Danny watched as the red taillights of Michelle's car headed away from him. He stood there until their incandescent glow dropped into the distant horizon. He was suddenly engulfed by a wave of emotions that took his breath away. So many thoughts and questions ran rampant through his mind. They had barely spoken any words to one another but Danny couldn't shake the connection that was growing inside of him.

He shook his head doing his best to rid himself of such ridiculous thoughts, yet the harder he pushed Michelle's image from his memory the more it came to sit squarely before him.

He couldn't escape the shell shock look he saw in Michelle's eyes. It haunted him as he settled his body on the end of the sofa she had occupied only an hour before.

What was it about this girl whom he barely knew that made him want to protect her, made him want to take all her hurt away? It had been such a long time since Danny had wanted to put himself out there for anyone. The last time he had done that it had been for his mother and look where that had gotten him. No where. Yet a force beyond his control kept his mind focused on the girl he knew now to be Michelle Bauer.

The clanging of the cups against the stainless steel sink in the kitchen told him that Stacey was still there. With very little thought of what he was going to say Danny headed towards that room in search of anything that would bring him closer to the girl who had now taken up residence in every vacant space in his brain.

Michelle had a hard time putting Danny Santos and the handsome dark haired boy out of her mind. It amazed her still that what she once thought were two separate people were really one in the same person. It utterly blew her away. Nothing about the Danny Santos she had read about corresponded with the imagery that her mind and heart played with regards to the person she had thought to be nothing more then a mere repairman, and secretly someone she wanted to get to know better. There was no denying the facts. Michelle still had a great desire to get to know him better, but now she questioned why that truly was. Was it because she felt sorry for the life he was leading; was it that she felt that she could turn his life around somehow or was it that she was attracted to him. Somewhere in her heart she was certain it was a combination of all those things. However the one that was winning out at present was the emotions that poured forth for the hellish life that she had read about. She felt in her heart that Danny needed someone, anyone to show him that people could be loving. She wanted to be that person.

Michelle sat on her bed Sunday afternoon trying desperately to get some, any work done. It would have been far easier if Hunter hadn't but again changed her plans. As usual Thad Weston had come first, they were supposed to be going over the research gathered for the paper right now, but that certainly wasn't the case. Michelle was left to her own devices to put together the information however she was sinking fast. Every time she picked up the folder containing the notes from Danny's file all she could see was him standing beside her car closing its door just two nights ago.

She still couldn't align the fact that what she thought to be a bright vibrant young man was the same lost soul that she had spent so much time reading about. When she closed her eyes all she could picture was the man and not the image that her thoughts entertained.

Finally Michelle threw in the towel and went to the kitchen. She knew that Aunt Meta was always so good about leaving something in the frig for her to snack on when she went out to one of her ladies events. After fixing herself a sandwich Michelle headed to the family room.

Ed Bauer had departed early that morning for a business trip, leaving Michelle alone to rattle around their expansive house. The solitude was nice yet in a way it was unnerving as well. Today she could have used the distraction of her father, any distraction to keep her mind from racing back to thoughts of Danny Santos. She wasn't able to think about anything but Danny's handsome face.

"What are you doing?" she said to herself thinking how utterly ridiculous she was being. Why was she even obsessing over him? It wasn't like she was about to embark on some great love affair. Hell he only walked her to her car as a favor to Stacey anyway she thought to herself. He more then likely had a girlfriend. Here Michelle was driving herself nuts for no good reason. Danny hadn't even given her an inkling of his interest in her and here she was already planning their romance.

"Get a life Bauer," she scolded herself as she flipped on the television set across the room.

Michelle awoke with a start to the sound on knocking on the door. Somewhere along the line in the midst of all her agonizing over Danny Santos she had lulled herself to sleep.

"Hey," Hunter said breezing past Michelle.

"Hi Michelle," Parker slide in on Hunter's coat tails.

"Hunter?" Michelle questioned confusion from her nap still encircling her, "What's going on here?"

"We were driving around and we decided to stop by and kidnap you." Michelle eyed Parker cautiously at those words. Kidnap that would just his style. "We're going to the park. Come on you have to go with us. It's gorgeous outside."

