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Groo: I open the door to the bedroom and sit the tray down on the bed as I see her curled in a corner sleeping. I approach her softly and speak gently to her. "My sweet Julie, are you awake?"
Julie: I laid there, my body trembling, but didn't wake...
Groo: I see her body shivering softly. I lean down and gently lift her into my arms.
Julie: I cling to whatever is holding me...it isn't hurting me so I don't pull away.
Groo: I cradle her to me, walking over to the bed and sitting on the edge. I am uncertain if I should wake her, so I simply hold her.
Julie: "Groo" I whisper as my eyes flutter open. "Wh..Where am I?"
Groo: "My sweet Julie," I say softly, a bit relieved. "You are in my arms, we are in our, I mean, your bedroom."
Julie: "Our" I whisper as I cling to him. "W..Why am I in your arms?"
Groo: I smile as she says it is our room. "I lifted you, I believe you fell asleep on the floor while Mr. Lawerence and I were having tea. I brought some for you, it was his idea," I say gently.
Julie: "I...I have never had tea" I whisper. "I...I could maybe try."
Groo: I do not release her from my arms, only turning and picking up a cup of tea and a biscuit. "I will be quite pleased if you could," I say, handing the tea to her.
Julie: I shake my head "I...I can't." I said meaning I couldn't hold the cup...I would only make a mess when I got scared.
Groo: I smile kindly at her. "Then I shall assist you," I say gently, holding the cup to her lips, tipping it slightly as to not spill it.
Julie: I slowly drink as tears fall. I was so scared.
Groo: I take the cup from her lips, wiping the tears softly from her face. "You are doing well, my sweet Julie, no one will harm you." I hold the biscuit up. "You will have a bite and will not spit it on me," I say gently.
Julie: "You seem awfully certain." I said though I didn't take a bite yet.
Groo: "I am certain. You know I do not wish to harm you and I believe you do not wish to spit it on me because you believe I only desire the best for you."
Julie: "And I still dont want to eat." I said
Groo: I smile and nod. "I know." I hold the cup back to her lips, indicating she should drink.
Julie: I drink some my body relaxing in his arms. "You know you can leave at anytime, you won't upset me."
Groo: "Even if I believed that was true, which I do not, it would upset me. I have no desire to leave. I love you, there is no place in any dimension I would rather be than here with you."
Julie: "I love you too" I whisper shocked it even came out. "So much that the fear of losing you is killing me."
Groo: I feel my heart melt in my chest, the fear that she may not feel the same sliding away. I lift her chin and kiss her tenderly. "You will not lose me. I will not allow anything to keep me from you."
Julie: "Things happen...mostly to me." I said honestly.
Groo: "Things do happen," I agree. "However, I am a very skilled warrior, and even more determined now that I have a beautiful woman whom I love and who loves me."
Julie: Those words melted me, and I relaxed against him. "Thank you." I whispered as I picked a biscuit up and took a bite. I was shaking the whole time, but I tried...
Groo: I am almost afraid to say anything as she takes a bite. I cannot help but smile and offer her another sip of tea.
Julie: I take the sip of tea my whole body shaking. I find myself looking around expecting to get hit.
Groo: "You are doing well, my sweet Julie. There is no one here but us. Mr. Lawerence is downstairs. You know he and I will not allow you to come to harm," I say gently.
Julie: "S...Sorry." I whispered. "I..I am trying"
Groo: I smile and kiss her tenderly. "I know you are, and you are succeeding." I caress her cheek softly, still cradling her on my lap.
Julie: "Groo" I whispered "Do..Do you think they want me?" I asked softly
Groo: I cock my head to the side. "I am afraid I don't understand the question."
Julie: "My..Mom and her husband." I whisper.
Groo: "Oh my sweet Julie, I know they do. They seem very sincere, I cannot imagine anyone who met you who would not want to be near you."
Julie: "My father didn't." I said "He just wanted sex."
Groo: "He was a..." I pause. "He did not see you," I say gently. "I am sorry, I do not know what to say."
Julie: "Its ok." I whispered "I know I don't deserve it."
Groo: "No, do not say that. I am only unsure of what to say about him because I know he is your father. But to me, I am afraid I do not feel death was a harsh enough punishment for him," I say looking away, I do not wish to hurt her.
Julie: "I don't think you are wrong." I whispered "I..I won't hate you for your feelings."
Groo: "Thank you, my sweet Julie. I only wish to make you happy." I offer her another drink of tea.
Julie: I shake my head "No more please"
Groo: "Very well, I am pleased that you consumed so much." I place the tea cup back on the tray then wrap my other arm around her, just holding her to me.
Julie: "M..May I go for a walk?" I asked. "To think?"
Groo: "Alone I assume?" I ask gently, just wanting to be clear.
