"Hey Anna. What's up?" Maggie looks up from her pile of sheets.
"I need to talk to you," she moves close to Maggie.
"Is something wrong? Is it Vanessa?"
"No, it's not Vanessa. I think you should sit down with me for a moment while I explain," Anna ushers them over to a small lounge area.
"What's going on, Anna?"
"It's Bianca. She's in the emergency room," Anna starts.
"Is she alright?! What's happened?" Maggie starts to rise, "I should get down there."
"Wait." Anna takes hold of Maggie's wrist. "Let me explain. Maggie, it wasn't an accident. Bianca was attacked."
"What?!" Maggie almost shrieks sitting back down. "I need to be down there for her."
"Wait, damn it. That's not all. She was raped, Maggie." Anna tells her quietly.
"Oh my God!" Maggie gasps. "Do you know who it was?"
"No. They are doing her exam and well..the rape kit. Then, we interview her on what information she can give us. I came to get you, because Ercia and Chris are out of town on business. We are trying to contact her, but Bianca needs someone. Jackson is in court so.."
"Of course, let's go!" Maggie moves quickly toward the elevator with Anna right behind her.
Jake comes up to them as they walk to the doors of the exam room. "Ladies, the nurse is just finishing all the documentation. Anna, Bianca says she will only give a statement to you not anyone else."
"I was planning on taking the statement myself anyway, Jake. It's fine."
"How bad is it, Jake?" Maggie questions.
"She has some nasty contusions, some deep scratches, and a bite wound on her back. If she knows who did this, we have enough DNA evidence to hang him. It's not good Maggie, not at all, but physically she'll recover. I don't think anything will scar except the bite will take longer to heal over without a mark. She has a broken nose, but that's minor considering. I am far more worried about her psychologically." He answers honestly.
"Oh..God," Maggie groans. "We have to get this Asshole."
"We've got good DNA then Jake?" Anna interjects.
"All except sperm..he either didn't..." Jake stops looking at Maggie and Anna nods her understanding, "or he used a condom. My bet is the condom, becuase if not there should have been some trace of something...but we are still running the whole gambit of STD testing to be safe. We have saliva from where he bit her and she must have scratched him because we also have some tissue form under her nails. It will be more than enough."
"Good. We will get him." Anna stresses looking at Maggie.
The nurse exists the room and walks over to them. "We've finished, Doctor. We've dressed the wound and scratches have been cleaned. I have the rape kit."
"Thank you, nurse. There is a detective waiting for the kit down at the lab and he'll also take the film." Jake dismisses the nurse." You can go in now, Anna."
"You coming, Maggie?" Anna looks to the girl.
"Yes. Just let me..." she adjusts her clothing wiping at a stray tear.
"You look fine. Be strong." Anna reassures her and Maggie nods.
Together they walk toward Bianca's exam room. Anna goes first. She has already seen Bianca. Jake having called her when Bianca came stumbling into the E.R. Maggie enters gehind Anna. At first look at Bianca, she has to hold back a sob. She quickly composes herself and smiles walking up to Bianca who has her eyes closed.
"Bianca?" Maggie whispers.
"Who?!" Her eys shoot open. "M-Maggie, I...I'm sorry..." Bianca cringes looking up at Maggie.
"No. You have nothing to be sorry for, Bianca...NOTHING," Maggie reaches for Bianca's hand. Bianca flinches minutely at the touch.
"Is this okay?" Maggie raises their hands. Bianca nods.
Anna clears her throat letting them know she is ready. "Bianca, I need to ask you some questions now while it's still fresh, okay?"
"Can Maggie stay?" Bianca whispers.
"Of course,"
"Will you stay?" She looks up miserably at Maggie.
"I'm not going anywhere as long as you want me here," she reassuers Bianca.
"Okay," Bianca moves to sit up more, "I'm ready. I-I guess."
As Anna moves to sit in a chair along the wall fussing with her notebook and tape recorder, Maggie tries to take in all the injuries to Bianca that she can see. She sees several angry scratches on her neck to her shoulders, several bruises along her neck leading off down her back, and worst of all looking right now is the racoon eyes and broken nose she is sporting. She also has a split lip and bruising on her arms that looks like hand prints. Maggie wants to cry, but she knows she must be strong.
"Bianca, first, do you have any idea who did this?" Anna begins.
<<"Bianca! Don't fight it...it is so much better if you don't fight it..." she knew that voice, had seen his face.>>
"No." Bianca states simply, "I didn't get a good look at h-him." Maggie squeeszes her hand for support.
"Did he say anything to you?"
"Yes, he told m-me n-not to ...not f-fight..." she hiccups, "he siad it would b-b-be better if I didn't fight...he.." her voice cracks.
"It's okay, Bianca. He can't hurt you." Maggie croons. "I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise."
"Did he say anything else to you?" Anna continues.
<<"You set me up with Maggie, but I know you want her, Bianca...just like her sister...girls like you need to be shown a good time by a real man," she struggles as he pins her to the boathouse wall. "I'm gonna do that for you Bianca. You make me sick, but after tonight..." he bites her neck leaving a bruise.
"Tim, you d-don't have to do this" she cries.
"I know that. I want to do it. I want you to know what you're missing." He breathes hot into her ear. "I'm gonna have fun with Maggie this weekend."
"NO!" She tries to shove him off of her, but he slams her back in the wall breaking her nose with the impact.
"Tell you what I'm gonna do...Better yet let me show you..."
"NO!..not Maggie..not her..." Bianca moans.
"Then...be a good little dyke and take your medicine." >>>
"Bianca?" Maggie calls her name.
"Huh?" Bianca comes back from her memory.
"You spaced on Anna's question if he said anyting else. Are you able to keep going?"
"No. He d-didn't say anything else." She lies.
"Okay, Bianca. Now the really hard part." Anna looks comfortingly at the shattered girl. "I need you to tell me, in as much detail as you can, exactly what happened. The more thourough you are with me, the less you have to tell others later. Okay?"
"Yeah, I have a question though."
"Of course, what is it?"
