw that Todd still looked afraid for her. "I don't even have to keep this appointment. I'm already late. Why don't I stay here with you and . . ."

"No! Delgado you have to go see your doctor and make sure your head's fixed good."

Téa knew Todd was putting her needs before his. She could tell he had wanted her to stay with him. "Really, it's no big deal. I'll see if I can reschedule for later or tomorrow."

"You gotta go now, Delgado. What if there's something wrong? You gotta go!"

"All right. Todd, shhhh. I'll go. Don't get upset. I promise you I'm fine. If you want to get it officially from Doctor Anderson I'll ask him to call you when he finishes examining me."

Todd's relaxed a little. "Yeah, you tell him I want it in writing too."

Téa laughed when she realized Todd was serious. "I will bring you your note and make sure Doctor Anderson calls you." Téa looked down at her wrinkled clothes. She didn't care. She would not have traded last night for anything in the word. Téa had no idea how much she would wish for that night back and wish she had followed her instinct and stayed with Todd. TO BE CONTINUED