Julie: "I..If that is allowed." I ask
Groo: "Of course it is, my sweet Julie. But I do not mind accompanying you, we do not have to speak, we can just walk," I offer.
Julie: I shake my head "I..I need some time." I said "Please?"
Groo: I smile and nod. "I merely wanted to offer, my sweet Julie. I will be here when you return," I reassure her.
Julie: "Thank you" I kiss him and stood up. "I..I need to change."
Groo: "Do you desire privacy?" I ask, willing to depart if she does not feel comfortable changing in front of me.
Julie: "No, its ok" I said as I stood and stared at the clothes in the closet.
Groo: I smile and nod. "Very well," I say softly, looking at her as she contemplates what to wear. "Would you like some assistance choosing?"
Julie: "P..Please." I ask. I never had to make the decisions before.
Groo: I walk up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind. "You will look lovely in everything in here, but perhaps a nice pair of jeans and this shirt," I say picking up a feminine white lacy shirt.
Julie: I tremble as I take it from him. "I...It won't make me look like a slut?" I ask as I look at the revealing neckline.
Groo: "No, of course not. However, if it makes you uncomfortable, perhaps this would be better?" I ask, choosing a soft blue t-shirt with a v-neck.
Julie: "I..I will wear anything you choose."
Groo: I turn her to face me, holding each shirt up in front of her. "I think perhaps the blue, it brings out your eyes," I say, leaning down to kiss her.
Julie: I kiss him back my body relaxing. "Ok." I said as I took the jeans and the shirt.
Groo: I smile and hug her. "I adore you, beautiful girl."
Julie: I hug him back "I will be back later." I said as I changed and headed out...a walk wouldn't hurt.
Miranda: I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I couldn't sit at home and not see her, my baby. I watched from my car as she walked out of the house. God, she's right there...
Julie: I walked down the street to the park, it was safe to me.
Miranda: I watched her, hanging back as she walked. I eventually had to move the car or I was going to lose her. God, I have turned into a stalker.
Julie: I sat down under a tree and pulled my knees to my chest and watching as the kids played.
Miranda: I parked my car. I watched her sitting under a tree, but I couldn't see her very well. Against my better judgement, I got out of the car, and moved closer to her, on foot. Hopefully, she didn't see me.
Groo: I grasp the womans arm, Julie's mother, just as she exits her car. "What are you doing here?" I ask firmly.
Miranda: I about had a heart attack and died. I pulled away from the voice, gasping and turning to see...what was his name? Groo? "Oh my God, you startled me. I might ask you the same question."
Groo: I release her arm, but do not step away. "You might, but I believe I inquired first," I say simply.
Miranda: I sighed. "I couldn't stay away. I know she needs time. But...you know how many years I wondered if she was still alive? What she'd look like, what kind of person she'd be? I just...I couldn't stay away..."
Groo: "I believe I understand your plight, however, you must give her time. She has only been away from that demon for a very short while," I say, not unkindly.
Miranda: "How long has she been away from him?" I said, watching her. "Do you know?"
Groo: I nod, "I was among those that rescued her. It has only been 48 hours," I say softly.
Miranda: "Only 48 hours. God..." I said, some tears falling. "You and Mr. Lawrence, you're helping her, right? I want to help her too. I want to make it right..."
Groo: I touch her hand gently. "We are. I know it may seem sudden and it may not concern you, but I love her. I will allow no harm to her. It is the reason I confronted you."
Miranda: I wiped my face. "I would never hurt her. I just want to love her...I just wish...she doesn't hate me, does she?"
Groo: "She does not. However, she has believed he murdered you for many years. I believe she is uncertain of what to think."
Miranda: "Well, I...I guess I better leave...I can't believe I'm stalking my own child..." I shook my head. "I guess as long as she doesn't hate me, that's a start." I started to get back into my car.
Julie: I look up and see Groo about to yell at him but he is talking to her...to my mom. I slowly walk over to them discreetly so they don't notice and place my hand on her shoulder. "You stalking me?" I ask nervously.
Groo: "Wait, Mrs. Gordon," I start to say, then quickly look up as I see her. "Julie," I say softly.
Miranda: I jumped. "You two need to stop sneaking up on people like that." I said, then softened. "I was just...I'm sorry. I couldn't stay away from you. I'll leave."
Julie: "D..Do you hate me?" I asked as a tear fell
Miranda: Tears fell. "No, no. I could never hate you...I was so worried that you hated me. I wouldn't blame you."
Julie: "W..Why did you leave me with him? Did you not want a daughter? or was I not good enough?"
Miranda: "It wasn't supposed to be that way. These people were going to help us. I was leaving with you and he caught me. I barely got away with my life. They promised we would go back and get you, but it never happened. "He knew too many people. I tried for so long to get you away from him and I never could. I failed you and I'm sorry." I was almost bawling by this point.