Michelle's intention was to say no immediately. Spending the afternoon with Parker and his gang wasn't what she had had in mind, yet Michelle found herself saying yes just the same. Sitting in the house all afternoon playing out scenarios for her and Danny Santos wasn't getting her anywhere either. And Hunter was right about one thing it was a beautiful day and once they arrived at the park she was actually glad she had come.

"Michelle, you look stunning," Parker announced as Michelle felt her stomach churn, "I'm so glad that you decided to join us." Parker casually slipped his arm over Michelle's shoulder.

"Dad left for a business trip and Aunt Meta is out for the day. It's not a big deal really," she responded moving again out of his reach.

"Are you lonely?" he inquired, "I could always come and keep you company," his sheepish grin slowly growing.

"I think not," Michelle returned flatly.

Michelle thought better of her idea of joining them now. She should have known better. Give Parker Simms an inch and he goes for the mile. Michelle looked across the field towards the lake in the center of the park. For a second her heart skipped a beat. She could have sworn she saw Danny Santos, though it was too far away to tell. It could have also been nothing more then an optical illusion on her part seeing as how Danny Santos occupied her every waking thought lately. She shook her head trying to forget the whole thing.

"Come on Michelle, I know that you have to miss me. We were meant to be together. You know it and I know it. Yeah sure we had some problems, but I promise you they're all in the past," Parker assured grabbing for Michelle's hand. "I miss you. I want you back!"

Michelle thought that even for Parker this was laying it on a bit thick.

"I wish you would just give it up. It's over. How many times do I have to say it? How many ways do you need to hear it? And as far as our problems being in the past, I have my doubts." Michelle's thoughts were drawn back to again how Parker had shown his true colors at Company the other night. She knew that things would never be different.

"I know I was a complete ass the other night," he said as if he were reading her mind, "I'm really sorry. It's just I thought that you were blowing me off again. I want you to give me another chance," Parker's inflection was rising with each word he spoke, "We belong together. I'm the only guy for you."

"I don't think so," Michelle returned coldly. "If this is why Hunter asked me here, so that you could plead your case, FORGET IT! It's falling on deaf ears."

Michelle turned her back on him letting her eyes wonder again to the lake. The figure she had thought she had seen moments earlier was gone. Upon taking a closer look, she noticed that the figure was heading in her direction. Much to her amazement, she had been correct before. That figure indeed was Danny. She felt her heart skip a beat and cheeks flush with excitement.

Undeniably Danny Santos did something for her, something no other guy had ever been able to muster. Michelle knew in her heart it had nothing to do with feeling sorry for him or Hunter's thrill seeking. Danny made her feel alive in a way she hadn't felt in years.

"Hi, Danny," she said catching him off guard.

"Hi, Michelle," he couldn't stop the smile that grew on his face at the sight of her. He pushed his feelings for her deep within him but there was no denying that Michelle had the power to stop time for him. "How are you?" he asked thinking back to a few nights ago.

"Not bad and you?"

"Living," he countered doing his very best to pull his tough façade into place again.

Parker caught sight of the scene unfolding before him and was anything but pleased. He was certainly a good judge of a guy on the make and he was sure that this one had set his sights on Michelle Bauer, his Michelle to be exact.

"Hey pal, hands off! SHE'S MINE!!" Parker forced possessively placing his arm around Michelle's waist drawing her in for a passionate kiss. Danny hesitated for a moment weighing his options. Stacey filled him in on what little she knew about Michelle's troubles. His gut told him to walk away. As much as he wanted to snap the neck of this arrogant ass before him, Danny knew that it would be easier on Michelle all around if he was to simply disappear. Michelle was crushed to see Danny striding away not having any idea that Stacey had filled him in on Parker Simms.

She wrestled herself out of Parker's bear hug, "HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!" she spat slapping him square across the jaw.

Parker's rage grew with each passing second. Michelle had taken far too many liberties in the last few week but this was the final straw for him. Blinded by his own rage, Parker grabbed her by the throat, "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?!?!" he screamed, "NO ONE DOES THAT TO ME AND GETS AWAY WITH IT, NOT EVEN YOU MICHELLE," his grip tighten around her throat as he spoke.

As Hunter and Thad returned from their romantic stroll around the lake, they could see the setting unfold before them. Their slow gait quickly turned into an all out run. It wasn't until they were almost on top of them that the pair realized that it was Parker who had Michelle by the throat.

