~*~*~*~*~*~

Storm walked through he sliding glass door and looked at Ayasha wearily.  Salina hardly spoke with anyone or ate anything, and her non-responsiveness was wearing him down fast.  So much of his energy was spent worrying about her. 

"Storm..." Ayasha addressed him softly, as she placed her purse on the kitchen counter. 

"Ayasha," he interrupted, "I can't do this right now.  I have to get back to the hospital."  He closed the door behind him and moved further into the kitchen. 

"I know.  I would like to come with you," Ayasha stated hopefully. 

"No, I don't think that's a good idea," replied Storm.

"Why are you doing this to me Storm?" she asked sorrowfully.  "Why are you treating me as if I'm the enemy?"  Getting angry, she stated, "I didn't do this to her...to you.  Why isn't a good idea for me to see her?"

"Please try and understand..."

"Understand why your are shutting me out of your lives..."

"I'm not shutting you out," he snapped, taking a breath, "we're going through a..." 

"Yes, you are," Ayasha shouted, pain evident in her voice. "Me only..." 

Storm grabbed his cup of coffee, turned and smashed it against the wall.  "Dammit Ayasha!" he yelled, "you can't always get your way."  His breathing was laboured as his anger boiled over.  "Not everyone gets to have the perfect fucking life like you do.  Not everyone gets to have to the perfect family where life never fucking goes wrong.  Some of us don't get that; I don't get that.  I get hurt.  The woman I love gets ripped apart.  We get our hearts torn out.  I don't get the one thing I've ever wanted with the only one I've ever wanted it with.  We loose everything.  We don't get the fucking happily ever after."  His eyes were ice cold as he looked at her and Ayasha felt his frigid stare burning through her.  

Storm grabbed his car keys and stomped away, slamming the door behind him, as he left her crying in the kitchen. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Helen looked at the ultrasound pictures again.  There was definitely something wrong but she needed more information such as Salina's medical file.  Salina had listed no previous gynecologist or family doctor, but there had to be some sort of medical record of her somewhere.  Leaving her office, she went to Salina's room. 

"I see you're still in bed," Helen said as she sat in the the chair closest to the bed.  Salina was lying on her side, but did not acknowledge Helen's presence.  "I need your medical record." 

"Why?" Salina asked barely above a whisper. 

If the room had not been so quiet, Helen would have missed the question.  "I'm your doctor and I should have them.  Who is your doctor?" 

"Dara will get it to you," Salina replied dejectedly.

"Dara?  Why would she have them?"

Salina closed her eyes to Helen's questions and didn't answer.

After a while, Helen got up to leave but before she opened the door, she turned and said to Salina, "I will help you with or without your assistance.  Your choice." 

As soon as the door closed, Salina began to cry again.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"I overheard your conversation," Storm said to Helen as she exited the room.  "I'll get it to you shortly."

"How do you have her medical file?" Helen asked curiously.  

"It's a long story but I've seen the file.  What's wrong with her?  Please tell me Helen." 

"Why do you...come to my office.  Please."

"Not now, I want to check on her.  I'll tell Dara to get it to you ASAP," Storm said before going into the room. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Dara took a sip of her ice tea and placed the glass on the table.  Sitting across from her was Madelyn on the balcony of Madelyn's townhouse and both women were looking at the view of the garden below.  But as peaceful as the view was, both felt much turmoil at the situation unfolding around them.  Dara kept thinking back to the request she had received from Storm, to send Helen, Salina's medical file.  She also didn't like that the PI uncovered limited information so far about Officer Eastman. 

"Do you think she needs bodyguards?" Madelyn asked concerned. 

"Already done.  They have been at the hospital from the moment I found out."

"Does Storm know?" 

"I haven't had the opportunity to tell him and I don't think he's noticed."  Dara sighed and stretched her shoulders.  "He's hurting badly and I don't know how much longer he can hold everything inside."  Dara took another sip of her tea, took a deep breath and released it slowly.  "I received a request for her medical file." 

"Really?  When?" asked Madelyn surprised. 

"Yesterday.  I think she's a lot more ill than any of us knew.  What I don't understand is why she didn't let any of us know.  She has the best medical insurance and everything could have been kept in secret..."

