Edward: I was angry at him for his attitude, however I could understand. I knew Julie definatly needed Groo so I dialed his number next.
Groo: I am surprised when my cellular phone rings again. I look at the number and recognize it as our home. "Hello?" I ask, not knowing if it would be Julie or Mr. Lawrence.
Edward: "Groo, it is Edward." I said trying not to sound worried.
Groo: "Mr. Lawrence, hello. Is everything all right?" I ask, standing from Angel's couch.
Edward: "I believe you should return home..if you aren't too terribly busy."
Groo: I immediately become concerned. "I am not. What has happened? Is Julie all right?"
Edward: "She is upstairs resting I believe."
Groo: I nod to Angel and Makayla, walking toward the door. "I am on my way, but I believe you did not answer my question, Mr. Lawrence."
Edward: "I do not know what you mean?" I say innocently. "I told you I believe she is resting."
Groo: "You are a very stubborn man," I say, shaking my head. "I shall be there in a matter of moments, then I believe you and I shall have a talk."
Edward: "I do not know what we shall talk about, but as you wish." I said. I didn't wish to upset him.
Groo: "Very well. I shall see you soon," I say, flipping my phone closed as I exit the house, breaking into a run as I hit the lawn. I do not believe Mr. Lawrence would have called me if there was nothing wrong.
Edward: I went to check on Julie, she told me to leave her alone which only broke my heart, but I did as she wished.
Groo: I enter the house, looking for the other occupants. "Mr. Lawrence? Julie? I have returned."
Edward: "I am here" I said as I walked down the stairs. "I told you that you had no need to rush."
Groo: I cock my eyebrow at him. "And I still must express that I do not entirely believe you," I say, walking in. "Will you please inform me of why you called me?"
Edward: "To tell you that Julie was home." I said lying completely.
Groo: "Mr. Lawrence, I may not be human but I am not easily deceived," I say, giving him a hard look.
Edward: "Oh bloody hell." I said "Something happened with her family, she refuses to ever see them again."
Groo: "Tell me, what occured? Is she damaged? Was anyone injured?"
Edward: I explain what happened and the discussion I had with Craig. I tried hard not to vilify Craig, though I believe I failed.
Groo: I begin to pace, growing more and more upset as he explains everything. I look back to Mr. Lawrence. "Thank you for calling me. I would like to see her, do you believe it would be all right? Or is this one of those times when she needs space?"
Edward: "She told me to leave her alone." I said softly "This would be one of those times you choose what is best."
Julie: I was angry and hurt and determined to never need to trust anyone again. I pulled myself into the shower ready to make it all end. I didn't need anyone.
Groo: I take a deep breath, considering the options. "I do not believe it is productive for her to be alone at this time. From what you said she is feeling quite rejected. I wish to show her differently."
Edward: "One moment." I said "There is something I think you should take with you."
Groo: I turn and look at him. "Yes?" I ask, uncertain of what I could possibly need other than protective armor.
Edward: "Nothing dangerous." I said simply "I was about to attempt making her seom tea.."
Groo: "Ah, yes, she did seem to enjoy it," I say, following him into the kitchen.
Julie: I take the razor again breaking the edge off the front and placing it against my now perfect skin...before I could cut I remembered the promise I made Groo...dammit, the only person I so far can trust and he made me promise...but...no, I can't keep it.
Edward: I put the tea kettle on and wait for the whistle. "I don't believe that we should blame the gordons just yet." I say softly
Groo: I watch as he prepares the tea. "How is it that we should not? They stated they loved her, wanted to be a part of her life, and yet as soon as something occurs they do not understand, they turn on her."
Edward: "I believe Craig was in shock...I don't truly know though."
Groo: "Perhaps. I am uncertain. I believe their definition of love must be different than mine," I say, feeling increasingly frustrated as it becomes apparent I cannot keep her from harm as I desire.
Julie: I hold the blade to my skin unable to break my promise to Groo which angers me more. I throw the blade at the wall and proceed to tear through the room, destroying everything, the pictures, the nicely made bed, all of it. Nothing permenant, just messy...I look in a mirror and hate what I am looking at which angers me more I scream as I pound my fists into it not realizing I am cutting myself to all hell. I then collapse to the floor and sob.