"Is someone contacting my mother?" Bianca asks.
"We're trying to."
"Don't."
"But, Bianca..." Maggie starts.
"No. I'm 18 and I say NO. I will tell her when she somes home," Bianca takes a deep breath. "It's my right and it's what I want. No one tells my Uncle Jack yet either."
"Okay. I don't agree with this Bianca, but it is your decision. I will go tell my officers not to contact your family and be right back for the statement." Anna moves leaving the room.
"Bianca, are you sure you don't want your mom here with you?" Maggie asks unsure.
"Yes. I don't want her bothered or worried until she gets home. I can't have her hovering over me right now or causing a stir so that even more people know what happened. I c-can't not now. As for Uncle Jack, he'll find out soon enough." She blushes in shame.
"I'm here for you, Bianca."
"I know." Bianca squeezes Maggie's hand.
"We'll get him. It'll be okay."
"Mmm..hhmmm."
Anna re-enters, settles back into her chair, and looks to Bianca, "I don't agree I am stressing this again, but no one will be contacted."
"Thank you, Anna."
"I need your statement if your still up to it?"
"You don't have to stay if you don't want to, Maggie." Bianca says quietly to her friend.
"Do you want me to stay?"
"Yeah..." Bianca nods for emphasis.
"Then, here's where I'll be. You go ahead when you're ready," she reaches with her free hand to stroke Bianca's hair.
Bianca closes her eyes tight, takes a deep breath and begins, "I was walking down by the boathouse. You know. It was a nice day so I thought I w-would...would enjoy it." She pauses catching a hitching breath, "I thought I would go up and sit for a bit before heading back home. When I entered I didn't see anyone which is not unusual so I walked up further in and that's when...when..." Tears slide down from her closed eyes.
"Ssshh...take your time..." she barely hears Maggie say as her mind flashes.
<<"Bianca, thanks for coming," Tim says stepping from the shadows.
"Sure. You said you wanted to talk about Maggie. Can I help with some plans or something? I thought you already asked her out."
"I did. I lied though. I really asked you out here to talk about you," he leers.
"Me? What about me?" Bianca misses his look at her.
"How I know about your sickness...about how you wnat Maggie. Don't you think I see it?" He hisses in her face.
"I am not sick. I think I should just go," she tries to move around him realizing he has become a threat, but he grabs her by the upper arms holding her in place.
"You aren't going anywhere! I'm going to show you what your disease has you missing." He backs her up toward the wall of the boathouse.
"Let go!" She screams, "HELP!">>>
Bianca shakes her head and opens her eyes to look at Maggie. Maggie keeps stroking her hair in an effort to calm her. "A man grabbed me form the sh-shadows. I didn't really see a face...he shoved me face first into the wall breaking my nose..." she hitches in a breath, "I tried to f-fight him, but he told me it would be b-better if I d-didn't...I kept struggling. The more I struggled the more he h-hurt m-me..." She lets out a sob. " I...I tr-tried to call for help, but I had bl-blood in my...mouth... he ripped my clothes... tore off my sh-shirt... he ripped my bra... he scratched an bit my neck..." she pauses for air, "I tried to buck him off again when he raised my skirt and ...and ...he rip--ripped away my panties...but that's when he b-bit my back and shoved me into the wall again..." she shutters closing her eyes again.
"Take your time, Bianca," Anna urges. Maggie unable to speak over the lump in her throat keeps stroking Bainca's hair.
"I... have to finish now or I- I n-never will," Bianca takes another deep breath. "I remember not being able to fight as much after the second time my face hit the wall... I tried though... I kept saying NO and asking him to stop... I ... the next sensation I felt was him...in me...it hurt worse than...all the other..." she sobs her body shaking.
"Sssshhh...Bianca...It's okay...You're safe now." Maggie whispers as Anna grabs a box of tissue.
"Am I?" She takes a tissue from Anna, "It will never be OKAY! I was raped... oh God. Make it go away."
"Oh, Bianca. I won't let anyone hurt you. I Promise. Do you believe that?" Maggie tries to console her.
"Yes, I believe you." Bainca looks at Maggie.
"Then, you are safe. We'll work on the okay part? Alright?"
"Yeah." Bianca nods.
"Can you go on, Bianca?"
"Yeah," she sighs. "I couldn't focus on much, but..him th-there...I know he sc-scratched m-me...but I could only feel him...then it was over...he dropped me to the floor of the b-boathouse...before I could look up he kicked me in the stomach. When I could look up it was just me there...I stumbled to a cab and in here..." she finishes with a heavy sob.
"Okay Bianca, I have it all. Is there anything else at all you can tell me about the man?" Anna pushes.
"He was maybe just alittle taller than me...strong, but I d-don't think large...that's all...I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. You haven't done anything. Now, tomorrow you realize Jackson may know about this.?"
"Yeah, but that's tomorrow. I can't tonight."
"Okay, Bianca. They finished with all the necessities for now so let me get Jake in here to check on you. If you need anything at all don't hesitate to call me. " Anna gathers her belongings and exits.
"Bianca, you were so brave just now."
"I'm not brave, Maggie...not at all...look at me. No, don't," she says low as a tear slides down her cheek.
"I am looking at you Bianca and I see a woman who has seen hell and lived." Maggie leans close. "May I hug you?"
"Okay."
Maggie gently envelopes Bianca into a hug. Bianca relaxes briefly into the loose circle of Maggie's arms. This is how Jake finds them when he opens the door.
"Can I come in?" Jake calls out.
"Yeah," they both answer seperating.
"I have a couple of choices for you, Bianca. I'll give you those after we talk about some itmes concerning your health." Jake offers sitting in the chair that Anna vacated. "Okay. You need to take these antibiotics I'm prescribing for infection. Now, we didn't find any...um semen, but that doesn't mean you are absolutely free from STD's. However, it is a great sign. We'll have these rushed and recived tomorrow if you come back in okay?"
"Yeah, Jake," she mumbles.