"PARKER!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING????" Hunter screamed.

"Hey buddy, ease up," Thad said grabbing for his friend's arm.

It was as if Parker had just been snapped out of a trance. He looked at his hands and then at Michelle's face. It almost appeared to those around them that he didn't understand what he had done. But Michelle knew different. This was what she had run from not so long ago. Before she could even let the others talk she ran. Ran as fast and as hard as she could to put as much distance between her and Parker as she could get.

Michelle found herself once again at the foot of the steps leading to the doors of CONNECTION VILLAGE. In a few short weeks she had turned this place into her haven. When her life got too rough this place it called to her.

She finally saw the irony that was her life. Michelle had spent so much time researching those kids who had been abused and now she was finally grasping the fact that she was one of them as well. That recognition scared the hell out of her.

"Hi Stacey."

Even with Michelle's false sense of calm, Stacey sensed something amiss about her voice, "Hey are you okay?"

"Yeah, no problem," Michelle looked away as the tears threatened to fall off her thick lashes.

"I don't think so," Stacey countered, "Michelle, what's the matter? What happened?"

Michelle wasn't sure she wanted to talk. She couldn't admit what she finally knew in her heart about herself much less to anyone else.

"It's nothing. I guess I was just a little disappointed. Danny sort of blew me off this afternoon. I thought maybe we might get to know each other better. Apparently he didn't think so." Michelle didn't bother explaining the true reason behind Danny's walking away or any of the events that followed. She was still in her own state of shock about it all. "I was just hoping for a chance. Stupid huh?"

"Michelle," Stacey said eyeing her new found friend carefully, "Are you sure that's it? Danny's been asking about you a lot lately. I can't believe he would just blow you off." Any other time she would have believed that Danny was being true to form in his tough guy character but something about the expression on Michelle's face told her there was more to this then met the eye, "I know that he was looking for a chance to get to know you too." Stacey's promise to Danny was suddenly null and void. Michelle needed to know what was on Danny's mind and maybe she would find a way to open up and tell her what really happened.

"Well, I guess not today," Michelle continued with her same account of the events.

"Hey Danny's out back splitting wood for Malcolm, why don't you go talk to him?"

"I really don't think that's such a great idea right now."

"Michelle," Stacey reached for her hands, "Are you sure that you are okay?" Stacey noticed the bruises that were starting to appear on Michelle's neck, "What happened? You have that same look in your eyes that you did the other night."

"NOTHING, NOTHING OKAY!!!" Stacey knew the last thing she should be doing is pushing but the fear she felt for Michelle was getting the better of her. "I'm going out back to talk to Danny." That wasn't what Michelle had actually wanted to do but she wanted to be standing there having this conversation with Stacey even less.

As she pushed through the back door, Michelle didn't even know what she was going to say to Danny, if anything at all. For the longest time she sat on one of the stumps just outside of Danny's line of vision. She'd never been so afraid to open her mouth to speak and by far his appearance at the moment did nothing to help Michelle's speech abilities.

She could see the curves of every muscle in his chest and arms through his thin black tee shirt. His power and strength came through with each blow of the axe. A force beyond her control propelled her forward to where he was now working on stacking the wood he had just cut.

Michelle was careful to her neck covered the best that she could. She could feel the stiffness already setting in and could only imagine that the bruises would soon be on their way.

"Hey," was all she was able to muster.

"Hey, surprised to see you here," Danny said looking up from his chore.

"What happened to you at the park? One minute your were there and the next you were gone," Michelle forced herself not to cry.

"You looked like you were kinda busy," Danny used his gruff voice to cover his feelings about what he had witnessed.

"It's not what you think, really," Michelle's voice pleaded, "I was hoping that we could be friends."

The faint smile that passed across Michelle's lip rendered Danny powerless. The mixture of emotions that ran wild in him at present had him feeling as if he were spinning like a child's toy top.

"I'd like that, Michelle."

Upon hearing those words, Michelle let her guard down and in doing so she dropped her hands from around her neck. This revealed the bruises from Parker's assault to Danny's sight. Michelle caught the look in Danny's eye and knew the bruises she feared had begun to show already. She quickly tried to cover them bit it was too late.