Groo: I cock my head, hearing noises from upstairs. "Julie," I say softly, running up the stairs. I burst through the door and see the room in complete disarry. I see her laying on the floor, sobbing, her arms and hands covered in blood. I move quickly to her, picking her arms up and studying them. There is glass in her arms, but the wounds to not appear to be deep. I lift her and carry her to the bathroom, carefully stepping over the mess, turning on the water. "Allow me to assist you, please," I say, putting her hands under the water, washing the blood away.
Julie: "I..I didn't mean to...I promise, I didn't mean to." I say over and over again
Edward: I heard the screams and dropped what I was doing following Groo up the stairs. "Bloody hell."
Groo: "Shhh, baby, it is all right, I know you did not mean it." It is apparent to me from the mess that she did not intend to harm herself, merely went into a rage. I clean the majority of the blood from her, the small cuts already beginning to close. "There is some glass still in your flesh, I must remove it," I say softly.
Julie: "NO" I scream pulling back from him and curling up in a corner of the bathroom. "No" I whisper again
Edward: "Groo, do I need to phone for help?"
Groo: I look up at Mr. Lawrence, "No, it is all right. I will attend her," I say softly. I approach her, pulling her from the corner. "I must, it will become infected. Please, allow me to assist you."
Julie: "Don't touch me" I scream again. "I don't care...let me die." I said firmly
Groo: I grip her shoulders firmly, but not tight enough to hurt. "I will not. I will assist you, I love you, I will not allow you to die." I say, looking into her eyes.
Julie: I don't move, don't say a word, I just sit there silent.
Edward: I backed away. I was apparently useless at this moment. I couldn't watch this, couldn't fail her any further.
Groo: I pull her up, taking her back to the sink. "I am going to remove the glass now, if you do not allow me, I will force you to comply," I say gently. It is not a threat, just a matter of fact.
Julie: My eyes glazed over, I remained silent, didn't even shed a tear. He could do whatever he wanted right now.
Groo: I quickly and efficiently remove the glass from her arms, wrapping them in bandages, covering the deeper cust in her hands with band aids. After I have completed the task, I pick her up in my arms.
Edward: I couldn't bring myself to leave the room. I started to straighten up, the broken mirror first and then the bed and pictures. Though she was in a rage, it didn't make it too hard to clean up. All that needed replacing was the mirror.
Groo: I carry her into the room, nodding at Mr. Lawrence. "Thank you," I say softly. I walk to the bed and lay her gently down. I kick my shoes off and sit beside her, stroking her hair softly.
Edward: "I shall return soon." I said simply as I left returning to the kitchen to prepare tea...it was what I did best apparently.
Groo: I nod at him, thanking him again. As he leaves, I look down at Julie. She seems so small, so fragile. I lay down next to her, wrapping my arms around her small body, careful not to hurt her arms.
Julie: I sob in his arms my body trembling.
Groo: "I am here, I love you, I will never leave you," I say tenderly, stroking her back gently.
Julie: "Go away." I whisper "Please"
Groo: "Why?" I ask gently.
Julie: "I can't trust anyone..I should have learned that a long time ago."
Groo: "You can trust me, have I not proven this to you?" I ask softly, not upset.
Julie: "I thought they had to. The minute they found out who I was...He promised me, he said he wouldn't make me go away, he lied..how do I know you aren't lying?"
Groo: I lift her chin gently, looking into her eyes. "I know who you are, I know how you make me feel, I know how I feel for you. I adore you, I love you, I am unafraid of you and your strength," I say honestly.
Julie: I pull back "I should have just killed myself." I said firmly
Groo: "No. You should not have. If you truly believe that, you are a fool."
Julie: "Then call me a fool" I said pulling away from him.
Groo: I pull her hard back to me. "You are not so foolish. If that is what you truly desired, you could have done it many times since I have met you." I wrap my arms tightly around her.
Julie: I push him away "Go to hell" I say loudly. Why should I let him in? everyone else has screwed me over, why not him next.
Groo: "I was born there," I say simply, pulling her hard back against me. I wrap my arms and legs around her, holding her tight.
Julie: he just messed up if he thought he wanted to keep me. I used what strength I had to hit him in the balls. I was going to get free.
Groo: I curl up, coughing as I feel my man parts practically enter my stomach. I must push the pain away. I attempt to concentrate, wisely wrapping myself around her from behind this time. "I will not leave you, no matter how you attempt to damage me," I say forcefully, if not a little breathlessly.
Edward: I heard the argument. I decided to attempt to help. I found my way up the stairs and peeked in. "Groo" I whispered "May I speak to you for a moment?"
Groo: I look up at the slightly opened door. "I am a little wrapped up at the moment, Mr. Lawrence," I say, not moving.