"Okay, Now, you need to have your dressing on your back changed again tonight and then everyday until it heals from the bite wound and of course every other injury minor or not should be cleaned and taken care of. The head nurse advised me no stitches for posible tearing were required, but bruising and abrasions in the...genital area can be serious so any problems and you let us know immediatley. As for your choices, we can keep you here over night..."
"No."
"Wait. Or if you have someone who will stay with you and help you with the wound and medicines...then I'll release you as long as you come back for your test results and a check on the wound on your back."
"I'll go with you, Bianca. If you want me to." Maggie offers immediately.
"You don't have to," Bianca blushes.
"Do you want me to so you can go home?" Bianca nods shyly. "Okay then, Jake I'll be with Bianca... can you get them to clear my schedule for the rest of the week?"
"No problem. Here are the prescriptions and let me get you some scrubs for you to wear home, Bianca. I can drop these off at the hospital pharmacy so you can gt them on the way out."
"Thanks Jake. " Maggie smiles as he hands her the scrubs and leaves.
"Do you want me to leave while you change?"
"NO! I mean stay please?"
"No problem."
Bianca painfully swings her legs over the side of the bed. She attempts to move to put her pants on, but the pain stops her. Maggie quietly takes the bottoms and helps Bianca put her legs in them. Then, she helps Bianca stand and pulls the bottoms to where Bianca can reach to pull them the rest of the way. Bainca turns to face the bed as Maggie grabs the scrub top. Bianca slowly lets the hospital gown fall from her shoulders to the bed. Maggie holds in her shock at the bandage over the bite wound and the scratches down Bianca's back. She vows to herself to make whoever did this pay. She hold the shirt as Bianca painfully slide her arms into it. Then, she pulls the top down.
"Thank you, Maggie."
"Your welcome. Let's pick up your prescription and get you back to the inn where you can rest." Maggie suggests as Bainca slides on her sandals.
"You're going to stay right?" Bianca panics.
"Yes, I'm not going anywhere. I can wear some your p.j's right?" Maggie smiles a little.
"Sure...I'm ready to get out of here now."
"Okay."
They move out of the exam room with Bianca practically walking on top of Maggie. The pair pick up Bainca's medicine, hail a cab, and sit quietly on the way to the Valley Inn. Maggie notices Bianca picking the nail polish on her nails and chewing on the inside of her cheek. She casually reaches over and takes one of Bianca's hands in her own. Bianca almost doesn't seem to notice.
'Bianca, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Whoever the fucker was he'll pay dearly. NO ONE gets to hurt my Bainca that way...WHOA...'my Bianca?' Where did that come from? Doesn't matter right now. Right now, Bainca needs me and that's all that matters. You' be okay, Bianca. I promise.' Maggie unconciously clenches and unclenches her jaw muscles. 'He will pay!'
Chapter 2
"Here we are ladies." The cabbie pulls to a stop in front of the inn.
"Bianca, I'm sorry I don't have any cash." Maggie apologizes.
"That's okay. Here take it out of my purse," Bianca offers her handbag to the other girl.
Maggie pays the fare and helps a very stiff and sore Bianca out of the cab. Maggie leads Bianca to the employee entrance to try to avoid any scenes or unwanted publicity of her attack. Quietly, they enter through the kitchen and make their way to the elevator without incident. Maggie opens Bianca's door and escorts her to the couch.
"I want to take a shower." Bianca whines.
"Sure, do you want help getting ready?"
Bianca blushes not looking at Maggie. "Bianca, don't be embarrassed. If you need help it is what I am here for. Besides we need to change your dressing on your...wound."
"Okay." Bianca doesn't look at Maggie. Maggie leads Bianca towards her room.
"What do you want to wear?"
"Uh...sweat pants and a t-shirt." Bianca moves towards the bathroom with Maggie following behind her carrying her clothing.
They decide to leave the door open since no one will be coming home anyway. Bianca turns on the shower setting the water on the hottest setting she thinks she can survive. Maggie waits as Bianca turns away from her and lifts her arms up over her head as best she can so Maggie can help her remove her top. Once off, Maggie steels herself to remove Bianca's bandage.
"This might hurt. I'm sorry."
"It's okay." Bianca replies her arms now crossed in front of her over her chest back to Maggie.
Maggie carefully removes the bandage and gasps at the intrusion made into Bianca's beuatiful skin. She lightly touches the area around it. Bianca hearing Maggie's gasp turns to look at herself in the mirror.
"Oh God..." she moans for the first time she sees her face, neck and shoulders, "I...oh God. Look at me..."
"Bianca, ssshhh. It'll be gone soon. You are still beautiful." Maggie touches her shoulder.
"I'm hideous...Maggie look at what he did to me." she cries reaching up with one hand to touch her cheek. "And I can't even see what he d-did to m-my back."
"Do you want to?" Maggie whispers.
"Y-Yes," Bianca stutters. Silently, Maggie picks up a make-up mirror from the counter and holds it so it reflects Bianca's back into the other one. "Ohhh..."
Maggie puts down the mirror,"ssshhh...let's get you into the shower."
Maggie grabs a large towel wrapping Bianca in it. She then, reaches up under the towel and pulls down the scrub bottoms. Bianca steps out of them. Maggie stands and turns her back so that Bianca can drop the towel and enter the shower with some privacy. Maggie turns back around to retrieve the towel when she hears the shower door close. She hears Bianca gasp loudly in the shower.
"Bianca?"
"I'm okay. The water just stings a little." Bianca croaks out." You are going to stay in here right?" A little panic comes through her voice.
"I'm right here, Bianca." Maggie answers leaning against the counter. "Don't let the water run over your back too long."
"O-Okay."
In the shower, Bianca lets the water run over her battered body. Eventually, she snaps up a soft cloth and scrubs furiously at her skin as hard as she can without opening some of the deeper scratches.
'I'm never going to get clean. Never. I'll always have his dirt on me...never get clean...' her mind rambles as she scrubs.
Her mind being as ravaged as her body, she is so out of touch she doesn't realize the water is running much cooler now. Maggie worried she is taking so long moves to the shower.