"I'm so clumsy," she stammered, "I got tangled in the ropes in gym class on Friday," Michelle tripped over her tongue trying to come up with a believable excuse.

Danny knew all too well that those weren't rope burns but bruises. Bruises that you could get when someone puts their hands around your neck. Danny felt his blood boil with the thoughts that now paraded before his mind. As much as he wanted to tell Michelle what he knew, he didn't. He knew that whoever that guy was from this afternoon was responsible and he was part of the bigger picture that Stacey had eluded to, but Danny couldn't let on any of his knowledge to Michelle.

"I guess you need to be more careful," Danny gave a little laugh hoping to hide his anger.

"That's what my instructor said too." Michelle actually smiled for the first time that afternoon.

"Hey guys," Stacey called interrupting them again, "It's time for the group session."

"We better get in there. Malcolm hates when anyone's late."

"I think I'm just gonna head home. I've really got to get some work done on my Psychology paper," Michelle said looking away.

"Come on stay awhile," Danny prodded, "It might do you some good. I'd like you to stay." Again Danny heard words from his mouth that were beyond his control.

Michelle was powerless to resist Danny's smile, "Okay," she relented, "I guess a little while couldn't hurt."

"You go ahead in. I need to put some of this junk away. Save me a seat."

"Okay see you inside."

Danny found it difficult to remove his eyes from Michelle as she walked away from him. He felt a sensation so foreign to him filling his heart. He couldn't stop it from happening no matter how hard he tried. Danny hated to know that someone had wrapped their hands around her neck. The fury that was building inside of him threatened to over take him. He knew how that felt and how afraid she must have been. Danny's only hope was that she would let him in enough to help her, and that thought in and of itself sent the once hardened Danny Santos reeling.

Michelle watched as the members of CONNECTION VILLAGE milled into the room used for group sessions. Consciously she hung back not wanting to join them. As thrilled as she was that Danny had asked her to stay, that's exactly how apprehensive she was about doing just that. Michelle wasn't eager to lay her new found revelations out before a room full of strangers nor did she feel up to listening to theirs either.

All she really wanted to do was crawl into the nearest hole and bury herself, unfortunately Danny had other plans for her. As he walked into the room, Danny gently reached for her arm leading her deeper into the crowd. The tug of war between her heart and head raged on. She was utterly elated by the fact that what she wanted to be happening with Danny was, but she was unable to squelch the part of her that was anxious about what was to come next.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Malcolm said loudly trying to get everyone's attention. Most of the room responded in his direction with a hey or hello, "Just to be sure you all know the drill," he started, "There are no secrets in this room. And what is said here stays here. With that said who wants to go first?" A petite blonde raised her hand. "Go ahead, Beth."

It took all she had for the young girl to even begin to speak. Michelle shifted uneasily in the seat beside Danny, knowing full well that today of all days she was in over her head.

"I had a lousy day. I cut class, got high with Sharon and Rita…………."

"Beth!" a girl from across the room gasped, "How could you tell everyone that?"

"You know there aren't any secrets here, Rita," Liza jumped in repeating Malcolm's earlier words, "Are you ashamed of what you did?" she went on to question the girl.

"HELL NO!" Rita spat. She was still new to the program and hadn't quite gotten past the confrontational stage yet.

"So then what's the problem?" Liza questioned.

"It wasn't anyone's business. I don't give a crap if she wants to rat herself out but she didn't have to take us down too," Rita motioned to Sharon as she spoke.

"You know the drill," Malcolm forced the issue again, "This is a safe place. Everyone should feel free to talk about anything, even if that means someone else in the program."

"TO HELL WITH THIS FUCKING PROGRAM!!!!!!!!" Rita growled storming out of the room.

Liza stood up in an attempt to follow but Malcolm motioned for her to remain with the group. He knew all too well what Rita needed right now was some space. She was a tough case and he hadn't had any luck with her in the month or so that she had been there.

"I'm sorry Beth, go ahead," Malcolm focused the session back to Beth.

"Forget it," she said looking down at the floor, "It's not important."

Stacey, who was sitting next to Beth, placed her hand on her shoulder as if to urge her back into the conversation. It was easy to see that Rita's outburst had rattled the already shaken girl.