Julie: "Why didn't you hold on?" I asked my own eyes filled with tears.
Miranda: "I tried! But he was so big and strong, he pulled you away from me! If I had stayed, he would have killed me. All I got away with was a stuffed animal you loved. It's all I had until now. I'm sorry, so sorry, Julie."
Groo: I reach out and take Julie's hand gently. "Perhaps we should return home," I suggest softly. I am afraid this is beginning to be too much.
Julie: I pull away from him and grab her "Why? Why did you not come back? For 12 years I thought you were dead, for 12 years he raped me, sold me, I watched as he nearly killed the only person I could trust then raped me and made me do things to him in front of the same man....He tortured us for hours and all you can say is you tried?"
Miranda: I was shocked, not realizing how bad it was for her. She shook me like a ragdoll, which scared me. I didn't know what to do or say but cry. "I tried...I really tried...but I didn't try hard enough..."I'm the worst mother in the world..." All I could do was cry.
Groo: I grasp Julie's hands, pulling them away from her mother. "You may injure her," I say softly. Her emotions are high and she is likely not considering her strength.
Julie: I panicked "Oh God" I whispered as I fell to my knees. "I..I'm sorry...I..I...I shouldn't have."
Miranda: "No, you should have. You have every right to yell at me because I'm a bad mother. I shouldn't be around children..." I cried.
Julie: "I...I don't think that" I whispered as I looked away from her nearing losing the small lunch I did eat.
Groo: I lean over, picking Julie up, cradling her in my arms. "You did not harm her, my sweet Julie."
Miranda: I looked at her. "You don't? You should. Good mothers don't leave their daughters with monsters."
Julie: "I also know....I know what he could do...The police themselves spent more time on top of me then stopping crimes in town."
Miranda: I closed my eyes. What she said was so horrible. "I am so. Sorry." I didn't know what else to say.
Groo: I do not know what I can say, there are no words that my express how sincerely I wish I could take this pain from her. I only know that I will never leave her. I hug her gently in my arms, wanting her to feel secure.
Julie: "I...I shouldn't have left." I said referring to the house today.
Miranda: "No, you should have. I shouldn't have stalked you."
Groo: "It was nothing you could foresee. We may return home whenever you choose," I say softly.
Julie: "I..I need to go." I say clinging to Groo.
Miranda: "Okay, you go home with him. But whenever you're ready...me, and my family, we'll be here. Always. I never stopped loving you and I never will."
Groo: I nod at Mrs. Gordon, "We have Dr. Gordon's card," I say, turning to walk to our home, cradling her gently but tightly.
Julie: I looked to her. "I...I always loved you..." I whispered as he carried me away.
Groo: I kiss her forehead gently. "I am certain she has always loved you as well, my sweet Julie."
Miranda: That warmed my heart. "Bye, Julie...for now, anyway." I said, watching her. I finally got back in my car. She said she always loved me...she has no idea how much that means to me.
Julie: I clung to Groo all the way back to the house. When we got back I found the card and called Craig.
Craig: I was in my office for once when the phone rang. I decided to catch it this time. "Hello, Craig Gordon's office, this is Dr. Gordon speaking."
Julie: I rolled my eyes at the way he answered the phone...but that wasn't why I called. "I....I...I shouldn't...I shouldn't have called. Sorry." I said as I hung up.
Craig: "Julie wait." It was too late. But I have caller ID. I called the number back, hoping she would answer.
Groo: "Julie, why did you hang up?" I ask gently.
Julie: "I...I was scared." I admitted then the phone rang and my hand began to shake uncontrollably.
Groo: "Do you wish to speak with him? It is likely he is calling back," I say, taking the phone from her.
Julie: "W...Will you answer it for me?" I asked
Craig: Please answer...come on, please answer...
Groo: I nod and click the button on the phone, answering it. "Hello?"
Craig: The guy...Groo, I think...answered. "Hello, Groo, it's Craig Gordon. Julie just called me and I was trying to call her back. Did she want to talk to me?"
Groo: "Hello Dr. Gordon. She asked me to answer the phone, I shall ask her." I look down at her. "Do you desire to speak with him, my sweet?"
Julie: If he calls me his sweet one more time....Ok not the point. "I..I...I shouldn't have called him..." I panicked "I mean he should hate me."
Craig: "Tell her I do not hate her. I could never hate her." I told Groo.
Groo: "He states he could never hate you," I say, conveying his words.
Julie: Always so proper. "I...I guess...I mean...I did almost break Mom today." I muttered
Craig: I didn't quite understand what she said. "Look, just tell her that if she wants to talk, she can call me anytime. I'm here for her. She doesn't have to talk to me now if she doesn't want to."