"Bianca, the water must be almost cold. You need to come out."
"Huh? Oh. Right. I just...rinsing,"
Maggie hears the water stop so she picks up the towel and holds it out toward the shower door. Bianca's hand reaches out and takes it from her. A few moments later, Bianca emerges wrapped in the towel her hair still dripping. Maggie grabs another towel as Bianca carefully steps from the shower.
"Have a seat and I'll dry your hair for you. Then, I'll do that bandage, okay?"
"Mmhmmmm."
Maggie very gently dries Bianca's chocolate, brown hair. Once finished with that, she gathers the ointment and bandage for Bianca's bite wound.
"I'll be gentle."
"I know, Maggie." Carefully, Maggie spreads the ointment into the wound noticing Bianca flinch only once. She tapes down the bandage.
"We have to do the scratches on your back and...and butt..do you want me to do those?" Maggie feels her skin flush.
"You don't have to." Bianca whispers.
"I will if it's okay with you since it would be hard for you..." her voice trails off.
"'Kay. I'm so embarrassed." Comes the whisper.
"Don't be...Okay?" Bianca only nods in answer as she stands so Maggie can apply the ointment.
Maggie applies the ointment trying to stay calm as anger and sorrow flow through her at the damage done to her friend. 'What would Frankie have done? Who knows...ran?...no, she would have killed the fucker who did this. I'll take care of it, Frankie. No one hurts our Bianca and goes free.'
"Would you like me to do your legs or..."
"I can do it." Bianca holds her hand out for the cream sitting back down on the toilet.
Maggie catches a glimpse of the bruises and abrasions on Bianca's inner thighs. She quickly turns trying to give her friend some privacy. Tears start to flow from Bianca's eyes as she sees more of the damage done to her close up.
"I'll never b-be clean." She sobs.
"Bianca, what...what he did was dirty, filthy...not you...not you." Maggie turns to her friend trying to comfort her.
"Can't you see the dirt? It's in my soul, in me..." she places her hand to her chest. "Can't you see it?!"
"No." Maggie kneels in front of her. " I see you, Bianca. The same strong, beuatiful, capable, caring woman I have always seen. Maybe right now you've lost some of that, but you'll find it again...I'll help...we'll find you again...I promise."
"And if it's lost forever? If I'm lost?"
"Well, I won't give up on you until you're found...not ever," Maggie smiles. "Now, let's get you dressed so we can get your medicine taken, and you into bed."
Maggie reaches for Bianca's clothes. She grabs the pair of cotton boxers, lets Bianca place her legs in them and pulls them up to her knees. She can feel herself blush as Bianca's hands cover hers.
"I can reach them now." Bianca flushes lightly too.
"O-okay." Maggie turns grabbing the sweat pants as Bianca slides on her boxers.
After following much the same procedure as helping Bianca dress in the E.R., Maggie sits on the toilet as Bianca brushes her teeth. Maggie can see the sadness in Bianca's eyes as she watches her reflection in the mirror.
Bianca turns to Maggie. "Are you hungry or anything?"
"No. Are you?"
"Thirsty maybe, but I'll just get some water form here in the tap. Bathroom water always tastes the best...you think?"
"Yeah, strange that isn't it?" Maggie follows Bianca out of the bathroom as they make their way to her room in the suite.
"Okay. You have to take one of these now and then these others you take in the morning." Maggie undoes the bottle handing a pill to Bianca. "There's also a pain pill slash tranquilizer here...do you want one?"
"The pain pill...it will be okay right?"
"Yes, I won't let you take too many and you wouldn't anyway." Maggie reassures her handing her one of those as well.
Maggie heads to Bainca's dresser and chooses her own set of sweats and tshirt. She turns from Bianca to change not wanting to leave the other girl alone. Once changed, she looks at Bianca who has sat on the bed. She sees the younger girl fighting to stay awake. She walks over to her and touches her hair.
"You haven't brushed your hair. Would you mind if I did it?" Bianca nods sleepily.
Maggie grabs the brush onthe night stand and takes a seat beside Bianca. With long, careful strokes she begins to untangle Bianca's silky hair. She turns sideways to be able to reach the rest.
"Your hair is beautiful," Maggie whispers.
"Thanks," comes the sleepy reply.
"All done. Now to sleep with you." Maggie stands and finishes pulling down the covers. She makes Bianca lay down and pulls the covers up. "G' night, sweets."
"You're going to stay right?!" Bianca's panic voice squeaks out as her eyes shoot open.
"Yes...settle down...go to sleep. I'll be right here. You need to rest. I'll hold your hand until you drop off." Maggie sits back down on the side of the bed holding Bianca's hand.
It isn't but a few moments and exhaustion of all types has Bianca's breathing into the even rhythm of sleep. Maggie thinks about calling David to let him know where she is staying tonight, but she figures Anna will tell him all the details and assume she is with Bianca. She moves off the bed carefully moving to the lounge chair in the corner. It isn't long before she too is asleep.
<<<"Mmmm...no man's been...here, but me." Tim grunts out as he assaults Bianca. He thrusts one final time shuddering against Bianca's battered body. He withdraws letting Bianca fall to the floor of the boathouse. "So good."
"Please, Tim...go away." Whimpers Bianca.
"Listen! You diseased bitch! Keep quiet and we have no problems here...but say anything and Maggie will get the same this weekend. I mean really who's going to believe a professed dyke anyway? I am the savior of my cousins baby and you well your a sick pervert. It also wouldn't be too believable when everyone knows Maggie picked me over you," he hisses as he straightens his clothes and zips himself.
"D-don't hurt M-Maggie." Bianca curls into a ball. "I...I w-won't say anything...just not M-Maggie" she stammers.
"Good little DYKE... you should really clean yourself up." Tim exits the boathouse.>>>
"Not Maggie...NO...not Maggie...don't..." Bainca moans in her sleep waking Maggie who moves closer to the bed to check on her,"NO, T-Tim...no Maggie...NO!!!"
"Bianca, wake up! Come on you're having a nightmare...wake up." Maggie shakes her friend shocked at the words coming from her friends mouth.