"It's okay Beth. We are here to help you. We are all friends here." Stacey's voice was soft as she spoke to only Beth.

Michelle looked on as the young girl swallowed hard before speaking as if by doing that she somehow gained access to the words necessary to explain away the horror.

"It was awful," was all Beth was able to say before breaking down into a flood of tears.

Michelle swallowed hard around the lump in her own throat now. She had never been to a group session before and given the day she had just had herself she doubted that she would be able to take the emotions that were running high here today.

"I know I shouldn't have gotten high," she sighed, "But I didn't know what else to do. It was like the whole world was closing in around me. My heart told me to come here but this little voice inside my head just kept whispering….escape…..escape….escape. So that's exactly what I did. Only problem is I can't get the images to go away. Every time I close my eyes they are there haunting me."

"What's haunting you?" Malcolm asked.

"That BASTARD!" Beth's voice dripped with the venom of hatred.

"Who are you talking about?" Stacey questioned.

Malcolm knew the answer but he wanted Beth to finally admit it out loud. The bastard she spoke of was her father. The man had been abusing her since a few months after her mother's death. It was funny how death either brought a family closer or it tore them apart. In his line of work Malcolm rarely got to see anything but the torn remnants of what once was.

Beth's mother had been on her way to pick up her daughter from a gymnastics meet across town when she was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Beth's father blamed her. He reasoned that if she hadn't been involved in so many extra activities his wife would have still been alive today. In the days following the accident his treatment of his daughter steadily worsened. In the beginning the abuse was merely verbal yet it stepped up to the physical and now it appeared to have escalated further.

"Who are you talking about?" Stacey asked again.

"MY DAD…..MY DAD, OKAY?!?!" Beth was practically shouting.

Michelle watched as Stacey wasn't even rattled by Beth's anger where as she felt as if she was about to jump out of her skin. She found herself replaying the days events over and over in her mind like a video stuck on instant replay. It was like suddenly she was no longer in the room with the others she was again standing in the park wondering just how far Parker would go this time. Each time Michelle moved her head her neck ached. Each wince in pain brought a picture of Parker's hands squeezing the breath from her into her mind's eye.

"What happened?" a voice from the other side of the room asked.

"He kept coming after me. I have come to expect getting womped on but this, this was different," she cried, " He was drunk, angry and looking to make someone, anyone pay for his embarrassment. I just happened to be the closest thing he could get his hands on." Beth wiped away a tear that had trickled down her cheek. "He kept yelling something about no one being too good for him. That he could have anyone he wanted. You'll pay for snubbing me he kept screaming as he chased me around the house. He was a wild man," she gasped as the images she was invoking were so vivid. "It was nothing like anything that has ever happened before," Beth was now sobbing as she did her best to finish the tale of events, "He finally tripped and I thought that that was my great escape and I let my guard down. But he wouldn't give up. He grabbed for me and caught my pant leg. It was horrible. I would take being beaten anyday over what he did next………" her voice faded into the next wave of tears.

Malcolm knew all too well what was about to come next. And he very well knew that a group session wasn't the place where Beth needed to relieve her ordeal with her father. Even there were no secrets at CONNECTION VILLAGE there still had to be dignity for all those that come there.

"Beth," he said taking her in his arms and holding her tight, "We can finish this in the back. It's going to be all right sweetie."

With his words Malcolm had opened a new set of floodgates that Beth was unable to old back any longer. The room watched as she cried like a small child. Gingerly Stacey and Malcolm guided her to his office while Liza continued with the session. However the room was quite somber. Beth had not told the further events but all those in the room knew what was about to come next had she spoken.

Michelle found herself shaking, shaking so hard in fact that she was rocking in her seat. It was then that Danny noticed the dazed look in her eyes. He knew then that somewhere in her head she was reliving her own nightmare. The mere thought of what it might have been caused his body to become ridge with anger. The voice in the back of his head told him that he needed to get her the hell out of this room, but that would be no easy feet. Liza Brooks was a stickler for the rules of the center and she and he had gone one too many rounds already.

Danny moved from the floor to the empty chair adjacent to Michelle. Instinctively he slipped his arm over her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. But in Michelle's present state she barely noticed.