Edward: "I believe this is important..." I say firmly.
Groo: I unwrap myself from her, walking to the door and following him out.
Edward: "This would be one of those times you walk away." I say in a whisper. "To allow her time."
Groo: I run my hand through my hair. "Are you certain? I am afraid she believes I will leave her, that she is unworthy," I say.
Edward: "I am positive." I said again firmly "You can't allow her to push you away, you also can't allow her to think that when she acts like this she will get more attention.
Groo: I ponder that for a moment, finally nodding. "I understand what you are saying. Would it be appropriate for me to explain this to her?"
Edward: "No, just walk away. She knows you won't leave her, but she needs time."
Groo: "I mean, to explain my thought process. I am certain she knows I will not leave, but to explain to her that when she misbehaves I will not tolerate it."
Edward: "When she is in a better state of mind"
Groo: I nod. "Very well. I hope you have made some tea? I believe I could use some, as well as some ice," I say, shifting uncomfortably.
Edward: I chuckle "Ahh, do I know how that feels" remembering when she did the same to me during training one day. "I do believe I can provide both."
Groo: I smile and clasp his shoulder. "Lead the way," I say, gingerly walking down the stairs, only my own willpower preventing me from waddling.
Edward: I refrain from outright laughter as he walks. We come into the kitchen and I pour him a cup of tea and watch as he gingerly sits down.
Groo: "Thank you, my friend," I say, subtly adjusting myself for greater comfort.
Edward: "Do you wish for anything else/"
Groo: I blush slightly. "If it is not too much trouble, I would not reject a bag of ice."
Edward: I chuckle. "Sorry" I said as I prepared him a proper ice pack.
Groo: "Thank you," I say, taking it from him and holding it against my genitals. "She can certainly cause a good deal of pain, can she not?"
Edward: "Even more so now I am sure. It will pass I assure you."
Groo: I chuckle, "I am certain it will. I wish I could say that was the first time I have experienced such an occurance, but it is not."
Edward: "I am sure not." I said as I poured my own tea. "I truly am sorry she is so difficult."
Groo: I take a sip from the hot tea and shake my head. "You have done everything you have been able to protect and assist her. I do not mind, I love her. I believe there is a book here that states that love >
Groo: is patient and kind. I desire to show her both aspects of this love."
Edward: "Ahh I believe you are quoting the New Internationational Version of the Bible."
Groo: "I believe that is correct, I did not know there were numerous versions of this book however. Is it popular?"
Edward: "Yes it is quite popular, and there are many different versions....I have 4 myself." I said shyly
Edward: *scratch shyly replace with blushing.
Groo: I blink. "Why do you need so many? Are they quite different?"
Edward: "Quite, it is very difficult to explain."
Groo: "Perhaps we can discuss this book at another time. What I have read of it, the myths in it are quite interesting," I say, taking another long sip of tea.
Edward: I nod "Perhaps, though I do not believe they are myths so I may not be the one to discuss this with."
Groo: I nod. "I enjoy reading books from this world. There are so many different types. The language is much more fluid. Pylean is quite difficult to read."
Edward: "As I recall it lacks vowels."
Groo: I look at him, surprised. "You are familiar with Pylean literature?"
Edward: I nod "I am well read...especially after reading of Angel working with a former pylean."
Groo: "Ah, you are refering to Krevlorneswath of the Deathwak Clan," I say. "He is quite unique amongst my people."
Edward: "Yes, I believe that would be the one I am referring to. Why is he unique?"
Groo: I smile, "There is no music, no art. Krevlorneswath was strange, he sang, created, he did not hunt or fight. He departed from Pylea through a portal, purely by accident I believe."
Edward: "Ahh, I believe I understand. So there is no music, no dancing, no art...nothing?"
Groo: "Oh no, there is dancing. It is quite popular. There are many traditional dances. I could teach you if you desire?" I offer.
Edward: I shake my head "I fear that I do not dance."
Groo: "Our dances are quite simple. All are able to easily learn them," I explain. "There are dances for every occasion. The dance of joy, the dance of shame, the dance of violent recrimination, to only name a few."
Edward: "I will take your word for it." I said softly "Do you mind remaining here while I check on Julie?"
Groo: "No, please, go check on her," I say, draining the remainder of my tea cup. "I shall remain here."
Edward: "Thank you." I said as I walk upstairs. I open the door and she is asleep, or so it seems. I return back downstairs. "She is resting."