"What?!" Bianca jerks back from Maggie harshly.
"You were just dreaming...sssshh...you're safe." Maggie pulls Bianca into a hug to comfort her.
"Maggie...you're alright...just a dream." Bianca whispers more to herself than the other girl.
"Bianca, try to calm down." Maggie storkes her back, "want to tell me about it?"
"I...it was you that was...and I couldn't...protect you," she lies.
"I'm fine. Right here with you." Maggie moves to look into Bianca's eyes, "you don't have to protect me, Bianca. I can do that for myself and I have family...well...sort of now that does that too. How about you let me protect you for now?"
"W-why?" Bianca whispers, "I don't deserve..."
"Stop right there. You do deserve it. What you didn't deserve was being attacked. As for why, well...because I want to. I care about you silly Bean," Maggie smiles.
"Oh." Bianca blushes.
"Now, back to sleep with you," Maggie tries to move away.
"I...I'm afraid..."
"I'm right here." Bianca doesn't let go. "Would you like it if I lay here with you, Bean?"
"Bean?" Bianca questions.
"Huh? Oh. Sorry."
"N-no...I...it's okay." Bianca looks up at Maggie. "You wouldn't mind laying here with m-me?"
In answer, Maggie climbs behind Bianca under the covers. "No, silly. I'll stay right here."
"Thank you."
"Sure. Now, lay down and try to sleep." Maggie lays on her side facing Bianca's back. She reaches out to stroke Bianca's hair trying to comfort her or maybe both of them a little. Just when Maggie is sure Bianca's asleep, she feels Bianca take her hand and pull it around her waist. Maggie smiles at the trust her friend is exhibiting to her and moves a little closer spooning Bianca.
"O-okay?" Binaca mumbles.
"Okay." Maggie answers squeezing Bianca lightly.
'She said Tim's name. I know she did, but..."no Tim, not Maggie." Oh my GOD! Tim did this to her?! That bastard! Why wouldn't she tell the police, at least Anna or me what she knows? Is she afraid he'll try to hurt her again? Bianca, he should never have touched you. NEVER!! Now, I just have to get you to tell me the truth so we can put this fucker away. Not tonight though...you've been through too much to push you anymore tonight.' Maggie feels Bianca stir, but she hugs the girl lightly letting her know she is safe and Bianca seems to settle more. 'Don't worry, Bianca. I'll keep you safe. I have to. Frankie would have...no I have to for me...you have to be safe for you and me. I care for you, Bianca. I wish I knew if you care for me or is it just a memory for you? Is that why you pushed me Tim, because it isn't me you see, but my sister? It doesn't matter, Bean. What matters is that I care for you and protecting you is most important. I will get that sick fucker for hurting you. Sleep well, Bianca.' Maggie kisses the sleeping girls hair lightly trying to
calm herself so she can sleep too.
Chapter 3
Bianca slowly comes into conciousness feeling a warm embrace wrapped around her. Panic almost sets in, but Bianca catches Maggie's familiar scent and realizes she is cradled into the other girls shoulder with her arms around her. She smiles and instinctively snuggles into the warmth and protection offered.
'Safe. I'm safe here. I feel safer with you than anyone else. I'm sorry I had to lie to you, Maggie. I just can't let him hurt you. I lost Frankie. I won't lose you too. You've been so much more to than she could be. I loved your sister, but for you it's so much deeper. I hope she understands. I hope you will understand when one day I have to tell you the truth of how I feel. I hope you won't run not wanting to be my friend. Mmmm...safe.' She unconciously squeezes Maggie.
"You awake, Bianca?" Maggie asks having been awake since Bianca first stirred in her arms. She stayed quiet wanting to let Bianca sleep and feel she was helping her.
"Oh. Yeah, I'll move." Bianca starts to move from Maggie embarrassed.
"No, just lay still of you're comfortable." Maggie holds her lightly. "It's okay. Besides, I'm all warm if you move I'll get all cold."
"O-okay." Bianca settles.
"We'll have to get up in a few anyway. We promised Jake you would come back today for your test results and so he could check your back."
"Yeah." Bainca shudders.
"What did you just think about?"
"What...what if he gave me something, Maggie?" She whispers. "I could get anything HIV, Clamydia...anything,"
"Then, we deal with it, but Jake thought you were fine."
"I'm scared."
"You have every right to be, but don't worry about it right now," Maggie hugs her. "Come on, we have to get going."
Bianca extricates herself from Maggie's arms and slowly climbs from the bed. Maggie follows stretching when she stands. Bianca watches this display reminding her of some regal cat it is such a feline move. She shakes her head.
"Can you dress alright this morning while I shower?" Maggie asks.
"Yeah. If...if you don't mind me changing with you..." Bianca puts her head down, "I d-don't want to be alone."
"That's alright. Come on."
It isn't much longer than a half an hour and both are dressed for their trip to the hospital. Bianca dons a baseball cap something she rarely if ever does. Somehow, it makes her feel less conspicuous. Maggie pulls her hair back not wearing makeup since Bianca can't.
Maggie sees Bianca in the hall mirror fidgeting with the hat. "Stop. The hat is adorable on you. You look great, Bean."
"Yeah, just great." She mumbles back.
"I say so, you look great...got it?"
"Okay."
Once more to the elevator and out through the kitchen to the waiting cab. It is a quiet ride to the hospital. Bainca not sure what to say. Maggie not wanting to intrude on her friends quiet thoughts. Maggie helps Bainca from the cab and they walk into the E.R. As their luck holds true, Jake is waiting at the desk.
"Morning ladies," he smiles. "Bianca, I have that information if you would come into my office?"
"Yeah, but Maggie comes too."
"Sure, then I'll check your wound too okay?"
Bianca nods. She follows Jake to his office with Maggie beside her the whole way. Jake holds the door open for both and follows them in.
"Please, have a seat." Jake sits behind his desk. "How are you doing this morning, Bianca?"
"I'm ...fine. Please Jake can we just get this over with?" She asks anxiously.