"Are you okay?" he finally whispered. Absently she nodded her response. "Are you sure?" he wiped away the tears that had wound their way down her cheeks. She smiled at his gesture of kindness. With that one touch all the fears and concerns about the image of the person she had read about on paper vanished. Easily Michelle laid her head on Danny's shoulder not moving for the rest of the session.

When the session finally broke Michelle felt as if she were a different person from the girl who walked into this room earlier. She had somehow drawn strength from Danny Santos. As improbable as it seemed that's exactly what had happened. His kindness had opened up a part of her that she had previous walled off. He had brought to life a portion of her soul that Parker had killed.

Michelle certainly knew that she was by no means at the end of her journey as a matter of fact she was only at its very beginning but she wanted to move forward and reclaim that life that she had let Parker steal.

Michelle knew in her heart that she wanted to make a difference. Sitting in the room listening to all the stories, she knew how her mother must have felt all those years ago. It was hard not to get wrapped up in it all. If she closed her eyes she could almost feel her mother's blood coursing through her veins. Michelle knew that if she didn't go to Malcolm now she never would.

"Malcolm," she said stepping into his office. The man before her wore an expression of sheer defeat. She envisioned what his continued talk with Beth must have been like, "I would like to talk to you if you have a minute," she hesitated not knowing if this was the right time to broach the subject.

"Yes, come in," It was then that Malcolm too noticed the bruises on her neck that she was so desperately trying to hide. A fear of what she too might reveal caught him off guard.

"I would like to discuss my volunteering here," she held her breath, "I understand that I don't fit the profile of your standard volunteer, but I really need to do this." It wasn't at all what he had expected to hear.

"Then you know that ninety percent of the volunteers are kids that been in my program?" Malcolm questioned.

"Yes. Stacey explained that to me. I still believe that I could do work for you here. This is my dream. I want to make social work my career path."

"I'm not so sure about this Michelle," he said. Malcolm was well aware of who her mother had been. He could hear Maureen's compassion in her daughter's voice but there was a part of him that couldn't see his way clear to allowing this. "Doing research for a paper and actually living the experience are two totally different things."

Michelle cast a disappointed look in his direction. She had wanted this so badly; more importantly needed this. Michelle had to take control of her life again. She needed the safety this place made her feel.

She continued on by explaining her mother and her work at various rehab centers throughout the area. It was only after hearing her heart felt words regarding her mother that Malcolm revealed that he had known Maureen. He actually had been working at the same rehab center when she had been shot. He recalled that fateful night and just how much the rehab center had lost when Maureen died.

Starring at Michelle Bauer was like looking at a carbon copy of Maureen.

"How about I make you a deal?"

"Anything."

"Let's do this on a trail basis. You can continue sitting in on the group sessions and we'll see how things go."

"That would be great. Oh thank you so much Malcolm. You don't know how much this means to me."

The ever present bruises on Michelle's neck troubled him, "Hey what happened to your neck? Those look pretty sore."

Michelle presented him with the same story she had fed to Danny. She was almost beginning to believe the lie herself, however Malcolm was far from convinced.

Michelle was walking on air as she exited Malcolm's office. Danny approached her just as she was about to head for the door.

"Hey are you okay?"

"Yeah, great why?' she responded.

Danny did a double take. The person standing before him had done such a complete turn about that he was stunned, "It was a pretty rough session and you looked a little upset earlier."

"I have to admit it wasn't anything like I expected, but it was okay. "I'm sure I'll get used to it."

"Get used to it?" Danny parroted.

"Malcolm said that even though my research is done I can keep coming here if I want. I like it here. I think I can help."

Danny stood silent for a moment, secretly happy that he would be seeing Michelle on a regular basis yet just as anxious. He didn't know what to make of this sudden need of hers to be a part of this organization. He couldn't stop himself from being leery of it all.

Danny looked again at the beautiful girl before and couldn't miss the bruises that were so prevalent on her neck, his defense mechanisms took a backseat to his gut instincts that told him to be on the look out for her. He was certain there was more to her narrative then she was letting on. He couldn't shake the incredible urge to shield her from anything that would bring her harm. Danny was unnerved by this need to protect her. He had lost his feelings towards anything other then his own survival so long ago that the emotions that Michelle Bauer brought out in him left him wondering just who Danny Santos really was anymore.