"Do you think it's the real reason she hasn't been discharged as of yet?" 

"Yes, I do.  I wonder if we failed her somehow..."

"No we didn't," Madelyn said earnestly.  "She was always very private but living the way she did in fear, I understand why she didn't tell anyone she was ill, if she knew."  After a few moments Madelyn asked, "Has she responded to anyone as of yet?" 

"No.  I guess she's still blaming herself for everything."  Dara pondered before continuing. "This baby...this baby was more.  Neither did everything they could to prevent a pregnancy, especially Storm who is always so meticulous."

"I wished we could get June," Madelyn mused.  

"So do I," Dara agreed. 

Both women looked at each other.  "Is there every going to be a time when we will truly know Salina?" Madeline queried. 

"I like that she's a mystery.  I wonder who knows more about her, us or Storm?" Dara asked.

"I think Storm.  We know her history, he knows who she is now.  Do you think he really loves her?"

"Yes, he's in love with her.  If he wasn't, she wouldn't have gotten pregnant and he wouldn't be at the hospital every moment, by her side.  She's who he's chosen."

"Do you think he'll hurt Eastman?"  

"Yes.  If given the opportunity, he'll hurt him badly, which is why I need the PI to get to him first.  I don't want this tainting him.  For all our sakes, I hope someone finds Eastman before Storm does.  I'm happy he's occupied with Salina getting better."

After a few minutes of silence, Madelyn spoke. "When are you going to retire?" 

"When are we both going to retire?  Is there anyone who can do what we do?" Dara smirked.

Madelyn sighed and took another sip of her tea.  "Our job is difficult but at least it's for people we actually like and care about." 

~*~*~*~*~*~

The following day...

Salina was coming from the bathroom when her room door opened and in walked the nurse.  "It's good to see you moving about.  Do you want to go outside today?  It's a beautiful day." 

"Please tell Dr. Armstrong, I would like to be discharged today," Salina said softly. 

"I already know the answer to that question but you can ask her yourself when you see her.  I would advise you to begin going outside.  You'll feel better."

As the nurse checked her vitals, Salina looked around the room.  It was a private suite on a highly secure floor, for the wealthy and people in the public eye.  Even the nurses who worked on this floor had to pass certain clearances and sign heavy confidentiality agreements as well as the security and the kitchen staff. 

Salina looked at Storm's things on other bed.  His sweatpants were on the chair along with her robe.  She had to let him go.  No matter how much she wanted him, her heart shattered every time she saw the pain he was in, whenever he looked at her.  He was a good man and didn't deserve to have his and his family's lives in danger because of her.  But even as she thought of letting him go, she couldn't stop thinking about the times, when she had woken up crying, only to find herself wrapped tightly in his arm, protected, safe and warm.

When she heard he had gone to visit Tracey and sat with her a few times so she wouldn't be alone, it broke her heart all over again, considering that she couldn't bring herself to visit her.  He checked with Tracey's bodyguards to ensure she was safe, although it was she who requested from Dara and Madelyn, to have Tracey moved to a secure private room.  She was paying all of Tracey's medical bills including plastic surgery, physical therapy and physiologist.  

As she though about Storm, Tracey and everyone else, she firmly believe the best thing to do was to leave.  It was the best way to keep everyone safe.  She would begin by going outside for a little while. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Everything was almost too bright Salina thought as she turned her face up to the sun.  The warmth against her skin fell so relaxing and energizing all at once.  She felt another presence come near but didn't open her eyes.  This was a highly secure garden and she didn't think Eastman could get in there to do her harm.  After a long time, she finally opened her eyes and turned to see Ayasha sitting on the opposite end of the bench.

"Hi," Ayasha said softly. 

Salina looked startled for a moment before replying. "Hi," then looked away.

"Would you like me to leave?" Ayasha asked softly. 

After a long pause, Salina replied, "No." 

Both women sat in silence for almost thirty minutes before Salina stood up.  

"Are you okay?" Ayasha asked worriedly. 

"Yes, but I'm going back to my room.  Thank you for stopping by..."