"Of course, I'm sorry." Jake opens the folder on his desk. He notices Maggie take Bainca's hand. "On all your tests you came back negative."
"Thank God." Maggie whispers.
"Thank you, Jake." Bianca stammers.
"Don't thank me. I do have to tell you the you need to be re-tested for HIV in six months as a precaution, but you shouldn't worry that's really all it is. These new speed tests are quite accurate. Also, if you miss your cycle you should have a pregnancy test okay?"
"O-okay...but I'm fine?"
"Yes, Bianca. No permanent physical damage." Jake reassures.
"Jake, Thank you." Maggie offers.
"Bianca, I would like to have you see a counselor. I think it would help you so much to try to deal with this tauma."
"I...don't know, Jake." Bianca whispers, "I mean I...I know it's a good idea. I just d-don't know. I'll think about it."
"It's all I can ask," Jake stands. "Now, if Maggie stays in the room. I can take a look at that wound in here and keep you out of the E.R."
"Sure, I'm not going anywhere." Maggie looks at Bianca.
Jake hands Bianca a gown and leaves to let her change. Maggie stands to help Bianca change into the gown.
"See, Bean. I told you it would be fine." Maggie takes the gown.
"Yeah, but I still have to re-test and the p-p-pregnancy..." "Just a precaution on the re-test. You heard Jake and only if you miss your cycle on the other." Maggie sits back down turning to face Bianca. "You seriously need to consider that counselor Jake talked about."
"I know. I will okay?"
"Okay. I just...I want to see you get through this." Maggie stresses.
"I know, Maggie." A knock at the door interupts them.
"You ready?" Jake cracks the door open.
"Yeah." Bianca answers.
Jake comes back in. He carefully, but thoroughly checks over the bite wound and the scratches for possible infection.
"Are you experiencing a large amount of pain?"
"No, mostly stiffness. I did take a pain pill last night to be able to sleep easier." Bianca admits honestly.
"Okay. That's what they are for. Maggie, you changed this last night?"
"Yeah."
"You did a good job. When you change it tonight coat it real good again, but after tonight gradually use less. We want it to get a good scab on it by the end of the week. It will heal faster then." He replaces the bandage.
"Sure, Jake."
"Okay, Bianca. Looks like you are in good hands here. Come back if you have any problems. Your nose is a straight break so it should heal quickly. Probably, faster than the bruising. Please call if you have any questions."
"I will, Jake." Bainca nods.
"I'm going on rounds. Once you've changed you can go. Please stay on the antibiotics until they are all gone and consider the counselor."
"I will, Jake. I promise."
Maggie helps Bianca get her shirt back on after Jake leaves. As quickly as possible, they exit the hospital. All Bainca needs is a lot of questions. They decide to cut through the park to get back to the Inn.
"Bianca, are you sure you want to go through the park?" Maggie asks concerned.
"I can't avoid people forever. It's the fastest way without a cab." Bianca breathes deeply. "I want to walk and you're with me. I'll be fine."
"If you sure."
"The faster we go. The quicker it's over." Bainca walks toward the park Maggie tight beside her.
At first, all seemed fine. The park had very few people milling about. There was the ice cream vendor, a couple on the bench, and a couple of kids playing. They were almost all the way through when Bianca heard the voice that made her tremble where she stood.
"Maggie, wait!" Tim's voice echoed through to them.
Maggie more felt Bianca freeze than actually saw it. Maggie wnated to turn and murder Tim where he stood, but not with Bianca here. She needed away and quickly.
"Let's just go, Bean." She tried to get Bianca moving.
"No, you b-better talk to him."
"Maggie, about this weekend..." Tim stands behind them.
"Yeah," Maggie turns to face him. "I'm sort of in a hurray. You can call me at Bianca's." She says coldly. "Some fucked up asshole mugged her so I'm staying there to help out."
"Oh my...are you alright, Bianca?" He feigns concern.
"F-fine." She stammers never turning around.
"Thank goodness," he smiles. "Okay, Maggie. I'll call you tonight to set plans...take care, Bianca."
Bianca nods. "Yeah tonight, Tim. We'll set it all up then," Maggie says while leading Bianca away.
Tim watches them leave. 'Why Bianca you are a smart girl to get Maggie convinced you were mugged. Good girl. I won't have to hurt Maggie now.' He leaves the park.
"You okay, Bean? You're trembling." Maggie takes Bianca's hand.
"Y-yeah...too many people I guess." She offers lamely.
"Mmmhmmm." Maggie pats Bianca's hand as they reach the Inn. "Let's get you upstairs. You and I need to talk, Bianca."
"Huh?" Bianca looks at her.
"You'll see. Come on, Bean. You need to sit and rest." Maggie leads them through the kitchen, "I want to talk to you about something important, but it's not bad. You trust me right?"
"Of course, I trust you Maggie. I will always trust you." Bianca answers as they enter the elevator.
"Good. I want you to always and I want you to be safe and know that you can always tell me anything. I have something I want to tell you and then we'll see if there is anything you want to tell me after that okay?"
"Sure, but you are worrying me...a little." Bianca admits nervously.
"Don't be worried, Bean. Let's have something to drink and talk okay?" Maggie opens Bianca's door. "I'll get the drinks and you get your antibiotics okay?"
"Okay, just tea for me okay?"
"Tea for Bean. I got it. I'll meet you in here on the couch." Maggie heads into the little kitchenette where the little fridge is.
'I know I am worrying you Bianca, but I have to get you to tell me the truth about Tim so I can nail him to the wall and so you can have some peace. I want you to be whole again, Bean. I...I love you, Bean even if you can't get past Frankie to me I still love you and I have to do this for you even if it causes you some pain along the way. I will be there to help you through it.' Maggie walks back two teas in hand to find Bianca anxiously waiting for her.
"Okay, Maggie what did you want to tell me?" Bianca's voice breaks slightly.
Chapter 4
"I want to talk to you about your dream last night." Maggie hands Bianca her tea as she sits on the couch. "First, take your medicine."