Groo: I look up, placing the ice pack on the table. "That is good. Perhaps the rest will make things more clear. Do her wounds seem sufficiently sealed?"
Edward: "Yes, I believe you bandaged them well."
Groo: I nod. "I am pleased. I had feared some of the deeper gashes would not close tight enough. Slayers heal more quickly than others, yes?"
Edward: "As far as I know, though with her former injuries, I am not certain it is the same for her."
Groo: "I shall keep a close eye on her injuries then," I say thoughtfully. "Mr. Lawrence, I am still trying to assertain when I should leave her be. Is it always appropriate to leave her when she is
Groo: being irrational?"
Edward: "Do you know what the word Brat means?"
Groo: I think for a moment. "I do not."
Edward: "It would be defined as an illmannered troublesome child."
Groo: I nod. "That I do understand. Children need discipline, even punishment at times."
Edward: "When Julie is acting in such a manner it is best to walk away because everything you say would be wasted breath. She won't hear it."
Groo: "I believe that makes sense," I say. I think for a moment, frowning. "I do not need to discipline or punish her, do I?"
Edward: I chuckle "No, that is not something that is required, though there are some relationships that flourish on it." I note remembering reading of such relationships.
Groo: "That is of interest. Perhaps I should research such relationships," I say thoughtfully.
Edward: I laugh "You might get in over your head with such research."
Groo: I cock an eyebrow at him. "Explain?"
Edward: My face reddens as he asks me to explain. I take a deep breath. "Well, there are...certain types of relationships where a woman or man...whichever choose to allow someone else...whether it be man or woman, dominate them. They choose to accept pain for..." Oh bloody hell, how is it I got into this..."For pleasure." I attempt to explain to him the Intricacies of a relationship such as this.
Groo: My eyes grow wide as he explains. "I am uncertain if that would be an appropriate relationship for myself, much less Julie."
Edward: I nod "And I would be inclined to agree." I said softly
Groo: I chuckle and shake my head. "I have embarrassed you, I apologize."
Edward: "It is quite alright, I admire your desire to learn."
Groo: "Thank you. I was not allowed to participate in any level of education outside the aspects of being a warrior. I find it interesting to learn new things."
Edward: "If you wish I would be delighted to teach you of anything you wish."
Groo: I look up at him. "Truly? I would be greatly appreciative."
Edward: "All you must do is ask." I say simply
Groo: "I would be most interested to learn more about the Slayers," I say.
Edward: "Ahh that is something that you can simply learn by watching them in action. I could tell you the story of the first slayer, I fear it is quite boring."
Groo: "Will I have the opportunity? To witness their activities, I mean? And truly, any knowledge is of interest to me."
Edward: "I believe Mr Giles wishes for you to train with them. He believes you are an asset."
Groo: I smile, "I would be most honored. Perhaps I will be able to teach some of the more inexperienced ones."
Edward: "I am certain you will train with slayers that are at the proper level."
Groo: "I believe I shall take that as a compliment. However, I may need to invest in some armor for my more sensitive regions," I joke.
Edward: I chuckle "I am certain you will be protected properly."
Groo: "I hope you are correct. I have always desired to have children," I chuckle.
Groo: I finish my tea, setting the cup gently down on the table. "May I ask you about Julie?" I ask.
Edward: "You may ask whatever you wish."
Groo: "Are you familiar with any activities she enjoys? I would like to be able to share some of these things with her."
Edward: "She enjoys reading, she also wishes to try one thing...though I am not certain you will know what it is."
Groo: "If I do not, I am sure you will educate me," I say with a smile. "What is it?"
Edward: "She longs to be a photographer...something she fears she can't be while she is still a slayer."
Groo: "You mean taking pictures? Why is she concerned she would not be able to do this?" I ask, puzzled.
Edward: "She thinks her destiny as a slayer will stand in the way."
Groo: I contemplate this for a moment. "I imagine it would make it more difficult, but I am more than willing to assist her in balancing her desires and duties. Is there anything she would need to accomplish this goal?"
Edward: "I believe everything she needs is in a box in my room for when she is ready."
Groo: "Most excellent. Should I suggest this activity to her? Or shall we allow her to broach the topic herself?"
Edward: "I believe this is something that should wait a bit. She has a lot to work through first."
Groo: I nod, "That is very true." I look down at my hands, fidgeting slightly, "I was contemplating purchasing her some flowers. Are you familiar with any specific species she enjoys?"
Edward: "I am not certain she knows. She has never received them."