"I'll come back with you, if you don't mind.  I just want to know that you made it back okay.  Are you hungry?" 

"No and you don't have to."

Back in her room, Salina sat on the bed and faced the window.  Suddenly she covered her face with her hands and began to cry.  Ayasha wrapped her arms around her and held her as she cried on her shoulder. 

"I feel so trapped," Salina cried.  "Nothing I do is right..." 

"Oh Salina, please don't say that.  You didn't do anything wrong.  You...you lost so much.  I can't imagine the pain you're in right now, but please don't shut us out.  We love you.  We all want to be here for you and Storm.  Please, please don't shut us out," Ayasha pleaded. "Cry Salina, we're here with you, always."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Storm was frantic.  Salina was not in her room and nurses didn't see when she left.  There was a called made to security to check the cameras for her location and he was waiting for them to call back.  When he returned to the room, it was to see Ayasha sitting on the bed while Salina cried on her shoulder.  His head dropped as relief and anger surged through him.  Why was Ayasha the only person who had gotten Salina to show an emotion beyond quiet tears and almost complete silence? Why?  He stood by the door and watched for a while before leaving, giving them privacy.

About an hour later, Ayasha gently closed the door as she left the room.  Storm stood and both he and Ayasha looked at each other for a moment before he turned and walked away.

Ayasha turned to their Aunt and Uncle, "She's resting," she assured them.  "I think she'll be hungry when she wakes."

"Ayasha, what happened?  Why did Storm..." Annetta tried to ask. 

"It's nothing Aunt Annetta.  He's stressed and upset.  They're both going through so much and I want to help anyway I can.  Let him be." 

"Okay," she said tentatively accepting her answer, "we'll stay until he returns."

~*~*~*~*~*~

"It's lunch time," Mitch announced coming into her room.  He took his lunch with Salina daily, keeping her up to date on the latest hospital gossip and what was happening in the lab.  "Unfortunately, lunch today is snacks and I have good news. I now have a few hundred dollars saved up.  It feels good to know that I won't starve if my next paycheck is late," he laughed as he pulled the chair closer to the bed.  "When you get out of here, we're going to dinner, just you and me to celebrate my new above zero savings account.  And did I also mention I have about a hundred dollars in my checking account too? Yes, I am rolling in dough," he boasted pridefully.  "So, anyway, I have a favor to ask.  Do you feel like working with me on reports so I can catch up?" 

Salina looked at him and then turned away sadly. 

Mitch sighed, "Sal you can't keep doing this."  He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.  Looking down and took a deep breath before looking up at her again.  "Sal, I can't imagine what you went through...what you're still going through but you can't just stop living.  You can't just stop feeling.  We're all hurting for you and Storm but you can't keep shutting us all out like this.  We're trying to meet you along the way...just let us in a little so we can help too, please."  When she didn't acknowledge what he said, he stood.  "I'm gonna go.  Call me if you need anything."  

~*~*~*~*~*~

Helen read the letter again.  In the large envelop was Salina's complete medical file, only to see it she had to agree to the terms of the letter.  The letter instructed that she was only allowed to read the contents, no copies or notes could be taken, and she could never discuss what she read with anyone, not even Salina herself.  Helen signed the letter agreeing to the terms and handed it back to the waiting messenger.  The messenger handed her the envelop and took a few steps back.  She was not going to be left alone with the file.  

Opening the envelop, she pulled out the file labeled, Salina A. Carter.  ‘Who was this girl and why so many secrets?' Helen wondered as she flipped open the cover.  She was shocked as she began to read.  Salina had had two major surgeries to repair the damage done by a brutal beating and rape; a rape she knew nothing about and that she, Helen, had now unknowingly agreed to keep from her.  ‘Shit, what was Dara playing at?' Helen wondered, angrily.  But at least now she had a place to begin to help her.  Suddenly, cell phone beeped as her desk phone rang. 