Bianca looks at Maggie strangely, but takes her pills. "What about my nightmare?"
"I know it wasn't about you not being able to protect me..."
"Yes, it was...why would I lie," Bianca's voice cracks. "It was...I couldn't stop it..." she lowers her eyes.
"Bianca, you said my name, but you said someone else's too," Maggie takes a drink. "Bean, please tell me the whole truth."
"And if I said I already had?" Bainca avoids.
"Then, I would want to know why you are protecting him," Maggie states as calmly as possible.
"Protecting who?"
"Tim, Bianca, why are you protecting TIM?"
Bianca looks up eyes full of shock and fear. "How?...no, you c-can't...no.. he'll..no Maggie." Bianca tries to flee, but Maggie stops her.
"Bean...he can't jurt you...why didn't you just tell me the truth?" Maggie holds Bainca in front of her.
"I n-needed to pro-protect you. He...he said he...No one would..." Bainca breaks into sobs.
Maggie pulls Bainca to her holding her close. "Bianca, listen to me. He can't hurt you. He can't. Are you trying to tell me he said he would hurt me?" Bianca nods clutching tight to Maggie. "I'm safe. He can't hurt me. Honey, you should have just told Anna and I the truth. We'll get Anna to arrest him right now so he..."
"NO!" Bainca moves quickly out of Maggie's arms. "You can't."
"Why the hell not?!" Maggie makes herself calm down when she sees Bainca flinch. "Bianca, why not? If he's locked away he can't hurt you, me or anyone."
"'Who's going to believe a known dyke?'" Bainca whispers.
"That's not you talking, Bianca. Did he say that?! You are Bainca Montgomery, daughter of Erica Kane, who isn't going to believe you?" Maggie moves toward Bianca.
"I...do you?"
"Oh my God, yes. Bianca, I'll always believe you. You wouldn't lie to me...well." Maggie touches Bainca's arm, but she pulls away from Maggie. "What? You aren't telling me everything are you?"
"I...not...I can't. It's not important...not now..."
"Bianca, say the words. Tell me who did this to you." Maggie lifts Bainca's face so she can see her eyes. "Please, you need to say it."
"T-Tim...Tim r-raped me...Maggie. Tim RAPED m-me." Bainca falls sobbing into Maggie's arms.
"That's my brave girl. Let it out." Maggie moves them both back to the couch. "Just let all out, Bean. I'm here for you."
Maggie holds Bainca tight as the hot tears soak her shirt. It doesn't matter. All that matters is getting that bastard. 'How fucking dare he make her feel so worthless! How fucking dare he touch my Bianca! You are going to pay asshole. I'm going to make sure of it.'
"Maggie?" Bianca's voice comes low to her ear.
"Yeah, Bean?" Maggies loosens her hold.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry y-you had to b-be involved...I'm just..."
"Stop that. You have nothing to apologize for. I wish you would have told me sooner, but I understand." Maggie tries to soothe Bainca. "I hope you will tell me everything some day, but I'll wait."
"I couldn't let him h-hurt y-you, Maggie not because of me," Bainca whispers.
Maggie takes note of Bainca's last words, but holds them for later. "Bainca, we need to call Anna. We need to get him picked up as soon as possible."
"Will you call her?"
"Sure." Maggie reaches with one arm for the cordless phone while still rubibng Bianca's arm with the other. She dials Anna's cell number.
"Chief Devane."
"Anna, it's Maggie. Can you come over to the Valley Inn to see us?"
"Has Bianca remembered something?"
"She knows who did it. She wants to tell you in person. I think we can pick him up tonight." Maggie tells her calmly.
"I'll be right there, Maggie. Bye."
Maggie hangs up the phone sitting it down behind her. "Anna's on her way. Bianca, everyone will believe you. Plus, Jake has his DNA from the wound on your back. He left saliva. We can get him, Bean. I swear."
"Okay. I trust you, Maggie." Bainca moves to sit facing Maggie, "He t-told me her would hurt you and...and since he was Haley's hero who would b-believe me...b-because..." she stops not able to tell Maggie for fear she would know how she feels about her.
"Bianca, I believe you. Anna will believe you and we have DNA evidence for anyone who doesn't. It is going to be alright. You just tell Anna the truth."
"I will. I want you safe."
"I am safe, Bean. I plan to stay that way." Maggie smiles.
A knock at the door makes Bianca jump. Maggie pats her hand rising from the couch. "It should be Anna, Bean. It's okay."
"Y-yeah...nerves on o-over drive." Bainca admits.
Maggie moves to the door and opens it expecting Anna. "Hi, Maggie." Tim smiles.
"What are you doing here?!" Maggie gasps seeing Bainca turn white as she sees Tim. "You were supposed to call..." she tries to cover.
"I just thought I would come by since I was out anyway," his eyes dart from Bainca to Maggie, "Is..."
"Now's not a good time...why don't you call me later." "
Bianca, are you alright? You look upset," Tim tries to move past Maggie, but she moves in front of him.
Bainca starts shaking her head in shock. "Go away."
"Tim, you should just leave." Maggie tries to shut the door.
"You Know!" Tim pushes the door back open. "That bitch told you. Bianca, you fucked up and now you know what's gonna happen!" He pushes Maggie to the floor causing her to hit her head.
"NO! Stay away from her!" Bianca flies off the couch at him. "I won't let you hurt, Maggie."
Tim grabs Bianca by the throat with one hand and around the waist with the other, holding her, he slams the door with his foot. He chokes off Bianca's air as he moves toward the couch stepping over Maggie.
"I told you what I was going to do if you told her and now you get to watch." He seethes throwing Bainca to the couch. He yanks the phone cord out of the wall quickly tying a half-concious Bianca to the end table and couch legs using what is left over to gag her. "That should do for your front row seat you bitch!"
He turns to Maggie, who is slowly coming back around. He straddles her waist placing his knees on her arms. He grabs hold of her t-shirt and rips it open down the front. "So, beautiful...too bad really that the little dyke had to ruin it all, but she must learn what women are for." Maggie opens her eyes.