Groo: "I have never given them. I imagine it will be an interesting journey for the both of us. Have you ever given someone flowers?"
Edward: "I have" I say simply
Groo: "Perhaps you can offer some advice in this endevor?" I ask.
Edward: "That I believe is subjective. It is something that you must choose on your own. If I tell you how then it would be me deciding for you, instead of you choosing from the heart."
Groo: I nod at that. "I believe that does make sense. Thank you."
Edward: "You are quite welcome"
Groo: "Are there any additional activies or items you can think of that Julie may enjoy? I understand she has not had much exposure to the outside world."
Edward: "I am sure anything you can think of she would enjoy."
Groo: I blush slightly. "I hope you are correct. I desire to show her some things that I find enjoyable. I have considered taking her to the beach."
Edward: "I am almost certain she would enjoy that, though she can't swim."
Groo: I shake my head. "I did not mean to swim, perhaps on a picnic or simply a walk. If she does desire to swim, I can assist her."
Edward: "Just take care of her."
Groo: I nod and look seriously at him. "I will care for her with every fiber of my being."
Edward: "Good."
Groo: I smile. "I imagine you feel the same way as well."
Edward: "I do." I said softly looking down to my untouched cup of tea. "She is the daughter I always wanted but never had."
Groo: "I am certain you are the father she would have chosen as well. You are a good man."
Edward: I look down "Not good enough." I sigh and rise to refill his cup.
Groo: I look at him in confusion. "What do you mean?" I ask.
Edward: "I failed her." I sighed "I was to protect her, from any kind of harm, and all I could do was watch as he violated and tortured her."
Groo: I shake my head. "You cannot feel guilty for that. You almost died trying to save her. She would have never forgiven herself if you had parished," I say confidently.
Edward: "That is all fine and well, doesn't take away the nightmares I have each night of her pain...of him finding a way to hurt her even beyond the grave."
Groo: I nod and pat his arm. "I believe that is something you both share," I say sadly. "I am available for you to speak to, if you wish. I do hope you realize this."
Edward: I nod "Thank you."
Groo: I nod. "You are quite welcome." I look up the stairs. "Do you think we should check on her again?"
Edward: "Go on, I am certain it is alright. She was asleep last I checked."
Groo: I nod and stand. "Actually, I believe I will go get her some flowers first, perhaps I will be able to give them to her when she awakens."
Edward: I stop him "Do me a favor..." I look at him my eyes pleading with him.
Groo: I pause, looking at him. "Certainly, my friend. You need simply ask."
Edward: I hand him some money. "purchase her a dozen yellow roses from me please." I said "And if they have it have some heather placed in for filler."
Groo: I smile. "I would be pleased to," I say. "I shall return soon, if there is nothing else?"
Edward: I nod "Thank you." I said as I rose "I will check on her."
Groo: "I would appreciate that," I say as I leave. I drive to a flower shop nearby and walk in, looking quite confused.
Edward: I go upstairs and check on her, she is resting well. I carefully sit beside her on the bed and caress her head. I couldn't stop the flow of emotions that emerged as I looked down upon her.
Groo: I walk around the shop, inhaling the fragrant scents. I admire many different types of flowers, the ones labled as roses I find quite appealing, as well as the ones called daisys. They appear simple but elegant.
Edward: I gather her into my arms unable to stop myself. "Darling Julie, you always have a family, no matter what. You always have me." I whisper kissing her cheek gently before laying her back down.
Groo: I pay for the items I have selected, making several trips to the car to load them. I return home, carrying several vases into the house, setting them on the table before returning for the others. I look around, not seeing Edward.
Edward: I heard the door and carefully left the room as to not wake her. As I walked down the stairs I noticed the flower shop that Groo purchased. "I see you bought the whole store"
Groo: I look up, "I assure you, I did not," I say, a bit confused. "Are these inappropriate?"
Edward: I chuckle "It is not an insult. I simply meant that you purchased quite a bit."
Groo: I smile. "Yes, I was uncertain of what to purchase, so I simply got them all. They each have individual meanings that I found appropriate."
Edward: I nod "Makes sense..." I say softly "Do you need any help?"
Groo: "I would not decline assistance in carrying them up to the room," I say, gathering four vases in my arms.
Edward: I pick up as many as I can carrying them up then making another trip once they were placed by the door.
Groo: "Thank you, my friend," I say, shaking his hand. "I shall prepare the room for her waking."
Edward: I nod "I shall leave you to that."