"Dr. Armstrong," Helen answered, "I'm on my way," she said hurriedly closing the file, putting it back into the envelope and shoving it at the messenger as she existed her office.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Salina didn't know what exactly woke her but she felt uncomfortable.  The room looked the same except it was...empty.  Storm wasn't there and she missed him.  Maybe he stepped out for a few minutes and would be back soon, but as she looked at the bed he sometimes slept in, still perfectly made, she knew instinctively that he had not been there.  She wanted him there but told herself it was for the best.  His anguished looks always cut her to the bone.  Suddenly her abdomen began to cramp, similar to when her period was bad.  Telling herself she could tolerate the pain, she tried to make herself comfortable except she kept looking at the empty bed hoping Storm would materialize.

Turning on her side, she felt sticky and the smell of blood suffused the air.  Then the pain in her lower abdomen increased.  After a particular severe contraction, something expelled from her body.  Hurriedly, she went to the bathroom but almost fainted as she suddenly felt lightheaded.  With shaking hands, she cleaned herself as best she could but felt too weak to make it back to bed on her own.  She had to call for help, but before she could, the pain increased so much that she felt as if she was being torn in half.  She screamed as she doubled over in pain.  

~*~*~*~*~*~

"What happened?" Helen asked the nurse who was trying to hold Salina down.  Blood seemed to be everywhere and Salina was crying hard. 

"Don't know Dr. Armstrong.  She just began screaming.  When we came in, we saw the blood.  She's bleeding vaginally." 

"Give her a local.  I need her sedated."  Helen turned to Salina.  "Salina, I'm going to give you a mild sedative.  It will keep you calm so I can examine you.  Can you describe the pain?"

"Cramping, tearing..." she cried. 

"Good.  Take deep breaths.  This will be over soon." 

Suddenly, the door opened, "Hey..." the word died on Collin's lips as he took in the scene.  "Helen, what's going on?  How can I help?" 

"Leave, I've have this," Helen replied, "and keep everyone else out." 

Collin nodded and went by the door.  He trusted Helen but he wasn't leaving.  Salina was practically family. 

It was almost an hour later before Helen left Salina's side.  She looked at the results of the ultrasound before looking back at the nurse. 

"Schedule the OR for first thing in the morning.  She is to have nothing to eat or drink until after the surgery." 

"Yes, doctor," the nurse replied before leaving to do what she asked. 

"Why does she need surgery?" Collin asked. 

"Because I believe her body is fighting to heal."

"What?" 

"If it's what I suspect, her body is fighting to heal.  I'll know more when I get in there and see what's going on.  Go home.  Let Storm know." 

"Let Storm know what?" Storm asked them both. 

Both turned to him as he saw a nurse come out of the Salina's room with a bundle of bloodied sheets.  "What happened?  Salina?" he yelled tried to push past them.  

"Storm! Storm! Wait!" Collin said holding him back. 

Storm stopped.  "What happened Collin?" 

Collin looked at Helen who answered, "I'm scheduling her for surgery first thing in the morning." 

"Why?  What's happening with her?" 

"I don't know but I'm going to find out with the surgery.  Do you know why she didn't see a doctor all these years?" she ask. 

Storm ran his hand through his hair and placed them on his hips.  "She was afraid.  She's been through a lot."  He looked back at the closed door wanting to be near her but wondering if she would even want him there. 

Collin saw his indecisiveness and placed a hand on Storm's shoulder.  "Storm go home and rest.  She's sedated and you need a proper night's sleep." 

"I can't walk away from her..." 

"No one is asking you to but you need rest, proper rest and...you, you needs to heal also.  Give yourself and her the time and space.  Go home and sleep.  I'll be here for the surgery."

"I need to check on her." 

"I'll wait for you," Collin said and watched as he entered the room quietly. 

Storm walked over to the bed and looked at Salina sleeping peacefully.  He wondered if and when their lives could or would go back to the way it was.  He was doubtful but didn't want to accept it.  Seeing her open to Ayasha was a clear sign that she didn't trust him to protect her and their baby.  Every time she looked at him, he saw the disappointment in her eyes, and he wondered if there would ever be a time again, when it wouldn't be there.  He had failed her in the most basic ways a man was suppose to protect the woman he loves and their family.  But he still couldn't let her go, because he his love for her was now an obsession. 

He kiss her on the forehead and left the room.