"What?!" She realizes what is happening. "Get the fuck off of me! You bastard!" She strugles underneath him.
"Too late, Maggie. Bianca hasn't learned her lesson yet." He looks to where she is tied and Maggie's eyes follow.
"Bianca...let her go and you can have whatever you want." Maggie says as Bianca's eyes go wide, she shakes her head as tears fall.
"Oh, but I can't do that. You see what I want is for her to learn that women are for men." Tim looks at Maggie who his trying to buck him off. "I want her to watch while I give you what you know you want."
"I don't want you. You sick FUCK!" She spits at him. "You hurt Bianca. I could never want you!"
"Talk like that and I might just think you want her like she wants you." He leans in close to her face. "That sick bitch thinks she loves you," Bianca wails around the cord in her mouth. "But we're going to show her the difference." He lays flat on her pinning her to the floor. As he bites at her neck, a knock on the door echoes.
"Anna!" Maggie screams, but Tim slaps her. "ANNA!" She yelps out again.
The door burst open and Anna stalks in gun drawn, she instantly assesses the situation. "Off of her Now!"
"Take it easy," Tim stands reaching behind him.
"Don't Move." Anna orders.
"Sure." Tim produces a knife from his back pocket.
"Put it down! NOW!" Anna orders again.
"You bet." But he lunges at her instead.
"I'll shoot!" She warns, but he keeps coming. Anna fires into his right shoulder, but he keeps moving toward her. "Stop!" He keeps moving. She puts another round into his upper chest. He drops to the floor. She moves to him kicking the knife away. She nudges him with her foot. He doesn't move.
"Maggie, you alright" she asks eyes still on Tim.
"Y-yeah,"
"Untie Bianca then, " she takes out her cell phone with one hand. "This is Chief Devane send back up and an ambulance to Pine Valley Inn...Kane suite. Suspect down."
Anna holsters her pistol. Straddling Tim where he's fallen, she cuffs his hands in front of him and takes his pulse. "Still alive...barely."
Maggie unties Bianca who is sobbing uncontrollably. When Maggie has her completley free, Bianca starts checking Maggie for injuries frantically.
"Bianca, what are you doing?" Maggie grabs one of Bianca's hands.
"H-he hurt y-you...Oh my god, I'm sorry." Bainca's free hand touches Maggie's rapidly bruising cheek.
"I'll be fine. Are you alright? Can you breathe okay?"
"F-fine...I'm sorry M-Maggie."
"It is not you fault," Maggie pulls Bianca to her. "It isn't your fault."
"Are you both okay? Do either of you need immediate medical attention?" Anna inquires while applying pressure to Tim's chest wound.
"We're fine, Anna...thanks to you...thank you." Maggie answers.
They all hear the sirens approaching. Maggie tries to calm a terrified Bianca as they wait for the other police and paramedics.
"Maggie why don't you two go get you a shirt."
"Yeah."
"Don't clean any blood...just stop the bleeding...evidence."
"Right..." Maggie leads Bianca toward the bedroom.
Once in the bedroom, Maggie sits still holding Bianca. Bianca tries to shrink away from Maggie, but the other girl holds tight.
"Stop. Please... can I just h-hold you a minute?" Maggie almost pleads.
"W-why would y9ou w-want to?" Bianca stammers.
"To be sure you're okay...he could have...just to know you're okay and here...please for me...not you for me..." she trails off.
"For you," Bianca stops struggling.
"Thank you, " Maggie whispers. 'Oh God, Bean. He could have hurt you again and I couldn't stop him. I'm sorry.' "He can't hur tus now, Bean...not either of us."
"Y-you need a shirt, Maggie." Bianca moves away from her friend to the closet.
"Any will do." Maggie comes to stand by Bianca. She notices Bianca's neck is bruising in the shape of fingers. "Oh God, Bianca...your neck." She reaches to touch her.
Bianca jumps away when she when she feels the tender touch. It sets a spark in her.
"I'm sorry." Maggie pulls back. "I...sorry."
"It's not you..." Bianca looks at Maggie sadly. 'It's me I can't let you know.'
"I understand."
'No, you don't' Bianca's mind answers.
"Here." She hands Maggie a button shirt.
"Thanks." Maggie slides it on buttoning it.
"That's going to bruise badly, Maggie." Bianca almost touches Maggie's cheek.
"It doesn't really hurt yet...too numb." Maggie explains.
"I'm sorry you got hurt, Maggie." Bianca drops her head.
"Stop. I know you are sorry...so am I," Maggie immediately hugs Bianca. "It's not anyone's fault, but Tim's..." and this is how Anna finds them.
"Bianca, Maggie...we need to go to the hospital and have you both looked at. Tim is already on his way. It doesn't look good." Anna says from the door way causing Bianca to jump away from Maggie. "Bianca, you'll have to stay somewhere else tonight while we gather evidence and then the Inn will clean up for you."
"Okay." Is all Bianca answers.
"She can stay in my room, right?" Maggie looks at Anna.
"That's an excellent idea. Come on, I'll drive you over since I have to be there anyway." Anna moves back through the door. "Bianca, you realize Jackson will definitely be notified and he will call your mother?"
"I know...maybe it's best." Bianca whispers.
The two girls follow Anna back through the suite past other police officers and forensics. Quickly, they move through and out of the Inn. So far, there are no reporters, but that will change soon enough. They ride in silence in Anna's car with the lights flashing. Maggie looks to Bianca as silent tears fall down the girls cheeks. She touches her shoulder and Bianca wipes her eyes looking to Maggie who is now crying. Bianca reaches and wipes the girls cheeks shaking her head. They reach the hospital. Before they exit the car, Maggie holds Bianca'a hand to her cheek a moment longer.
"Come on you two," Anna breaks the moment.
Bianca removes her hand and exits the car. Maggie just looks after her for a moment.
"You okay Maggie?" Anna asks quietly.
"I...yeah." She stutters. Maggie crawls to where Bianca is waiting.
'Something there...' Anna grins slightly, but clears her head following the two girls into the Emergency room.
TBC
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