"Where are you off too?" he causally asked pushing his own mixture of thoughts to the background.

"I really need to be getting home. My Psychology paper isn't getting written this way. It's due soon and I haven't really done more then the research part."

"Would you like some company on your walk home?"

"Nah that's okay. Looks like Malcolm needs you anyway."

"Are you sure?" Danny persisted. He wanted to be sure that she had no more run ins like this afternoon.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. See you around right?" she pensively asked.

"You bet."

When Michelle checked the answering machine in the study, it read seven messages. She couldn't only imagine who those messages belonged to. The very last thing she wanted to do was be subjected to Parker's numerous apologies. She had finally been able to put the afternoon at the park out of her mind. She certainly didn't want to be forced into remembering it all over again.

But there was no other choice then to listen to what she was sure would be Parker's voice seven times. One message was from Aunt Meta telling her that she wouldn't be returning until late Monday morning. There had been an emergency with a family friend and she was staying to help out, one from her father explaining that his trip would be longer then expected and that he wouldn't be returning until Wednesday late, four from Hunter, who much to Michelle's surprise sounded rather concerned about her friend. Yet the one that shocked her the most was from Thad Weston. He was the one apologizing for Parker. He said that Parker knew that she wouldn't want to hear from him but that he was so sorry about what had happened earlier. Thad explained that Parker didn't know what had come over him. He would do anything for Michelle to forgive him.

"How about leave me the hell alone?" she spoke to the tiny machine as it sat on the desk offering no response.

Thad went on to say that Parker promised it would never happen again.

Michelle shook her head in disbelief. This was the dance they did. The steps were so firmiliar. But this time she wouldn't be his partner. She was no longer going to play victim to his bully. Today something inside of Michelle snapped. She wasn't sure it if was the fact that she had finally admitted to herself what exactly it was that Parker had been doing to her all these months or that she didn't want to end up like the young girl she listened to this afternoon. Heeding Beth's account of her attack reminded Michelle so much of her and Parker. She couldn't fathom what she would do if she found herself in the position that Beth had. Her plan was to never let Parker close enough again to harm her.

Michelle climbed the stairs to her room. She wanted a nice hot shower, hoping maybe that would help the stiffness that had found its way into her neck. She was aghast at the bruises she saw when she took a good look in the mirror. It was difficult to miss the clear image of a hand print on the left side of her neck. The story that she had told Danny and Malcolm about what had happened to her was crazy and that they believed it was even more insane.

The scalding water washed over her body. Michelle tilted her head back letting the water cascade across her neck as it that would somehow wash away the marks from Parker's assault. She had been in the shower for over and hour when she finally heard the sound of the phone ringing in her room. Quickly she dried off and reached for the receiver, "Hello," she said almost out of breath.

"Thank god you are finally home. Where the hell did you go? Thad and I were so worried about you." Michelle rolled her eyes at Hunter's comments.

"Yeah you may have been worried, but you better check again where your boyfriend's loyalty lies."

"What on earth are you babbling about? You ran off, but Thad really laid into Parker. We couldn't believe what he was doing."

"You know what Hunter," Michelle sighed not ready or wanting to rehash the days events, "It's been a really long day. I just want to curl up in bed and forget all about today."

"Are you really okay?' Hunter questioned with as much concern as she could muster.

"I've been better."

"Michelle what really happened?"

"Can we talk about it tomorrow?"

"I guess," Hunter paused, "You are my best friend. I just want to help."

"I know," Michelle wanted to believe her friend but past experiences had taught her better, "Right now though all I want is to hit the sheets. Thanks for your concern." Michelle heard how detached her voice sounded. Hunter was too embroiled in her relationship with Thad and with him along came the trappings of Parker Simms. Michelle knew in the long run that Parker would find a way to make everyone believe that again this was somehow her fault. She couldn't help but feeling totally alone in the world. No one would ever have the privilege of seeing the Parker Simms she had, and in her heart Michelle knew it was time to cut her losses and move on.

"I'll meet you by the lockers in the morning, okay?" Hunter asked.

"Sure, see you then."

Michelle placed the phone in its cradle, turned off the light and crawled into bed. Falling asleep was a welcome relief.