Groo: I smile. "You did not almost break her." I pay attention to the phone again. "He wants me to tell you that you may call him at any time. It is not necessary to speak with him now."
Craig: What did he mean, Julie didn't break her? Who was her? "Groo, did something happen to Julie today? Is she alright?"
Groo: I shake my head. "She is all right. She merely went for a walk and encountered something unexpected," I explain diplomatically.
Craig: "What did she encounter?" Something occurred to me. "It wasn't Miranda, was it?"
Julie: I take the phone from Groo "I will talk to him."
Groo: I blink as she takes the phone from my hand, but do not say anything.
Craig: "Hello? Groo are you still there?"
Julie: "I..Its me." I whisper scared.
Craig: "Julie. Hi sweetie. Are you okay?" I asked her. She sounded scared.
Groo: I rub her back lightly, attempting to show support.
Julie: "I didn't mean to...I mean I almost hurt her" I said barely audible.
Craig: "Who, Miranda? You said almost, so, I'm assuming she's okay then. What happened?"
Julie: "I was...I lost it...grabbed her and yelled at her." I said softly
Groo: "She was not damaged," I say gently to her.
Craig: "I guess that...somewhat understandable...I guess she sought you out. I told her not to do that. It's just been so long and we've tried so hard to find you...we can work this out, okay? I'm not mad."
Julie: "I..I am sorry." I said "I...Its ok...I was tempted to do the same."
Craig: "You mean...seek her out. That's wonderful. You can come see us whenever you want. We want you to be a part of our family. The kids keep asking about you."
Groo: I look down at her, curious to her meaning. I cannot hear Dr. Gordon through the phone.
Julie: "I...I don't know." I whisper "I..I won't ever move in you know that right?"
Craig: "We know. We have a room for you anyway. In case you want to visit. Our house is your house, you're welcome anytime."
Julie: "I...I..Thats...I don't know." I whisper shaking.
Groo: I frown a bit as she states she will not move in with his family. I am briefly concerned that he may be pushing her. "Do you wish to hang up now?" I ask, willing to hang the phone up if she cannot.
Craig: "Like I said, when you want to. Okay? We're not going to force anything on you. It's your choice. We love you so much, Julie." I gushed.
Julie: "Its ok Groo" I whisper then to Craig. "I..I will think about it...Bye." I said and hung up.
Craig: I sighed. I overloaded her, I know I did. It was so hard to step back and wait. I hoped I hadn't scared her off.
Groo: I gently take the phone from her as she hangs up. "I am sorry, I could not hear his speaking, I did not want him to make you uncomfortable."
Julie: "He didn't...being me is enough to make me uncomfortable."
Groo: I chuckle, "Being you is not enough to make me uncomfortable, my sweet Julie."
Julie: "It is for me." I explain. "M...May I lay down?"
Groo: "Of course, would you like me to accompany you?" I ask gently.
Julie: "No...don't you need to work out...or talk to Edward...or something. Maybe Angel would like to talk to you." Ok so I was feeling a bit smothered.
Groo: I smile. "It is all right to say no to me," I say softly. "I am certain I can find something to occupy my time. May I explain something before you go?" I ask.
Julie: "You don't have to ask me for permission." I said as I looked away.
Groo: I nod. "I did not intend to follow you. I noticed your mother's car following you and that is the only reason I sought you out. I do not wish you to think I am not respecting your wishes."
Julie: "When I saw her I knew..." i said softly "I wasn't mad."
Groo: I nod and stop myself before I kiss her. "That is all, thank you for not being angry," I say softly.
Julie: I kiss him softly. "W..Will you lay with me till I fall asleep?" I ask. I didn't want him to waste his day, but it was nice to have him around.
Groo: I smile as she kisses me, returning it tenderly. "I will, but I am afraid I cannot promise I will not also fall asleep."
Julie: "Thats fine." I whisper "but if you don't...please don't waste your day on me."
Groo: I lift her chin and look into her eyes. "When it comes to you, there is no waste," I say honestly. "But if I do not, I shall find something else to do."
Julie: "Thank you...on both counts." I say as I kiss him letting him carry me upstairs to our room.
Groo: I sit her down gently on the bed and then kneel down to gently remove her shoes. I kick mine off as well then pull the covers down covering us both. I snuggle up beside her, wrapping my arms tenderly around her.
Julie: It didn't take long for me to fall asleep as I was worn out.
Groo: In a matter of minutes I feel her fall asleep in my arms. I stay and watch her sleep for several more minutes. I do not feel tired, however, and gently extract myself from her. I pull the blanket up around her and write a short note to leave on my pillow. I kiss her cheek softly before leaving the room. Perhaps it is not a bad idea to seek out Angel.